Axiom Home Page Forums General Discussion Stereo New Amp & Questions

Hello all,

Thank you all who has helped me with my previous posts regarding a budget amp for my M22s.

So, yesterday I found a great deal on a new NAD C 320BEE and emptied my pockets.

Quick recap: I have a AIWA XR-H66MD that was hooked up to my M22s to listen to CDs and MDs. My room is pretty much square (10x20)with wooden floor.

As was expected, the NAD provides adequate power for the M22s that the AIWA lacked and the difference could be felt immediately. When I put in my classical CDs ( I listen mostly to violin concertos) the violin is so much more apparant which allows the violinist' expressions come through the speakers. However, when I put in my rock/alternative CDs, the improvement is not quit so noticeable. In fact, the AIWA kind of had a better bass while the NAD allows most instruments to come out more clearly.

Without comparing the NAD to any other integrated amps of the same class, it's difficult to tell if the difference was result of just more power or if it's because the NAD kicks ass. For now though, I'm damn happy with the setup.

So now comes my question:
1) Given the size and dimension of my room, how you think I should position my speakers?

Currently they're just on my computer desk about 2/3' from the wall and only the width of the desk apart (3' in between?) Please bear in mind that the room also has big furniture like my bed, love seat, bookshelf, etc.

2) I'm planning on improving my setup about $300-$500 at a time. As you see, I started with the M22, then the NAD. What should my next upgrade be? Currently I have the Van Dickson(?) bass in mind although I heard that bass isn't so important in a small stereo setup like mine.

Thanks for the help.

the bass probbly sounded like it was there more with the aiwa because of built in EQ junk. alot of those little systems have all kinds of that stuff

Wow guys, don't all jump at once

Only 3 feet apart? How far away from them do you sit when you listen?

I'd try to separate them by 5 to 6 feet if I could. 3 feet doesn't give them a whole lot of room to build a proper image.

Do you have them setup with any toe in? My M60s seem to sound best with no toe, others report that it helps. Try adding or removing some. It might help.

Jeff, you haven't described your listening position, but there's no good reason to mention anything other than the general rule of separating the speakers by about as much as the distance you are from them.

As far as the next upgrade, if you're going to stay with a stereo setup that pretty much limits it to a sub. The low bass can certainly be important in some music, so no, a sub isn't just for explosions in movies.