There are dead rooms and live rooms. Most folks try for something in the middle. Hardwood floors, paneling, exposed windows or mirrors are going to bounce sound. Carpeting, acoustic ceilings, blinds or draps are going to absorb.

When you room is finished, stand in different areas and firmly clap your hands once. Was there an echo? That would indicate sound reflections. Hanging tapestries and other sound absorbing rugs can put a room in a more sound friendly mood.

Yeah, the clap test is a 'standard'. Any echo is bad. But you don't want to swing too far in the the dead zone either. Strategic placement of furniture, plants, carpets on the walls etc can help to dampen things & still be acceptable to wives. The 1st reflection is key. (the 1st bounce - usually a side wall - roughly 1/2 way between you & the speaker).

As for size, as long as you size your video display & audio system to the room, you can use some pretty small spaces. Although everybody typically tries to buy too big of a video display. You want big, but not overpowering.

Avoid a square room. Evil for bass. Tunnel-like rooms can be tough too. Dual subs - one sub front & one back (or side) can help there.

Ian

Hell yeah, that's an amp.

I've been using Onkyo receivers for years and have had good results with those. I've got 3 in my home and they're rock solid and sound good.

However, due to space/wiring requirements, I've also switched back to just plain jane 2 channel for movies in one of our rooms. Adcom GFP-555II preamp, McIntosh MC250 from 1977, pair of Paradigm 7se's from 1990, Sumo outboard crossover and a modern Yamaha 8" powered sub. If you sit in the sweet spot, it does quite well for a simple system. Don't laugh, it sounds pretty good and I honestly don't miss the surround mess for the majority of movies we watch...

I agree quite a bit with Ian's choice (recommendation) of speakers. Can't go wrong with any of those.

Well after listening critically to my system over the weekend it is pretty good, not perfect but very good.

I will keep the Pioneer receiver in mind and speaker upgrades are always on my mind.

However my Porsche needs to have the T-belts done, new floor mats, and new seat covers.

And on the wish list are 16" Fuchs and larger sway-bars.

Decisions, decisions...

Say no more. We understand.

Ian

Anyone know of a good way to sell some used audio gear?

Scott, I have a 7.1 Reciever that was about 3k new, will sell for real cheap.

Michael

Hey 1973...try the EBAY....

I bought my stereo system back in 1978 it consists of

McIntosh MR 78 Tuner
McIntosh C-27 Preamp
McIntosh MC2125 AMP

Pair of JBL L65 Speakers

Thorens TD165 Turntable
and a Magnavox CD Player... Philips...


I am thinking of getting a bit bigger AMP....

McIntosh makes some great stuff.

Michael

I've purchased some audio components from this sites classifieds. Like many "For Sale" forums, there is no protection from fraud. I try to mostly buy locally and pay in person.

http://www.audiogon.com/