I got my RM30C's a few days ago and have been running them in - initial impressions are quite good but I need to do a bit of tweaking.
I use a Tact 2.2x RCS digital preamp with two Tact S2150 amps for mains and a pair of corner Tact W210 subs (each has dual 10" woofers). Digital crossover between main speakers and subs can be set anywhere from 50 - 325Hz. Currently I am using crossovers of 260 which sounds good - better than lower crossovers where the RM30C woofers are working.
I also have monoblock valve amps and an Audio Aero Capitole MKI CDP which has valve output. I will be trying the valve amps soon as well as biamping.
I have a dedicated sound room with a dead-end/live-end configuration. Side wall reflections are well damped and floor has carpet.
Some initial questions I would appreciate some views on:
1) The FS tweeter is about 120cm from floor, my listening position puts me at 94cm ear level. Is this a problem wrt tweeter axis? Should I tilt speakers forward to aim the tweeters closer to ear height?
2) Speaker toe-in: I know that Brian recommends toeing in so that speaker axes cross 1-2' in front of listening position. Is this primarily for bass reasons or is imaging, soundstaging and focus better? I have found that with this toe in center focus is good but I lose a bit of width.
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Hi Jose,
Glad the speakers arrived "safe and sound".
1) Brian suggests having the ear level with the top 1/3 - of the top neopanel on the RM30. This becomes less important the further you sit from the speakers, but should still be "close" to that position. Being on axis with the tweeter will probably be too hot. This can be slightly different w/ the RM40s since it has a neopanel both above and below the FST to blend with.
2) As far as toe in, (convergence): you can use a wide variety of angles to good results.
The convergence angle is designed to accomplish a couple things. It creates a blended signal to develop a stable image and soundstage, it reduces sidewall reflection, and it put you ears either on or slightly off direct axis depending on the desired result.
Your options are:
Convergence in front of you
Convergence on axis
Convergence behind you
Since you have the speakers set up in the Dead End, you will not have to be concerned with sidewall reflection. This will allow a wider speaker placement to "widen" the soundstage. Remember in a more lively room (not yours) some soundstage is false, and caused by dispersed sound reflecting off of the side walls.
Unless a recording has "specifically phased sonics" designed to project sound outside width of the speakers (either by design, naturally occuring, or accident) the soundstage will only be as wide as the speakers themselves.
That said, I would suggest both a wider placement (if that is possible) and convergence 1-2 feet "behind" your head, as a starting set up, to see if it yeilds what you want.
As far as your x-over, I beleive the x-over on the RM30C woofer/neo is in a higher range, so your 260Hz is probably a pretty good starting point, (depending on the slope) as long as the blend sounds nicely specific.
As far as your measurments to adjust your TACT system, you may want to post Big B, and ask him what he suggests, to get the best reading for your purposes. My best guess is that you might need to adjust your mike height after you adjust the convergence angle, but B is the best source.
Additionally, beleive it or not, he might suggest a slightly different x-over hinge will yeild a better transfer in the high end
And I too want to welcome you to the group. Having an unheard speaker sent around the world is a big step. I'm sure you'll really enjoy the adventures ahead as you get these babies adjusted and broken in.
Have fun.
