B&W signature HTM center channel question/help

[Grasshopper]

I wasn't sure if this was better here in the B&W forum, or the Home theater forum.


I have a full 800 series surround sound system/2 channel system. I feel like I am not getting the best results from the center channel (signature htm).

For starters,I'm powering it with an NAD 150wpc amp bridged to 300watts. It probably isn't the perfect match to my MC402 mcintosh amp on right and left channels.

For some reason, the sound can be a slight bit boxy, and calls attention to itself at times. I read countless reviews praising the HTM1 (basically the signature HTM) so I'm hopeful it's operator error. I've dialed in the level with an spl meter,so level matching isn't the issue. I've also tried different crossover settings which has helped a little.

Any feedback from those familiar with the HTM1 or Sig HTM?

Also, what do you recommend for the crossover setting (thx suggests crossing at 80hz, but the speaker can handle down to 50hz on paper)?

I have been toying with improved amplification for the center and rears. I had considered an older mcintosh 7106 (6 channel amp bridgable to 300wpc in 3 channels). Would this be a good match?

[Rod#S]

Although I don't have your models I do have 800 Diamonds and a HTM2 Diamond up front. The HTM2 is a great speaker but let's face it it sits between a pair of 800's so we have to except it to stand out somewhat. Baring getting yourself another 800 Signature for the center there is always going to be a performance mismatch.

I power my HTM2 with one of the channels from a Bryston 6B-SST which is 330 watts and find it does a great job. For this speaker I wouldn't expect to get much more performance wise by say adding more power and doubling the wattage. With you getting 300 watts but via bridging the amp that might be contributing something negative. I know with the few Bryston amps that can be bridged I believe they see half the ohms when bridged (hopefully someone will correct me if I'm wrong) so that may negatively affect performance in some way, I definitely can't say for sure. Do you have a true 300 watt amp to try out to see if you hear any noticebable difference?

As for crossovers I find this is more of a personal preference. I personally don't do 80Hz, I try to match the speakers performance as best I can. With my HTM2 I initally tried 60hz figuring it would do great there and if so I would then try 50Hz. What I found was that on some movies the speaker was distorting or bottoming out so I moved up to 70Hz and that seemed to be the sweet spot.

[Grasshopper]

Thanks Rod!

I will try crossing at 70hz. Also, good point on the bridging having a possible negative impact. I'll try running just one size of my NAD to feed it 150watts unbridged. In my amp it does deliver 4 ohms to get 300watts in bridged mode.

Overall, the center is pretty good, but sound seems pretty glued to the speaker (the 800's produce an uncanny soundstage by comparison).

Any other HTM tips/experience out there in AA land?

Originally Posted by Rod#S

Although I don't have your models I do have 800 Diamonds and a HTM2 Diamond up front. The HTM2 is a great speaker but let's face it it sits between a pair of 800's so we have to except it to stand out somewhat. Baring getting yourself another 800 Signature for the center there is always going to be a performance mismatch.

I power my HTM2 with one of the channels from a Bryston 6B-SST which is 330 watts and find it does a great job. For this speaker I wouldn't expect to get much more performance wise by say adding more power and doubling the wattage. With you getting 300 watts but via bridging the amp that might be contributing something negative. I know with the few Bryston amps that can be bridged I believe they see half the ohms when bridged (hopefully someone will correct me if I'm wrong) so that may negatively affect performance in some way, I definitely can't say for sure. Do you have a true 300 watt amp to try out to see if you hear any noticebable difference?

As for crossovers I find this is more of a personal preference. I personally don't do 80Hz, I try to match the speakers performance as best I can. With my HTM2 I initally tried 60hz figuring it would do great there and if so I would then try 50Hz. What I found was that on some movies the speaker was distorting or bottoming out so I moved up to 70Hz and that seemed to be the sweet spot.

[BlueSky]

I've got the Signature HTM between two, older, N801 speakers and the soundstage generated by my setup never causes me to feel that I can pinpoint or "hear" any one of the three front speakers. Said another way, the three speakers interoperate seamlessly for me. I try to keep as much bass away from the center as possible and use an 80hz crossover setting.

Possibly the particular movie soundtrack that you are listening to has mixing issues.

[Grasshopper]

Thanks BlueSky.

In many cases it is seamless for me. In some cases it sounds too boxy in the center. I suspect I can also hear bad mixing as they are pretty revealing speakers.

What do you use to power your HTM?

Originally Posted by BlueSky

I've got the Signature HTM between two, older, N801 speakers and the soundstage generated by my setup never causes me to feel that I can pinpoint or "hear" any one of the three front speakers. Said another way, the three speakers interoperate seamlessly for me. I try to keep as much bass away from the center as possible and use an 80hz crossover setting.

Possibly the particular movie soundtrack that you are listening to has mixing issues.

[BVLDARI]

I would try this next time you hear it: power the center and one of the left or right speakers with your MC402 and power the other side speaker with the NAD. If you still hear the same issue with the center then at least you know it’s not an “amplifier” problem. Then you have to dig deeper…

[Masterlu]

BVLDARI... Welcome!

[BVLDARI]

Originally Posted by Masterlu

BVLDARI... Welcome!

Thank you. I've been browsing for a while, but figured I should post a few things too ...

[Masterlu]

Originally Posted by BVLDARI

Thank you. I've been browsing for a while, but figured I should post a few things too ...

Absolutely, what is your first name?

[Grasshopper]

BVLDARI,

Good idea hooking the center channel to the MC402. Ill have to try that. (I'll admit, I am a little nervous that I'll like the results!).

Originally Posted by BVLDARI

I would try this next time you hear it: power the center and one of the left or right speakers with your MC402 and power the other side speaker with the NAD. If you still hear the same issue with the center then at least you know it’s not an “amplifier” problem. Then you have to dig deeper…