Setting up a Two-Channel system in my test room...

[Sonnie Parker]

I want to set up a two-channel system (actually a 2.1 with sub) in my testing room. Curious what you all might think about my ideas and if you have anything you would like to add. The room is 10' deep x 11.5' wide. Here's a pic:

I can move the toolbox from the corner to the back wall. I have my chair back about as far as it can go back, although I could move it a few more inches back once I move that TV on the floor behind the chair. I may have to put an acoustic panel on that wall behind the chair at ear level. I have plenty of 2", 4", and 6" thick panels stored and ready for use if needed. My fear is my ears, being that close to the back wall, will hear some very early reflections that may not be desirable. There is a large, relatively thin rug hung on the wall right now, but it's not going to do much. I could hang several panels underneath that rug.

The listening position is maxed out at about 7ft from the front of the workbench. I have stands I could place in front or slightly to the sides/corners of the table for monitor/bookshelf-type speakers. I could also set speakers on the corners of the workbench. I will try the MartinLogan Motion 12 floorstanders that performed well in our $1,000 speaker evaluation a few years ago. I can place them right at each corner of the workbench. I am unsure if the placement will be right, so smaller speakers may have to be an option.

Currently, I have the miniDSP SHD for a pre-pro and a Benchmark AHB2 amp (actually have a pair that I held on to from being in my AV room a couple of years ago). I'm not sure I will get much cleaner than this setup. I'd love to have a single box unit, but I am curious if I can find anything that is Roon Ready with Dirac Live that is this clean. This setup would be worthy of a very good smaller reference system. The ultimate question becomes, is the higher THD + noise with these integrated amps anything I'll ever hear - probably not.

*** Requirements - MUST include Dirac Live and be Roon Ready.

Single box solutions I've considered thus far:

• NAD M33 (nice looking with good power - the most expensive of the options of course)
• NAD M10 v2 (compact single-box design but somewhat limited power)
• NAD C 3050 (cool looking retro, but limited power - very limited dynamic power)
• miniDSP SHD Power (compact single box design, but again, limited power)

The preamp section on each is spectacular, but engage the amps, not so clean with a significantly higher noise floor on several of these. Only the M33 and maybe the M10 would give me the power I think I would need to play at significantly loud volumes. Of all these, the M33 seems to make the most sense being the most powerful and cleanest of the single-box solution. Kal Rubinson (Stereophile) reviewed the M33 and indicated it was very similar when comparing it with his Benchmark AHB2... so that's a good indication I would not hear any differences.

A sub or two can go anywhere I want in the room except in front of either door or where my chair would be in front of the workbench. That corner where the toolbox is located will likely be my starting point, maybe under the table... I can try several locations. The room will be shut off when I'm testing and listening, and I want to feel the bass as much as possible, so I don't want a wimpy sub for this room. I can get by with one sub, but I'm not opposed to getting two subs if needed. My first thought is to get a JTR Captivator RS1 and be done with it. It would be superbly clean and give me all I could ever stand in this room. I just don't think multiple subs will be needed for this small of a room, especially if I get an RS1.

 

[JStewart]

*** Requirements - MUST include Dirac Live and be Roon Ready.

It will be a short list.
These are the units that Dirac sells licenses for. Most are multi-channel AVR or processors. Makes sense with their DLBC and ART software.

Online Store - Dirac

Get optimal sound quality in any environment with Dirac Live advanced sound technology. Shop now at Dirac Live online store.

www.dirac.com

Of these not all will be Roon ready. At a glance, NAD seems like the only option for 2 channel integrated & Roon.

Edit: Nope the SHD too. Looks like you already found all the options.

 

[Sonnie Parker]

Yep... for an all-in-one two-channel powered box that includes both, the options are extremely small. I'll probably run with the M33 and sell my pair of SHD units and the pair of Benchmark amps I have. I've held on to them for too long already.

 

[Mike-48]

Regarding a panel behind your head: I've had good results in similar situations using RPG BAD panels. Mine were 4 inches thick. I found them far less noticeable than a pure absorptive panel placed that close.

I have used the similar GIK Alpha series but not in a similar situation.

 

[Sonnie Parker]

Thanks Mike... and I have some of these in the corner traps, but not the panels. I'll probably at least try what I have and see how it sounds, but good to know about RPG BAD panels... I did check out their website.

 

[Sonnie Parker]

I decided to move forward with the NAD M33 and got it on order with Robert at Value Electronics.

I also got the RS1 sub ordered from Jeff at JTR.

 

[Mike-48]

I decided to move forward with the NAD M33

As you know, the reviews have been stellar. I'll be interested in your experiences with setup and how you like the performance. I've been eyeing the M66 for a while myself.

 

[Sonnie Parker]

I had their M17 for a while, and it was fine processor.

 

[kevinp]

Sounds like your putting together a great system. Can't wait to hear how it comes together and how it sounds.

 

[Sonnie Parker]

Here's where I'm at right now... pic is from the listening position. Everything is installed, and I plan to work on exact speaker placement, then tune and listen tomorrow.

I am contemplating moving the M33 to the top of the RS1 sub and centering the sub under the table. There is enough room, and I could then get rid of the stand that the M33 is currently sitting on.

Shades are on order, and I'll probably change out those valances to something more contemporary instead of floral.

The acoustic panels were in rough shape, so I purchased some fluffy blankets to cover them. I'm not sure about the gray or the beige yet... what do you guys think looks better?

 

[Robert Zohn]

Looks great and you will have great musical experiences in this dedicated 2-Channel critical listening room!

You are designing and building a luxury A/V resort in your beautiful home!

 

[JStewart]

Oh no, the M33 is a beautiful piece of kit. Sure would be nice if there was a spot it could be seen better. Smaller spaces are always hard to work with when it comes to audio.

 

[Sonnie Parker]

It will be closer to the front of the table if I sit it on the RS1 sub. I don't suppose the sub would vibrate it too much.

 

[JStewart]

It will be closer to the front of the table if I sit it on the RS1 sub. I don't suppose the sub would vibrate it too much.

You can try the glass of water trick. Set it atop of the RS1 and let ‘er rip. Water stays still and you’re good to go. I doubt you’d see any movement at all as solid an inert as Jeff’s speakers are.

 

[Sonnie Parker]

Great idea!

 

[kevinp]

What are the dimensions of your room?

 

[Sonnie Parker]

The room is 10' deep x 11.5' wide.

 

[kevinp]

The RS1 should provide plenty of low end in a room that size!

 

[Sonnie Parker]

Yep,,, it absolutely does!

 

[Todd Anderson]

Look at the colors of the blankets - I'd probably go beige based on the colors in the room.

When I started reading this thread, I was imaging that you were going to set up some sort of smaller two-channel system. Something with nearfield monitors or smaller bookshelf speakers... have you thought about going that route?

 

[Sonnie Parker]

Yeah... I have the beige over the gray right now... a little gray at the bottom for a two-tone effect right now.

I plan to experiment with different speakers, although these ML stats sound really good right now. I also have a pair of MartinLogan XTF200 in Walnut on the way. When SVS releases the black oak finish in May, I hope to get a pair of those. I will eventually give the monitors a go at some point, but liking the big sound thus far.

Here's what I have right now. I have a computer on the way to set up in this room with a 32" monitor, but I'm thinking about putting this extra Sony TV I have up on the wall. It's 48" wide and would make for a nice display with an articulating arm on the wall to move it on out closer to me. Not for theater, but for Roon and Amazon Music, which is built into the TV. The M33 has eARC as does the TV.

I have a couple of 2ft x 4ft x 4in acoustic panels behing this large rug I hung up on the wall behind my listening position.

 

[Sonnie Parker]

I ended up building a small stand to separate the M33 from the sub and allow me to pull it out to the edge of the top table.When sitting down, I can see all of it. The 32" monitor is mounted on an adjustable arm, so I can push it back on the table top when I'm sitting at the table.

 

[ddude003]

Looks like you need some roll up shades made of mass loaded vinyl...

Is that your amp stress tester I spy?

 

[Sonnie Parker]

Looks like you need some roll up shades made of mass loaded vinyl...

Is that your amp stress tester I spy?

lol... well... these are motorized. I'm not sure how long the battery would last with the MLV weight.

And yes... in one of the previous pics that is my resistance board with non-inductive ceramic resisters.

 

[Sonnie Parker]

Hmmm... what do we have here...