First new system in house pre construction... help please

[WILLIAM R]

This is my first home being built and i got the audiophile bug as my builder asked me what i wanted installed so i chose the 7.1 prewire and after much research i turn it into my best thoughts as a rookie. I turned into a 6.2 prewire same price and i can run ctr channel down the intertube in wall if i need it. I went and invested money in used but excellent condition b+w matrix 803 series 2 they sounded amazing off an onkyo receiver when i bought them and now i just bought klipsch cdt 3800 x 2 for rear ceiling they pivot cone and tweeter both and klipsch cdt 3650 x 2 for the atmos above speaker they pivot too and i got the denon avr 7200w no subs or amps yet... suggestions? Or how did i do so far?

 

[Mitchibo]

This is my first home being built and i got the audiophile bug as my builder asked me what i wanted installed so i chose the 7.1 prewire and after much research i turn it into my best thoughts as a rookie. I turned into a 6.2 prewire same price and i can run ctr channel down the intertube in wall if i need it. I went and invested money in used but excellent condition b+w matrix 803 series 2 they sounded amazing off an onkyo receiver when i bought them and now i just bought klipsch cdt 3800 x 2 for rear ceiling they pivot cone and tweeter both and klipsch cdt 3650 x 2 for the atmos above speaker they pivot too and i got the denon avr 7200w no subs or amps yet... suggestions? Or how did i do so far?

Don’t wimp on the subs. Get good stuff and get a minimum of two. Not because you want it louder but you do want it easier to calibrate and achieve smooth response down low.

 

[2channel lover]

This is my first home being built and i got the audiophile bug as my builder asked me what i wanted installed so i chose the 7.1 prewire and after much research i turn it into my best thoughts as a rookie. I turned into a 6.2 prewire same price and i can run ctr channel down the intertube in wall if i need it. I went and invested money in used but excellent condition b+w matrix 803 series 2 they sounded amazing off an onkyo receiver when i bought them and now i just bought klipsch cdt 3800 x 2 for rear ceiling they pivot cone and tweeter both and klipsch cdt 3650 x 2 for the atmos above speaker they pivot too and i got the denon avr 7200w no subs or amps yet... suggestions? Or how did i do so far?

The 803m...not sure what gen you have. I have the last matrix series (804) before the Nautilus came out, the 803 imo still needed some tweaking in the low/mid crossover region. That was cleaned up in the 803N, but it was a kick butt, drive'em hard type speaker. You should really enjoy those...I will say, if you decide to add a CC, you will need to find a used one, or pay dearly.

 

[mtrycrafts]

Welcome to AH.

What stage is the construction? Hope you are not being pressed for time.
How large is this room? TV or projector?
You should pre-wire for that center unless the system components are there.
Pre-wire for subs. They will need 120V and an interconnect cable there.
Dolby Atmos? Now is the time to pre-wire even if you don't place speakers up there yet, wires are in.
Better than a remodel later.
If the speaker locations from the equipment is not far, 30 ft or so, 14 ga no name stranded is fine.
Cable TV? Ethernet cable for Internet? HDMI cable placement?
Central home Wi-Fi?

 

[WILLIAM R]

Welcome to AH.

What stage is the construction? Hope you are not being pressed for time.
How large is this room? TV or projector?
You should pre-wire for that center unless the system components are there.
Pre-wire for subs. They will need 120V and an interconnect cable there.
Dolby Atmos? Now is the time to pre-wire even if you don't place speakers up there yet, wires are in.
Better than a remodel later.
If the speaker locations from the equipment is not far, 30 ft or so, 14 ga no name stranded is fine.
Cable TV? Ethernet cable for Internet? HDMI cable placement?
Central home Wi-Fi?

I am still 6 months out to completion just building the system now so when it is built im ready to go. The room is 18’ x 20’ but has an additional 10’ open behind it in kitchen area so darn it if i guess i have to include it would be 28x20 but the couch will be within the 18x20 if that makes sense? Tv 65” not 4k currently; i just realized cc is center channel damn it ... lol sorry different comment. I will wire for ctr channel but what should i put there as a ctr channel? I got b+w fronts probably cant afford ctr channel to match? Prewired for two subs already with coax im doing atmos i think 5.2.2 i believe 3 fronts 2 subs 2 ceiling rears and 2 ceiling in front several feet of rears and split wider if correct? Its 16 gauge prewire from builder package and i can upgrade if i really need to? Central home wifi with voip upstairs and all wires running to under staircase. Will have cable with ethernet cat 6 running all to below tv floor and to tv thru the interconnect cable. Did i miss anything let me know? Thank you greatly for your help

 

[Mitchibo]

What do you think 2 svs 1000 or is there something cheaper and will be effective? Pold had some powerful looking subs for really cheap, probably foolish question but im a rookie truly. The svs 1000 is like 499 the 2000 is 699 if im getting 2 then my budget is the $1000 range give or take a few dollars.

I don’t own SVS, but from what I’ve read they are a great choice. I’d go this route over Polk for sure. I’ve come to realize the subs are the second most important speaker you’ll buy. You’ll use these for all HT content and, probably, most 2.0 channel listening.

Sounds like you are doing your home work. You have a good room size that will be fine for your plans here.

 

[WILLIAM R]

I don’t own SVS, but from what I’ve read they are a great choice. I’d go this route over Polk for sure. I’ve come to realize the subs are the second most important speaker you’ll buy. You’ll use these for all HT content and, probably, most 2.0 channel listening.

Sounds like you are doing your home work. You have a good room size that will be fine for your plans here.

Thank you very much for the conpliment of doing my homework. Also can you suggest a few subs specifically for my size room and budget please. Kinda lost here on subs, i know svs is supposed to be like the best but what is comparable if a little less money or comparable. I can get some reference 12” klipsh subs for a major deal half off the $800 retail for just over 400 but dont know which subs are good in any type of order really can you suggest please?

 

[Mitchibo]

Thank you very much for the conpliment of doing my homework. Also can you suggest a few subs specifically for my size room and budget please. Kinda lost here on subs, i know svs is supposed to be like the best but what is comparable if a little less money or comparable. I can get some reference 12” klipsh subs for a major deal half off the $800 retail for just over 400 but dont know which subs are good in any type of order really can you suggest please?

I have 4 Klipsch R112 subs. They are 12 inch, ported subs. They are fine but you could get better quality w/o much more cost I think. I’ve never heard or read a single review that panned SVS subs. They have 45 day trial too. Subs are like main speakers...everyone has a preference. Google search top 10 subs. Others here will likely make recommendations too. If you’ve spent some $$ on the Denon 7200 do yourself a big favor and get some quality subs.

Personal note: I had 9.1 system with a single 10 inch klipsch sub. I had it stuffed beside my couch. The bass was incoherent. Then I upgraded to 2 R112’s and finally adding another 2. It changed my HT room radically, needless to say. Subs are not just some optional auxiliary addition, they will ( hopefully) be integrated with mains and the whole system. Essential. So yes...it’s worth a grand to get two decent subs.

 

[2channel lover]

They are second gen series 2 i believe hopefully thats better. What is a cc? Amp yes or no? If so i found 2 mono block psaudio 250 delta amps for couple hundred a piece they are oldish too but do you think i should get them at 250watt 8ohm 400watt 4ohm each? I just realized cc ctr channel duh my bad... rookies... lol which cc and where should i get this used cc do you recommend plz?

CC...the 1st gen Nautilus used the new midrange supposedly, but it was still a kevlar driver with a metal tweeter...point...I would look for Nautilus era CC...ones that are good matches for your speakers are not going to be cheap as you might guess.

This is one such match. Ebay, audiogon.com are typically good starting spots for used B&W spkrs.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/B-W-Nautilus-HTM3-Center-Channel-Speaker/122753238113?hash=item1c94a9c461:g:j-kAAOSwgTFZ4MnU

To get the most out of those 803Ma...especially the low end, a solid amp will go a long way...I'm not up on PSaudio monoblocks, but I'm of the opinion you can never have too much power...I may not be the best resource there...

 

[2channel lover]

What do you think 2 svs 1000 or is there something cheaper and will be effective? Pold had some powerful looking subs for really cheap, probably foolish question but im a rookie truly. The svs 1000 is like 499 the 2000 is 699 if im getting 2 then my budget is the $1000 range give or take a few dollars.

This is not the final position of everything, but close enough.

This space is 17' x 18' x 9' ceiling....not ideal with openings to other spaces, but the subs are HSU VTF3 mk5.

I wanted the larger VTF15H mk2, but the sales guy advised...two VTF3 mk5 will perform better than one VTF15H mk2...the bass is balanced out nicely...no localization issues with music, goobs of power, they are rarely taxed.

They look large and menacing, and they are beasts when they need to be, but quick and agile as the content dictates.

I would splurge a little and go for the PB2000...

 

[everettT]

I’ll reiterate what others have said, run cat 5/6 (two drops) in each room, plus every tv location, projector location, and don’t forget if you have a spa or pool should get them as well, and the garage and outdoors front n back. Anywhere you might want security cameras and to the front door.

Speaker wire outside, garage, bathrooms, kitchen, and any other room you might want background music.

 

[everettT]

So if you were to compare them side by side i guess for about same price at $500 the svs 1000 vs klipsh r112 im gonna buy 2 which should i get thats actually where im stuck honestly. That or for same price the svs 2000 vs klipsch r115 at $700 each but that is harder for me to swing. Again its svs vs comparable klipsch unless any cheaper comparable option can be sugested can anyone say which is better or are they equals?

I’d take svs dollar to dollar. Buy this coming week for sales. Get the absolute best subs you can.

 

[everettT]

I’d take svs dollar to dollar. Buy this coming week for sales. Get the absolute best subs you can.

Up the budget and get 2 HSU VTF3s at $759 each

 

[WILLIAM R]

CC...the 1st gen Nautilus used the new midrange supposedly, but it was still a kevlar driver with a metal tweeter...point...I would look for Nautilus era CC...ones that are good matches for your speakers are not going to be cheap as you might guess.

This is one such match. Ebay, audiogon.com are typically good starting spots for used B&W spkrs.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/B-W-Nautilus-HTM3-Center-Channel-Speaker/122753238113?hash=item1c94a9c461:g:j-kAAOSwgTFZ4MnU

To get the most out of those 803Ma...especially the low end, a solid amp will go a long way...I'm not up on PSaudio monoblocks, but I'm of the opinion you can never have too much power...I may not be the best resource there...

Thank you very much for your advice, do i have to match cc to b+w or can i get like a klipsch or something to pair with fronts my budget is stretched to capacity at this point... lol
My top budget for cc at this point looks like this $700 b+w https://m.ebay.com/itm/B-W-Nautilus-HTM-2-Center-Channel-Black/253154025804?_trkparms=aid=222007&algo=SIM.MBE&ao=2&asc=49490&meid=d8f7798a32ba44d4a7eabd1917eb5d96&pid=100890&rk=7&rkt=12&sd=122753238113&_trksid=p2056116.c100890.m2460

Suggestions anyone?

 

[Mitchibo]

Thank you very much for your advice, do i have to match cc to b+w or can i get like a klipsch or something to pair with fronts my budget is stretched to capacity at this point... lol
My top budget for cc at this point looks like this $700 b+w https://m.ebay.com/itm/B-W-Nautilus-HTM-2-Center-Channel-Black/253154025804?_trkparms=aid=222007&algo=SIM.MBE&ao=2&asc=49490&meid=d8f7798a32ba44d4a7eabd1917eb5d96&pid=100890&rk=7&rkt=12&sd=122753238113&_trksid=p2056116.c100890.m2460

Suggestions anyone?

If you gotta match Lt Rt Center, then this looks like a good option. A good CC is pretty important too and this way it will look nice and balance well.

 

[2channel lover]

Thank you very much for your advice, do i have to match cc to b+w or can i get like a klipsch or something to pair with fronts my budget is stretched to capacity at this point... lol
My top budget for cc at this point looks like this $700 b+w https://m.ebay.com/itm/B-W-Nautilus-HTM-2-Center-Channel-Black/253154025804?_trkparms=aid=222007&algo=SIM.MBE&ao=2&asc=49490&meid=d8f7798a32ba44d4a7eabd1917eb5d96&pid=100890&rk=7&rkt=12&sd=122753238113&_trksid=p2056116.c100890.m2460

Suggestions anyone?

The AV book (does one exist?) says you want timber matched speakers across the front.

I was in the same boat as you with my 804m...ready to do the surround thing after 15 yrs of strictly 2 channel. All of the used center channels from B&W that were good matches with my speakers were $1500-2000+ I was like geeze! That's almost what I paid for the speakers!....brand new! Nah, I bought a Paradigm cc190 that you saw in that pic and it's served as my CC.

Fast forward to now, I upgraded my B&Ws with a pair of Salks and got a matching CC to do HT "right".

 

[WILLIAM R]

Since we spoke last i jumped on a deal maybe too fast from best buy for the b+w asw 10cm s2 subwoofer lists for $1500 plus tax got it for less than half that scared i should have just waited and got the two svs 1000 can anyone weigh in on this sub please and if i should scour the country for another or i can pair it with something else respectable or sell it and start over?

 

[everettT]

Since we spoke last i jumped on a deal maybe too fast from best buy for the b+w asw 10cm s2 subwoofer lists for $1500 plus tax got it for less than half that scared i should have just waited and got the two svs 1000 can anyone weigh in on this sub please and if i should scour the country for another or i can pair it with something else respectable or sell it and start over?

I'd return that sub, at 1500 it is laughable and 750 it's meh. HSU vtf3 is on sale for the same price 759, it will destroy that B&W without breaking a sweat

 

[WILLIAM R]

I'd return that sub, at 1500 it is laughable and 750 it's meh. HSU vtf3 is on sale for the same price 759, it will destroy that B&W without breaking a sweat

Have you ever heard the bw sub? Paid $700 after tax i would love to here the hsu but where

 

[everettT]

Have you ever heard the bw sub? Paid $700 after tax i would love to here the hsu but where

I haven't heard that model B&W, but have heard most all of their subs for the last 15 years. Retail subs vs ID subs, ID subs almost always win out. B&W claim +/-3db of 25hz (not verified) which is pretty good for a 10" sub. The HSUs is 17 and will easily extend into the mid teens with authority. It's hard for a sealed 10" to compete with a 15" sub. The HSU has tuning options, the BW has a boost and that's all. As for hearing it, it's really not necessary since the operating range is typically up to 100hz. Just start a thread and see what other members think if you want multiple opinions.