LCR bar? and Other Recommendations, Automation.

H

hunt0035

Audiophyte
Ok, I am pretty well versed in the world of Automation and have played with RTI, Z-wave, RF, Zigbee and IR programming and wiring. I am wrapping up a remodel on my current house and realized I may need to go to the Pros for the short answer, as I am not as familiar with the Audio side.

Here is my current scenario and equipment and my goals for the system. Would appreciate any insight on areas I may need to rework and recommendations on equipment.

1) Single story ranch 8ft ceilings throughout
2) Main den/viewing area is 13x19
3) Have 2 in ceiling speakers mounted for rear surrounds
4) Have 2 additional zones with 2 in ceiling speakers mounted each, in wall volume controls installed. Possible future expansion of 2 additional zones.
5) Have Cat 5 run everywhere in Case I need it.
6) Have an older but high end at the time Denon receiver and $300 Yamaha receiver on hand.


Help?

1) TV wall location is not suitable for in wall front or center channels, or bookshelf, so any recommendations on a good LCR bar?
2) From what I have gathered Outlaw sub seems to be a good fit for my needs and budget? Yes? Primary goal is great movie sound quality.
3) I will need to be able to integrate my controls with my new receiver, streaming music and other "flashy" features are not nearly as important to me as great sound and solid hardware. (I can add and integrate HTPC etc.)
4) My plan was to use one of my old receivers to power my other zones (all from central Coat-turned AV closet). How would be the best way to wire/connect with the main new receiver? (Plan to connect all sources to the main new unit)
Don't want to go the $$$ Hdmi Matrix switch for this house, so thinking primarily in terms of Audio.

For the receiver and sub, I would like to be less than 1500. No idea on the LCR channels.

Thanks
 
j_garcia

j_garcia

Audioholic Jedi
I presume you are interested in a bar for aesthetic reasons? As a sound bar or in-walls are a compromise and are not going to deliver the best audio typically. That said, if you are already considering Outlaw (probably LFM-1 Plus, not EX for that room, but EX wouldn't hurt :) ) Perhaps you could consider their new sound bar so you can get the whole thing in one shipment? Outlaw Audio OSB-1 Sound Bar

Beyond that, the Yamaha bars have been favorably reviewed here on AH.
 
Last edited:
H

hunt0035

Audiophyte
Yes but I haven't ruled it out completely......
What would be the smallest (footprint wise) LR and Center that you would recommend? There is a lot of trim work on the Left side and it would be very tough to sneak a bracket in, center and right no big deal (mantle and a shelf). And would the limitation of size reduce the advantage back to the sound quality of say the Outlaw bar?

Thanks
 
crossedover

crossedover

Audioholic Chief
Take a look at artisonusa.com for the lcr option for very high WAF. Not cheap but good options especially the TV mounted.
 
zieglj01

zieglj01

Audioholic Spartan
The Outlaw SoundBar is an Atlantic Technology clone.
 
walter duque

walter duque

Audioholic Samurai
Some sound bars in todays market just might surprise you how good they sound. Active sound bars, I never did listen to a good one, passive is the only way to go if you want a good sounding bar.

 
Last edited:
zieglj01

zieglj01

Audioholic Spartan
Do you have room for at least Flat Panel speakers?

The Boston P442 l/c/r type speaker is a good option - need 3 each to
cover the front 3 channels - they will have more bass than small sat
type speakers. They can be mounted vertical and horizontal (center)
BOSTON ACOUSTICS P442 LCR (Left,Right,Center) Speaker Black Each NEW | Accessories4less

If you need to go SoundBar - then look at the P400 3-channel passive
soundbar - that way processing can be handled by a receiver > which
can be more positive - and mate it with an Outlaw subwoofer
BOSTON ACOUSTICS P400 Soundbar Speaker Black NEW | Accessories4less
 
H

hunt0035

Audiophyte
Yea I like the idea of a passive sound bar if I have to go that route. fitting the front L is the big issue. I have a cased opening going to the next room right there.
What is the minimum spacing recommended between center and R & L?

Any thoughts on a quality Receiver? Has Onkyo eliminated the issues with their HD boards on the newest models? I was an advisor on a custom home build last year we had 4 onkyo installed in the whole house 1 failed quickly. 2012 models.
 
j_garcia

j_garcia

Audioholic Jedi
Some swear by them, but I'd still shy away from Onkyo. Look at Denon, Marantz, Yamaha IMO.

How far apart for the mains depends on how far you sit; ideally being the same width apart as you sit away, but that's not an absolute rule, just a guideline. The advantage of separate speakers is individual adjustment. Soundbar won't allow that really, but it is setup to distribute sound adequately for its configuration.
 
zieglj01

zieglj01

Audioholic Spartan
Yea I like the idea of a passive sound bar if I have to go that route. fitting the front L is the big issue. I have a cased opening going to the next room right there.
What is the minimum spacing recommended between center and R & L?

Any thoughts on a quality Receiver? Has Onkyo eliminated the issues with their HD boards on the newest models? I was an advisor on a custom home build last year we had 4 onkyo installed in the whole house 1 failed quickly. 2012 models.
I would pass on Onkyo receivers

A lot of people buy Flat Panels for tight fitting - however, some are able to spread more,
and I would prefer them over the SoundBar

Boston comes with both black and silver grills in box - for color option


With the Boston passive SoundBar - you can control the 3 channels seperately.
 

Latest posts

newsletter

  • RBHsound.com
  • BlueJeansCable.com
  • SVS Sound Subwoofers
  • Experience the Martin Logan Montis
Top