Today is the big day, want to get it right.

[Cozmo]

SVS will give you a 30 day test period. If get an Ultra, you will not be disappointed! It is big, but to do the job RIGHT it's got to be big.

My Hsu VTF-3 HO with Turbo is huge. But it's a monster at the lower freqs. Then, my MBM-12 sub takes over for 50-80 Hz. Here is a link to my sub setup:

http://forums.audioholics.com/forums/showthread.php?t=40111

Here are two Hsu Research VTF-3 HO Turbos with an MBM-12 in the middle. These belong to majorloser in his INSANE cinema.

I new I had bought the right sub when I put in one of the Star Wars discs, the one where the Death Star is flying though space at the beginning. My wife's jaw dropped and all she said was "WOW".....

 

[mtrycrafts]

What am i listening for, just for the volume to be the same from each speaker?

Much more accurate with SPL meter no matter how you slice it.

Also, you have no need to worry about not having enough power with those speakers. They are over 100dB spl sensitivity even if it dips in the impedance curve, no need to worry. Just be sure to protect your long term hearing though.

 

[mtrycrafts]

...I'm headed to radio shack for an spl meter... there's one about a block from here.... i might need it down the road.

Will it have directions? what do i do with it? I have the rives audio CD with all the test tones... I'm assuming i can use it... Do you just graph the volume based on the frequency and spl

RS may have two kinds of SPL meter there, a digital and analog. Depending on what you use it for, level matching, fr response in the room, I'd recommend the analog. For overall volume measurements, the digital is a good pick.

The meter has some instruction about the meter but not how to use it for level matching. Try a search for this subject and also look at the home page for directions. I remember seeing an article there; browse through the different papers tech tips, etc.

The Rives disc may not have a pink noise on it, it has 1/3 octave sine waves.
Use the receiver's test tone, or better yet, a calibration DVD to level match the audio channels and it will also let you calibrate a TV with it, like AviaII.

 

[larry7995]

So I'm working today on getting all my new gear up and running and in the interest of being thorough I'll let ya'll know what I picked up yesterday...



Klipsch RF-7 Cherry (DeanG upgraded crossovers) x2 for mains

Klipsch RC-64 Cherry Center Channel

Klipsch RB-61 Black x2 for surrounds

Klipsch RW-12D for my sub


This should be a pretty good setup, i'm a little concerned that i skimped on the sub a bit but the digital interface and 116db output was attractive. Worst case i guess i just get another one. I never thought i'd spend more on a center channel than a sub, but oh well...

So, i dont have an SPL meter or anything like that. My systems in the past have never really warranted it so i'm wondering if this is something i need to look into, or if i should just "play it by ear". Just how important is it when you make the jump up to decent stuff?

Anything I should return and maybe look at something different? I'll post some pictures in my Member Systems Gallery Thread...

So how does it all sound now that you have had a chance to play with it a day?

 

[adwilk]

So far... very happy.. this is by far the best setup i've had. When i get some more time i'll post a full review... These speakers are VERY revealing... they play everything...

Oh, i dont think i'll have any problems with the sub.. very impressed with this guy. Plenty loud... needs some more testing and placement trials...

 

[darien87]

Just a couple of points.

If you're going to set up your mains to run "full range", meaning that you have them set to "Large", then regardless of your crossover point, you will be getting bass from your mains AND your sub. Most speakers aren't very good at playing tones below 30Hz. I believe yours are rated to 32Hz or so. This is plenty low, but I guarantee you, you're not going to be getting appreciable output at 20Hz or lower. Plus, you're going to be stressing out your receiver, asking it to put out the power your mains will need to reproduce those frequencies. You're probably better off setting the mains to "small" and dropping your crossover to 60 or 40Hz.

Second, you mentioned getting another identical sub if you find that one isn't doing it for you. Remember that getting another sub just means that you will be moving more air. It will be louder, but it won't go any lower. So if you're looking to get deeper bass response, 2 of the same sub, if it doesn't go low enough, isn't going to help you.

 

[adwilk]

Thanks for the input... i think i'm gonna to run them "small" during movies and full with most music eliminating the sub.

As far as the sub goes, thats still something to figure out. I've decided that output is more than enough. Perhaps something that will play lower would be nice. Not sure yet...

 

[larry7995]

After reading this thread I went on my receiver and changed my mains to small while listening to Donald Fagen The Nightfly CD and listened a bit, then changed them back to large and its so much fuller with them set to large. Maybe when I finally get a PB13 or equivalent I can experiment again with small.

 

[adwilk]

Update

Alright, after some tinkering and whatnot, trying several subs and configurations, and blah blah.. I took the surrounds (rb61's) back and the sub back. I currently have no sub hooked up and i'm pretty happy actually. I miss the sub, but i dont miss the noise complaints. My home is almost ready and i'm excited to start the sub hunt again once i'm in the room. I'm just not sure what exactly i'll need. WE shall see. So, just the rc-64, two rf-7's.. I do have my old sub hooked up, but I never turn it on. You can check out pictures and whatnot HERE