[SantoJones]

I am renovating a media room in a house I just purchased and am looking for some recommendations.


The room is 9.5' x 14' with 10' ceilings. I have plenty of depth for in wall speakers up front and in-rear but no floor space for floor standing speakers. Due to the size of my planned flat screen (either 80" or 90")' I will have to place the left and right front speakers pretty close to the corners of the room.


The room will be about 70% tv/movies and 30% two channel sources (records/iTunes). I will use high quality separates to drive the system. I was looking at the Triad gold monitors but wonder if those are overkill in this size room.


I would love to hear some recs from you guys. Thanks and anyone know who the Houston area dealers are?

 

[Mike Garrett]

Along with Triad, I would also look at RBH: http://www.rbhsound.com/inwall_ref.php

 

[ack_bk]



Quote:
Originally Posted by AV Science Sales 5  /t/1419398/recommendations-for-new-system#post_22201908


Along with Triad, I would also look at RBH: http://www.rbhsound.com/inwall_ref.php

Solid recommendations.



Have you thought about a projector and an acoustically transparent screen?


What is your budget..

 

[SantoJones]

I have considered a front projection system but thought a very large flat panel display may work better in this room.


Budget has not been set yet, but I expect that I will end up spending several thousand for each of the front speakers.

 

[ack_bk]



Quote:
Originally Posted by SantoJones  /t/1419398/recommendations-for-new-system#post_22202237


I have considered a front projection system but thought a very large flat panel display may work better in this room.

Budget has not been set yet, but I expect that I will end up spending several thousand for each of the front speakers.

I would have Triad at the top of my list then in your price range. I would also consider Episode 900 series, Totem Tribe In-wall, RBH sound, and Atlantic Technology to name a few. One thing to look for are in-wall speakers with engineered enclosures or speaker manufacturers that sell backbox's that are designed for the speaker you are buying. Enclosures help to prevent in-wall speaker loss:
http://www.cepro.com/article/how_to_prevent_audio_loss_with_in_wall_speaker_systems/


Do you know how far back your seating will be in reference to the screen? This is used to dictate screen size. I have in-wall speakers with an acoustically transparent screen using a front projector and could not be happier. The acoustically transparent screen offers optimal speaker placement and allows you to go to a matching vertical center with the tweeter placed right at ear level while sitting:
http://www.audioholics.com/education/loudspeaker-basics/vertical-vs-horizontal-speaker-designs


One issue I have always had was horizontal center channel placement and getting the best imaging possible (my screen is 125"). Going with an AT screen made all the difference.

 

[SantoJones]

Thanks for the advice and links. The more I think about it, the more I like the idea of an AT screen because of the fact that I will be able to get the best sound out of my room.


I will be sitting about 13-13.5' from screen in my room setup.

 

[ack_bk]



Quote:
Originally Posted by SantoJones  /t/1419398/recommendations-for-new-system#post_22203330


Thanks for the advice and links. The more I think about it, the more I like the idea of an AT screen because of the fact that I will be able to get the best sound out of my room.

I will be sitting about 13-13.5' from screen in my room setup.

Your welcome

I went with a 100" diagonal front projection screen back in 2006 and have not looked back. You would be surprised at how small an 80" screen is to me now...


This calculator is helpful:
http://myhometheater.homestead.com/viewingdistancecalculator.html


Looks like at your seating distance you could go up to about 116" (diagonal) screen. I usually recommend putting some tape on the wall and a sheet and getting a feel for it, but you adjust quickly. I sit about 14' from a 125" screen and it is perfect.


Front projectors have really evolved, you can get a very bright projector that does 3D and has an excellent picture for $2K and under. The subforum here at AVS is a great resource, as well as this site:
http://www.projectorreviews.com/


I own the SeymourAV Centerstage XD screen material using a JamesTown frame. I want to say I paid around $500 total for my screen and frame shipped:
http://www.jamestownhometheaterscreen.com/index.html
http://seymourav.com/screens.asp


Let me know if you have any questions. I am using the Deftech UIW RLS II speakers in my setup and am very pleased:
http://www.definitivetech.com/products/products.aspx?path=Speakers_By_Series|UIW_Reference_Series&productid=UIW_RLS_II


That said, the Triad, RBH, Episode, Atlantic, Totem, would all be a step up (and also cost considerably more).


You will absolutely want a good dedicated subwoofer for your room so budget the money for that. I recommend Hsu, SVS, Epik, and Rythmik for some good subs. Your room is not huge, but you will want something with some extension under 20hz for home theater.