Time for a new front 3

[macddmac]

I've been running a klipsch / infinity front three in my basement theater area for the last 5-6 years in and it's time for something new and improved. My RB 25 / RS video with Mirage micros in the rear (3) setup has served me well, but ever since I got the E41B's in the office, my idea of good sound has changed.

The main issue is budget, 500 ish, I've found the zaph 5.2 and 5.3 center for about that much on Madisound. Main questions are: is anyone familiar with these? Impressions? Also, I'm going from a 6.5" mid-woofer to a 5.25" any concerns? Sub is a velodyne dls 3750 and I'm happy with it's performance .

My room is 13x 13 sort of.. the bar starts at 13' from the front 3 , 42" high x 7' x7' sq. leaving a 4-5' walkway into the bar area extending a total of 24' to the wall on the far side of the bar area. Confused yet? I'll post pics as soon as I can figure out how to from my iPad. I also have a drop down soffit accommodating the hvac. It's about 10" down from the 8' ceiling height and roughly plumb with the front edge of the bar leaving about 44 " open space between bar top and soffit bottom in addition to the walkway.

In the bar I'm running the bic accoutech hd-8 in-wall's and another 10" sub powered off a behringer amp from my 3313 zone 2. I am happy with the bar setup.

All in all, I'm pretty happy with what I have, but would make the change if it would make a significant difference.

Cheers, Mac

 

[macddmac]

I should also mention that I'm looking at the za 5.2 because they offer a reduced bsc option and my placement will be in a built in shelf setup. Not optimal I know but it's what I have to work with
Cheers, Mac

 

[ImcLoud]

$500 is tough budget for an upgraded front 3, Im thinking Ascend 170s with a 340 center... But I think that will be closer to $550-600

Im not familiar with the Zaph kits, I have seen them on madisound before but never heard them...

 

[macddmac]

Pics

Here is a pic.. Sorry for the mess!

 

[macddmac]

And another..

 

[ImcLoud]

Sound bar time, lol.... You are tight for space...
I heard the KEF 8003 sound bar, it rocked... But it was like $1000, I almost won one on ebay for $600... I know- not helpful..

But seriously in that room go with 3 200se's from ascend , you will love them... And I dont think you will find better for the price, Ive looked..

 

[macddmac]

"But seriously in that room go with 3 200se's from ascend , you will love them... And I dont think you will find better for the price, Ive looked.."[/QUOTE]

Thanks, I'll look into the 200's. I really wanted to do a DIY though.. And since the x-overs are tuned for book shelf use, I was really pumped!
Still might do it as its more about building my own than the budget.
Cheers, Mac

 

[ImcLoud]

If you want to build your own, call Ascend and tell Dina just to send you the parts, and put them together yourself...

 

[TheWarrior]

^ then get better drivers and build the Zaph kit

 

[jostenmeat]

This AHers built them:

http://forums.audioholics.com/forums/diy-corner-tips-techniques/77866-zaph-5-2-wall-build.html

I note that jinjuku chimed in there, because I know he built some Zaphs.

A quick google shows me this short thread, that appears to be started by an AHer. It might be a tad helpful because there are a few build details that are discussed.

Zaph in-walls

 

[skyline_123]

I know it's not the popular thing to do but how about forgoing the center channel (for now) and build a set of front firing ER18's (dome tweeter version), mini statements or The Finalists (new from Jim Holtz and Curt Campbell for just a little outside your budget range?

 

[KEW]

...ever since I got the E41B's in the office, my idea of good sound has changed.

Those are little darlings aren't they!

I just finished comparing them against the New Pioneer SP-FS52 speakers and I can't decide which is better (I had a 130Hz high pass filter engaged so the added bass of the floor stander would not be a factor).
In any case, I would suggest you go to Best Buy and buy a pair of the Pioneer SP-BS22LR. If they are voiced like the bigger ones, you will be amazed by the SQ. Moreover you can return them to BB if you don't like them.
I haven't heard the SP-BS22's yet, but they share the same tweeter and were designed by Andrew Jones like the floor model, so I expect them to have a lot in common.
Zeiglj01 has probably listened to as many speakers as anyone I know here and he has the 22's and says they can get loud without losing their SQ.
There is a center channel to go with them.
Pioneer - 4" Bookshelf Speakers (Pair) - SP-BS22-LR
Pioneer - Dual 4" Center-Channel Speaker - SP-C22

I'm excited about these speakers, if you can't tell - but you can see for yourself. At $200 plus tax for the three, they are incredibly good!
The Infinity P363 are so obsolete at this point!

Edit:
After spending more time comparing them, I feel the EMP's are slightly better. But I still think you would be wise to trial the Pioneers, they really are incredible and not far from the EMP 41's.

 

[macddmac]

^ then get better drivers and build the Zaph kit

Do you mean better drivers than the zaph kit comes with?

 

[macddmac]

Thank's y'all!

I know it's not the popular thing to do but how about forgoing the center channel (for now) and build a set of front firing ER18's (dome tweeter version), mini statements or The Finalists (new from Jim Holtz and Curt Campbell for just a little outside your budget range?

I was looking for an ER18 design with the ow-1 or fountek cd3? I even emailed Dennis Murphy to see if he had any designs that would work in my entertainment center. He had a completed set of front ported monitors with the SB drivers and fountek, but no center, and they were a little spendy too.

My main interest in the zaphs came due to john krutke's comments on the reduced bsc option for the 5.2. The 5.3 centers come standard with it from what I understand.

The finalists sound like a possibility (plugged) I am looking forward to any feedback from the Indiana meet.

One other option I've been considering is enclosing the spaces that klipsch's are currently in and build something right into those enclosures. I would have to size match them, seal em up and presto! Built in cabinets.

 

[macddmac]

Going ahead with the zaph 5.2's and 5.3
Cheers, Mac