Time to upgrade

I had the same problem as you..my BA unit is also small (1" driver) which I believe is similar to your Focals..after a while, the speakers sound thin and staging is small, which I think is a problem with lifestyle cube speakers and big room space..I also wanted to initially change the center only as most of the vocal and movie soundtrack comes from there, but was advised to change all L, R and Center at one go..Did that and the front staging and it is so much better especially with more presence and thicker sound..Leave the rears to the original cube speakers, doesn't make much difference, to me anyway

FWIW,

I thought Satts are sufficient as surrounds but aftr changing my JBL control 1s to proper bookshlvs [SvS SBS-01], I find the surround channels more engaging - granted that it [surr] are on - maybe 10 ; 15% of the time at best..
I guess if you can afford it - proper bkshlves are a decent upgrd to a HT..


D

I use to think of surround is not that important. After I change to a KEF dipole speakers is really change a lot.

That's what I've been told as well. It might not be a difference to me at the moment, as I am still paying most of my attention to the ones that I've changed, but it might be in the future. That's the beauty of partial upgrade, you get to experience and enjoy the changes in your setup and appreciate it more rather than changing everything at one go!

More poison! I might also think so when I start noticing that my surrounds are lacking...

I am sure you will notice because the front is overpowering the back than is like no more surround.

im using floorstand as surround..

Most important thing to get right is the room dimensions, never have same dimensions all round. Get the room right first, otherwise a rm20k system will sound like a rm200 system.

square room can be help by create partition wall or tall furniture that changing the overall geometry.

if serious listener pls consider change room.

This post has been edited by ktek: Nov 21 2015, 09:10 AM

Looking at upgrading my Onkyo system.

Like to know what are the main differences between:
AV reciever
AV Network receiver?

AVNR is basically an AVR plus network capability?

Sound and video from AVNR better than AVR?

Thanks.

Yes AV network receiver is just plus network. Nothing better for sound or picture

Thanks.

Then quite surprising at the higher cost just for the extra network features (looking at Onkyo's systems).

Well network feature can be many gizmo and stuffs. Depend on what you looking for. Onkyo is not the best in picture quality of AVR

Thanks.

Can you recommend one that is best 2 of the mid range?

Main uses:
* video
* music ( all except rock)
* ?

Cheerio.

For video, I will recommend Yamaha AVR the advent age series. Seriously any AVR for music is a no go

Thank you very much.

Thought some AVR is also excellent for music. Which system will you recommend for music? Amplifier only?

Just to help me out, comparing 2 very good systems (AVR and XYZ system for music), on a scale of 0-10, are we looking at difference of 0.5 or 1 point? I know different ears different scores. But on average?

Many thanks. You open a new chapter for me to find out! Ha.

Well AVR is not meant for music. Is good to have an integrated amp for music. If you want to put into point different from 0-10, I will put about 7.

definitely got different & not 1 or 2 point

Thanks.

You mean you feel a difference of 7 points for AVR and IA system for music quality?

Then definitely a difference. Will explore this at the shops/studios.

Cheerio.

P/S your recommendation for 2 best mid-range sound systems?