Triad Owner's Thread - Page 90

Because of the 5.25" Scan-Speak mids, the Silver Monitor isn't as robust and won't handle as much power below 150 Hz. Those are the same mids used in the Platinum LCR, but in the Platinum they're crossed over from the 10" drivers at a higher frequency. Silver Monitors work great in smaller theaters where very high output isn't demanded. Also, with a 4"-deep InWall version, they're a problem solver for installations where you don't have the 6" of stud space for the InWall Gold/6 Monitor or InWall Gold/6 LCR. And there's also a great InCeiling Silver/6 Monitor, which may be the best ceiling speaker for LCR use.

The sound quality of all three is comparable, with the Silver Monitor being a little lighter below 120 Hz or so, but the two Gold models play louder and are more dynamic. If you have the room, pick the Gold LCR over the Silver Monitor, which are both around the same price.

It comes down to the appropriate speaker for the application. That's why we have 100 different models.

I considered the suggestion of setting the slope to 36db that is only available in the Plat's internal settings. The max slop in my processor is 24db. Should I set the subs to 36db anyway? Will that make a difference regardless of the processor setting?

Thanks Paul that help me make my final pick then. Three gold lcr, two silver surrounds and two gold subs, all speakers in-wall. The three front will be behind a AT screen.

Most installers recommend doing the high pass only in the processor. I cheat and double up, using the crossover in the processor, and then cascading the sub's crossover on top of that. The result is a steep crossover which pretty much eliminates anything audible above 80 Hz from the sub. Remember that if you're playing at 108 dB and you use a 24 dB low pass, you're going to have 84 dB at 160 Hz. In many cases, that's audible, and it can sound like "boom."

You could start out with 80 Hz in your subs and use a 12 dB/octave slope, just to see if the bass gets "cleaner." The problem is, you'll have to recalibrate the system because you're removing much of that out-of-band upper bass. I went right to the 36 dB slope, as a matter of taste, but also because as an ex-professional musician, I haven't heard that slight added sluggish boom in any life acoustical music.

To sum up, purists will tell you to use the crossover in your processor and move the low pass in your sub to it's upper limit. In practice, I don't often agree with that.

Absolute killer system! And good choice with the AT screen.

Let me simplify a little. Leave your processor crossover where it is. If you feel you have too much perceived bass "overhang" (it isn't overhang, but it sounds like it), set the Platinums' low pass to 12 dB and see how you like it. It you want even leaner but still extended and punchy bass, try 24 dB or 36 dB. Again, you may have to kick the bass level up one deeber with the new slopes.

Did the addition of the Silver DSP Sub even things out?

Note to Tony: Neither Paul Scarpelli or Triad Speakers, Inc. is responsible for structural damage to your home due to use of our Platinum system. Glue down the knick-knacks and buy some Spackle to fix the inevitable cracks.

I'll give that shot tonight.

You better believe it! and I love every minute of it.

Good news for those of you considering Gold or Platinum DSP Subs: Recently, I mentioned that the RackAmp1000 would no longer be available, and that the Gold and Platinum DSP Subs would only be available with the onboard 1,000-watt PlateAmp. Apparently, production of the RackAmp1000 is continuing, and we should have them in stock again by the end of next month. If the situation changes, I'll let you know.

Just for reference, the different versions of the two subs perform the same. The versions with the separate RackAmp1000 are $250 more at retail. The Gold DSP Sub with RackAmp1000 is $2,500, and the Platinum DSP Sub is $2,750. Models with the onboard amps are $2,250 and $2,500.

Any chance of getting these numbers for the omni subs?

I'm working on it...

Thanks!

Speaking of which, I think I just found the new movie for testing speakers. I don't listen at anywhere near reference levels, but certain scenes in Inception worked my speakers harder than just about any other movie I currently own.

^^^great movie!! BTW.!

Thanks, I'll order it!

Thanks for your advice Paul. Also, for this size of room would you consider the Silver Satellites for all 7 channels?

Jason

You could certainly do Silver Sats for the four surrounds, but I wouldn't use them for the three fronts, other than in a smaller venue. I would use one of our LCRs.

As you warned Tony, get the Spackle ready if you crank it up on Inception.

What do you mean "IF" I crank it up??

I only have some old Cerwin Vega RE30's (bought in 96, I know) and they shake my room with Inception. I would love a listen with the Plat. subs. We are a Triad dealer, and have several Triad theaters although not Gold or Plat. level but maybe one day.

But I will say I do like the new MicroLCR 3.0. It came with the best template I've ever worked with and I do prefer the grill cloth look over what the Mini LCR 3.0 has.

I really love the Micro LCR 3.0, too. For $900, a real 3-in-1 speaker for medium-sized flatscreens. The Micro Sat 3.0 is very similar, at $600, and it has about 5 dB less max output. Funny, but most dealers like the much-more-expensive metal grill on the Mini LCR 3.0. It looks (and is) much more expensive, but the main advantages are better sound, and the fact that it can be paint-matched along with the speaker to blend into any environment.

I don't like it because it's too easily bent so it doesn't sit right on the speaker. You look at it wrong...oops, it's now bent =)

I like the metal grilles better as well.

The recent metal grills on the OnWall Mini LCR 3.0 and OnWall Mini LCR 3.0 SE fit much better due to a redesign. I imagine we can also make custom cloth grills if you prefer them, though.

I have an opportunity to replace my Gold Center Classic with a used Platinum center, but I only have 20" between behind my micro perf Stewart Filmscreen to the 1" Theatershield covering my front wall. With the Platinum being 13" deep, I would only have about 1/2 the recommended distance. Would this rule out using the Plat? (BTW, I would continue to use Gold LCR Classics for my left/right channels. Would this be a bad idea?)

Thanks,

Geordon

I think you would be better served finding a vertical center to match your mains. Considering you have a perf screen. Take advantage of it...

I agree with Tony. Even if it's a great deal, it's not right for a variety of reasons. First, as Tony says, you should do a vertically-aligned speaker for center. Ideally, you'd have all three fronts the same, and Classic Gold LCRs are nearly as different from a Platinum Center as is possible.

Okay, Paul. You have scolded me enough times on this. I will look towards an LCR. Must I stay with the Classic for the center to match my Classic LRs, or can I expand my options with the newer dome-based golds? I currently have Inroom versions, but is there any reason I can't substitute an Inwall (another option in the used market)? I see one advantage of the newer Golds, is that I would get a larger woofer.

Thanks.

Actually, I haven't scolded you; I just am consistent in my answers. A Platinum Center is wrong for that setup. I'd consider changing to three new InWall Gold/6 LCRs if the budget allows. Tony Grimani still likes the Classic Gold LCR, but we have better products now. The Classic Gold LCR came out almost 20 years ago, and the new ones play about 5 dB louder, have more extended treble, and are far more dynamic. I had Classic Gold LCRs for a few years, and I liked them, but we have much better products now. I'd stay with what you have until you upgrade all three fronts.