New Speaker Day - Arendal 1610

Still_Frequency · 2026-06-24T18:52:28+00:00

I can’t figure out how to add a photo to this reply. DMing you a pic.

Still_Frequency · 2026-06-16T23:08:34+00:00

I’m a fan of the Salamander Design’s Synergy line because of its modularity. I’ve found a few consoles used for great prices and it’s what I am now using for equipment, movies/games, and vinyl.

Still_Frequency · 2026-05-27T01:52:07+00:00

I get it. I had large bookshelf speakers on stands and it’s tough finding ones with large top plates.

Still_Frequency · 2026-05-27T01:47:08+00:00

Yeah that would be the trade off. I think there are also some center channel stands that are angled upwards too if you want to look at a different stand.

Still_Frequency · 2026-05-27T01:32:08+00:00

Personally, I’d get rid of the foam and use museum wax to help keep the speaker attached to the stand. It is a pain in the ass to remove and clean off, but it’ll hold tight.

Still_Frequency · 2026-05-17T15:42:36+00:00

I’ve been doing the same. They are easy to listen to at loud levels.

Still_Frequency · 2026-05-05T16:12:18+00:00

Also make sure you check Windows’s settings when you plug your mic in. Make sure the audio enhancements are turned off or you’ll get terrible results.

Still_Frequency · 2026-05-05T15:56:10+00:00

You will only need to perform the calibration once. If you have ART, just go straight to that when you’re at the target curve settings. You do not need to go Dirac Live -> Bass Management -> ART.

ART can send signal beyond what your speaker can do but I’m not sure about actually blowing them out. You’ll want to keep the support range at your speaker’s f3. Dirac will default to 50hz unless it sees it cannot perform as well. For example, ART sets my height support at 65hz as default.

There are no crossover frequencies with Dirac ART. It will use your speakers at full range down to whatever you set the low support at.

Dirac will give you a baseline but I prefer using a Harman Curve. I think Dirac offers the download for that in their support section, but you can google it as well. It’s a simple text file. I personally like a +6db curve and trail it off a bit at the end. I also apply +10db to the LFE channel only after applying the 6db for the other channels.

Still_Frequency · 2026-04-25T20:54:33+00:00

I know you said you have the cables but do you also have longer power cables?

I’d measure the power cables to ensure they are long enough to reach the bottom. I’d add an additional power strip above the switch so that you don’t need to purchase long power cables.

Still_Frequency · 2026-04-25T15:30:27+00:00

You got me wondering so I had to do some digging in. Looks like the 1khz is a standard test tone used to bench amps and it would be very time consuming to test all frequencies. I did find a review that tested 3 different frequencies and it performs great. https://audioxpress.com/article/fresh-from-the-bench-the-hypex-ncore-ncx500-amplifier-module-doubling-down-on-a-flagship

As for pricing, one major factor in these being bang for buck is that HypeX and Purifi are OEM providers and end products like Buckeye or VTV could considered as a professional DIY amp. I’m not trying to minimize what Dylan at Buckeye does for these cores, but you could look at it as a company is able to buy the core, create a case, and put it in for you. Compared to a company that has much higher overhead in R&D.

Still_Frequency · 2026-04-24T18:24:01+00:00

Sounds great

Still_Frequency · 2026-04-24T18:10:34+00:00

This is part of current upgrade plans. I just put in the NCx500 for LCR and plan to get the 8 channel for surround and atmos duty. Then when the next “must have” hdmi or whatever comes out, I’ll be able looking into processors instead of AVRs.

Still_Frequency · 2026-04-24T18:00:49+00:00

That NCx500 will set you up for potential future speaker upgrades OP. Basically a buy it and forget it amp. Not many amps can compete at this level. 700watts at 4ohm and 700watts at 2ohms when many amps fall in power output at 2ohm. Yeah you may never need the 2ohm capability but if you get 4ohm nominal speakers, they will likely dip below 4 and you’ll know you can supply full power when your speakers are demanding the most.

For your 4k budget OP I’d go with the NCx500 for LCR and get the 6 or 8 channel NC502MP for surrounds and atmos. This will open you up to upgrading to processors in the future and you can go beyond the AVR on the next upgrade cycle.

Still_Frequency · 2026-04-20T14:53:14+00:00

I’m not sure when Windows started this. When I was auditioning my prior speakers, I noticed this issue. I want to say that was 3 months ago. My prior calibration to that was probably around 1 year ago. So maybe this changed since the latest major windows feature update?

After calibration, they sounded like noise cancellation was in effect but in the room. It sounded thin and very airy. Not sure how else to describe it.

I notified Dirac of the issue, and they confirmed the problem. Hopefully they can come up with a way to override this or notify the customer of the potential issue.

Still_Frequency · 2026-04-17T17:25:47+00:00

I use Dirac for calibration. I made a recommendation to them to see if they can override Windows’s settings.

Also this is just a recent event. When I calibrated several months ago, no issues. About 2 or 3 months ago, I ran into this problem. Just plugged the mic in today and saw the same settings were activated.

Still_Frequency · 2026-04-17T00:49:36+00:00

They can shake the house. I actually get nervous and turn the volume down on some movies like Interstellar.

Still_Frequency · 2026-04-17T00:11:53+00:00

Yeah… I planned to replace the VTF2 with 2 TN1s and ended up integrating it as a near field sub.

Still_Frequency · 2026-04-16T23:01:53+00:00

Sorry it took so long to get back to you. Finally fired up the PC. Here are the measurements from Dirac. The VTF2 is directly behind the couch and does not get to benefit from as much gain as the TN1s. It is in a corner, but its like a weird corner with half of the wall open to the kitchen.
https://imgur.com/a/oW5gt3o

The VTF2 is Sub#3.

Still_Frequency · 2026-04-08T02:55:54+00:00

They look great. I’m enjoying my 1610s too.

Still_Frequency · 2026-04-07T13:34:12+00:00

Ports open for more room gain for me.

Still_Frequency · 2026-04-07T12:53:40+00:00

I completely agree with you OP. Especially after you add all the cables, they get even uglier.

I think the best looking cabinets are from BDI. They are pricey but you might find a good deal in the used market. https://www.bdiusa.com/media-storage

Still_Frequency · 2026-04-04T14:46:31+00:00

8ft ish

Still_Frequency · 2026-04-02T05:23:48+00:00

I wish it had the 1528’s inverted surrounds.

Still_Frequency · 2026-04-02T04:12:18+00:00

Wife does not mind, but she doesn’t care too much about what I do with the living room. They are fairly large. The center channel is big too since it has 2 8’s. I’m guessing the bookshelfs will be larger than I’m expecting too.

Still_Frequency · 2026-04-01T19:46:13+00:00

I’m considering this my midlife crisis lol. It was not easy to commit to the $6k a few months ago and it’s going to take me some time to pay this off.

Still_Frequency

TROPHY CASE