Small but loud JBL home cinema

[HAL9000]

True you don't need a 7.1, but you will find better emmersion using a 7.1 instead of a 5.1. Especially since there are movies in DTS-ES. Also with the new HD audio formats in the future we will see soundtracks with 7.1 channels of discrete sound.
But your post confuses me, you mention that you don't need multiple speakers for surround sound, but you are doing just that especially with your "whole overhead" setup whatever that is.
As many people on this site and apparently many other sites (you get around) have mentioned you should keep it simple, you may find if you try it you will like it. Just a suggestion.

I do plan on showing my HT when I have time, but work comes first. BTW what are your room deminsions anyway?

 

[Dolby CP-200]

Hi dolby,i have no doubt that you have a plan & im pretty sure that your experience working in huge auditorium theaters has lead you to build this system,i cant begin to imagine how dynamic that system sounds but im very confused,mostly about set up.

Ive looked at all your gear & speakers,how do you have all that stuff hooked up,i see intergrated amps,a whole slew of equlizers & what not,my main questions are how on earth do you power all that gear without starting a fire & how are all the speakers hooked up without dropping the ohmage being seen at the amplifiers to below 1 ohm,forgive me if the questions i ask seem stupid but im a 2 channel guy & dont know too much about home theater.

On a lighter note,i cant help thinking of the movie national lampoons xmas vacation where chevy chase gose berserk with all those damm lights & when he turns the light system on the whole neighborhood blacks out,then they pan away & show a shot of the power meter on his house spinning around at 2,000 rpm's

I forgot one question so i had to edit,how do you get in & out of the door with the speakers on it.

highfihoney

Follow the yellow brick road.

Lead out to lead in etc, etc.

RCA left and right front stereo outputs from the Kenwood KRF-X9050D THX select goes to an audio limiter then outputs to the Yamaha DSR-70 pro it then outputs from the left and right stereo where it goes to one EQ than of to 1x Marantz 1050 for the left and right JBL control 5.

Centre channel out from the Kenwood KRF-X9050D THX select goes to an audio limiter than outputs to the Yamaha DSP-100 where I use one of the inputs for a special front channel effect of blending two into one that is sent to either the JBL control 5 or two separate loudspeakers one that would be placed overhead of the JBL control 5.

Anyway the centre output then passes t x1 EQ than outputs to x1 Marantz 1050.

A second output from the Yamaha DSR-70 pro, the centre output where I can split the signal from left and right making it less in loudness as one part of the audio signal over to JBL control 5 centre channel via the use of the Yamaha DSP-100 where I use the other input and a single monaural output from that processor which acts as a pre amp in a why is set to full output on the fader.

The Yamaha DSR-70 and DSP-100 both have a low pass output that is sent to the audio mixer channels 1 for main 2 for centre 3 is used from the Pioneer VSP-200 low pass output and 6 is used for LFE.1.

All the faders are set to output the level of sub bass extension and LFE.1 with pan pots sent to full left hand side on channels 1 2 3 where the pan pot for right is sent set to full right hand side. There are two stereo outputs from the mixer and please don’t confuse this with (stereo sub bass). The Eltax R-12 A handles all the sub bass extension for the three-screen and surrounds, where the JBL 4645 handles only the LFE.1.

Surround outputs from the Kenwood KRF-X9050D THX select goes to the Pioneer VSP-200 where it has a built in amplifier for surround matrix this is used for JBL control 1 height surrounds the centre output is used for centre back for the two middle row JBL control 1.

The left and right stereo output from the Pioneer VSP-200 goes to x1 EQ then goes on to x1 Marantz 1030 where speaker A runs the sidewall JBL control 1 and speaker B runs the two outer rear stereo surrounds. I use A&B for Dolby stereo films or the odd few films with split-surrounds.

When in Dolby mode on the Pioneer VSP-200 it will engage the centre back and overhead surrounds when in bypass it will only run the sidewall JBL control 1 unless I switch on B where six JBL control1 will be running.

I think that covers it and who knows what I might add on tomorrow, its all in the Dolby mix.

 

[Dolby CP-200]

Hal9000

Yes I fully understand the difference between Dolby SR-D-EX and dts-ES in the cinema and home cinema.

I asked this question to Dolby UK about four weeks ago it was a general matter about Dolby 7.1 with there own Dolby digital plus the conversation lasted for 30 minutes, but until the whole configuration of Dolby digital plus is rather disappointing to me I thought the whole thing would be able to have the means with encoding the ole classics like Todd-AO onto DVD with true five-screen and only the signal monaural surround.

That’s how films like 2001, the sound of music etc sounded not these naff re-mixes, good god if you heard 2001 the reissue on DVD, oh the horror of the mix I don’t what to talk about it thank god I have the laserdisc.

 

[Hi-Fi ve]

That’s how films like 2001, the sound of music etc sounded not these naff re-mixes, good god if you heard 2001 the reissue on DVD, oh the horror of the mix I don’t what to talk about it thank god I have the laserdisc.

Dolby, have you tried your own collection of DVD in an up to date home theater surround system? It does a pretty darn good job and worth a try if you haven’t. In fact, you can easily get the home theater to sound better than commercial theaters with the components came out last 7 years, even including Empire Leicester Square cinema.

 

[Seth=L]

Dolby, have you tried your own collection of DVD in an up to date home theater surround system? It does a pretty darn good job and worth a try if you haven’t. In fact, you can easily get the home theater to sound better than commercial theaters with the components came out last 7 years, even including Empire Leicester Square cinema.

Um... what?

I would say you would have to spend a large sum of money, hundreds of thousands of dollars or pounds, to achieve something like that.

Laserdisc has many movies with better mastered soundtracks than present day DVDs. Laserdisc was considered a high-end format in many respects, and still is. MUSE LD is a prime example of excellent audio and video capabilities.

 

[Hi-Fi ve]

Um... what?

I would say you would have to spend a large sum of money, hundreds of thousands of dollars or pounds, to achieve something like that.

Laserdisc has many movies with better mastered soundtracks than present day DVDs. Laserdisc was considered a high-end format in many respects, and still is. MUSE LD is a prime example of excellent audio and video capabilities.

I was comparing commercial movie theater sound vs. well set up home theater sound. You know, type of speakers, ambiance, calibration / maintenance quality and ...etc in commercial theater.

 

[Seth=L]

I was comparing commercial movie theater sound vs. well set up home theater sound. You know, type of speakers, ambiance, calibration / maintenance quality and ...etc in commercial theater.

Like I say, it would take many thousands of whatever currency you spend to achieve what the Empire can.

 

[MACCA350]

Like I say, it would take many thousands of whatever currency you spend to achieve what the Empire can.

Don't know about you, but I haven't seen or heard a cinema come close to what my HT delivers, why do you think I don't bother going to the cinema's anymore(haven't been in 2 years). The last three (different)cinema's I went to, I felt like asking for my money back

 

[Seth=L]

Don't know about you, but I haven't seen or heard a cinema come close to what my HT delivers, why do you think I don't bother going to the cinema's anymore(haven't been in 2 years). The last three (different)cinema's I went to, I felt like asking for my money back

Been to a RAVE theater, no contest.

 

[Hi-Fi ve]

Like I say, it would take many thousands of whatever currency you spend to achieve what the Empire can.

According to Dolby CP-200, Empire Leicester cinema uses JBL speakers. Those use bi-radial or constant directivity horns and while they can produce high SPL for large room with good dispersion pattern for large crowd, they don’t sound good. You can get more ear pleasing sound out of speakers using fabric dome tweeters which many consumer level speakers come with and you don’t have to spend thousands to get it.

 

[Seth=L]

According to Dolby CP-200, Empire Leicester cinema uses JBL speakers. Those use bi-radial or constant directivity horns and while they can produce high SPL for large room with good dispersion pattern for large crowd, they don’t sound good. You can get more ear pleasing sound out of speakers using fabric dome tweeters which many consumer level speakers come with and you don’t have to spend thousands to get it.

It all depends on how you look at theater I guess. JBL has been in the business for a long time. Another example of a fine speaker used in theaters would be the Altec Lansing A-7, it uses horns and many find their sound very pleasing, even in a smaller listening environment. But the thing is, they are super expensive.

http://www.alteclansing.com/product_cat_legacy.asp?region=northam

 

[Sheep]

The theaters that I go to use JBL surrounds and EV fronts. Sub is probably EV as well. They're just cheaper then the JBL units.

SheepStar

 

[Hi-Fi ve]

It all depends on how you look at theater I guess. JBL has been in the business for a long time. Another example of a fine speaker used in theaters would be the Altec Lansing A-7, it uses horns and many find their sound very pleasing, even in a smaller listening environment. But the thing is, they are super expensive.

http://www.alteclansing.com/product_cat_legacy.asp?region=northam

A-7 ($5800 each) uses exponential horn for high frequency driver which sounds better than bi-radial or constant directivity horns but there is a big difference in price compare to JBL. http://store.aiconsol.com/4632-jbl.html
http://www.jblpro.com/pages/cinema/scrn_ary.htm
Commercial theaters are not going to spend more than twice as much on A-7 only to get less SPL overall and inferior dispersion per how many seats it can effectively cover.

 

[Seth=L]

A-7 ($5800 each) uses exponential horn for high frequency driver which sounds better than bi-radial or constant directivity horns but there is a big difference in price compare to JBL. http://store.aiconsol.com/4632-jbl.html
http://www.jblpro.com/pages/cinema/scrn_ary.htm
Commercial theaters are not going to spend more than twice as much on A-7 only to get less SPL overall and inferior dispersion per how many seats it can effectively cover.

I still think RAVE is kick-butt. I have never heard a home theater anywhere, not even that Klipsch THX Ultra II package, not even close. I have never been to the Empire Lancaster, can't vouch for them I guess.

You have a valid point about the size however. The Empire is huge, an extremely large space to fill with sound. I wouldn't say it is better in SQ than a good home theater. I wouldn't use it to listen to music.

Also, at the RAVE, they use DLP projectors now. I don't know what resolution they are using, but it kicks the crap out of 1080p.

 

[Dolby CP-200]

I was comparing commercial movie theater sound vs. well set up home theater sound. You know, type of speakers, ambiance, calibration / maintenance quality and ...etc in commercial theater.

Hi-Fi ve

LOL

The Empire doesn’t have to try and walk over most home cinemas it CAN! Believe you can try some techniques but how do you like to feel the James Horner score from Star Trek III pounding you in the chest has the U.S.S. Enterprise makes her way out of the space dock. Well that’s what it was like at the Empire 18 years ago.

And besides I have heard all the home cinema demonstration rooms around my home town with thousands of wasteful pounds and it doesn’t even come half as close to what the Empire can do!

 

[Dolby CP-200]

I still think RAVE is kick-butt. I have never heard a home theater anywhere, not even that Klipsch THX Ultra II package, not even close. I have never been to the Empire Lancaster, can't vouch for them I guess.

You have a valid point about the size however. The Empire is huge, an extremely large space to fill with sound. I wouldn't say it is better in SQ than a good home theater. I wouldn't use it to listen to music.

Also, at the RAVE, they use DLP projectors now. I don't know what resolution they are using, but it kicks the crap out of 1080p.

Seth=L

Lancaster is a bit northwards in England mate, Leicester square or the West End.

Maybe I should just buy a three 15” JBL JRX 115 at £175.00.

that should take care of a few things. The only thing I’m worried about is the magnet with a JBL JRX 115 placed over the top of a CRT TV not right on top it but rather placed on a platform.

 

[Dolby CP-200]

Don't know about you, but I haven't seen or heard a cinema come close to what my HT delivers, why do you think I don't bother going to the cinema's anymore(haven't been in 2 years). The last three (different)cinema's I went to, I felt like asking for my money back

MACCA350

LOL

I guess you guys don’t take THX and JBL too seriously in the US anymore, mate the Empire will blow you out of the water in a manor of speaking.

Why do you think I visited it few times over after I have heard many of the films down here in Bournemouth, and when comparing it to the Empire good gracious it was, like nothing, I heard or felt before.

And I still have to hear and feel the newly restored JBL set-up with 56KW of THX JBL sound power. I tend to travel at odd times I don’t usually plan I just buy a ticket travel up to London hop on the London tube head towards Leicester square and run up the street buy a ticket and take a middle row plumb plush red rocker chair and listen!!!

 

[MACCA350]

MACCA350

LOL

I guess you guys don’t take THX and JBL too seriously in the US anymore, mate the Empire will blow you out of the water in a manor of speaking.

I don't live in the US. Laugh all you want but 123db dynamics of clean equalized bass thumping at my body.....seat.....walls.....house.....neighbors house....neighbors neighbors house....with extension below 15Hz feels pretty cool from where I sit (psst and thats with the sub at 25% volume)

Like I said Cinemas need to fill a huge space, hence the need for more power. Home theater rooms are tiny compared to that, so its not going to cost as much or need as much power to reach the same goal.

cheers
(And BTW my sub is THX Ultra II)

 

[Dolby CP-200]

MACCA350

Oh yes I have forgot you live in Oz 123dbc I take it if it was 123dbA I’d be walking out of the room with ear muffs!

Just decide to add the extra JBL control 5, I’d still need to get the extra amplification x2 matching Dolby pro-logic decoders a few more equalizers and bingo I’d can enjoy special event films like...

Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom
Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade
Always
Close Encounters of the Third Kind
West Side Story
Alien
2001: A Space Odyssey first edition DVD or laserdisc (not the reissue DVD)
Terminator 2 Judgement Day
Terminator 3
The Abyss
South Pacific
The King and I
Casper
Willow
My Fair Lady
Lawrence of Arabia
Hook
Jurassic Park
The Sound of Music
Titanic
U-571
Spiderman
Spiderman 2
Star Wars

Oh so many its all good stuff.

 

[Tom Andry]

I'm supposed to take you seriously with the sound of music on your tv?!