Just got my new B&W/Arcam/OPPO/REL setup!

**Gsandhu25** · 10-16-2011, 07:37 PM

I have a question for you audiophiles out there..

I just got this set up about two weeks ago, the sound is amazing, but is it true that these speakers aren't giving out their true potential because they haven't broken in yet? Also what are the idea settings for the REL R328 I've tried both High End output and Low End Single RCA output.

Thanks~

System:

(2) B&W CM8 Tower Speakers
(1) B&W CMC Center Speaker
(1) REL R-328 Sub
(1) OPPO 93 BDP
(1) Arcam FMJ 360

**trent.memphis** · 10-16-2011, 08:05 PM

Hi, Gsandhu25. The short answer is yup. If they're fresh out of the box, your speakers, like any mechanical device, will break in over time and get better. Surrounds get more supple, voice coils loosen up, crossover components burn in.

Believe it or not, it's going to get better.

**Gsandhu25** · 10-16-2011, 08:29 PM

Thanks trent.memphis..

I've played music and watched movies and I've taken the Arcam up to about 90 volume out of 100, is that bad for the unit (speakers)? Also, what do you think about the overall set up?

**trent.memphis** · 10-16-2011, 09:48 PM

Originally Posted by Gsandhu25

Thanks trent.memphis..

I've played music and watched movies and I've taken the Arcam up to about 90 volume out of 100, is that bad for the unit (speakers)? Also, what do you think about the overall set up?

Looks like one that make most anybody happy, to me. I'm a fan of B&W speakers and use the little CM1's in my second system, so I think you're going to be tickled with those CM8's. Arcam is good stuff. It should get along happily with speakers from its homeland.

As for volume, unless the power amp puts out several times more power than the speakers are rated for, it's almost impossible to tell anything from just a volume level. It depends completely on the nature of the sound being produced. If there isn't a lot of bass energy in it, it's unlikely you could damage anything -- unless you drive the amplifier itself into clipping. That's nearly always what causes speakers to be damaged: not a mismatch in wattage ratings, but an amplifier that's being driven beyond its capacity.

All that said, I'd say it's pretty darn unlikely you're damaging anything. The Arcam probably has clipping protection circuitry.

**CALIBER** · 10-16-2011, 10:53 PM

You do not want to turn up your speakers that loud during the break in process!! Some will disagree with this but I have been told not to do and it is best to play it safe. With the REL you want to use their Neutrik Speakon cable this utilizes both high and low inputs from your AVR to your sub.Yes you will notice an improvement in your speakers as they break in, especially the sub IMO. You put together a nice system enjoy it and take it easy on it for the first 100hrs or so.