Help a noob in selecting speakers for home theater

[shadyJ]

The Outlaw sub kills the STF2. I have had both. The Outlaw sub is WELL worth the extra cost, it is a much more powerful sub.

 

[JackD121]

The Outlaw sub kills the STF2. I have had both. The Outlaw sub is WELL worth the extra cost, it is a much more powerful sub.

Got a quick question, please see the attached image, can you please tell me why one of the opening is closed ? Is it supposed to be that way or both of them should be open ?

 

[rojo]

It's selectable tuning. Having both ports unplugged gives a bump at 25 Hz, but the low end extension is diminished. See this comparison. You can try it both ways and see which configuration you prefer. Ultimately, it's your ears you should trust, rather than graphs.

 

[shadyJ]

You will want to read the manual for it, but rojo has given you the essentials. One port plugged = deeper bass. Two ports open = louder deep bass, but not quite as deep. Like Rojo said, try it both ways and see what you prefer. The tow ports open mode is really only advantageous is you listen at very loud sound levels. One thing to keep in mind, there is a switch in the amp plate that you will want to keep aligned with whichever mode you are running in. If the ports are both open, make sure the switch is set to "25 Hz", but if one port is plugged, make sure it is set to "20 Hz". One thing you do not want to do is have both ports open with the switch set to "20 Hz", that endangers the driver in loud deep bass sound. On the other hand, you can have it set to "25 Hz" with a port plugged, but all that will do is lessen deep bass output, however it is safe. If you are interested in a closer look at the performance difference between the two mode, there is a very good test comparison here.

 

[JackD121]

You will want to read the manual for it, but rojo has given you the essentials. One port plugged = deeper bass. Two ports open = louder deep bass, but not quite as deep. Like Rojo said, try it both ways and see what you prefer. The tow ports open mode is really only advantageous is you listen at very loud sound levels. One thing to keep in mind, there is a switch in the amp plate that you will want to keep aligned with whichever mode you are running in. If the ports are both open, make sure the switch is set to "25 Hz", but if one port is plugged, make sure it is set to "20 Hz". One thing you do not want to do is have both ports open with the switch set to "20 Hz", that endangers the driver in loud deep bass sound. On the other hand, you can have it set to "25 Hz" with a port plugged, but all that will do is lessen deep bass output, however it is safe. If you are interested in a closer look at the performance difference between the two mode, there is a very good test comparison here.

Thanks for all your help guys, finally i got all the speakers and hooked them up. Sounds pretty good, right now using it with my old yamaha 667 receiver, will buy the denon one as soon as its time to setup the family room speakers and then switch out the receivers.

I need help with something else, not sure if this is the right forum for it but i am sure some of you guys must have similar setup. All the components are going in a component closet, whats the best way to communicate with the components without keeping the door open ?

I am looking for some advice as to whats the best way to approach it ? One home theater expert in our area gave an estimate of $500. Which include $120 for base station, $240 for a universal remote and $125 as installation/programming charges.

This is the Remote and base station being suggested -
http://www.amazon.com/MX-780-Universal-Remote-Control/dp/B007FIPSXE/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1403649818&sr=8-1&keywords=MX-780+Universal+Remote

http://www.amazon.com/Universal-Remote-Control-MRF-260-Discontinued/dp/B000W0WHRC/ref=pd_bxgy_e_img_y

While the idea of using a universal remote is good, aren't there any good ones that are cheaper than that ? Also, how does it work, is it RF so that it can communicate between walls/doors ? I am assuming i need to attach the components to the base station and then i could use the universal remote.

It would be great if you can give me some pointers and also recommend some decent remotes .. don't want to spend a fortune on these..

As always, appreciate all your help and sorry if i should not be posting this question here ..

 

[shadyJ]

I don't know a whole lot about remotes, sorry, hopefully someone else can chime in here.

 

[rojo]

You could get a Logitech Harmony Ultimate for about 200 used on Amazon, or 214.50 for a refurb on eBay. It includes an RF receiver IR blaster module you can stick in your closet to relay commands. You can connect to it with a smartphone or tablet. And the remote itself is easy enough to set up that you won't have to pay someone else to program it for you. I've got a Harmony One and I love it! It's even easy enough for the wife to use. I just hit "Watch TV" on the touch screen, and the remote powers on my tv, my receiver, and my back lighting, and sets the tv and the receiver to the appropriate inputs automatically with that one touch.

Sent from my LG-VS980 using Tapatalk

 

[JackD121]

You could get a Logitech Harmony Ultimate for about 200 used on Amazon, or 214.50 for a refurb on eBay. It includes an RF receiver IR blaster module you can stick in your closet to relay commands. You can connect to it with a smartphone or tablet. And the remote itself is easy enough to set up that you won't have to pay someone else to program it for you. I've got a Harmony One and I love it! It's even easy enough for the wife to use. I just hit "Watch TV" on the touch screen, and the remote powers on my tv, my receiver, and my back lighting, and sets the tv and the receiver to the appropriate inputs automatically with that one touch.

Sent from my LG-VS980 using Tapatalk

Thanks . will look into it. If anyone else have any other suggestions, please let me know as well .. thanks once again

 

[JackD121]

Hey guys, what do you guys use for cooling the component cabinet?

There are no vents in the cabinet and i am wondering if just keeping the cabinet doors open a little bit is enough?

Thanks

 

[shadyJ]

That is not an ideal situation. Modern receivers can run very hot and really benefit from ventilation. It's hard to say how badly your AVR will be affected, some run hotter than others. If your receiver does overheat, it will automatically shutdown, so at least you will be made aware of the severity of the problem before you kill your AVR. But the more heat electronics are exposed to, the shorter their life.

 

[JackD121]

I was thinking about buying small fan/s to put on the side of atleast receiver (maybe a couple more for dvr and ps3) but there is no vent for hot air to get out from the top of the cabinet so not sure ow much it would help.

 

[underdogg]

I just picked up the same system from Frys system and love I have a small-med size apartment it sounds really good much better then my bose that I replaced. I also wanted speakers that not only sound great but look nice with my decor and these speaker are beautiful with or without the grill. I pick up the Klipsch RF52 II series but it was to big the center speaker would not fit the entrainment center and the rear were to big to fit behind the couch etc. etc. so I return it for the Klipsch RF42 II front RB41 II rear RC42 II center RS41 II surround with Klipsch R-110sw Sub everything fit perfect The Onkyo 636 7.1 with built in bluetooth & wifi was one one the main reason I got this package which is $499 alone, with the 7.1 receiver you could bi-amp the front speakers or add (2) more speakers if needed. The remote work well with my TV, Cable Box, & PS3, I also add a subwoofer wireless transmitter so I can move my sub any where I like.