New theater- need advice on speaker system

[GranteedEV]

Potentially build the speakers that you linked to (the Stentorians) for my front left and right mains.

Yes. As far as value goes, while fulfilling the requirements of your room/distance, that is what I would be looking at.

Build another (probably similar to the Stentorians) as a center (vertical- not horizontal) and put it behind an acoustically transparent projector screen.

If possible, a third Stentorian.

I could build a subwoofer (if I can find a good design) and put it either in the left or right front corner?

Please build multiple subwoofers (2 to 4), and decide on placement after they are built based on how they measure. There's some sweet DIY drivers out there. I really like the CSS Trio 12 in vented and horn loaded applications.

Build or buy 4 of the same speakers for the back and rear surround speakers that would mount approx 1 foot above the first row of seating on either side and on the back wall about 1 foot above the rear seating (which will be raised 1 foot)………….

I would add one more criteria if you're interested... use a coaxial speaker for a surround, as regular speakers suffer from vertical lobing when not on-axis. KEF's Q100s and Q300s come to mind, as do the Seas Loki kits, and for higher end surrounds, the Soundfield Audio M1s and KEF R, Pioneer EX, and KEF Reference.

It may also be an option for me to just buy some cheap speakers to start with while I try to build an entire set myself (replacing them pair by pair).

That doesn't sound very efficient from a cost perspective, in my opinion.

1) Did you recommend the Stentorians as stand alone front speakers because you thought I should start out with those by themselves and upgrade later to more speakers?

Yes. Between their extremely high value and ability to handle high output, I feel they would be fitting for your application (home theater).

2) For a 7.1 system, is it recommended to use the same speakers for rear and rear surround?

Opinions vary. My opinion on surrounds can be found on post #5 of this thread:

Matching surrounds

By the way, I'd like to show an image/ layout of my basement for reference but I can't figure out how to attach.

Try imageshack.us

Stentorians looks like interesting design - it will surely be loud with enough amps, since we on the topic of really making big volume for ht in big on very low budget - I can't skip to suggest AK collaborative Econowave DIY Design:

As far as econowaves go, I'd go for a build utilizing the SEOS-12:

SEOS12 with Eminence 12 Pro Woofers



Of course, i'd imagine the tweeters for that speaker alone cost around as much as a pair of stentorians.

The only caveat with respect to speakers like this, is that you can't aim them forward. You want to aim them 45 degrees inwards so that they cross in front of the listening position.

[Mathu12]

Quote:
The only caveat with respect to speakers like this, is that you can't aim them forward. You want to aim them 45 degrees inwards so that they cross in front of the listening position.

Did you mean the Stentorians or the SEOS12 with that comment?

Thanks.

[GranteedEV]

Quote:
The only caveat with respect to speakers like this, is that you can't aim them forward. You want to aim them 45 degrees inwards so that they cross in front of the listening position.

Did you mean the Stentorians or the SEOS12 with that comment?

Thanks.

I meant econowave builds in general, including that SEOS-12/de250/Deltalite that I linked. It's designed to be crossfired. The pros are worth it, so I wouldn't call it a disadvantage, but for some people it may not be practica just because they let aesthetics dominate their decisions. Here is an example:

[BoredSysAdmin]

OP, I took a 2nd look at the Stentorians project... compared to some Zaph DIY and honestly I couldn't find anything this money effective

I say go with them and if you want big sound on tight project....

I still can't believe that woofer is only $9 !!

more info on the project here:
Speaker Design Works

[AcuDefTechGuy]

...7.1 speakers...around $600-700.

Well, a good 7.1 speaker system for $700 is tough.

Infinity P152 @ $64 each x 7 (if they have enough) =$448.

Infinity Primus P152 Single bookshelf speaker at Crutchfield Outlet

Velodyne VX-11 for $159 each x 2 = $318.

Amazon.com: Velodyne VX-11: Electronics

Total = $766.

Okay, so I'm $66 over budget.

[Mathu12]

[Infinity P152 @ $64 each x 7 (if they have enough) =$448.


I looked at these and they get very good reviews. Would 4 of these work well for rears and rear surrounds?

Thanks.

[Mathu12]

Ok. I think I may have a plan. Like to get some feedback if possible.

First, I think I may build 3 of the Stentorians (2 mains and a center). Thinking 2 WWWTWWW's for the mains (from GranteedEV's advice) and a center (to stand vertically behind the projector screen). Should the center speaker be a different layout than the mains?

Next, I'll either build a couple subs (haven't found a really good DIY yet) or maybe get a couple of the Velodynes recommended by AcuDefTechGuy. Question I have here is (sorry for the ignorance), how do I hook up two subs to my receiver? Think I only have 1 sub input.

For the rears and surrounds, I'm thinking about 4 of the Infinity P152's also recommended by AcuDefTechGuy. I would still like to get feedback on these and whether they would be good for this application.

The last question I have is, would the receiver I bought (Denon AVR 1912) run this system or would I need an amp to help out?

Thanks.

[GranteedEV]

First, I think I may build 3 of the Stentorians (2 mains and a center). Thinking 2 WWWTWWW's for the mains (from GranteedEV's advice) and a center (to stand vertically behind the projector screen). Should the center speaker be a different layout than the mains?

There is no reason the center speaker should be a different layout if you can orient it correctly.

Next, I'll either build a couple subs (haven't found a really good DIY yet) or maybe get a couple of the Velodynes recommended by AcuDefTechGuy.

IMO those velodynes would be absolutely wimpy in your room. ADTG chose them because they're cheap and "fit" your unrealistic budget.

I would recommend two of these drivers:
Dayton Audio RSS390HF-4 15" Reference HF Subwoofer 4 Ohm 295-468

Each in a 300L Sonosub, 8" x 42" sonotube vent

One of these amps, in stereo to drive them:
Crown XLS 1000 DriveCore Series Power Amplifier Flexible for Any Pro Audio Amplification Need 245-500

Question I have here is (sorry for the ignorance), how do I hook up two subs to my receiver? Think I only have 1 sub input.

Well, most AVRs have enough voltage to drive to subs at the same time. All you need is a Y-Splitter.

For the rears and surrounds, I'm thinking about 4 of the Infinity P152's also recommended by AcuDefTechGuy. I would still like to get feedback on these and whether they would be good for this application.

They'll do decently enough.

The last question I have is, would the receiver I bought (Denon AVR 1912) run this system or would I need an amp to help out?

The AVR1912 you chose does not have preamplifier outputs (and for that reason is not something we would have recommended), so adding an external amp is not even an option, unfortunately. On the bright side the Stentorians are decently sensitive, you should be able to drive them to around 97-98db peaks @ 14m, and 95-96db peaks @ 18m. It might clip here and there or get a bit warm on more dynamic sequences, but nothing too major as far as I can tell. You can always replace electronics in the future when budget calls for it, but until then just stick with it... you've really got no choice. Just don't overdo it with the volume knob.

[Mathu12]

Thanks again for the reply GranteedEV. Please note that I have not opened the box yet on the receiver so if there may be another receiver of recommendation that may be in the same price range, I'd be open to make a change.

Regards.

[GranteedEV]

Not sure how much you paid, but this:

DENON AVR-3311CI 7.2-Channel Network Home Theater Receiver | Accessories4less

is about what i'd be looking at if I were you.

If you don't mind losing some features, perhaps this:
http://www.accessories4less.com/make...specifications