music vs. movies

There are certainly systems that do well with both, but movies have specific requirments. With a limited budget you may emphasize these things, and get a system that isn't as good for simple stereo music as if you had concentrated on that:


* some kinds of movies push the capabiliies of the subwoofer, to get explosions and the like.

* movies are recorded to make use of surround sound

* to make sure dialog is understandable, many people emphasize a center speaker


On the other hand, absolutely accurate frequence response may not be as important. You may be more willing to accept a sound that is "dramatic" rather than accurate. And stereo imaging doesn't matter as much.


By contrast for music you typically want two wide-range speakers that are good at imaging.


Again, this doesn't mean that speakers for movies are inaccurate, just that priorities tend to be somewhat different. But it's perfectly possible to set up systems that will work for both.

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Same for music recorded in multichannel but, usually, without the explosions.

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For music, you typically want 5 wide-range speakers that are good at imaging and have a flat frequency response.

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Right. It doesn't mean that speakers for movies should or must be inaccurate or that speakers for music must have limited bass/power capabilities but that "it's perfectly possible to set up systems that will work for both."


Kal

rvanya,


Next to your room acoustics, speakers will make the biggest difference in sound in a given room. The RX-1400 is a nice enough piece to give you good sound. I'd say you could hear a significant improvement by upgrading from the MB quart speakers though. What's your budget for an upgarde on speakers? What kind of music do you like? Are your ears overly sensitive to "highs"? (if so you might want to look at a soft-dome tweeter based speaker). On the other hand you may prefer the bright crisp sound some metal dome tweeter based speakers have. I personally have found that after many years of experimenting, my ears just cannot handle metal dome tweeter based speakers. That is with a "damped" room to cut down on the highs. Everyone is a little different so first thing is to define your tastes (likes and dis-likes).


As far as what I own. I run a Pioneer 59TXi driving ACI Proteges for my LCR speakers with Phase Technology surround speakers. My subwoofer is a ACI Maestro. The Proteges deliver "detailed" highs without hurting my ears. I have had other soft dome based speakers that did not hurt my ears but also did not deliver the detailed highs either.


If your system sounds good to you now, no reason to upgrade. But I'd think you'd be surprised how things sound if you upgrade the speakers.


Patrick

Outlaw subs are good, also consider Hsu and SVS. Hsu would be my first recommendation for music and HT, but that is just me (owned both). If I were you, I'd go to some local AV shops with your favorite music and listen to some soft dome and metal dome based speakers just to get an idea of what you prefer. Though the setups are usually not ideal in these shops and all brands will have there own "signature" as far as sound goes. Some soft dome based speakers can actully sound a little bright in some designs. Though I have never come across a metal dome based speaker that had "dull-sounding" highs. Some are worse on sensitive ears than others though. PSB has some speakers (Image line) that would be on the "darker" (not so much "in your face" highs) sounding side with metal tweeters that may work for you.


Soft-dome based speakers, there are allot of good ones out there. If you have a Phase Technology dealer near you, see if you can audition thier Velocity line. Internet based dealers to look at would be Rocket speakers, Ascend, and ACI to name a few of the higher profile ones (Aperion would be another good choice).


I would recommend getting "bookshelves" all the way around though since you would be getting a good sub. When you buy towers up front, immediately you will be spending more money for the cabinets. I used to have towers up front (different models), and I always found the speakers sounded best when crossed over at 80Hz. Kind of defeated the purpose of having tower speakers. Or course I always had a quality sub though (some better than others). Also if you cross all your speakers over at 80Hz (or so), you can use a EQ to get better bass response from 80Hz (or whatever cross-over point you are using) on down. Placement for your front speakers is rarely the best position in a room for the best bass response anyway.


Hope this helps,

Patrick