Any "screen/no-screen" difference measurements?
"Acoustically transparent" is a claim that should be tested.
admin should be listened to
When looking for a home theater screen, the general audioholic makes sure their precious sound quality is not diminished. Of course, there is a trade-off to be made if you are also a videoholic! Or is there? Incredible sound AND video can be had with the Center Stage Fixed Frame Acoustically Transparent (AT) Screen from Seymour AV. Gone are the days of ugly micro perf vinyl with its comb filtered sound, Swiss cheese look and image moire. Seymour AV has broken the mold and introduced an affordable product that defies common logic and allows one or many speakers behind the beautiful display without affecting audio perception.
Discuss "Seymour AV Fixed Frame AT Screen with AT Masking Panels" here. Read the article.
Last edited by gene; 11-08-2012 at 02:28 PM.
DS-21 is off the scale
Any "screen/no-screen" difference measurements?
"Acoustically transparent" is a claim that should be tested.
I don't think the phrase "acoustically transparent" is meant to be taken literally. It just indicates that loudspeakers can be be placed behind the screen with little appreciable impact on the loudspeakers' FR. I doubt that there is any fabric on this planet that can make that claim in the literal sense - for screens or speaker grills.Using the trusty old Radio Shack SPL meter and an audio test disk revealed that there wasn’t more than about 3db of change to any frequency I tested for the speakers alone, with the screen, or even with the screen, secondary black backing layer AND masking panels.* Of course, the accuracy of my meter has an error of margin and is not as accurate as I wanted, but my ears heard no objections during music listening and movie watching as noted below.
I bought the Seymour XD fabric and Fidelio black velvet for a 104" screen and built my own frame. Even with shipping to Canada, the whole thing cost me $500. Granted, I bought rough wood, planed, routed and cut it to size myself. But, if you have the equipment and some basic skills, it's a great way to save money. When I was planning my setup, I asked my A/V dealer about AT screens and he said that to order a ready-made screen from him would cost about $2500!
I am very pleased with my screen and wouldn't hesitate to recommend Seymour.
Living Room System:
Amp: NAD C372
AM/FM Tuner: NAD C425
CD: 2 x Sony CDP-CX355
Mains: Paradigm Studio 20V5
Subwoofers: 2 x Dayton RSS265HF In-ceiling w/EP2000
EQ/Crossover: DCX2496
Angstrom AV-6.5W
Rec Room HT:
Projector: Panasonic PTAE4000
Screen: 104" DIY Seymour XD
Receiver: Yamaha RX-V1800
BDP: Panasonic DMP-BD85
Front - Paradigm Monitor 9 V5
Centre - Paradigm Monitor CC-290
Surround - Energy RCR
Surround Back - HiFi by Sonance
Subwoofers - Velodyne DPS-12/RA RSW 1215
I think this is one of those rare situations where I would go with DiY as well if you are a bit handy. I would consider this very much for my basement setup if I end up going with a permanently fixed frame screen location. It may take a while to build properly, but the end result should last for years.
They have received high praise it seems from about every single person who has used one, and I like that they specifically mention that Carada masking systems can be used with their screens. It means that they aren't looking to be better, but to be different and excel in their own area where they are different and they recognize quality in another manufacturer.
Speaks volumes when companies work together to build each other up like that and something I truly appreciate seeing.
AV Integrated - Theater, whole house audio, and technology consultation during the build and installation process in the Washington DC, Northern VA, and MD area.
GO-NAD! (11-10-2012)