Hey guys and gals. First post, been reading through things on here for some time.
This is going to be a little long, but I hope someone can help me!
System 1: pioneer vsx-1124 amp, without going into the rest of the system, 2 B&W HTM61 center speakers set up as stereo speakers bi-wired to the amp standing vertical on stands (I paid VERY little money for them you wouldn't believe me if I told you).
We think the B&Ws with the amp sound fantastic. We have been using it a ton over the last year.
System 2: decided to go "all in" on a dedicated stereo system. Got 2 B&W 683 S2 towers and a Rogue audio sphinx integrated- this took a long time to decide on, but the reviews were incredible, I liked that it was a small company, and the features seemed perfect (we were looking at tube stuff).
Now, we're disappointed. Yes, disappointed. And here's my question.
The pioneer VSX AV receiver and HTM61 speakers sound decidedly cleaner and "better", and go much louder without distortion (especially in the treble end), than the towers and the integrated amp- either CD or through my lap top. And the sound stage is way better in the HTM61s, the separation and the feeling you're not listening to a speaker (the feeling they're transparent, and you're right in the studio) is so much better. I have no way to compare LPs between systems, but the Pioneer/HTM61s sound better w/ CD than any LP on the Sphinx/683s I've tested so far.
What's the deal? I'm talking same exact source through same exact cable into each amp.
Could it be because the HTM61s are bi-wired? I mean, the 683s in the shop sounded incredible, and I have a hard time thinking the decidedly smaller (and older) HTM61s could sound better than the big towers since they're built with similar/identical drivers?
So it comes down to the amp, or am I wrong? The sphinx was $1200! I'm not trying to bash anything. But, it's significantly worse, and I expected it to be significantly better! Could the tubes be malfunctioning? Could something else be wrong? It's pretty basic to set up. I feel I only get about 1/2 the volume I'd expect without distortion. Could there be something wrong with the sphinx? It has remarkable reviews online. I am frustrated and not sure what to think. This was really expensive for us, and I'm at a loss. Does anyone have any experience with the sphinx? Or the B&Ws?
Any suggestions?
The 683s are well beyond break in (which may or may not be a real thing I realize), as is the amp (roughly 40hrs I'm guessing). I'm running better cables all around in that system. Listening area and distance is about the same and separation is about the same.
Edit to say: is it just me? Is it just my taste? I've had a lot of "budget" systems (yamaha, technics, pioneer, bose, etc.) over the years, and big 70's style systems (you know, like 15" woofers and the like), so I feel like I at least have a little knowledge...I have a hard time believing this could be true...the pioneer is not exactly an audiophile piece...
Hey guys and gals. First post, been reading through things on here for some time.
This is going to be a little long, but I hope someone can help me!
System 1: pioneer vsx-1124 amp, without going into the rest of the system, 2 B&W HTM61 center speakers set up as stereo speakers bi-wired to the amp standing vertical on stands (I paid VERY little money for them you wouldn't believe me if I told you).
We think the B&Ws with the amp sound fantastic. We have been using it a ton over the last year.
System 2: decided to go "all in" on a dedicated stereo system. Got 2 B&W 683 S2 towers and a Rogue audio sphinx integrated- this took a long time to decide on, but the reviews were incredible, I liked that it was a small company, and the features seemed perfect (we were looking at tube stuff).
Now, we're disappointed. Yes, disappointed. And here's my question.
The pioneer VSX AV receiver and HTM61 speakers sound decidedly cleaner and "better", and go much louder without distortion (especially in the treble end), than the towers and the integrated amp- either CD or through my lap top. And the sound stage is way better in the HTM61s, the separation and the feeling you're not listening to a speaker (the feeling they're transparent, and you're right in the studio) is so much better. I have no way to compare LPs between systems, but the Pioneer/HTM61s sound better w/ CD than any LP on the Sphinx/683s I've tested so far.
What's the deal? I'm talking same exact source through same exact cable into each amp.
Could it be because the HTM61s are bi-wired? I mean, the 683s in the shop sounded incredible, and I have a hard time thinking the decidedly smaller (and older) HTM61s could sound better than the big towers since they're built with similar/identical drivers?
So it comes down to the amp, or am I wrong? The sphinx was $1200! I'm not trying to bash anything. But, it's significantly worse, and I expected it to be significantly better! Could the tubes be malfunctioning? Could something else be wrong? It's pretty basic to set up. I feel I only get about 1/2 the volume I'd expect without distortion. Could there be something wrong with the sphinx? It has remarkable reviews online. I am frustrated and not sure what to think. This was really expensive for us, and I'm at a loss. Does anyone have any experience with the sphinx? Or the B&Ws?
Any suggestions?
The 683s are well beyond break in (which may or may not be a real thing I realize), as is the amp (roughly 40hrs I'm guessing). I'm running better cables all around in that system. Listening area and distance is about the same and separation is about the same.
Edit to say: is it just me? Is it just my taste? I've had a lot of "budget" systems (yamaha, technics, pioneer, bose, etc.) over the years, and big 70's style systems (you know, like 15" woofers and the like), so I feel like I at least have a little knowledge...I have a hard time believing this could be true...the pioneer is not exactly an audiophile piece...