Rudy81

Wow, this is beginning to look like the speaker cable discussions. Obviously quality over quantity is critical. As far as that graph of the Marantz, I'm not sure the distortion is truly that high at low power levels. I will tell you one thing. The Belle's sound great at any reasonable level. Both amplifiers provide good tight bass and crisp highs. I need to look further into the reviewers graph and see if it is accurate.

However, I note that between 30 and 70 watts, the curve is pretty flat. Surely the Belles use more than 30 watts with any reasonable level of volume?

So the Belle efficiency causes the Marantz to operate in the low power, high distontion range. What a bummer.

Thanks for the review. In fact it is an excellent A/V receiver. The only complaints have been from folks who use a subwoofer. I understand that the sub will not come on-line if you select "large speaker" for the theater during setup. They get around that by selecting "Small speaker". Frankly, I love my older stuff. I have been using the HK for running two center channel speakers. I am putting together my dream Home Theater and just aquired my last of the speakers I wanted. All older stuff I might add. I will have my Belle's for left and right front, a pair of Hereseys for center and a pair of Forte's for the left and right effects speakers. I think this will rock when I get it all put together. I was just wondering if the added power of the ATI 2505 would enhance everything. Right now I'm saving for the DLP projector. Sharp Z9000 hopefully with a Stewart Firehawk screen. Thank you for the information. Rudy

Sorry, Marants SR 7000 and HK 665, the HK is old and just an integrated amp.

I have two amps that are more than adequate and as you say, half way up is definately enough to shake the house. One is a Harmon Kardon integrated amp with 80 watts and the other is a Marantz A/V receiver with 100 wpc. Both are more than powerful enough. I was looking at an ATI 2505, 250 Wpc. I was just wondering if all else being equal, more power would provide the speaker with more capability and hence a sound improvement.

Would having an amp that has 200+ WRMS of clean power be wasted on a pair of Belles? I know the speakers are rated at 100 watts maximum, but am wondering if more amp power would provide even better sound. Thanks

If anyone is interested in an Academy, there is one for sale on e-bay. Item number 802737411. This is not mine, but I was shopping for Chorus' and saw the Academy. Just thought some of you may be interested.

I have the same with a pair of Heresy's. Generally thought of at 8 Ohms, but mine say 4?

Well, the serial numbers are 8623363 and 8623664. So, I gather these are 86 models. I am new to this serial number thing on these speakers. My Belle's are 88's for sure,I am the original owner.

E3T: Thanks, I will look into the receiver specs when I get a chance.

Well, I just checked again to make sure. Just above the terminals, it says "Nominal Impedence 4 Ohms". Ohms of course is in symbol form.

Thank you for the information. I found it very good to look into this issue. Once my Forte's arrive I will hook up the 5.1 system and see how it all goes together. Thanks

Jim: The pair of Heresey's I have say 4 Ohms?!

Gil: What do you mean by the noise floor?

I am planning a home theater with a pair of Belle's for Fronts, Heresy for Center and Forte's for rear effects. The Belles are 8 Ohms and the Heresy is 4 Ohms. Any problems running this setup on an A/V apmplifier with 100W rating for each of the 5 channels? Thanks

Depending on what you are looking for, try Ultimate Electronics.

EJ: I plan on trying out the two speaker center to see if there are any problems. The theory that the speakers will cancel some material and emphasize other can easily be tested by setting things up and moving about the room. If the theory is correct, the problems should be noticeable compared to just one speaker. I hope the Heresey centers and Forte rears will be satisfactory.

I will have the same roof pitch problem. Looks like behind will have to do.

As far as my setup, it is still in the planning stages. I just moved into a home that has a dedicated sound room. The room will also be used as a HT if I can ever afford a good projector and large screen. In the mean time, I am trying to figure out how to best set up the Belles, Forte's and Heresey's. I would love to hear any suggestions for the setup. - I have seen several threads recommending only one speaker in order to avoid problems with the center channel. - Any recommendations on the height to raise the Forte's for rear effects? It's my media room and I can set it up as I wish. No need to please the decorator. - Send your ideas.

Boy, that's good news. What about the comments elsewhere on the forum that placing two speakers in the center will cause problems due to cancellation and interference? I would like to place a pair of Heresey's in the center, but fear the problems more than one may cause.

Thanks. I think I will try the Heresey center and see if it can keep up. At least it is in the same family. Antother Belle would be great for the center and maybe sometime I can split a pair with someone else.

My plan was to use the Forte's for the rear effects in a 5.1 system and one heresey as a center channel. I realize another Belle or Las would be best for the center, but that creates a problem for the screen.

I need some suggestions for rounding out my HT setup. I have a pair of Belle's for my front speakers, and a pair of Forte's for my effect speakers. I need to select something that will go well for my center speakers. I am considering another set of Forte's, or a set of Heresy's. Will laying the Forte's on their side for the center cause any problems? Thanks for your help. BTW, this is a great forum.

Sorry about the duplicate post.