In-Wall speaker selection

[ecborgoyn]

This being my first post in this forum, I'd like to start by saying 'Hello'.

I'm designing a new HT system and need some advice on in-wall speakers.

The plan (so far) is a front projection system with an AT screen with the LCR speakers behind the screen. This is mostly due to a narrow room and the desire for a 100" wide screen. Surrounds would most likely be in-wall also.

The walls are 'normal' 2x4 framing. I built the room, so I can mount the speakers and run wiring as necessary.

The room is about 1273 cubic feet (about 14'x12'). The single row of four seats will be very close to the back wall. This will make more than a 5.1 setup a bit a challenge (but I have a plan).

I'd like to system to support mostly HT, but also music.

I tend to purchase in the middle of the price/performance range of equipment. I don't have a firm budget number for speakers, but might spend around $2000 to $3000 for a good setup.

I'll place a standalone (NOT in-wall) sub woofer centered below the screen. I've NOT researched subs......

I'm thinking about a Yamaha HTR-5990 or HTR-6090 receiver. I have a HTR-5890 in another room and like it.....

My plan for a 7.1 setup is to use in-ceiling rear surround speakers that can be 'steered' and aim the tweeter or entire speaker toward the back wall of the room. That should give a broad sound-field from my rear surrounds. Any thoughts in this idea?

I'm been looking at in-wall speakers such as:
Definitive Technology UIW series,
Paradigm AMS series,
Polk LCi series,
Sonance Cinema Select series,
and a few others.

Am I looking at the correct speakers? These look to be the 'middle or the road' price/performance range that I'm interested in. I'd like to hear any comments on my ideas. Any other brand that I should be looking at? Should I bother with a 7.1 setup?

Lots of words and questions. Any comments and/or guidance is welcome.

Thanks.

 

[nova]

Is that budget just for the in-walls, or does it include the sub and receiver too?

 

[ecborgoyn]

That budget doesn't include the amplifier, but probably DOES include the sub. Part of my current research is to set a budget..... $2K-$3 for speakers sounds reasonable given the $'s to spend on the projector, screen, and electronics..

 

[nova]

Ok,... then here is my suggestion:

Three RBH MC-616 in-wall for LCR
Two RBH MC-6DB in-wall for the sides, these feature switchable bi-di tweeters that may help with your seating requirements.
Two RBH MC-615 in-ceilings for the rears.
And a sub of your choice. Probably an SVS or HSU so you can get in under 3K.

I also recommend you get enclosures.

This system is a little more than middle of the road, but it is a very good value.

If you want a better in-wall solution I'd recommend the RBH Signature line, Triad in-wall's, or James Loudspeaker in-wall.

My opinion,... there are very few quality in-wall speakers out there. If you choose to go this route I suggest you do a lot of research and don't just take someone at face value when they recommend an in-wall system. Even this recommendation

 

[3x10^8]

Another option, in terms of speaker choices, is the Energy EAS series. Should be in your price range...

 

[AVRat]

You’re definitely in the right ballpark. I would highly recommend the Def Techs, Paradigms, and Polks, although your receiver may have an issue with the 4 ohm load of the LCi line. For a sub, HSU still has there VTF-3 MK3 on sale for $704 shipped which you may want to jump on.

 

[ecborgoyn]

Yes, you are correct. The Yamaha amps can only handle a four ohm load on the FRONT (L/R) channels. The Poll LCi series would NOT work.

Is the Polk LCi series a good choice and change my amp selection? Is the Polk TCi series a good choice? There is no specialized center or surround speakers in the TCi series... Any recommendations?

Or, perhaps, should I concentrate on the Def Techs UIW series?

Thanks for the pointer to HSU regarding sub's.

Thanks

 

[AVRat]

The TCi line is comparable to the Def Techs. You don’t need a special center, 3 of the UIW 75s/TC265is all positioned vertically across the front would be great. The LCi series is an exceptional speaker line, but to insure you have no issues with the 4 ohm load they should be powered by a receiver/amp that can handle it.

Another issue I’d consider is using in-ceilings for surrounds (5.1) instead of in-walls since your viewing position is located close to the rear wall. If you could move the seating position up a few feet then side(5.1)/rear(7.1) in-walls make more sense.

 

[ecborgoyn]

AVRat,
Thanks for the comments.

To clarify: given that my seating is close to the rear wall, that I should ONLY implement a 5.1 system and use in-ceiling for the surrounds? Given this seating position, should I not implement a 7.1 system? My first thought was in-wall for the surrounds and in-ceiling for the rear-surounds. I could do both sets as in-ceiling. The width of the room also places the two outside seats fairly close to the side walls. Perhaps the in-ceiling surroungs could help with this...??? Any issues using in-ceiling surrounds? or rear-surrounds?

Given the room size (about 11.5' x 14'), and wanting a large screen, I'm 'forced' to put my one row of seats near the rear wall. AND, I want four seats.

I'm also starting to rethink my receiver decision. Perhaps a Denon, but I might still have a problem with 4 ohm Polks. (defer to another forum section).... the upcoming AVR-3808 looks interesting (but expensive)

Sorry for the detailed analysis and questions.... I'm an 'over analytical' engineer and tend to reseach everything....

ecborgoyn

 

[bd997]

do 3 Paradigm 330's up front and 2 RBH MC-6DB for L/R surounds

 

[InTheIndustry]

A recent thread just like this.....

I gave a lengthy response in a recent threat just like yours. Rather than rewrite what I posted, please read the following thread. Page 2, post #12 I put a few paragraphs in that could be helpful.

Also, in-ceilings are fine for your set up with the seating against the back wall.

The system I laid out in the thread below is, in my opinion, far far beyond middle of the road. This speaker system is primarily what we use under the $11K speaker price point of the Phase Tech dARTS. It's THAT good. If people's budgets are bigger we will upgrade or add multiple subs & move on to room treatments. There's just nothing for the $ (that we can find) better than the BG PD-LCRi @$500 MSRP. It's seriously, no joke, as good as their $2K model. Please feel free to read the other thread but ask questions in yours. The only thing I did not lay out is/are the sub(s), but I will if you need direction with that too. Also, for budgetary concerns, I recommended a $550 Marantz SR4003. I like this piece, but find that if you can spring for the SR5003 $800 MSRP, you'll get a better product from a connectivity stand point.

http://forums.audioholics.com/forums/showthread.php?t=52453&page=2

 

[mperfct]

Check out my build thread, I did almost the exact same set up (my room's a little deeper though) and I used RBH SI-760's for the front 3, and RBH MC-6DB for the surrounds. I also have a MFW-15 for a sub. I think my total cost was around 3g too, if I remember correctly.

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=758891

 

[jergee]

I am also looking for in-wall recommendations.