**Official RBH Owner's Thread** - Page 15

Ok, after I call John to change the 661 to the T1, I found out that all the speakers were the signature line, not the signature reference. So the setup will be the following:

L&R T2P
Cntr T1
Surr 61SE (4 ea)
Sub (Included with T2P)

So, would you still think that I need a bigger amp to rutn the T1, or would what I have be sufficient?

I have looked quite a bit at the Emotiva amps. They look real good for the price, but they have only been in business for 6 years as reatailer and OEM. So, the economic downturn could be a real serious issue with them.

I also have been looking at the Pioneer SC-05, & 07, and the Denon AVR-3808CI, and the Denon AVR-4308CI. I have considered the Onkoy 906 one as well.

Of those, what do you think would be better to choose, from. Another option would be to buy the Denon rec and get a amp to run the three T1 speakers.

Hopefully, I didn't make anyone mad saying I had the real high end speakers, but that is what I thought I was getting, maybe that is why I jumped on the deal so quick. But it was still a great deal.

Hi all,

I've owned a pair of 1266-SEs for a few years now and they're great speakers. I am presently considering upgrading my receiver to something better (perhaps even a preamp/power amp combo) and am wondering if anyone has any suggestion as to what amplification components I should pair with the 1266-ses.

I currently have an Arcam AVR200 receiver. I use this setup for HT but I am willing to sacrifice HT performance/features for better 2CH music performance.

Gingus,
I'm blown away by the system you have shaping up! My RBH gear consists solely of a pair of 61-SE's that are my front L/R speakers! They're matched to an NHT SuperCenter and NHT SuperOne's for the surrounds with an SVS 20-39pc+sub. I'm very happy with the 61-SE's.

In any case, the main reason I'm posting is to encourage you to look further into Emotiva gear to power your new system. I've noticed a few other users' concerns that they may be vulnerable to financial instability during these difficult times, but I really don't think that is the case. Besides manufacturing their own gear, they do contract work for other OEM's as well. In fact, they recently moved into a much larger facility in order to accommodate the growth of their company. Beyond that, they offer a generous trial period for their products, during which you may return gear for a full refund, no questions asked. Also, they offer a 5-year TRANSFERRABLE warranty on all of their products. If that's not enough, they also offer a 40% discount program for original owners of Emotiva processors. That would be the equivalent of Onkyo offering you a 40% discount on a new receiver should you upgrade from your 700 series to one of their new generation of receiver models.

I'm sure I sound like an Emotiva fanboy right now, but I wanted to make you aware of these things before you went out and potentially blew a ton of money. It sounds to me like you're really putting together a theater with some sweet gear, but it also sounds like you don't have unlimited resources. I may have misread your earlier post, but didn't you say that you heard about Emotiva from one of the RBH guys? Is so, I would take that to heart. They offer some really great gear (especially their amps) for prices that are ridiculously low when compared to other great companies such as Rotel, Denon or NAD.

Furthermore, their customer service is BAR NONE. Last time I called them the phone was answered by the founder/CEO's wife!! Not some teleprompter, but the wife of the company's CEO! I was completely blown away. The first processor I bought from them didn't quite work properly, so I called them. They immediately shipped me a new (thoroughly tested) one, free of charge. Once I received it, I placed the faulty unit in the new box, affixed the prepaid return shipping label and sent it on its way back to Emotiva--all at no additional cost. Some time before that I had issues with an Onkyo receiver. Let's just say that my customer service experience was on an entirely different level than with Emotiva, and, bottom line, I was without my receiver for MORE than 6 WEEKS. I vowed then and there that I would NEVER purchase another Onkyo or Integra product again, and, if possible, I would encourage others to avoid them as well.

Sorry to go on such an Emotiva crusade, but I really wanted to urge you to scope out their gear. They're friendly people who stand behind their products in a way that is totally uncommon in the A/V industry, and I think it is for that reason they will be able to weather this economic turmoil without major problems. Congratulations on your new setup, and best of luck.

Squire

No, I don't work for Emotiva.

Yes, they look really good. That is why I wanted to wait until their processor came out so that I could comare them side by side vs. a Denon receiver / preamp. Can't wait until I get the speakers in the house. I have the PJ, sheetrock is being finished up this week. I will be painting the 1st part of next week, so the only things left will be the tile and the carpet. Then the speakers can be installed. Yea!!!

I will be getting my speakers next Tuesday as the painting will be done tomorrow. Yeah. I have one question though. I saw somone selling a RBH floor / couch shaker.

I talked to John @ RBH, and he said they sold them about 10 years ago and he removed them because it made him motion sick. So, my question, does anyone have any experiece with these?

I think the model was RBH RX 80 or something.

I just picked up a pair of 1010-SEN/R subs to go with my T-1/R's to run them as full range, along with two Fathom 113's for LFE and crossed over center/surrounds.

The 1010'a are incredible subs! Great presence, tight, and responsive...

Thrang what kind of music do you listen to? I am really interested in the new 8300 SE/R. I listen to different stuff but quite a bit to trance/dance in the last year or so and I listen fairly loud when I am getting into it like 95 db or so. I think the 8300 with 400 watts of strong clean power would be a great speaker with its triple 8" woofers.

Thrang,

Did you put the 1010-SEN/R under your T-1/Rs and then move Fathoms? What type of subwoofer placing are you using? Also, are you using anything for bass management? With two 1010s and two Fathoms you have to be shaking the whole house. Who needs buttkickers?

A fairly wide ranging mix - Crimson, Eno, Fripp, Philip Glass, Peter Gabriel, Cocteau Twins, The Orb, U2, Talking Heads.

I hadn't seen the 8300 until you mentioned it. Looks likes an incredible speaker - I'm driving my set up with 300 wpc and have more than enough power, so 400 should be more than ample....

Yes- actually, I had moved the Fathoms a while ago, and build some cloth covered MDF stands for the T-1/R's, so the 1010's slipped right in their place...

Actually, you're right - the buttkickers may be retired! I'm just thrilled at the quality of the 1010's - better than I expected...

I just hauled the T1s and the 1010SE. Man they are heavy cabinets. I should have used my dolly to move them around.

Thrang. Were the T1 hard to mount above the 1010s. Considering the weight, I should probably get someone to help hold them to install them properly.

Now I just have to wait until all the contracters are done to install everything.

Thrang:

What the main difference between the Reference and the Signature speakers. When I was at RBH, they did not have a pair of the reference speakers in their listening room. So, I was only able to comare the different sounds of the signature line.

My friend has the MC in wall line and they sound incredible. I can't wait to unpack mine and set them up, but I don't want to have them on display for all the workers to see to come by later and take them home.

The drivers and crossovers are the main difference between Signature and Reference lines.

Reference tweeters = ScanSpeak 9500
Signature tweeters = Vifa D27

Both use a similar RBH Sound designed aluminum mid-woofer, the Reference design utilizes a real phase plug and the Signature does not.

And as I understand it the crossover upgrade is due to the difference in these drivers.

That's the simple answer.

Mark:

How much more (ballpark) do the reference speakers cost vs the signature for the T1, 1010sep & 61 SE?

Just curious.

I have not seen a price list for a few years, but from what I have seen here and there my ballpark guestimate is 35% - 45% depending on the speaker.

Holy price jump. I guess I will probably stay with the signature line for a while. That makes an expensive speaker.

It would certainly help to have two sets of hands - I managed on my own, but I had a large table between the speakers to rest the T-1 on, at the right height, to lift and place...

Sonically, I would say the Reference tweets are slightly less bright, and can be driven higher/harder (from what RBH has told me...)

Trang: Thanks I think I will be well satisfied with the signature line, until I can get a kitchen pass for th difference

I may drive down to Utah to go see Zion Narrows this summer and stop by RBH

Actually the difference in MSPR ranges from 40% for the T-1/Rs up to 63% for the 1010-SEP/Rs, of course your actual mileage may vary depending on your RBH dealer.

I now see / hear what you were talking about, with upgradeville with my receiver / amps. The T1s sound fantastic. I now hear the difference in all the mp3 files I have on my computer that are not high quality 256+. I also can tell that the speakers want more / cleaner power. So, I'm now looking at amps. One thought I had was to get a 3 channel amp to power the (L, R, C) and use the receiver to power the surrounds. Emotiva had a 3 channel amp for about 700 that might fit the bill. It was the XPA-3 It does 200W x 8 ohm and 300w @ 4 ohm.

They also have the XPA-1 & 2 that seem are just a mono block amp split. The XPA-1 may be really good, they are rated 500W @ 8 ohm and 1,000w @ 4 ohm, a bit spendy, but would this be too much power for the speakers and their top end is 500 w @ 4 ohm. Can the ones that have the T1 chime in if you get a minute on what you think the best setup could be, or if you have another option that would be great as well.

Gingus,

I can't say from personal experience (I own theLPA-1), but I think the Emotiva XPA-3, or even the XPA-5 (to power your surrounds as well) should be great for your application. If you can afford it I'm sure 3 XPA-1's would be fabulous, but that sure is pricey. What you'll get with the Emotiva amps, though, is extraordinary price/performance value along with top-notch customer service. There is no doubt in my mind that you will have to spend substantially more money to get similar performance/power from another manufacturer. Call up Emotiva and speak with someone directly about your application--they're very friendly, and very customer-oriented. There number is 615-790-6754, or they can also be reached at 877-EMO-TECH. They have a forum on their website (http://emotivalounge.proboards.com/index.cgi?), and if you search through the "What does your room look like with your Emotiva gear?" thread under the "Processors" discussion board, you'll see that there are a lot of guys out there who are powering some pretty high-end speakers, like yours, with Emotiva amps. Also, you'll see that their customers are fiercely loyal and happy (like me!).

Finally, post some pics of your new setup! I'm anxious to see how those T-1's look! All the best.

I talked to Chris at Emotiva and I am going between the XPA-3 or XPA-5. I am leaning closer to the 5 as at 4 ohm they give 340 watts / ch. and the 3 only gives 300. (They told me why the 5 ch had more power than the 3, but I can't remember it right now.) This is a far cry from the 500w they could use, but double what I have them right now with the onkyo amps. With that being said, what lower end receivers that will have the preouts, and good features would be good to go with?

I like the Emotiva, but it doesn't have the newtwork features or allows listening to internet radio, or do I need to go with a $1,000 receiver and just use it as a preamp?

I will get pics, but the room is a mess and all I have is a wall, and speakers. I don't have any furniture except for a big bag. We are almost gettinging the finishing touches done on the basement. Still have touch up paint and the plumbers are there today finishing up.

BTW does anyone know of speker stands that will hold the 61-SE as surround speakers without drilling into the boxes?

Check out this thread. I just went threw this thought process myself last week.
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showt...5#post16316425

There are several speaker stands that will work. Here are some that are 30" tall. I'd use indutrial velco to mount the speaker to the stand.

http://www.provantage.com/wood-techn...5~7WODT017.htm

Here are the pictures, either I'm not good with a camera, (I already know this), or they were too far apart to fit into one picture. But here are the pics: Right now I have the PJ just showing on the wall, we may or may not get a screen. I also took 1 pic of the 61 SE. There are 4 total. Also, does anyone know how to get the pictures you attch to show up in the post rather than a attachment.

As far as stands go, I have my pair of 61-SE's on 31" stands from OmniMount. I used little 3M rubber bumpers that I got at Target to keep them in place. [I Googled them and they're called "Bumpons." I couldn't find them on Target's website, but that's where I got them. They're cheap, transparent tapered squares about 3/4" on a side and about 1"4 tall.] They're sticky on one side, so I stuck those to the top of the stand. They do have a little tack to them, so they're actually REALLY effective at keeping the speaker in place. They probably help minimize vibrations, too. In fact, my girlfriend has even knocked one of my speakers over before without them dislodging from the stand! I sure was mad at her, but it was interesting that the little bumpers have such grip. The only time I've taken them off the stands was when I moved, and there were no marks or anything left behind by the bumpers. They're really cheap, and come like 8 to a package.

If you're not already planning to, I would STRONGLY recommend you look for a stand for your center channel speaker. Big time acoustical deficiencies exist when you put a speaker right on the floor like that, but I'm sure you already know that. RBH could probably recommend one to you. Anyhow, FWIW I've found that my 31" OmniMount stands are a little too tall for my 61-SE's. I think a stand height between 25" and 28" would put the tweeter closer to ear height--at least in my listening position. With my couch height, I'd really like to find one that was 26 or 27" tall--that would be about perfect. Good luck, and thanks for sharing the pics with us! Enjoy your new setup.

Incidentally, my point about the 3M Bumpons was that I think they do the job just fine, and you shouldn't need to drill into the speaker boxes in order to keep them secure. Sorry if that wasn't clear. Like I said, they kept my speaker in place even when my GF knocked one over! I almost strangled her, though... It's a good thing she's cute.

I did not even think about a speaker stand for the center channel. Thanks for the suggestion. What would anyone suggest. would a couple of really thick books work?

Do I angle the center channel so that it is aimed at the seating area, or would it be better to have it at ear level?

I would like to avoid having it that high as it would be in the middle of the screen area, but I guess I would just have to reduce the size of the screen if needed.