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Help with 7.1 setup using AT screen 2k budget

1022 Views 11 Replies 4 Participants Last post by Tamas, Aug 14, 2011

orko007

Discussion Starter · Aug 13, 2011

I am beginning work on framing my room (13.5' x 22') and am planning an AT screen and will be building pillars which will house the surround speakers. I have a Onkyo TR-SX606 but was planning to upgrade so I'm not exactly sure on a receiver and/or amps yet, but I am looking to spends around $2k on the speakers not necessarily including the sub.

The bigger point of making the speaker decision now is so that the pillars can be built the appropriate width and depth for the 4 surrounds. That being said I am trying to keep the pillar depth to a max of around 6-8 inches. there will also be room for then to be deeper and go back in-between wall studs if needed.

Also this will be 95% or more movie/TV watching, we have little to no plans for just music as it is going to be a dedicated theater room.

Any suggestions would be much appreciated.

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schan1269

· #2 · Aug 13, 2011

To help us help you...by "pillar", what exactly?

You are going to build floor to ceiling columns or you want to hide a speaker where you don't really know it is there?

A picture of this would be helpful so we know if you want bookshelf or towers.

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ifor

· #3 · Aug 13, 2011

I would suggest using in-wall surrounds from whatever brand you choose. We don't know the distance from the pillar to the seats, so suggesting a dipole/bipole or direct radiating will be difficult.

But I think the biggest question is what kind of speaker you intend to use for the fronts? Are you building a space behind the screen for speakers or are you planning on using in-walls?

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orko007

Discussion Starter · #4 · Aug 13, 2011

Quote:
Originally Posted by schan1269 /forum/post/20816197

To help us help you...by "pillar", what exactly?

You are going to build floor to ceiling columns or you want to hide a speaker where you don't really know it is there?

A picture of this would be helpful so we know if you want bookshelf or towers.

Yes, sorry, I meant columns, pillar was probably not the best description to use. They will be floor to ceiling and yes i do want to hide the speakers inside.

Here are a few images from my crude sketchup i made of the room. I am leaving a 2ft area behind the false wall for speakers. the columns are 18" wide and 6" deep in the sketchup but they are not built yet so they can be wider or deeper if needed.

thanks again

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Tamas

· #5 · Aug 13, 2011

Have you looked into KEF's new Q series speakers? 3 Q700 or 900's in the front, and Q300 or 100's for surrounds.

Or some have used Q300 all around for timbral matching. The 700 sseries use the same tweeter/mid combo speaker array so they should sound very similar if not the same inthe highs and mids. With an AT screen you should use all the same speakers in the front. No need for a dedicated center channel.

Tom

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schan1269

· #6 · Aug 13, 2011

Now that makes sense...

Are you also "hiding" the fronts(not that it makes much difference)?

Do you have any preferences(bright speakers, subdued, silk tweeter, metal tweeter)?

The only thing you can't buy(which makes this simpler) are di-bipoles.

A few short examples of what fits your price range...

Mordaunt Short Carnival

KEF iQ (I don't think Q's will fit the budget)

BIC PL (the Klipsch Synergy is in your budget, but the BIC PL is less expensive and better liked by MANY)

Klipsch Icon*(the older discontinued, not the new "lesser" ICON, example...the one with a W are discontinued, the new V are NOT as good as the prior W... http://www.amazon.com/Klipsch-WF-34-...3257401&sr=8-1 )

Energy C(B/F/C) series

* The Icon W series would almost be a shame to be "hidden" from view...they are gorgeous...notwithstanding, they are excellent speakers.

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ifor

· #7 · Aug 13, 2011

I still suggest using inwall speakers that us an integrated back box. the depth can be 4" then it wouldn't matter as they are designed to be used in that small a cavity and the hollowness also won't be affected since the speakers are sealed.

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orko007

Discussion Starter · #8 · Aug 13, 2011

Quote:
Originally Posted by Tamas /forum/post/20817121

Have you looked into KEF's new Q series speakers? 3 Q700 or 900's in the front, and Q300 or 100's for surrounds.

Or some have used Q300 all around for timbral matching. The 700 sseries use the same tweeter/mid combo speaker array so they should sound very similar if not the same inthe highs and mids. With an AT screen you should use all the same speakers in the front. No need for a dedicated center channel.

Tom

Tamas,

Thank you for the reply. I just looked up these KEF's and they seem to be just what i would be looking for. But I have two questions.

1. From what I read the Q700 is a floorstanding version of the Q300. The 300 is obviously lower in cost. but I am wondering what the advantage is if any on the floorstanding 700. Since you won't see them how they look really has no influence. But if the 700 will be able to fill the room better or have better bass it is something to consider.

2. You did not mention the Q800DS surrounds. After looking at the specs this will fit much better for my build as they are only 7.1" deep. Is there any reason not to get these?

thanks again for the input.

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orko007

Discussion Starter · #9 · Aug 13, 2011

Quote:
Originally Posted by schan1269 /forum/post/20817479

Now that makes sense...

Are you also "hiding" the fronts(not that it makes much difference)?

Do you have any preferences(bright speakers, subdued, silk tweeter, metal tweeter)?

The only thing you can't buy(which makes this simpler) are di-bipoles.

The fronts will be behind the AT screen so they will be hidden.

Excuse my lack of knowledge on the speakers but why would di/bipoles not be an option?

EDIT: never mind a quick google on the di/bi poles and i know why they would not work! so I guess the Q800DS are out if going with the KEF Q's.

Thanks again!

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orko007

Discussion Starter · #10 · Aug 14, 2011

Well, I have been looking around and found the Klipsch Icon WF-34's on sale at newegg for $449 = there is a $120 off coupon good till the 15th making them $329 each shipped free. Pretty sure I won't be able to beat that anywhere. so I will probably pull the trigger.

Plus the WS-24 surrounds or WB-14 bookshelfs will fit perfect into my columns, if I went with the WS-24 I would probably try to mount them so the curved part protruded from the column, if done right i think it could look really good.

Thanks again for all the input.

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