Quote:
Originally Posted by benareeno /forum/post/20805687
I'm actually a videophile first and foremost...and I like audio done right. I see no point to surrounds in a room where they are easily localized and too close to my ears.
I see no point to a center speaker that is horizontal...this is clearly done to appeal to esthetics and not sound quality. Speakers are vertical because that it is how they sound their best...therefore the only acceptable center speaker is one that is 100% identical to the mains. And that also means vertical orientation.
And....in a room as small as mine, with 1 or 2 listeners (maybe 4 when the girlfriends kids are over, but they could care less), I see no need for a center speaker above or below an image when the 2 main speakers anchor the voice right in front of the screen instead of above or below it.
Tube amps will be of what benfit exactly?
I play guitar and prefer a tube amp...but how will a movie sound different through a tube amp?
Well, it seems like you have your mind made up already.
2 Channel, full range.
Of course, movies are mixed in 5.1 or more channels nowadays for a reason.
You are willing to sacrifice the bottom few octaves below 35-40Hz, and the advantages of a center channel done properly, as well as surrounds.
If you were amenable to room changes, such as moving your listening position off the back wall, you might change your mind about surrounds.
Do you have measurement capability? That would be the SINGLE BEST THING you could ever do. Measure what you have to see what you would want. You will realize quickly that the amount of comb filtering experienced at rear wall seats is quite high unless absorption is placed there. The bass response may not be what you think it is either.
Listening at reference will require efficient speakers. 95dB+. And around 100-200W power. Your choices become limited.
Also, subwoofers done right do not boom. "Fast bass" vs "boom" is usually determined almost exclusively by the room, room resonances and modal ringing. This is why you need to measure, or just run highpass filters to ensure the room does not contribute.
The number one determinant will always be budget. Given the $700 number, I think that severely limits your options as well.
I still stick to my initial recommendation of the 8pi loudpspeaker if you will want 2-channel.
http://www.pispeakers.com/catalog/pr...roducts_id/112
The kits are $300 per speaker. It is tuned to 35Hz, and should be run with a highpass if you will run it near it's limits, as movies contain content below 35Hz. It will reach 120dB with corner loading with only 100W (whih I assume you have 100W per channel available), getting you very near reference. If you feel the need for clearer highs, there is an upgrade high frequency driver available.
Even with the 8pi speakers, it would be to your adavntage to move the listening position off the rear wall.
The other options are limited to other high efficiency speakers such as line arrays with subwoofers to augment the low end...or Klipschorn-type clones.
You have painted yourself into quite a narrow corner as far as options due to room layout and preferences.
But I still say #1 is get measurement equipment together and measure what you have, and then decide what you need.
Look up Room EQ Wizard on google. Free software. You can build a mic for very litle cash by searching for the "lilmike's mic" thread here on AVS. You can use a $30 sound card, and get a better idea of what is really going on in your room.
You are decently satisfied with bookshelf speakers currently. The 8Pi's would be a big step up for not a whole lot of $$.
JSS
