My System and it's evolution

[Manin]

Started in my bedroom with a mix of H/T and pro audio gear:

Set-up:

Denon AVR-787, running pre-outs, 6.1

Amps:
QSC 2450 (subs, 2 channel, 1200 watts per side)
QSC 1450 (mains, 2 channel, 600 watts per side)
Carvin 1500 (surround, 2 cahnnel, 600 watts per side)
Crate 400 (front center and rear center, 2 channel, 200 watts per side)

Speakers:
Mains: EV Force, Two Way, 15" mid with a 2" titanium compression horn
Subs: EAW 18" cone, homemade cab, power handling: 1,000 watts continuous
Surround, Front Center: Fender Two Way, 12" mid 1" compression horn
Rear Center: EV Two Way, 10" mid 1" compression horn

Total System wattage: 5,200 watts



Only used this system for a few months, hated having to tear it down and set it back up when my band played somewhere.

Current system:

Same Denon Receiver, Polk RTi10's, Polk CSi5, Polk FXi3's for surround and waiting for a sub.

 

[Adam]

Thanks for the pics! I think that your current system looks a lot cleaner, but how would you compare your impressions of the two configurations? Do you like the new system better?

 

[Seth=L]

Your first system was probably a lot louder (more movie theater like in sound).

 

[Manin]

Thanks for the pics! I think that your current system looks a lot cleaner, but how would you compare your impressions of the two configurations? Do you like the new system better?

The previous system had A LOT more volume but clarity and quality of sound were definitely sacrificed. The sounds was pretty dirty, not transparent at all.

In the first system, the low-end was it's strong point. For what it lacked in overall quality, the system made up for it with gobs of tight, low frequency. Not to say I didn't use the Denon to match the levels of the channels. I did use the system set-up and even checked it with my own RTA. But as you can imagine, 2,400 watts of 20Hz-120hz through two 18" speakers... it shook the entire house at higher volume levels and that is no exaggeration.

As for my current system, I haven't heard many systems that sound this clear. All the speakers seem voiced to match and the system has no distortion. Before, you could tell the music was loud... but now, I have to talk before I can realize how loud the music actually is. It sounds so clear that someone who's used to hearing more distortion with increase in volume level can't tell that the speakers are loud.

As far as which would be better for a H/T set-up, I'd go with my current set-up. All the amps I used in my first set-up were open fan cooled, which meant at low volume levels you could hear the fans whir.

I do like my new system better... but there was nothing like the expression on peoples faces when they walked in and saw two 6 foot tall towers staring you in the face... it's hard to compensate for something like that.

I do need a sub though. I'm working on that right now. The RTi10's really sounds great untill you get to the really low stuff.

Comparing the beach landing in Saving Private Ryan, you could really feel the difference. The big system shook you with every explosion but the new system actually let you hear the characters talk.

 

[PSWii60]

maxell

 

[Rogozhin]

Gosh Manin, that latest incarnation is super clean! Great work!




Rogo

 

[Manin]

Gosh Manin, that latest incarnation is super clean! Great work!




Rogo

Here are some more pics showing the stand and shelves "in progress". I really liked the thought of building a peice of furniture design specifically for H/T. Something where I could actually place the sub and center channel in the center, below the TV instead of sitting vicariously on top of a flat panel.

I had thought about putting my center channel above the screen, it would have really brought the soundstage up farther into the screen but unless you try, it still feels like the sound is coming out of the screen itself.

 

[PSWii60]

Man that looks great. Flawlwss work !!

 

[hillbill]

I'm jealous. I have no woodworking skills. Maybe in another life.

Nice looking work there!

 

[Drisco Z71]

i'm loving the first setup, but i've always liked ridiculously big speakers

 

[croseiv]

Nice man! Very nice. I have some Polks too!

 

[rumonkey2]

Nice Cabinet!

I really like the cabinetry Manin! Wish I had the woodworking skills/tools/space some of you guys 'round here do...

Always nice to see "custom cabinetry" to fit our A/V needs!
Did some myself to accommodate vertical center & flat panel TV, but nowhere near this nice!