800D3 related: Does this mean I have the best wife in the world?

[lordcloud]

Joey, I feel your "pain", as I've been trying to get my new speakers to integrate into my (tiny) listening space, and it has been a journey fraught with a few smiles but many more frowns.

My new speakers are UNQUESTIONABLY better, but they are not working in the same spots as the old ones. Which makes sense, as they're larger and the driver layout is different. Though, as they've broken in, things have gotten MUCH better.

Long story short, I understand..... It's awesome and not awesome, at the same time.

[GregGale]

Originally Posted by joey_v

Ah yes, the 800D3 has been more difficult to tame in-room.

Theoretically, the 800D3 is a better speaker in every facet compared to the 802D3, there is no question in my mind after my exhaustive research and demos.

The difference between the 800D3 and the 802D3 is WIDER THAN the difference between the 802D3 and the 803D3.

The voices are meant to be more transparent, the midrange cleaner, the imaging better and denser, the bass is a whole degree fuller and more realistic.

The issue I (and most who I've spoken to) have had in my room is bass control.



It was not simply a plop them and forget them. I clearly marked my old spots on the floor (where my 802D3 sounded it's finest).... and the 800D3 sounded HORRENDOUS for lack of a better term, in that exact spot.

I have come an extremely long way since first getting them. I have reworked the positioning and reworked the bass traps in the room.

Now, the system sounds very smooth and very linear. The bass has been tamed and the overall sound has been shifted in the right direction.

I am quite pleased with the sound.

That said, there are some reservations that I have with the upgrade. It has less to do with the speaker and more to do with the room (and the house and the wife) which I did not expect. I think there is also a bit of a difference in the "tuning" of the drive units... I believe that I was mistaken in the fact that I thought the 800D3 would converge and become as coherent as the 802D3 at "shallower/closer" listening distances.

Currently, the speakers are approximately 9 feet apart, I sit approximately 11 feet away.

Pictures are coming.

It is interesting you "thought the 800D3 would converge and become as coherent as the 802D3 at shallower/closer listening distances". Based on what I have read in reviews and as previously stated by Patrick Butler, for all the drivers to blend seamlessly, you need at least 9 foot 10 inches from the speakers and you are beyond that, so not sure why it would not be the same as the 802D3 in that regard.

[joey_v]

Originally Posted by GregGale

It is interesting you "thought the 800D3 would converge and become as coherent as the 802D3 at shallower/closer listening distances". Based on what I have read in reviews and as previously stated by Patrick Butler, for all the drivers to blend seamlessly, you need at least 9 foot 10 inches from the speakers and you are beyond that, so not sure why it would not be the same as the 802D3 in that regard.

Let me clarify - I think the 800D3 requires a slightly further listening distance than the 802D3.

The main reason I believe is that the drivers are spaced apart further.

I can tell that if I move my head back, I can sense a better sense of staging - similar to what I was used to with the 802D3.

The problem I have is that I am limited by room depth to around 18' (actually 17' 8"). If I had a 24' deep room, we would not be having this conversation.

[joey_v]

[Indytown]

Originally Posted by joey_v

Nice pics and set-up. Sometimes, with the level of equipment your using its not just the speakers, room and treatment but swapping in new electronics and cables. I hate to bring this up but you may have to go through the exercise of auditioning different amps and wiring. Bryson, Mac and Classe may have a different sonic effect with your room. Just a thought.

[rnrmf1971]

Gorgeous speakers and dedicated room!
I hope you get the set up sorted out and share what winds up working for you.

For excessive bass, I suppose you've already tried adjustments further from the front wall or less toe in.

[joey_v]

Originally Posted by Indytown

Nice pics and set-up. Sometimes, with the level of equipment your using its not just the speakers, room and treatment but swapping in new electronics and cables. I hate to bring this up but you may have to go through the exercise of auditioning different amps and wiring. Bryson, Mac and Classe may have a different sonic effect with your room. Just a thought.

Had the Classe M600 here and the Cary 211FE as well.... have not had MAC or Bryston yet. I agree, there might be a better combo of ancillaries.

Don't really want to swap my cabling out, though I know I need XLR upgrade.

I just got a PS Audio P5 and it is fantastic... it really made a difference in the sound, I a/b the wall vs the P5 and there was no contest.

[joey_v]

[joey_v]

You can see my ottoman there and the ceiling cloud system... ^^^

Sorry for the mess, my little Emma adds random things to my room. Usually I listen in the dark.

I have 3 diffusors (q7rd) set to be my next move.

[miner]

The P5 was a nice addition, but considering your amps kind of surprised you did not go with the P10. I use my P5 with Mc C2300, MCD500, MC452 and Manley Chinook SE. Your setup is amazing Joey.