another newbie needs advice on Speaker System..

[kimmot]

I have a new AVR 4806, 65inch Panasonic plasma, wall mounted and a large entertainment area of about 30ft x 40 ft. I have a pool table one end, classic jukebox at a corner mainly display rarely used, the Panasonic at the other end. I need help on the right speaker system, an amp?, cables, etc. Use is about 30% music/70% movie/tv. My budget is about $8k and perhaps a little bit more if need be. Thanks for your input.

 

[jaxvon]

Wow, you've got quite a start! Is the plan to have one system for the whole room, or run a separate audio zone by the pool table, or...?

The first thing for you to do, before we start name dropping, is to go to your local stores and start listening to find the speakers you like. There's no better ears than yours for determining that. There are a lot of great brands out there to consider, here's a FEW, in no particular order:

Axiom
Rocket
Definitive Technology
Phase Technology
RBH
Klipsch
Paradigm
PSB

Gene and Clint here would probably direct you towards RBH, as they are very favored here.

 

[Rock&Roll Ninja]

That is a ginormous space to fill! Any wall-mounted surround-sound speakers would simply be too far away to be very effectiive. I'm going to be radical and suggest all 7 channels be ceiling mounted and angled down towards the listeners.

Outlaw 990 pre-amp/processor $1100
Outlaw 7125 7 channel amp $1000
7 Klipsch RSX-5's $1400
Def Tech. Supercube Trinity Signature $3000
200' of 12G speaker cable $50
RS 'Gold' Interconnects $50

Which comes to about $6500, plenty of wiggle room, or you can splurge more on your main speakers (not that you'll really benefit without additonal walls to tighten-up your room), or have leftover or custom installation, media, gas for next month, whatever....

I'mn sure there will be 12 other opinions soon.

 

[Sheep]

Yeah, thats a HUGE room. The subwoofer budget alone to get enough ommph will be around 4 grand.

I don't know what to recommend in a room that size, other then a THXultra2 setup or JBL synthesis Try looking at the Klipsch THXUltra2 setup, it might do the job, and it includes all components designed to work together like the synthesis setups. As for cost, can't find one yet, but I'm looking, RLA should know, and he will probably chime in any moment....

klipsch setup
http://www.klipsch.com/product/product.aspx?cid=774

Edit: I found a price, its around 10000, some found it for 8000. It should work.
sheep

 

[jaxvon]

Did anyone fail to notice that he has a 4806? So he has the processing and some amplification covered. That said, with any speaker system in a room THAT size, he's going to need external amplification, at least for the primary system.

I can think of a system that would fit the bill, but it would be EXPENSIVE and mind you it's not the only option. I'm thinking of the RBH T2 system with matching T1 center and bi-polar surrounds. This would also need a supplemental subwoofer, or two.

 

[Sheep]

Did anyone fail to notice that he has a 4806? So he has the processing and some amplification covered. That said, with any speaker system in a room THAT size, he's going to need external amplification, at least for the primary system.

I can think of a system that would fit the bill, but it would be EXPENSIVE and mind you it's not the only option. I'm thinking of the RBH T2 system with matching T1 center and bi-polar surrounds. This would also need a supplemental subwoofer, or two.

I did. The subwoofers have their own amp, and if the speakers are crossed out at 80Hz(THX) the 4806 should be able to power the speakers well its THXultra2. And its all around the right price.

sheep

 

[kimmot]

another newbie needs advice on speaker system

I do appreciate all your input guys. I will go out there and listen to the different speaker systems that were mentioned. How about used high end speakers? Would that be an unwise decision. I know you would say it depends. There is a B&W listing on e bay for 6K initial without any bids yet and oftentimes I can make an offer for a buy it now for less or about the same price. This is how it
is listed:
2 - Nautilus 803 (Black)

2 - Nautilus SCM1 (Black)

2 - Nautilus SCM1 (Wood)

1 - Nautilus HTM2 Center Channel w/ stand (Black)

1 - ASW800 Sub (Black)

Last night, I had the crazy idea of bidding on that 10.3K for a pair of Revel Salon Ultima Series but what would I then do with them. I am sure they would be good fronts but what about the center, subwoofer, surrounds, etc.
Somehow, I have the idea of having the rear speakers mounted on the ceiling but how would I space them. I may have to hire a pro to do it for me.
However, the choice of equipments would still be mine and I will surely base my decisions on your input.
Klipsch was another consideration although I heard of other brands that are also very good such as axiom,etc..About amps/preamps, crossovers, etc. now that is beyond my comprehension. I will keep on studying home theater as well as the basics.
I haven't decided. I do need a real good speaker system that would last and has the wow effect.
I will keep on reading and looking forward for your suggestions. I will let you know how it ends up. I will post pictures once it is done. Thanks a lot to you all. Is the learning curve on all these AV, HT stuff a long one?

 

[Sheep]

I do appreciate all your input guys. I will go out there and listen to the different speaker systems that were mentioned. How about used high end speakers? Would that be an unwise decision. I know you would say it depends. There is a B&W listing on e bay for 6K initial without any bids yet and oftentimes I can make an offer for a buy it now for less or about the same price. This is how it
is listed:
2 - Nautilus 803 (Black)

2 - Nautilus SCM1 (Black)

2 - Nautilus SCM1 (Wood)

1 - Nautilus HTM2 Center Channel w/ stand (Black)

1 - ASW800 Sub (Black)

Last night, I had the crazy idea of bidding on that 10.3K for a pair of Revel Salon Ultima Series but what would I then do with them. I am sure they would be good fronts but what about the center, subwoofer, surrounds, etc.
Somehow, I have the idea of having the rear speakers mounted on the ceiling but how would I space them. I may have to hire a pro to do it for me.
However, the choice of equipments would still be mine and I will surely base my decisions on your input.
Klipsch was another consideration although I heard of other brands that are also very good such as axiom,etc..About amps/preamps, crossovers, etc. now that is beyond my comprehension. I will keep on studying home theater as well as the basics.
I haven't decided. I do need a real good speaker system that would last and has the wow effect.
I will keep on reading and looking forward for your suggestions. I will let you know how it ends up. I will post pictures once it is done. Thanks a lot to you all. Is the learning curve on all these AV, HT stuff a long one?

Kimmot,

I would PM(private message) RLA and see what he thinks, He is a pro Installer, and he would be able to recommend a setup that would fill your room, for the best price.

The road to learn about HT depends on how badly you want to know it. Im 18, and I come to this site everyday, its my Homepage. I have fooled a couple poeple in these forums regarding my age (right mule?). It all depends on your craving.

sheep

 

[jaxvon]

Kimmot,

I would PM(private message) RLA and see what he thinks, He is a pro Installer, and he would be able to recommend a setup that would fill your room, for the best price.

The road to learn about HT depends on how badly you want to know it. Im 18, and I come to this site everyday, its my Homepage. I have fooled a couple poeple in these forums regarding my age (right mule?). It all depends on your craving.

sheep

Mule's a little older than you Sheep....but I'm 18. Bah...avoiding homework again.

 

[eddiem67]

With such a big room, I would do towers all around, listen to a few lines of speakers. As for amps, I would definitely suggest an Earthquake Cinenova 300x5 @ 8ohms, 600X5 @ 4ohms, plenty of power. Or you can step up with the big dogs and go with Bryston. Shoot me an email if your interested.

 

[patnshan]

Gene and Clint here would probably direct you towards RBH, as they are very favored here.

Yeah, I'd love to listen to some RBH's as well but they haven't answered my e-mail I sent 10 days ago requesting a local dealer location
I can't find a website listing the dealers either.

Pat

 

[jcPanny]

Emotiva AMP

Check the Audioholics review of the Emotiva "Big Dog" Amp. It puts out 200 Watts x 7 @ 8 ohms and double @ 4 ohms. It was put to the test on an RBH T3 system in a huge room with brazilian style party music at insane levels. It is also a great value at $2k from www.av123.com. It would work well for your primary zone with the denon amp used for Zone 2 and 3.

Also, I believe that moderator RLA is a dealer of RBH speakers so he might be able to answer some or your questions or even install the system depending on your location.

 

[The Dukester]

Yeah, I'd love to listen to some RBH's as well but they haven't answered my e-mail I sent 10 days ago requesting a local dealer location
I can't find a website listing the dealers either.

Pat

I called the folks at RBH to get the dealer list near me. They were very helpful, trying to pick the dealers that seemed to know what they are talking about as well as keeping their sales of RBH up. The rep I spoke with spent at least 25 minutes talking with me answering all my questions. Now all I have to do is find time to go listen...closest guy with any inventory is about 1-1/2 hours away. Biscuits.

 

[patnshan]

I called the folks at RBH to get the dealer list near me. They were very helpful, trying to pick the dealers that seemed to know what they are talking about as well as keeping their sales of RBH up. The rep I spoke with spent at least 25 minutes talking with me answering all my questions. Now all I have to do is find time to go listen...closest guy with any inventory is about 1-1/2 hours away. Biscuits.

I guess they prefer the phone over e-mails. I tend to like e-mail. I'll give them a call.
That's far different from Dave Fabricant at Ascend, who answers e-mails thoroughly in a day or two.

Pat

 

[cgk]

email to RBH

My e-mail to RBH asking about dealers was answered in less than 24 hours. I did not have to call.

 

[RLA]

Hello All

I have to agree with Sheep on this one I would go Klipsch Reference or THX for these reasons

9600 CU^3 is a huge space and the Klipsch high sensitivity and dynamic capability will be able to handle the volume of the room even at high listening levels.

$8000 budget will not get you dynamically close to the Klipsch speaker if you go with another brand

The mention of 70% use for movies, Klipsch loudspeakers excel in there ability to reproduce information on movie soundtracks. They are my personnel favorite for dedicated theaters. Others will disagree

You will not need additional power to drive the Klipsch speakers and can use the money saved to invest in some room acoustics or?

If the room does not have allot of high reflective surfaces this would be my recommendation without looking at the room

Have fun
Please feel free to contact me
Ray