HELP! Need high power handling center options...

[poutanen]

So far the only thing I can find that handles any decent power is the Paradigm Signature C5, but I'm not spending $2500 for a center speaker.

I was/am using a pair of yamaha towers laying end to end below my screen, but I'm worried about comb filtering issues.

I've got a pair of Yamaha S15e speakers which closely match my S115V mains, and I'm thinking using ONE S15e would be the best way to ensure no comb filter issues, while maintaining a speaker that would work with the rest of my system (although then what would I do with the other speaker???)...

So I'm kinda lost, I will likely be powering it with one channel from a Denon POA-5200, so something that is 4 ohms wouldn't be bad, then I could get closer to 200w from the amp.

ARGH, there doesn't seem like one right answer that wouldn't cost 1/3rd the cost of my entire system! Help!!! :D

[bandphan]

without going into a whole mess of :confused: questions...

http://www.jtrspeakers.com/triple8.html

[poutanen]

without going into a whole mess of :confused: questions...

http://www.jtrspeakers.com/triple8.html

That's exactly what I'm looking for, at a price I can live with.... Thanks!! :D

[poutanen]

Does anyone have any experience with these??? It looks like an excellent L/C/R speaker, and it's got the power handling and SPL output to match the rest of my system...

From what I've read JTR has a good reputation, but they're relatively new it seems. :confused:

[calnbs]

Here are some thoughts on them at avsforum:

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=1055288&highlight=jtr

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=1062777&highlight=jtr

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=1007520&highlight=jtr

[zumbo]

Don't know the prices.

http://www.rbhsound.com/t1r.shtml

http://www.rbhsound.com/t1.shtml

http://www.rbhsound.com/product_detail.php?id=6100-SE/R

http://www.rbhsound.com/product_detail.php?id=6100-SE

http://www.rbhsound.com/661ser.shtml

$9000:o:o:o
http://www.bowers-wilkins.com/display.aspx?infid=1163

$4500:o:o
http://www.bowers-wilkins.com/display.aspx?infid=1162

$2800:o
http://www.bowers-wilkins.com/display.aspx?infid=1161

$20,000:eek:
http://www.dynaudio.com/eng/systems/lines/evidence/center.php

[j_garcia]

You have towers laying on their sides and you are worried about the center causing comb filtering? No offense, but I would say you have already destroyed your stereo imaging, so it doesn't really matter what you use as a center, not to mention you will have a timbre match issue going with a different center - sensitivity and power handling has little to do with a speaker's timbre, and the front stage is the most important to have matched.

Just about any decent center will handle 200w, because you aren't using the whole 200w during normal playback - playback does not occur at 100% of amp power generally speaking, and if it did, you would have zero headroom.

[poutanen]

Don't know the prices.
http://www.rbhsound.com/t1r.shtml
http://www.rbhsound.com/t1.shtml
http://www.rbhsound.com/product_detail.php?id=6100-SE/R
http://www.rbhsound.com/product_detail.php?id=6100-SE
http://www.rbhsound.com/661ser.shtml
http://www.bowers-wilkins.com/display.aspx?infid=1163
http://www.bowers-wilkins.com/display.aspx?infid=1162
http://www.bowers-wilkins.com/display.aspx?infid=1161
http://www.dynaudio.com/eng/systems/lines/evidence/center.php
http://www.sonusfaber.com/eng/home.html
http://www.sonusfaber.com/eng/home.html

Damn...

RBH - T1R - $2700
RBH - 661ser - $993 ($1300 msrp)
RBH - 6100 - $2100
B&W - HTM1D - $9000
B&W - HTM2D - $4500
B&W - HTM3S - $2500

Don't get me wrong, those are nice looking speakers!

[zumbo]

Damn...

RBH - T1R - $2700
RBH - 661ser - $993 ($1300 msrp)
RBH - 6100 - $2100
B&W - HTM1D - $9000
B&W - HTM2D - $4500
B&W - HTM3S - $2500

Don't get me wrong, those are nice looking speakers!

You found the price on the RBH faster than me. Looks like $2500 is your average price for a "high power/high quality" center. I took Sonus Faber off. I figured if Dynaudio was $20,000, I didn't want to know what the SF were. Probably less than Dynaudio, but certainly higher than the others.

[zumbo]

http://www.wildwestelectronics.net/pinnacle-bd-700.html

Happy medium?

This center looks like it covers all the bases you are needing. Fantastic specs. I have ordered some of my Adcom products from Wild West before. They are a legit website, with fantastic service.

[poutanen]

You have towers laying on their sides and you are worried about the center causing comb filtering? No offense, but I would say you have already destroyed your stereo imaging, so it doesn't really matter what you use as a center, not to mention you will have a timbre match issue going with a different center - sensitivity and power handling has little to do with a speaker's timbre, and the front stage is the most important to have matched.

Maybe I wasn't clear, the towers are being used as a centre channel, which I realize is causing problems, so that's why I'm looking for a new centre...:rolleyes:

I'm assuming the best thing to do is use identical speakers for L/C/R??? If so, I've got a near match for my mains which I think I should use... :cool:

[zumbo]

Heck man, you could match these with the center for less than the price of the other centers.
10 year warranty.
Real wood veneer.
3/4" cabinets.
15-200W/300W peak!
8ohm
$1195 pair
90dB Sensitivity
34Hz-20kHz +/-3dB
http://www.wildwestelectronics.net/pinnacle-bd-750.html
$995
87dB Sensitivity
53Hz-20kHz +/-3dB
http://www.wildwestelectronics.net/pinnacle-bd-700.html

WildWest is the ONLY authorized web dealer!
http://www.pinnaclespeakers.com/buy.html

[j_garcia]

OK, I misunderstood. So, is the plan to replace the whole front stage or retain the mains?

I vote Bigfoot:

http://av123.com/components/com_virtuemart/shop_image/product/8e9826a2e9a5be09b00d4bff87eb1eb5.jpg

http://av123.com/component/page,shop.product_details/flypage,shop.flypage/product_id,30/category_id,19/manufacturer_id,0/option,com_virtuemart/Itemid,37/

[Warpdrv]

I'm gathering by the way your describing your setup, that you have 2 floorstanders both being used as a Center Channel, and they are both laying on their sides..? Is that correct...?



BTW, isn't the Studio CC-690 a large enough speaker at a better price then the Signature C5?
What kind of SPL's are you looking to achieve here....

I can promise you that you will have no problem feeding it 500-1000 watts, and it will take it....... Just not cranked full blast for really long periods of time. I'm running Paradigm Signature S4's and C3 with 500 @ 8 Ohms - 1000 @ 4 Ohms with no issues, and I like it loud.

[poutanen]

Here is the current setup: I am retaining the Yamaha mains, I just want to replace the towers laying on their sides. I could find another S115V for about $400 and have identical L/R/C speakers, but it'd look ugly as sin having one of those as a centre!

I'm leaning towards the JTR Triple 8, due to the fact that it's similar to my mains. Would probably be the closest match without going to an identical speaker. But I have the ability to get a Klipsch RC-64 and I'm debating about that too... the RC-64 also uses a horn tweeter which would more closely match my mains than a standard tweeter would.

http://forums.audioholics.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=6280

http://forums.audioholics.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=6279

[zumbo]

Here is the current setup: I am retaining the Yamaha mains, I just want to replace the towers laying on their sides. I could find another S115V for about $400 and have identical L/R/C speakers, but it'd look ugly as sin having one of those as a centre!

Because, by all means, the mains look so good.:rolleyes:

I'm leaning towards the JTR Triple 8, due to the fact that it's similar to my mains. Would probably be the closest match without going to an identical speaker. But I have the ability to get a Klipsch RC-64 and I'm debating about that too... the RC-64 also uses a horn tweeter which would more closely match my mains than a standard tweeter would.

I don't mean to offend, but you are on your way to having a crappier system than you already have. Just because a speaker looks similar, doesn't mean it is a match. AT ALL. You would be shocked what a quality pair of bookshelves with a matching center and a powered sub would sound like. Or, small towers with a matching center and a powered sub. Either set-up would blow those huge speakers away. Seriously.

Klipsch speakers suck, if blunt is ok. (Heritage excluded)

[zumbo]

Just for an example, I used to have old Cerwin Vega D7's run off of Sherwood seperates. These Cerwins, while not superb speakers, were tons better than the Cerwins you can get today. I purchased them new in 1985. I still have them. Each speaker has a 12" woofer, two 5" mids, and a horn tweeter.

I now have MB Quart towers. Each speaker has two 6.5" mids, and a titanium tweeter. I am using one NHT 12" powered sub. There is no comparison. None. Zilch. Nada. Everyone of my friends, while not an audio nut like myself, are blown away. When I take the grills off of my Quarts, they look around back to see where the rest of the speakers are. I know you look at what I am telling you and say, this guy is an idiot, but I am just trying to help. I am sure your system is loud, and it would make any ones ears bleed. But, if quality sound reproduction is what you aspire to have, you are headed in the wrong direction.

[zumbo]

I am also concerned that you may be watching your movies, concerts, in 2-channel. You may be choosing 5.1, pro-logic, surround, or etc on your receiver, but not on the dvd player. If this is so, you don't know what you are missing.

[ParadigmDawg]

That looks like a beautiful room. I have not read this entire thread but that rooms doesn't look all that big. I would go with a new LCR from one of the above metioned companies. The big foot or the Studio CC-690 would be more than enough for your room.

[zumbo]

And yes, that is a good looking room. I don't mean to sound rude. I am passionate about the audio end of HT, and audio alone.;) I am a musician as well, so I do understand what type of speakers you are using.

[ParadigmDawg]

Good to see you back in true form Zumbo!!!!!And yes, that is a good looking room. I don't mean to sound rude. I am passionate about the audio end of HT, and audio alone.;) I am a musician as well, so I do understand what type of speakers you are using.

[j_garcia]

I had a friend who was a DJ and he had a system similar to this in a room about the same size. It was loud, but man, it also sounded like I was in a bar (in other words, not exactly good).

If anything, I would use those towers as surrounds and go with NO center, because you aren't going to find a real match for what you have now other than another one of those guys. I don't think any of the centers mentioned are going to match up with those and if you do get a very good center, you will end up finding that your mains suddenly became the weak point. They are also a bit too toed in to give you any kind of imaging at the listening position, presuming you are seated approximately where the picture was taken from.

[poutanen]

Because, by all means, the mains look so good.:rolleyes:

I don't mean to offend, but you are on your way to having a crappier system than you already have. Just because a speaker looks similar, doesn't mean it is a match. AT ALL. You would be shocked what a quality pair of bookshelves with a matching center and a powered sub would sound like. Or, small towers with a matching center and a powered sub. Either set-up would blow those huge speakers away. Seriously.

Klipsch speakers suck, if blunt is ok. (Heritage excluded)

Fair enough... I'm just guessing here that you're assuming I use this mostly for movie watching, which I don't. My usage is probably TV 30%, Video games 15% movies 15%, music 50%.

I am running both my HD cable box and the PS3 in surround out (not 2-ch), and can verify that each channel is running separately by the THX setup on some of the DVD's (they output pink noise through individual channels).

I'm sure the current style of smaller speakers sounds worlds better than the smaller speakers of before. I'm actually fond of the mission 701 bookshelfs I got my mom to buy a few years back for her stereo.

The SQ would likely be better with your suggestion for the style of listening that you do, but there are pros and cons to everything, and maybe I'm being naive, but in my case, for my tastes, the pros of pro-audio equipment outweighed the pros of dedicated HT equipment.

As for that room, I'm in the process of moving, and I'm looking for a house with a much larger room, so that I can put the pool table and all the rest of the toys in the same room as the screen and system, I'll be feeding a much larger area.

[poutanen]

I had a friend who was a DJ and he had a system similar to this in a room about the same size. It was loud, but man, it also sounded like I was in a bar (in other words, not exactly good).

If anything, I would use those towers as surrounds and go with NO center, because you aren't going to find a real match for what you have now other than another one of those guys. I don't think any of the centers mentioned are going to match up with those and if you do get a very good center, you will end up finding that your mains suddenly became the weak point. They are also a bit too toed in to give you any kind of imaging at the listening position, presuming you are seated approximately where the picture was taken from.

I've heard what you're talking about (loud, kinda "shreiky") and I can assure you my system doesn't sound like that at all. I was expecting that when I first bought the mains and they've never sounded that way to me, but who knows I could be deaf by now...

The toe in on the mains was to avoid reflections off the wall, due to the fact that the wall length was shorter than I would have liked.

Now no offence everybody, I realize this is the internet and we all have the right to say what we all want, but in this thread I'm asking for help matching a centre to my mains. If you want to bash my system, fair enough, but I've got another thread where I introduce myself and talk about the current system, and flame away in there.

:rolleyes:

[j_garcia]

Not bashing, just trying to help get the most out of the system and I think you will find a lot of the members here are on a similar page. Think of it as constructive criticism :) I know why you have them toed like that, and first reflections in a room like that is definitely a problem (My room is long and narrow also and first reflections are very obvious).

[poutanen]

Not bashing, just trying to help get the most out of the system and I think you will find a lot of the members here are on a similar page. Think of it as constructive criticism :) I know why you have them toed like that, and first reflections in a room like that is definitely a problem (My room is long and narrow also and first reflections are very obvious).

Constructive criticism I can live with... :D

Unfortunately I was renting that house, so I couldn't do too much to make it the way I really wanted it... I'm looking to buy a house at the moment (been living with everything in storage the last 3 weeks) and I'll be looking for a room with a wider wall for the system. That room was about 12' wide, and much longer, I think I'd need 16-18' at least to be able to keep the speakers away from the walls and avoid those bad first reflections.

I've chosen to go with pro-audio stuff at this point, and I think we can all agree that $10,000 speakers setup bad are going to sound worse than $1,000 speakers setup well. So that's what I'd like to do, setup my system well...

Here are the problems I've got, or think I've got, with the old setup:

- comb filtering by having the centres the way they were *ahem*
- reflections off the side walls
- the surrounds were too far back, about 8' back from the main listening position
- centre speaker too low, should have been just below screen
- walls were white, 'nuff said
- very little room treatments to better the acoustics, I'll at least have an area rug, if not wall to wall carpet in the new room, and I was debating about using something other than drywall for the walls (something that's more 'dead'!?!)

I'm trying to find a place with in unfinished basement so I can get in there and do it all myself, but then most of them have only 8' ceilings which I also didn't think was ideal...

So going back to my OP, I'm still thinking the JTR Triple 8 may be a better match than any of the boutique centre speakers. :D

[zumbo]

You will not find any long-time member here tell you any speaker other than one identical to your current speakers to be a match.This fact is why I recommended three new speakers with your budget, instead of one.

I wasn't assuming any listening preference. I watch concert dvd's 70%, listen to music 20%, and watch movies 10%. I find that concert dvd's get the most out of my system. Great SQ, and a viewing experience to match.;)

So, just to try to recommend one more time. It is my opinion, and I am certain that 99.9% of other long-time members here agree, to replace all three front speakers to get a match with good SQ.

I do not recommend you waste your money on any center, other than one identical to your mains, if you plan to keep them in your system. I just flat-out wouldn't, with any listening preference.

[zumbo]

In the beginning of this thread, I was assuming that you wanted to get a top-notch center, with future plans of replacing the mains. I am certain that any center recommend in this thread would be an improvement over what you have, because your current set-up doesn't match anyway. If this ends-up being an option, just be certain you like the mains that are available to match the center you choose.

[poutanen]

In the beginning of this thread, I was assuming that you wanted to get a top-notch center, with future plans of replacing the mains. I am certain that any center recommend in this thread would be an improvement over what you have, because your current set-up doesn't match anyway. If this ends-up being an option, just be certain you like the mains that are available to match the center you choose.

Makes sense, I didn't (don't) have any plans to change the mains at this time. But I understand what you're saying, I should buy a centre based on them having a matching pair of mains that I 'would' see myself buying, so that I'm not replacing all 3 again should I have a moment of weakness one day. :D

One more question, is there any school of thought that would say that I'd be better off running a ghost centre channel? Rather than trying to match something up in this situation?

Thanks again,

Aaron

[bandphan]

once you get the jtr for the center, you will want to get the L & R also;) Then if anyone other than you questions your setup, its subjective.

[zumbo]

once you get the jtr for the center, you will want to get the L & R also;) Then if anyone other than you questions your setup, its subjective.

This is my point excatly. Once you get a high quality center, you will decide to match the mains to it. So, be 100% sure you like the center you choose.

[zumbo]

Since you love your mains, and plan to keep them in the system, how about one of these for a match?

http://www.guitarcenter.com/Yamaha-CM10V-10--2-Way-Club-Concert-Series-Monitor-601218-i1152953.gc

http://www.guitarcenter.com/Yamaha-CM12V-12--2-Way-Club-Concert-Series-Monitor-601219-i1152954.gc

http://www.guitarcenter.com/Yamaha-CM15V-15--2-Way-Club-Concert-Series-Monitor-601220-i1152955.gc

http://www.fullcompass.com/product/233482.html

http://www.fullcompass.com/product/233481.html

[poutanen]

Since you love your mains, and plan to keep them in the system, how about one of these for a match?

Well that's just it now... I came on here wondering what centre to match to my mains, and now I'm starting to wonder if I should replace everything. :mad:

CRAP! lol

I think I'm going to see what house I'm going to buy, see what size room I've got to work with, and go from there... :o

[DD66000]

Unfortunately I was renting that house, so I couldn't do too much to make it the way I really wanted it... I'm looking to buy a house at the moment (been living with everything in storage the last 3 weeks) and I'll be looking for a room with a wider wall for the system. That room was about 12' wide, and much longer, I think I'd need 16-18' at least to be able to keep the speakers away from the walls and avoid those bad first reflections.
The wider the room the better the soundstage. My LR/HT is 17.5ft wide with the mains set 58"(which is the correct distance for the room width) in from the side walls, that leaves 8ft c/c.
As for matching a center to your current mains, how good are you at carpentry? If it was me, I would take another of those mains and cut it down, removing the bass drivers and just using the HF, midrange and mid-bass, if they have one. Or you could build a center box, either vertical or horizontal (with the HF and midrange stacked vertically), depending which would fit best. It works I've done it.

[Midcow2]

Well that's just it now... I came on here wondering what centre to match to my mains, and now I'm starting to wonder if I should replace everything. :mad:

CRAP! lol

I think I'm going to see what house I'm going to buy, see what size room I've got to work with, and go from there... :o


Get this center and then pick some matching fronts. This center will blow you away ;)

Definitive Technology CLR3000 ( 55 lbs)
http://www.definitivetech.com/loudspeakers/clr/clr.html

C/L/R 3000 Specifications:
Dimensions: 25" W x 8-5/16" H x 16" D.
Response: 19 – 30 kHz.
Nominal Imp.: 4 – 8 ohms.
Rec. amp: 20 – 400 watts.
Built-in sub amp: 150 watts RMS.
Efficiency: 91 dB
Drivers:
– One cast basket 10" sub with one 150-Watt RMS amplifier
– Two cast basket 6-1/2" upper-bass/midrange drivers
– One 1" pure aluminum dome tweeter
Auto On/Off: Signal sensing.
Finish: Piano-Gloss Black. Tri-wireable.
Retail: $1099 ea.

[poutanen]

The wider the room the better the soundstage. My LR/HT is 17.5ft wide with the mains set 58"(which is the correct distance for the room width) in from the side walls, that leaves 8ft c/c.

That's what I thought... which leads me to think I'm best off finding a house with an unfinished basement, so that I can build a dedicated HT room, complete with proper sound deadening material in the walls, pre-wire all the speakers, projector, as well as a couple dedicated 20A circuits for my power amps...



As for matching a center to your current mains, how good are you at carpentry? If it was me, I would take another of those mains and cut it down, removing the bass drivers and just using the HF, midrange and mid-bass, if they have one. Or you could build a center box, either vertical or horizontal (with the HF and midrange stacked vertically), depending which would fit best. It works I've done it.

I hadn't thought of that... I've built over 10 speaker boxes in the past, and had good luck when I designed it properly (matching the theile-small parameters to the box dimenesions). Trouble is, my mains have a 15" mid-bass woofer, and a horn tweeter crossed over at 2k hz. The 15 would be hard to build into a decent looking centre methinks! :D However, if I could find maybe a 10" from Yamaha with similar TS parameters to the 15", and re-use the crossover from the 15, I might be able to make something workable. It would certainly be cheaper than purchasing a similar main.

If I built a centre with the typical W-T-W layout, using 10" woofers, I wonder about comb filtering? Maybe it'd just be better to build one with a single 10"...

I'm going to look at a used Klipsche RC-64 tomorrow night, the guy wants $500 CDN so I'm tempted, just not sure how well it'll match what I've got.

Thanks for the input!

[DD66000]

That's what I thought... which leads me to think I'm best off finding a house with an unfinished basement, so that I can build a dedicated HT room, complete with proper sound deadening material in the walls, pre-wire all the speakers, projector, as well as a couple dedicated 20A circuits for my power amps...

If I built a centre with the typical W-T-W layout, using 10" woofers, I wonder about comb filtering? Maybe it'd just be better to build one with a single 10"...

Thanks for the input!

That's why I mentioned if building a horizontal center to have the tweeter, midrange aligned vertically, with the mid-bass to the side, if you don't have enough room to build it in total vertical alignment.

About the mid-bass driver size, I built a horizontal center using two of the same 8" drivers, as there was no smaller driver that matched.
The 8" drivers were to the sides, with the tweeter, midrange stacked vertically.
The two 8" were way too much bass. I disconnected one of the 8" and all was right. So as I was only using one 8", I built a vertical aligned array, same as the mains (24" tall)

These center alignments will always be better
http://i260.photobucket.com/albums/ii4/hifiguy268/PC600CH-Z.jpghttp://i260.photobucket.com/albums/ii4/hifiguy268/LC2BE.jpg

Than one like this
http://i260.photobucket.com/albums/ii4/hifiguy268/31C8C9RJZHL_SL160_AA160_.jpg

[Soundman]

Hey, I read through most of this thread and it sounds like you are still wanting to keep those mains in your system. I'm not trying to sound crytical b/c I know you've gotten some criticism already, but those mains were not designed for home/living room use. They look like something a local DJ would be using. If your intended purpose is for home use, then you should integrate products that were designed for that. You'll be alot happier in the end. Just trying to help. :)

[DD66000]

Hey, I read through most of this thread and it sounds like you are still wanting to keep those mains in your system. I'm not trying to sound crytical b/c I know you've gotten some criticism already, but those mains were not designed for home/living room use. They look like something a local DJ would be using. If your intended purpose is for home use, then you should integrate products that were designed for that. You'll be alot happier in the end. Just trying to help. :)

Many people use pro speakers in their homes, if you doubt that take a look over at www.audioheritage.org. Most of the posters over there use JBL or Altec Lansing pro speakers.

[Soundman]

Many people use pro speakers in their homes, if you doubt that take a look over at www.audioheritage.org. Most of the posters over there use JBL or Altec Lansing pro speakers.

Are you suggesting that that pair of Yamaha's he's using in that room is an ideal choice, given the many options for HT applications? I wasn't trying to argue over this point. Just offering a little advice, that's all. Much of the pro audio gear is not designed for a living room type of environment. There are just more cost effective ways of producing good sound quality these days.

[poutanen]

That's why I mentioned if building a horizontal center to have the tweeter, midrange aligned vertically, with the mid-bass to the side, if you don't have enough room to build it in total vertical alignment.

About the mid-bass driver size, I built a horizontal center using two of the same 8" drivers, as there was no smaller driver that matched.
The 8" drivers were to the sides, with the tweeter, midrange stacked

Yeah, the mains only use a woofer and a tweeter (2-way) so I'm not sure if I'd want to introduce a 3-way centre channel. If I'm going to construct one, I want to use the same drivers, crossover, etc and maybe just make the box a more suitable layout for a centre channel.

I'm still thinking the RC-64 will work fine for now, it's horn loaded, and a high sensativity, so at least that part of it will match the mains.

[poutanen]

Hey, I read through most of this thread and it sounds like you are still wanting to keep those mains in your system. I'm not trying to sound crytical b/c I know you've gotten some criticism already, but those mains were not designed for home/living room use. They look like something a local DJ would be using. If your intended purpose is for home use, then you should integrate products that were designed for that. You'll be alot happier in the end. Just trying to help. :)

Don't get me wrong, I appreciate the input, but I've used both, heard both (ranging from HTIB to fancy boutique speakers) and I've decided to use pro-audio for my amps and speakers.

The response from my mains is pretty flat, not quite as flat as a boutique speaker but I'd say better than the average HTIB.

A lot of people seem to have pre-conceived notions of how these mains sound. Have any of you HEARD a Yamaha S115V properly powered? I use it for everything, watching TV, music, movies... you'd probably **** if you heard them.

Pro audio is designed to be:
-rugged
-large dynamic range
-relatively flat response

HT is designed to be:
-pretty (nothing wrong with that)
-decent dynamic range (but less than pro)
-more flat response than pro

Obviously these are generalizations, but the main difference to me is the need for extreme SPLs with pro, and the desire for extremely flat response with HT/boutique.

I can understand that flat is best, one of my favorite speakers is the Yamaha S55 studio monitor, because of it's flat response. However the peaks in my mains response are small enough to be for the most part corrected by the parametric-eq in my receiver.

Maybe I'm being stubborn, but I'm pretty happy with this stuff. Also it's more affordable than maybe people think.

My Yamaha S115V mains (used) cost me $600/pair
Yamaha S118 subs (used) cost me $500/pair
Yamaha S55 surrounds (used) cost me $200/pair

So for $1300 + $200 for each A500 amp, +$800 for the Yamaha P7000s that I'll be getting, that's $2300 for a dynamic range that'll kill almost anything. My peak SPL before was 116 dB, I should be over that with the new sub amp. Listening at 80-100 dB, my system is barely running, and there is no harshness from speakers straining to produce the full spectrum...

/end rant :D

[DD66000]

Are you suggesting that that pair of Yamaha's he's using in that room is an ideal choice, given the many options for HT applications? I wasn't trying to argue over this point. Just offering a little advice, that's all. Much of the pro audio gear is not designed for a living room type of environment. There are just more cost effective ways of producing good sound quality these days.

Did I use the word "ideal"? Its different strokes for different folks.
If he likes the sound of his Yamahas and he builds a matching center, he's good to go. On the other hand, if he decides to not build a center, then, yes, he's better off buying a complete new, matching set of speakers.

But never use the word "ideal" when talking about speakers. What you may call ideal, I might call junk, or vice versa. Plus, there is no ideal speaker.

None of the pro audio speakers are designed for home use, but they still can, are used for HT and music and most for less money. Pro amps, for instants, sell for a lot less money than most consumer amps.

[Soundman]

Don't get me wrong, I appreciate the input, but I've used both, heard both (ranging from HTIB to fancy boutique speakers) and I've decided to use pro-audio for my amps and speakers.

The response from my mains is pretty flat, not quite as flat as a boutique speaker but I'd say better than the average HTIB.

A lot of people seem to have pre-conceived notions of how these mains sound. Have any of you HEARD a Yamaha S115V properly powered? I use it for everything, watching TV, music, movies... you'd probably **** if you heard them.

Pro audio is designed to be:
-rugged
-large dynamic range
-relatively flat response

HT is designed to be:
-pretty (nothing wrong with that)
-decent dynamic range (but less than pro)
-more flat response than pro

Obviously these are generalizations, but the main difference to me is the need for extreme SPLs with pro, and the desire for extremely flat response with HT/boutique.

I can understand that flat is best, one of my favorite speakers is the Yamaha S55 studio monitor, because of it's flat response. However the peaks in my mains response are small enough to be for the most part corrected by the parametric-eq in my receiver.

Maybe I'm being stubborn, but I'm pretty happy with this stuff. Also it's more affordable than maybe people think.

My Yamaha S115V mains (used) cost me $600/pair
Yamaha S118 subs (used) cost me $500/pair
Yamaha S55 surrounds (used) cost me $200/pair

So for $1300 + $200 for each A500 amp, +$800 for the Yamaha P7000s that I'll be getting, that's $2300 for a dynamic range that'll kill almost anything. My peak SPL before was 116 dB, I should be over that with the new sub amp. Listening at 80-100 dB, my system is barely running, and there is no harshness from speakers straining to produce the full spectrum...

/end rant :D

I see your point. If you're happy with it, that's what really matters. You're the one who has to live with it, not us. I'll be honest, I haven't actually heard that model, so I really shouldn't judge should I. I have heard many Yamaha products though and haven't really been impressed. But again, every product is different, so can't really go by that.
As far as SPL's go, many HT speakers these days can obtain very high SPL's. And looking at the pic of your room, it didn't look like it would take alot to fill that room. So, what kind of SPL's are you trying to produce? Are you trying to damage your ears on purpose? :D

I just wondered if you were sacrificing higher fidelity for a few more SPL's. On that note, have you heard any HT subs lately???? OH MY.......I was pretty blown away when i first heard my Ultra! :eek: Oh well, different people like different things. Whatever makes you happy is what matters. :)

[Soundman]

Did I use the word "ideal"? Its different strokes for different folks.
If he likes the sound of his Yamahas and he builds a matching center, he's good to go. On the other hand, if he decides to not build a center, then, yes, he's better off buying a complete new, matching set of speakers.

But never use the word "ideal" when talking about speakers. What you may call ideal, I might call junk, or vice versa. Plus, there is no ideal speaker.

None of the pro audio speakers are designed for home use, but they still can, are used for HT and music and most for less money. Pro amps, for instants, sell for a lot less money than most consumer amps.

Point taken. I guess what you're describing is a matter of taste. Most people would maybe put something like that in their garage but not in their living room, and most people would pay a little more to have something a little more aesthetically pleasing.........mainly because most of us have wives that would never let us put something that ugly in our living rooms. That's grounds for divorce you know. :D
Seriously, like I said to him, he's the one who has to live with it, so if he's happy with it, i suppose that's what matters.

[poutanen]

I see your point. If you're happy with it, that's what really matters. You're the one who has to live with it, not us. I'll be honest, I haven't actually heard that model, so I really shouldn't judge should I. I have heard many Yamaha products though and haven't really been impressed. But again, every product is different, so can't really go by that.
As far as SPL's go, many HT speakers these days can obtain very high SPL's. And looking at the pic of your room, it didn't look like it would take alot to fill that room. So, what kind of SPL's are you trying to produce? Are you trying to damage your ears on purpose? :D

I just wondered if you were sacrificing higher fidelity for a few more SPL's. On that note, have you heard any HT subs lately???? OH MY.......I was pretty blown away when i first heard my Ultra! :eek: Oh well, different people like different things. Whatever makes you happy is what matters. :)

Thanks dude, actually I have moved out of that house, and am buying a place. I was only renting that house for a year, and I already had my pro-audio stuff from my old house (much bigger HT in the basement)... I want the new place to have as large a HT room as possible.

Also, I have no wife, so I bought the ugly stuff now so any girl that I bring home will already know that she has to live with the monsters in the living room! LOL :D

I just looked at a house tonight with a big unfinished basement, and I'm getting good thoughts when I think about that room...

The other thing I like to do is crank the stereo and run around and be a jackass, so I will say there's a little bit of a horsepower/SPL bragging thing, maybe just a WEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE bit of that crept into my mind when buying pro stuff. Just maybe. ;)