RBH speakers

[a/v-holic]

I am looking at purchasing the RBH T-30SLE speakers, and need some advice on picking out the center and surround speakers to go along with the t-30's? If you could provide me with the make and model and a brief explanation as to why you recommend them that would be great.

i found this article about cedia and noticed that they have a pretty sweet looking center channel in the top picture on this link, but i can determine the model number for this center channel, i also included the pic as well. Is this a new center channel speaker from RBH caues i dont seem to see it on there website? does anyone know the price of this bad boy? also since i live in an apartment, room treatments are out of the question at this moment, but will hopefully will be doable in the next year when i plan to purchase a house.

http://www.audioholics.com/cedia/cedia2004/RBHSoundT30LSEDemo.php

Also what recommendations do you have for amplifiers/receivers? should i go with seperates for this setup, or does a receiver like the Denon 5805CI work just fine with these speakers?

Im also looking at getting the sony pearl with a 100 brilliant white carada screen. i dont have a dedicated theater room cause i live in an apartment but all of this equipment will be going out into my living room and the only light source is the patio door which i am planning on putting up some heavy drapes that will block the light out during the day. the only other light source is some lamps next to the couch and oversized chair which only have 40 watt bulbs in them so they really are only bright next to the couch and chair, where i am going to put the screen there are no lights on, so i dont think there should be a problem. if you want i can take a few photos of the living room if you guys would like to see it for yourself if that will help in your advice you give me.

 

[B5I8]

"Tonal balance of his voice was excellent coming from the new RBH Sound 6100-SE/R center channel which was designed to sonically and dynamically match the new T-30LSE system." Just wanted to quote from the article. Are you sure you want to purchase this speaker system? You have a much less than ideal room for them. If you're willing to plop down $15k just for the T-30LSE's, I would hope you'd have a dedicated HT room with pretty good room treatments as well. As for the question of what to run them off of, separates would be the most appropriate choice for speakers of that caliber. If it were me, I'd probably go with the Lexicon MC-12 HD or Integra Research RDC-7.1 along with either a PS Audio GCA-MC or Earthquake Cinénova Grande 7-Channel amplifier. Have you considered any alternatives to the RBH Loudspeakers? I would have a look at some Tyler Acoustics speakers as well. Particularly the Linbrook Signature System and the Woodmere's. These speakers use some of the very best drivers money can buy made by SEAS. Not to mention they cost a lot less than the one's you're looking at. Just something to think about before you spend all that money.

 

[gene]

I am looking at purchasing the RBH T-30SLE speakers, and need some advice on picking out the center and surround speakers to go along with the t-30's? If you could provide me with the make and model and a brief explanation as to why you recommend them that would be great.

i found this article about cedia and noticed that they have a pretty sweet looking center channel in the top picture on this link, but i can determine the model number for this center channel, i also included the pic as well. Is this a new center channel speaker from RBH caues i dont seem to see it on there website? does anyone know the price of this bad boy? also since i live in an apartment, room treatments are out of the question at this moment, but will hopefully will be doable in the next year when i plan to purchase a house.

http://www.audioholics.com/cedia/ced...T30LSEDemo.php

Also what recommendations do you have for amplifiers/receivers? should i go with seperates for this setup, or does a receiver like the Denon 5805CI work just fine with these speakers?

The T30-LSE speaker system is certainly one of the most impressive speaker systems I've ever heard. Too bad they are only making 100 pairs of them which I believe they already sold nearly a dozen at the show.

As amazing as they are you do need to have the appropriate room for them. If your listening position isn't at LEAST 8-10ft away from them, then DON'T get these speakers.

If your room can accomodate them, then the matching center channel would be either the 6100-SE/R (as pictured at CEDIA) or my preference the T30-LSE version of their T1 center channel which is essentially a T30-LSE speaker turned sideways without the subs. IMO, this is a better center channel but it is more bulky. Regardless both do just fine with this system.

In my reference room, I am using 66-SE/R's for the side channels and 740-SI/R's for the back channels. This system works extremely well together though I wish I would have went with the 760-SI/R's for the back channels since I had the distance from them and they are more dynamic.

As for electronics:
The 5805CI is a superb machine. I don't really consider it a receiver since it is so beyond performance of every other receiver on the market. IT has oodles of clean power and more features than the kitchen sink. The 5805CI performance is beyond most costlier separates (ie. Lexicon, Integra Research, etc), especially with the Audyssey Pro upgrade which if setup properly by an experienced installer, can work wonders on your system performance and integration.

However, the 5805CI only makes sense if you will use all of its features, such as Multi Room Surround. If you don't need those features, go with a receiver such as the Denon AVR-3806 or Yamaha RX-V2700 and use them as a pre/pro to a great 7CH amp such as an Emotiva MPS-1, Integra Research RDA-7.1, ATI amp, etc.

If you do decide on the 5805CI, I suggest mating it with a good high power 2CH amp or a pair SA400's for the subwoofers to give you better bass control and flexibility.

 

[Pat D]

The T30-LSE speaker system is certainly one of the most impressive speaker systems I've ever heard. Too bad they are only making 100 pairs of them which I believe they already sold nearly a dozen at the show.

Gene,

I read your report of the RBH Sound T-30SLE at the CEDIA show. Surely a speaker more generally available would be of more general interest!

http://www.rbhsound.com/press/CEDIA_2006/Signature Series/RBH_T-30LSE_PR.pdf

Why would you consider doing a formal review of a limted edition speaker?

 

[gene]

I read your report of the RBH Sound T-30SLE at the CEDIA show. Surely a speaker more generally available would be of more general interest!

http://www.rbhsound.com/press/CEDIA_...T-30LSE_PR.pdf

Why would you consider doing a formal review of a limted edition speaker?

Because they are freakin cool and I liked them

RBH will likely offer a dual cabinet version much like the original T2p system sometime down the road.

 

[a/v-holic]

The T30-LSE speaker system is certainly one of the most impressive speaker systems I've ever heard. Too bad they are only making 100 pairs of them which I believe they already sold nearly a dozen at the show.

As amazing as they are you do need to have the appropriate room for them. If your listening position isn't at LEAST 8-10ft away from them, then DON'T get these speakers.

If your room can accomodate them, then the matching center channel would be either the 6100-SE/R (as pictured at CEDIA) or my preference the T30-LSE version of their T1 center channel which is essentially a T30-LSE speaker turned sideways without the subs. IMO, this is a better center channel but it is more bulky. Regardless both do just fine with this system.

In my reference room, I am using 66-SE/R's for the side channels and 740-SI/R's for the back channels. This system works extremely well together though I wish I would have went with the 760-SI/R's for the back channels since I had the distance from them and they are more dynamic.

As for electronics:
The 5805CI is a superb machine. I don't really consider it a receiver since it is so beyond performance of every other receiver on the market. IT has oodles of clean power and more features than the kitchen sink. The 5805CI performance is beyond most costlier separates (ie. Lexicon, Integra Research, etc), especially with the Audyssey Pro upgrade which if setup properly by an experienced installer, can work wonders on your system performance and integration.

However, the 5805CI only makes sense if you will use all of its features, such as Multi Room Surround. If you don't need those features, go with a receiver such as the Denon AVR-3806 or Yamaha RX-V2700 and use them as a pre/pro to a great 7CH amp such as an Emotiva MPS-1, Integra Research RDA-7.1, ATI amp, etc.

If you do decide on the 5805CI, I suggest mating it with a good high power 2CH amp or a pair SA400's for the subwoofers to give you better bass control and flexibility.

my listening position is roughly 12ft away from my current speakers. Since they are only making 100 pr of these speakers, in case i dont have a chance to snag a pair before they are sold out i was wondering how do the T30-LSE compare with the T-2p speakers besides the fact that the T30 is one solid cabinet vs the T-2p are two seperate cabinets? How much is the T30-LSE center channel? As cool as the Denon 5805ci is, i was wondering how does that one compare to the Denon 5805MK2? i am planning on getting a pair of SA400's to power the subs in the T30-LSE. Do you guys recommend having a seperate subwoofer or two to go along with these T30-LSE say from velodyne, or will the T30-LSE handle everything just fine?

 

[B5I8]

my listening position is roughly 12ft away from my current speakers. Since they are only making 100 pr of these speakers, in case i dont have a chance to snag a pair before they are sold out i was wondering how do the T30-LSE compare with the T-2p speakers besides the fact that the T30 is one solid cabinet vs the T-2p are two seperate cabinets? How much is the T30-LSE center channel? As cool as the Denon 5805ci is, i was wondering how does that one compare to the Denon 5805MK2? i am planning on getting a pair of SA400's to power the subs in the T30-LSE. Do you guys recommend having a seperate subwoofer or two to go along with these T30-LSE say from velodyne, or will the T30-LSE handle everything just fine?

Unless you're an absolute bass head, I think those T30's will pump out more than enough bass. Gene already stated that they're flat to 18Hz. I think by running the SA400's though, they'll only go down to 20Hz due to the amplifier. I could be wrong.

 

[gene]

my listening position is roughly 12ft away from my current speakers. Since they are only making 100 pr of these speakers, in case i dont have a chance to snag a pair before they are sold out i was wondering how do the T30-LSE compare with the T-2p speakers besides the fact that the T30 is one solid cabinet vs the T-2p are two seperate cabinets? How much is the T30-LSE center channel? As cool as the Denon 5805ci is, i was wondering how does that one compare to the Denon 5805MK2? i am planning on getting a pair of SA400's to power the subs in the T30-LSE. Do you guys recommend having a seperate subwoofer or two to go along with these T30-LSE say from velodyne, or will the T30-LSE handle everything just fine?

The T30-LSE have significant more bass extension and slam than the original T2p system b/c of the new high excursion subs as well as 25% more box volume since its all one cabinet design. The T30's also have a more airy and focused soundstage than the T2p system. Its definately a significant upgrade to an already excellent speaker system. Eventually RBH will likely offer an upgraded T2p system but remember it will be a 2 cabinet design and won't have the extra box volume for the subs so the bass extension likely will be a little less though still better than the original T2p system.

As for the 5805mkii vs 5805CI, the only major differences are:
Audyssey Pro Upgrade - meant for custom installers
XM Radio capability

The SA400's are -3dB down at 20Hz. Either select another amp solution or perhaps talk with RBH about removing the HPF on the SA400 so its flat to 20Hz. With room gain factored in however, you will still get excellent bass extension down to 20Hz with their standard SA400 amp.

The only reason to add additional subs (like I did) is to smooth out bass response across all listening seats. This is a tricky setup and unless you have an experienced installer who also has access to an RTA system, you may want to just stick with the T30 system and run the subs via the LFE channel. In the case of the 5805 it would be 2 subs L/R.

 

[a/v-holic]

The T30-LSE have significant more bass extension and slam than the original T2p system b/c of the new high excursion subs as well as 25% more box volume since its all one cabinet design. The T30's also have a more airy and focused soundstage than the T2p system. Its definately a significant upgrade to an already excellent speaker system. Eventually RBH will likely offer an upgraded T2p system but remember it will be a 2 cabinet design and won't have the extra box volume for the subs so the bass extension likely will be a little less though still better than the original T2p system.

As for the 5805mkii vs 5805CI, the only major differences are:
Audyssey Pro Upgrade - meant for custom installers
XM Radio capability

The SA400's are -3dB down at 20Hz. Either select another amp solution or perhaps talk with RBH about removing the HPF on the SA400 so its flat to 20Hz. With room gain factored in however, you will still get excellent bass extension down to 20Hz with their standard SA400 amp.

The only reason to add additional subs (like I did) is to smooth out bass response across all listening seats. This is a tricky setup and unless you have an experienced installer who also has access to an RTA system, you may want to just stick with the T30 system and run the subs via the LFE channel. In the case of the 5805 it would be 2 subs L/R.

I do like bass, but i wouldn't consider myself to be a bass head, i actually was looking at Gene's reference setup and he had the RBH T30lse and had 2 velodyne subs i believe so thats why i was wondering if you needed extra subs, but its good to hear that the T30-lse models will pump out the bass. Although since i don't have a dedicated theater room (but i'm wishing i did) i have noticed that i have uneven bass when i sit in the different seats in my living room, i think i will try out the system with just the T30-lse and if i still have uneven bass i will add an additional sub to try and balance/smooth out the bass for all listening positions.

I thought that the speakers reached the flat 18hz with the sa400's, but since they only reach around 20hz with room gain factored in, which amps would be ideal to push these RBH's t30-lse subs so i could reach the the flat 18hz? Obviously since i dont' have a dedicated theater room, i probably won't be achieving the flat 18hz in my apt although maybe thats a good thing at least for my neighbors. hehehe im looking at being able to have the equipment so when i do purchase a home in the next yr that i will already have the equipment to throw in my dedicated theater room, so all i will have to do is just build the room. I know I know, by the time that day comes, a year will most likely have passed and i will have upgradeidis, but im kind of planning it so i get equipment that will last me several years, which im guessing you can kind of tell since im planning on spending $$$$$$$$ to build this upgraded system which will help make it somewhat future proof.

here's the system im thinking about after everyone's advice:

sony pearl
carada 100" brilliant white screen
Denon 5805CI
Denon 2930CI or the 3930CI dvd player
RBH T30-LSE L/R
RBH T30-LSE Center
RBH 66-SE sides
RBH SI-760 back surrounds

Possibly Velodyne DD12 or 15 to help smooth out the bass

One other question i have pertains to the Sony Pearl. Is that the best front projector on the market currently? I know i have seen websites that have more expensive projectors but dont seem to have the feature set that the pearl has, specifically 1080p and hdmi inputs. being that this will be my first front projector i have owned i was also wondering what is a tolerable or recommended fan noise level for a front projector? i have read that the sony pearl's is 22db, is that about the norm or is that a higher then average number? the reason i ask is because this thing will be mounted directly over the couch, so i am trying to figure out if its going to be something that is distracting/annoying while im watching tv, mainly when there is just dialogue coming from the speakers with no background noise or music, like whispering.......... I had a netgear gigabit switch for my network and i had it placed in the corner as far away from the tv/speakers as possible and i could still here that thing plain as day with the small loud fans on it, which was kind of distracting and annoying especially when i would be watching movies or tv where there is just dialogue. i didnt have a spl meter to get a reading on how loud the switch was. so i was wondering if anyone could provide a little insight on the issue of fan noise from the sony pearl?

thanks for all the replies, they are really helping me pick the right components for this system, so please keep them coming!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[jcPanny]

Speaker options

Since you live in an appartment and moving is probably in your future, you might consider some speakers that are less than 200 lbs each!
Also, if you were to crank up that T-30 system very frequently, your neighbors might not appreciate it and you might find yourself moving sooner rather than later.
Sounds like a great high-end system, though.

 

[a/v-holic]

Since you live in an appartment and moving is probably in your future, you might consider some speakers that are less than 200 lbs each!
Also, if you were to crank up that T-30 system very frequently, your neighbors might not appreciate it and you might find yourself moving sooner rather than later.
Sounds like a great high-end system, though.

i'm going to have to not give in to temptation which would be to crank this system, or at least only crank it up between 10am and 10pm, that way it will cut down on the amount of visits from the police with noise violation tickets. hehehe

 

[gene]

I do like bass, but i wouldn't consider myself to be a bass head, i actually was looking at Gene's reference setup and he had the RBH T30lse and had 2 velodyne subs i believe so thats why i was wondering if you needed extra subs, but its good to hear that the T30-lse models will pump out the bass. Although since i don't have a dedicated theater room (but i'm wishing i did) i have noticed that i have uneven bass when i sit in the different seats in my living room, i think i will try out the system with just the T30-lse and if i still have uneven bass i will add an additional sub to try and balance/smooth out the bass for all listening positions.

I thought that the speakers reached the flat 18hz with the sa400's, but since they only reach around 20hz with room gain factored in, which amps would be ideal to push these RBH's t30-lse subs so i could reach the the flat 18hz?

I added the Velodyne Subs b/c my room is L shaped and I needed to smooth out the bass response across all listening seats. This did the trick quite nicely. I would try just the T30 system by itself first and add a sub or 2 only if needed later on.

The SA400 + T30LSE system in any normal room will provide plenty of output in the 20Hz range. The reason the T30 bass performance is better than that of the T2p system isn't because of the extra 2-3 Hz extension as much as the new higher excursion driver, increased output of the port, and larger cabinet volume, not just the fact that the 3dB down point is 2Hz lower than the 1010. In normal rooms using the "Boost" feature of the SA400 should provide plenty of low end extension.

You can pretty much use any well designed amp rated at least 400wpc into 4 ohms to drive the subs of this system but the advantage of the SA400s is you have variable phase, level control, etc which can come in quite handy.