Surround Sound System Speaker advice.

owcraftsman said:

Here is where I recommend you set your crossovers
View attachment 815461

I do use Dynamic EQ but I recommend most folks turn it off.
If you want to get into the weeds turn it on and use a 10 db offset for streaming and 0 offset for Blue Ray or physical media.

I still say 200 hz for the Bose but honestly you need an upgrade there too those are 20+ yrs old and like have damage to their surrounds causing most of your lackluster sound quality

I have no idea what your budget might be but here is a solid bang for the buck pick
https://rslspeakers.com/products/10e-cg3m-5-1-home-theater-system-1

The extra sub would do you good but if not in the budget for now skip it.

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Thanks again, this is helpful.

I’m going to take your advice and do this in stages before I spend money blindly. First step is getting the subwoofer back to proper working condition. I ordered a reconditioned replacement backplate/amp assembly directly from MartinLogan, so once that comes in I’ll be able to use the proper LFE input again.

After that, I’ll probably reset the Denon, start fresh, rerun setup/calibration, and then verify everything manually afterward.

On the crossovers, I’ll likely test the Bose Acoustimass cubes around 200 Hz first and compare them to 250 Hz. I understand what you’re saying that 250 may be high, but since these cubes are not being used with the original Acoustimass bass module, I’m being cautious with how low I cross them. The Bose 101 surrounds I’ll keep around 100–120 Hz. I have tested the cubes at 180Hz and the 101's at 150Hz. They actually handles it and added some noticeable deeper mids to the voice and overall sound. It's just that I was told by almost everyone that they will blow at that frequency range.

Dynamic EQ is something I’ll test both ways. For the first clean baseline, I’ll probably leave Dynamic EQ and Dynamic Volume off. Then I may try Dynamic EQ on with the offset like you suggested, especially for streaming/TV. I do most of my watching through Fios/streaming, not much physical media.

And yes, I agree the Bose speakers are probably the weak link at this point. Whether they are actually damaged or just limited by design/age, I think they are holding the system back. I’m just trying to make sure the subwoofer and Denon setup are right before I make the final speaker decision.

Thanks for the RSL recommendation too. I’ll take a look at that system. And I’m open to looking at other good-value options before I make a final decision.

Mega6 said:

Upgrade to Dirac Live, Bose are overpriced and the ones u have are just ok. Bang for the buck the Logan sub is pretty good. I have a SVS 16PB plus with the upgraded amp and cant say enough good things about it - an absolute monster sub. The rest of my setup is mid grade klipsch RP-280, so good enough for me and decent music/home theater speakers. Dirac should get you in the ballpark of good sound, just go from there. I had to add a few db to my sub off the dirac settings and it sounds great.

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Thanks, I appreciate the input.

I may look into Dirac Live once I get the system back to a proper baseline. My AVR is the Denon X2900H, and it does look like Dirac is available as a paid upgrade, so that is definitely something I’ll consider.

Before I spend money on Dirac, I want to fix the known hardware issue first. I ordered a replacement reconditioned backplate/amp assembly directly from MartinLogan for the Dynamo 500, so once that comes in I’ll be able to use the proper LFE input again. After that I’m planning to reset the Denon, start fresh, rerun calibration, and manually verify the speaker sizes, crossovers, distances, levels, and subwoofer settings.

I agree with you on the Bose. They served their purpose, but they are older and definitely not in the same class as what I’m considering now. I don’t expect Dirac or Audyssey to turn those cubes into something they’re not. I’m just trying to get the receiver/subwoofer side right before I make the final speaker decision.

Good to hear another positive SVS sub opinion too. I know the PB16 is a monster compared to what I’m looking at, but the PB-1000 Pro still seems like a major upgrade path if the MartinLogan doesn’t get me where I want to be.

Thanks again. My plan right now is: fix the sub input, reset/recalibrate the Denon, listen again, then decide if I go Dirac, new speakers, new sub, or some combination of those.

Fire488 said:

Thanks, I appreciate the input.

I may look into Dirac Live once I get the system back to a proper baseline. My AVR is the Denon X2900H, and it does look like Dirac is available as a paid upgrade, so that is definitely something I’ll consider.

Before I spend money on Dirac, I want to fix the known hardware issue first. I ordered a replacement reconditioned backplate/amp assembly directly from MartinLogan for the Dynamo 500, so once that comes in I’ll be able to use the proper LFE input again. After that I’m planning to reset the Denon, start fresh, rerun calibration, and manually verify the speaker sizes, crossovers, distances, levels, and subwoofer settings.

I agree with you on the Bose. They served their purpose, but they are older and definitely not in the same class as what I’m considering now. I don’t expect Dirac or Audyssey to turn those cubes into something they’re not. I’m just trying to get the receiver/subwoofer side right before I make the final speaker decision.

Good to hear another positive SVS sub opinion too. I know the PB16 is a monster compared to what I’m looking at, but the PB-1000 Pro still seems like a major upgrade path if the MartinLogan doesn’t get me where I want to be.

Thanks again. My plan right now is: fix the sub input, reset/recalibrate the Denon, listen again, then decide if I go Dirac, new speakers, new sub, or some combination of those.

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Good Plan.. The PB-1000 is the "sweet spot" as far as SVS price to performance. I was lucky enough to catch the Klipsch RP-280s on sale at newegg a few years ago for $299 apiece. Keep you eyes peeled and maybe you can catch a good one for yourself.

With the replacement Amp for Dynamo 500 on the way, I'm sure you made a wise decision. I see no reason to replace it but assist it you should. _^_
Even if this needs to be done in steps I would make it a goal.
Having a sub front and back (opposite corners is best) will help reduce standing waves due to room acoustics which will make bass sound a lot better especially at lower volume level.
Both SVS and RSL have an accessories that will help you send LFE signal wirelessly to your 2nd sub. SVS or RSL Either will work with any sub but again RSL is the more budget friendly option.

Just a suggestion as most hinge on the Wife factor YMMV your front L&R need to be on either side of TV they are spread too far apart for proper imaging
I recommend your Bed layer tweeters to be mounted at 36" the typical ear height when seated in most couches.

As you mentioned in your OP the rears need to emanate from the same up high position which is not ideal but you can be point them down and angle in with THIS type speaker mount. The separation for them in either corner is again not ideal but OK, in other words not necessary to move like the front LCR.
A lot of satellite/bookshelf speaker come with the screw mount (as seen below) in the back of the speaker where it will screw right in there to mount.