Center (centre?) and surrounds for 802d3's

[rghanbari]

It is finally time to step beyond my 2 channel setup (Classe 2300 + B&W 802d3's) and dive head first into the surround world. I was hoping for some advice

I'm going to continue to be a 95% 2 channel guy (rarely do the big movie thing) but I would like a nice experience for that 5%. For me, balance and musicality are key, rather than boom. I am space/layout constrained in my room, so the center and surrounds will be compromised for pragmatic reasons. I am not planning on adding a sub, but I am considering adding atmos to the party.

My current working hypothesis is the HTM2 D3 for a center, with used 805d2's or 805d3's for the surrounds.

Couple questions for the group:

Any feedback/thoughts on mixing the D2 series with D3 for the center and surrounds?

Can I reasonable get away with a HTM2 d2 for the center, and something from the CM series for the surrounds? How much would you give up with a CM center?

Am I way off base in relying on the 802D3's for bass and dumping the sub?

Has anyone found in ceiling/in wall options that blend well with the D3's?

What landmines should a surround noob be aware of before diving into the deep end?

[joey_v]

1. Htm2d3, skip the d2.
2. Need subs.
3. There are new 8 series inwalls and inceiling coming.

[80B]

Having all your speakers from the same "generation" makes a lot of sense, especially for resale value. I just replaced my 802Ds in front for Sonus Faber Amati Futuras, retaining the rears, sub, and center B&W speakers, keeping options open, so that conflicts a bit with my first sentence, except that we're keeping the 802Ds, with the intention that someday in another house we would have the SFs in a separate listening room from the 5.1 setup (and using the 802Ds in another room ). Haven't done much 5.1 listening yet (been just 2 days), but I haven't heard anything glaring with the mix of SF & B&W, and we'll run RoomPerfect sometime over the holidays. Agree with joey_v it make sense to have a sub, although I'm more into the music than the HT aspect.

[2dparrish]

I agree with Joey on 1. and 2., don't know about 3.

I started with d2 series and transitioned gradually over a year to d3. For a while I had 805d2 for rears and htm2 d2 with my 802d3's; when I made the change to d3 center/surrounds it made a big difference in soundfield and timbre cohesiveness. For .1 in surround sound there really is no substitute for a dedicated sub. I went without one for many years and didn't know what I was missing

[rghanbari]

Originally Posted by 2dparrish

I agree with Joey on 1. and 2., don't know about 3.

I started with d2 series and transitioned gradually over a year to d3. For a while I had 805d2 for rears and htm2 d2 with my 802d3's; when I made the change to d3 center/surrounds it made a big difference in soundfield and timbre cohesiveness. For .1 in surround sound there really is no substitute for a dedicated sub. I went without one for many years and didn't know what I was missing

I'm getting a lot of arm twisting about getting a sub. Which one did you go with?

[joey_v]

Originally Posted by rghanbari

I'm getting a lot of arm twisting about getting a sub. Which one did you go with?

Dual rel g1. And maybe a smaller rel for center. And a rel for rears.

[docmd2010]

I ended up getting 4 Rel G2's. I have 802d3. HTM1d3, and am likely going to go with the 7.3 in ceilings for mids and rears.

this will complete a 7.4 system, that i think will be absolutely outstanding.

i would suggest the htm1d3 as they will complete your front stage, if you budget and space allows.

[2dparrish]

Originally Posted by rghanbari

I'm getting a lot of arm twisting about getting a sub. Which one did you go with?

B&W DB-1 here. Very happy with it (high quality, tuneful bass that can go as low as you want and with plenty of power) and it is tailor made for a B&W system, although I know there are other excellent choices.

[rghanbari]

Appreciate the sub recommendations guys, I've added them to the audition list (although I still really hope I don't end up needing one...) Once the holiday rush is over, I'll give the HTM2 and CM series an audition as well. Appreciate the insights

[tractng]

What did you go with for center speaker? I have 803d3 but looking at the CT7.3 or CM S2 as potential speakers.