[JKeller]

I am upgrading my HT and would like some input on my plans.


I currently have:


HK AVRxxx (pre digital) receiver

Infinity Kappa series II 6.1 mains

Infinity CC-1 center

JBL bookshelf surrounds

Velodyne 10"sub



My Plans:


I am upgrading the receiver to HK635(when available)

I am keeping the mains, I like these alot

I plan on talking with SVS for a new sub



My questions:


1-I don't like the center channel certain voices sound terrible.

2-I need surrounds


I am thinking of replacing the center with a Kappa center(found one on clearance)


My real dilemma is the surrounds, I found Kappa surrounds on clearance also but their still $750pr. With 7.1 I would need 2 pr correct? $1,500 is more than I wanted to spend on surrounds but will if necessary.

Are surrounds that critical? My first choice aesthetically would be the Infinity Modulus but will they sound good with the rest of the system or will they only work well in th modulus system?




I am adding a great room my house where all this is going. The room is very large(26' x 32') with a cathedral ceiling. This info is probably more relative to the sub but may play a role in surround choice.


Any help would be appreciated.


Thanks

Jim Keller

 

[John Robert]

First off, you are building a HUGE space, HT wise, and are seriously under-spec in both amp power and speaker performance to fill it. With cathedral ceilings, you could exceed 10,000 cu ft...and that is very large.


Can you partition it in some way? Half that size (16 X 26) would give you a much more manageable space.


The HK is a good choice as their amps are fairly robust. The Kappa center might work with your older Infinity's, and it leaves you with an upgrade path. Just get one pair of the dipole surrounds, and get a pair of small Infinity bookshelf speakers for the rear surrounds in your 7.1 setup.


If your room stays that big, you might want 2 subs (like the Outlaw LFM-1 @ 2 for $999) to help you deal with room issues. You will also want drapes, bookshelves (to act as diffusers) and any other DIY room treatments you can afford. Good Luck!


Regards,


John

 

[JKeller]

Yes I know the room is far from ideal I'm just trying to make the best of it. It will be more of a great room than a dedicated HT.


So what your saying is the rear surrounds are less important and I wont see a big loss with standard bookshelves? Infinity is running a special for a free pair of Primus 150's will these do?


Your other suggestions are apprieciated.


Thanks,

Jim

 

[Ja Phule]

Would that mean you're thinking about getting either a pair of Infinity Betas, Primus 250/360s, or even some Alphas in order to get the free Primus 150s?

 

[John Robert]

Not sure how the free speaker promo works, but the 150's would work fine as rear surrounds...


John


Since you have the room, try pulling your Kappa mains out into the room a little. 3 feet from the front wall will give you greatly improved imaging and sound...


John

 

[sethwas]

Hmm,

I understand that his room is large, so if you put the speakers at the far corners he would be underpowered.

But what if all the speakers were in the middle of the room for maybe a 300 sq ft floorspace (like 15x20 or so) would that improve the sound even though the room space is still large. I'd think so since you're closer to the speakers.


Seth

 

[JKeller]

Just to clarify, the viewing/listening area will encompass about half the room (16"' x 25"). I will be placing the TV in one corner and setting the furniture around it effectively cutting the room in half. In this configuration the mains will be a couple of feet in front of the TV and the rears will be 10' or so behind the seating area unless I hang them from the ceiling. The side surrounds will be close to each side of the seating area. The other half of the room will be for a pool table,etc. Since the sound will be directed or centered in only half the room I am wondering if a more directional surround would work better. Being able to direct the sound at a certain area instead of trying to fill the whole room.


If that will work, will first choice aesthetically would be the Infinity Modulus but will they work well outside of their system. I am not a audiophile by any means but I do know the difference between good and bad and try to get the best setup I can afford.


I am going to get the Kappa center which is enough for the free Primus 150's though I don't care if I use them or not.



Jim

 

[John Robert]

Jim:


At the risk of committing audiophile heresy, you can mix the Kappa, Primus and Modulus speakers and end up with a nice system. The Kappa center will give you good dialog intelligibility and good performance for music. Since the Primus speakers are monopoles, you can aim them (toe-in) to get the best soundfield...


John

 

[JKeller]

Thanks John,


If I decide to go with the modulus surrounds I will get four of them just so they all match. The primus I'll just use somewhere else. I believe I am over thinking (as usual). I think I am going to use the 4 modules for surrounds unless someone believes that this is just a bad combo. While not ideal(that would be impossible given the room), it may be the best compromise between funtion and apperance.


Is there any rule of thumb for placement and distance for surround speakers in 7.1. I have never set 7.1 up before.



Jim

 

[John Robert]

Jim:


There is some info here:

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showt...=7.1+placement


Also, try this from Dolby's website:

http://dolby.com/consumer/home_enter...oomlayout.html


Regards,


John