EdHitchens

Thanks everyone. My Yamaha has a system memory function so I was able to set preset (4) as the YPAO results and used (1) for my tweaks. Then I slapped in a CD and sat back to listen, flipping back and forth. For (1), I kept all YPAO settings but set Fronts to "small" and "x-over" to 80Hz. I also boosted the sub levels in the receiver menu by about four notches on the visual slider. Gotta be honest, the system sounded better using the YPAO settings. The bass line notes were more distinct, the kick-drum had more "wump", and there was a nice overall warmth. Switching to the (1) preset melted the bass into the mix, but it didn't have as much presence or power. I still need to test DVDs and BDs, but so far YPAO wins for music calibration. Maybe Yamaha actually knows what they are doing with this YPAO thing? []

My Yamaha HTR-6290B (RX-V1900) configured my speakers as follows: RF-62 - Fronts (= "Large") RC-62 - Center ("Small" Paradigm Cinema 70 - Surrounds (= "Small") Velodyne CHT-10 - Crossover (= "110 Hz") LFE/Bass = "SWFR" EQ is set to "Flat" This sounds fantastic for music, but the movies are now lacking that "oomph". The subwoofer tends to sit in "red light" mode (not activated) more than it used to. This might just mean the .1 channel is not active, but there is a certain warmth and punch I'm looking for. The more I read about small vs large and crossover settings, the more confused I get. I'm not sure how to interpret speaker specs. Based on the gear listed above, is there anyone who could comment about the possible corrections I could make to pick up a little more kick in the bottom end? I just want to use each speaker to its maximum potential, with a setting that applies well to both movies and music to minimize switching, etc (i.e. "Wife Proof"). Thanks.

Well, the missus and I went to look at both speakers last night. No question - the RS will be the speakers we get. But unfortunately we have a trip planned right around the corner and the wife is urging restraint, so I'll have to wait for the next sale. Also, there is no way that my spindly stands will hold these puppies securely, so I have decided that when the time comes we will mount them to the wall directly behind the couch, about 1-2 ft above our heads. As there is a doorway directly adjacent to the rear left side of the couch, it would look somewhat like this (pardon the crude graphic): side wall | RS41 RS41 | doorway | | [---------- couch -----------] | | Of course, this opens up a whole new set of problems with wiring, etc, but I think it will be worth it. At least I've convinced her that the speakers are needed and that our listening position is fixed due to the room layout, so there is no longer a need for portable speakers. Thanks everyone for your input.

I'll vouch for the RC-62. I have it paired with my RF-62s and it sounds great. I didn't bother with the RC-52 as some of the reviews I'd read were not complimentary, especially if paired with the 62s or 82s, and I got the 62 for a decent price. My only complaint is that depending on the person speaking onscreen, some voices are slightly nasal or harsh, such as Sigourney Weaver's voice in Avatar. When she first comes onscreen it was like honk! honk! But that is more the fault of my receiver and EQ setup; I'm sure the right person could tweak everything to be perfect but I'm still working on it.

Lol...true enough :-) I really want these speakers, and I found a pair of stands that will support them, but the stands have a top plate and I'm not so sure these speakers have bottom mounting capability. Man, can't anything be simple? Can't so a wall-mount do to circumstances. Maybe I should think more about using an RB-series model?

I currently have a set of Paradigm Cinema 70s acting as rear surrounds (carried forward from many earlier HT incarnations) but would like to timbre match the rest of my set: RF-62 fronts and RC-62 center. I have a Velodyne sub that does its job well enough. The RS-42 speakers are now on sale at a local retailer, but they look kind of bulky. Our current surrounds are small, roughly 7-8" tall , and they sit perfectly on either side of the couch on a pair of stands.They sound a bit "weak" to me, but they aren't screechingly obvious in the mix. While timbre matching is ideal (as well as the psychological satisfaction of having a matched set...lol), I'm wondering if these speakers might mean new stands (the B-Tech ones I have can't hold a lot of weight) and if they might trigger "Wife Irritability Syndrome" by being too bulky or loud for side-couch placement. They look more like speakers you would affix to a side wall more than speakers you would want on either side of your head. I guess they would be 3-4 feet away on either side of the viewing couch. My head is saying "buy now, you fool!" but my sense of restraint is urging caution as we also just upgraded our TV to a 50" plasma. :-)

The HTR-6290B is actually the "big box" version of the RX-V1900. Same specs, just a different model number for different marketing channels. It has more than enough juice to power your speakers, and then some. I actually just bought one myself (got an awesome deal) to power my new RF-62s and RC-62. []