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kal
Forum Administrator
Joined: 06 Mar 2006
Posts: 12341
Location: Ottawa, Canada
TV/Projector: JVC DLA-RS56
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 Link Posted: Tue Feb 12, 2008 5:33 pm Post subject: |
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| greg_mitch wrote: |  |
Hopefully this is not the final spot where the two rear speakers are going to go? It's got to sound a bit odd as they're both together and *RIGHT* behind the people at the back. They're going to be way too loud for them while the fronts will be too quiet. The reverse will be true for the front couch.
If this was my setup, I'd stick them high up on the side walls and face them up or to the back of the room or something. If movies are what you're setting up for, you want a diffuse sound field.
I could never actually get a nice diffuse sound field with direct radiating speakers so I got dipole/bipole speakers.
Kal
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My basement/HT/bar/brewery build 2.0
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greg_mitch
Joined: 03 May 2006
Posts: 5198
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| Link Posted: Tue Feb 12, 2008 7:05 pm Post subject: |
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Believe me, I know! I am open to suggestions. I purchased some of those cheapy Insignia for side surrounds but I was contemplating bipole/dipoles for some time. I could never justify the cost.
One of my other options was to put ceiling speakers near the back row but that isn't ideal for the front row either.
I had to work with the obscenely strange shape of my room, which didn't help things.
i might try to pick up some of those Bic Acoustech dipoles on eBay for like $180 and then sell my other two sets of rear and side surrounds.
What do you guys think? The layout of the room is this...
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ecrabb
Joined: 13 Mar 2006
Posts: 12498
Location: Iowa
TV/Projector: JVC RS45
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| Link Posted: Tue Feb 12, 2008 7:23 pm Post subject: |
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| JustGreg wrote: | | I wish the dimmers had infinite adjustability but it appears they are stepped...~10 'notches'. Still, for an affordable alternative to higher priced automated systems I'm quite happy with them. X10's site is a mess to get around but it appears I can go with a more sophisticated control system that will interface with what I already have. That'll have to wait for now. |
Greg, they're a quite a bit more pricey (especially if you need a number of them), but have you looked at the switches from Smarthome? They're phasing out their X10 stuff and switching over to all Insteon (which includes X10 backward compatibility). They're much more expensive, but they're WAY nicer stuff than the stuff the X10 folks sell. Not even close, actually.
These are the switches I have in my theater:
http://www.smarthome.com/2476d-light-dimmer.html
32 steps locally, and 1% increments if by computer control. They're small (easier to mount in the box), Insteon (of course), and really well built with the LED indicators and a VERY nice tactile feel. They also come w/a 2-year warranty.
I REALLY like Smarthome. They've been really good to me over the years with support, replacements, etc. Highly recommended for anything automation-wise they carry. If you sign up for their email list they do special promotions once in awhile with 15, 20, even 25% off and free shipping. Saves some bucks if you're ordering much.
SC
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kal
Forum Administrator
Joined: 06 Mar 2006
Posts: 12341
Location: Ottawa, Canada
TV/Projector: JVC DLA-RS56
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| Link Posted: Tue Feb 12, 2008 7:58 pm Post subject: |
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| greg_mitch wrote: | Believe me, I know! I am open to suggestions. I purchased some of those cheapy Insignia for side surrounds but I was contemplating bipole/dipoles for some time. I could never justify the cost.
One of my other options was to put ceiling speakers near the back row but that isn't ideal for the front row either.
I had to work with the obscenely strange shape of my room, which didn't help things. |
I'd keep the speaker you have. Just find a way to get them up high maybe on the side walls, pointing at each other or anywhere other than at the listeners. Maybe near the display case on the left and adjacent on the right wall, pointing backwards are something.
You can try temporary setups with ladders or something else to get them up high. I have an odd-ball shaped room and I played around with half a dozen places before figure out where to anchor them.
Kal
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greg_mitch
Joined: 03 May 2006
Posts: 5198
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| Link Posted: Tue Feb 12, 2008 9:46 pm Post subject: |
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I am still open for dipoles due to their reduced footprint as these Onix Rocket RS150's are pretty stout for rear surrounds (at least from what I am used to). I want some wall mountable speakers as opposed to get some sort of wall bracket stand and then just resting these speakers on there. Once I got the Insignia's I realized they were too big as well. They will work nicely in the garage though! I don't know if these are worth a sh*t but they look decent...
I would like some Onix Rocket RSS300's or Axiom QS4's but they are considerably more. Really just working off of budget at this point.
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JustGreg
Joined: 07 Mar 2006
Posts: 3085
Location: Kenosha, WI
TV/Projector: Marquee 8500
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| Link Posted: Tue Feb 12, 2008 9:58 pm Post subject: |
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| ecrabb wrote: | | JustGreg wrote: | | I wish the dimmers had infinite adjustability but it appears they are stepped...~10 'notches'. Still, for an affordable alternative to higher priced automated systems I'm quite happy with them. X10's site is a mess to get around but it appears I can go with a more sophisticated control system that will interface with what I already have. That'll have to wait for now. |
Greg, they're a quite a bit more pricey (especially if you need a number of them), but have you looked at the switches from Smarthome? They're phasing out their X10 stuff and switching over to all Insteon (which includes X10 backward compatibility). They're much more expensive, but they're WAY nicer stuff than the stuff the X10 folks sell. Not even close, actually.
These are the switches I have in my theater:
http://www.smarthome.com/2476d-light-dimmer.html
32 steps locally, and 1% increments if by computer control. They're small (easier to mount in the box), Insteon (of course), and really well built with the LED indicators and a VERY nice tactile feel. They also come w/a 2-year warranty.
I REALLY like Smarthome. They've been really good to me over the years with support, replacements, etc. Highly recommended for anything automation-wise they carry. If you sign up for their email list they do special promotions once in awhile with 15, 20, even 25% off and free shipping. Saves some bucks if you're ordering much.
SC |
Hmmm. Thanks for the info. Yeah I know X10 stuff is, well, like the Sea Monkey ads in the back of comics when we were kids...but the price was right and like anything you don't really know what you've got til you get it. The price was good tho...I think I paid ~$60 for the 3 dimmer/controller package. Not a big deal if I want to yank it out and go with something more 'whole house' friendly. I know one thing...that "FREE" 5 in 1 remote they toss in ain't worth the batteries it would take to run it. 
Thanks SC.
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Greg
"Is it ignorance or apathy? Hey, I don't know and I don't care!" --Jimmy Buffett
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JustGreg
Joined: 07 Mar 2006
Posts: 3085
Location: Kenosha, WI
TV/Projector: Marquee 8500
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| Link Posted: Tue Feb 12, 2008 10:03 pm Post subject: |
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Hey Greg, what's behind that angled wall? I couldn't tell from the pics. Is it your mechanicals room? Just curious.
Greg
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Greg
"Is it ignorance or apathy? Hey, I don't know and I don't care!" --Jimmy Buffett
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greg_mitch
Joined: 03 May 2006
Posts: 5198
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| Link Posted: Tue Feb 12, 2008 11:40 pm Post subject: |
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Yep, furnace, water heater, water softener, etc.
I actually had contemplated moving some stuff around at one point but then realized that if the room was already constructed I would just take advantage of that little space and make do.
My next house will have a better layout I can guarantee. Maybe within 5 years!
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kal
Forum Administrator
Joined: 06 Mar 2006
Posts: 12341
Location: Ottawa, Canada
TV/Projector: JVC DLA-RS56
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| Link Posted: Wed Feb 13, 2008 5:13 pm Post subject: |
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| greg_mitch wrote: | | I would like some Onix Rocket RSS300's or Axiom QS4's but they are considerably more. Really just working off of budget at this point. |
Look for them used. You can probably do pretty well.
Kal
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My basement/HT/bar/brewery build 2.0
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JustGreg
Joined: 07 Mar 2006
Posts: 3085
Location: Kenosha, WI
TV/Projector: Marquee 8500
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| Link Posted: Wed Feb 13, 2008 5:30 pm Post subject: |
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| greg_mitch wrote: | Yep, furnace, water heater, water softener, etc.
I actually had contemplated moving some stuff around at one point but then realized that if the room was already constructed I would just take advantage of that little space and make do.
My next house will have a better layout I can guarantee. Maybe within 5 years! |
I didn't have much choice when I built out my HT either due to the age of the house; 30-ish years. Today's home construction utilizing manufactured joists allows for longer runs without supports. The damn supports are what kicked my butt. I have a stairway and the mechanicals room and a full bath smack in the middle of the basement.
We don't do a whole lot of entertaining so 2 rows works OK but I like your three riser design alot and think I'll adopt it. That way I can put a leather love seat in front of the front row. The carpeting looks great. The installers sure know their stuff.
Good luck with your sound issues. It looks like a real head scratcher for sure. How about surround headphones for everyone?  Kidding of course. Are you going to build a hushbox?
Greg
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Greg
"Is it ignorance or apathy? Hey, I don't know and I don't care!" --Jimmy Buffett
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greg_mitch
Joined: 03 May 2006
Posts: 5198
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| Link Posted: Wed Feb 13, 2008 7:15 pm Post subject: |
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| JustGreg wrote: | Are you going to build a hushbox?
Greg |
Quit adding items to my To Do list! I know I have the 1/8" board in the garage for something!
Eventually...I remember reading that I should actually put the cover back on the XG inside a hushbox, or rotate the fans so they blow inside instead of outside. I need to get a few other questions answered first but I have the materials to build one similar to Kal's once I get a chance.
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greg_mitch
Joined: 03 May 2006
Posts: 5198
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| Link Posted: Thu Apr 17, 2008 3:37 am Post subject: |
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Found a good deal on some amps and wanted to give that a try. Pretty fun so far.
Current rack status...need to decide if I want to keep the MA rack or get rid of it for a more built-in DIY approach.
I had planned on raising the MA rack so that it was flush with the wall opening but the rack got full before I could lift it...now I can't!
I decided to put the projector covers back on to see if that helped, and by george it sure did.
I need to build some rabbit fences for the garden and I plan to attack the basic hushbox frame at the same time...
 [/img]
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greg_mitch
Joined: 03 May 2006
Posts: 5198
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| Link Posted: Wed Jun 04, 2008 12:40 pm Post subject: |
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got the final amp so now the front three have 500W a piece. Have a hum issue I need to work through and the cable box isn't even hooked up yet, so that easy fix is out. Any ideas?
Rack reorganized and raised up so it is at a better height. Left a spot for a BR player as well.
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JustGreg
Joined: 07 Mar 2006
Posts: 3085
Location: Kenosha, WI
TV/Projector: Marquee 8500
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| Link Posted: Wed Jun 04, 2008 3:19 pm Post subject: |
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Wow. Looking good! Better than mine now...'ya rackenfrackenbracken...............
I've been Jonesing to convert to pro sound equipment but as seems to always be the case lately....no $$$$. 
Are you getting hum across all channels?
Again...looks great! 
_________________
Greg
"Is it ignorance or apathy? Hey, I don't know and I don't care!" --Jimmy Buffett
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ecrabb
Joined: 13 Mar 2006
Posts: 12498
Location: Iowa
TV/Projector: JVC RS45
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| Link Posted: Wed Jun 04, 2008 3:43 pm Post subject: |
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Wow, Greg - nice RACK!!!
Seriously, that looks great. Looks like the Father's Day PS3 will slide right in on top of the HD DVD player. 
Kenosha Greg, I have hardly any hum from my outboard pro amps. With the amps at max gain, and with the AVR at reference volume (and no source material), if I walk right up to the speaker, there's some obvious background noise, and a bit of 60hz hum. However, even with the projector turned off, I can't hear it from my seat, though. With the projector on, fuhgeddaboudit. Turning the gains down a little on the amps (80% or so) helped a lot - even less noise/hum than the aforementioned scenario. I never use anywhere near the available power, so that was an easy solution. Just means the AVR gets turned up a little more.
I'm seriously thinking about trying one of those Behringers. I don't want to mod the fan in my Crowns and they're too loud unmodded. I could sell my two and probably almost be able to buy 3 of the A500's. I never use anywhere near all the power the Crown's have. The only time they ever strain is when I'm demoing for somebody and I want to blow their mind. Otherwise, they just lope along, never even break a sweat. Of course, there's that new AVR I want, too. Arrggghhhhh....
SC
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greg_mitch
Joined: 03 May 2006
Posts: 5198
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| Link Posted: Wed Jun 04, 2008 6:50 pm Post subject: |
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| JustGreg wrote: | Wow. Looking good! Better than mine now...'ya rackenfrackenbracken...............
I've been Jonesing to convert to pro sound equipment but as seems to always be the case lately....no $$$$.
Are you getting hum across all channels?
Again...looks great! |
Hum only on the channels that are amplified by the a500's. If I turn the gain down the hum does go away. If I have my projector on I can't hear it at all. Unfortunately, I plan on building a hushbox, so that might be an issue when I get done.
| Quote: | | I'm seriously thinking about trying one of those Behringers. I don't want to mod the fan in my Crowns and they're too loud unmodded. I could sell my two and probably almost be able to buy 3 of the A500's. I never use anywhere near all the power the Crown's have. |
Looks like the a500's have about equal power with no fans. They do have bright lights though and can be annoying if your rack doesn't have a door, mine does so not a big issue. they are quite plasticy on the front but feel pretty hefty.
I will upload a picture of the back since I just redid everything. I need more labels, but I thought It still looks pretty clean.
Have a monoprice switcher in route that hopefully works with the HD Fury GE so that I can implement the PS3 easily.
Also...need to program the universal remote...URC mx850.
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ecrabb
Joined: 13 Mar 2006
Posts: 12498
Location: Iowa
TV/Projector: JVC RS45
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| Link Posted: Wed Jun 04, 2008 7:17 pm Post subject: |
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I think with my 4-ohm M&K's, it would be like 200w from the A500's vs. 300w from the Crown's. That might be OK, though. Like I said, the Crown's are probably barely working - the air coming out of the back isn't much warmer than ambient.
I'm using a Monoprice switcher with the HD Fury, too. Shouldn't be an issue, I wouldn't think.
A picture of the back of the rack would be very cool. I wouldn't dare even take a picture considering that the back of my rack looks like a Monoprice warehouse exploded.
SC
PS - I love the pic at the top of the page with your little girl hanging out on the couch. Classic.
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greg_mitch
Joined: 03 May 2006
Posts: 5198
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| Link Posted: Thu Oct 30, 2008 1:37 am Post subject: |
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One small addition to the theater...time to learn how to do REW with the BFD.
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ecrabb
Joined: 13 Mar 2006
Posts: 12498
Location: Iowa
TV/Projector: JVC RS45
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| Link Posted: Thu Oct 30, 2008 2:07 am Post subject: |
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Whoah, Greg - What is that big boy? What are those, a 10" and 15"?
I'd love to add a sub, but I blew my upgrade budget for awhile on the new prepro.
SC
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greg_mitch
Joined: 03 May 2006
Posts: 5198
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| Link Posted: Thu Oct 30, 2008 2:16 am Post subject: |
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It is an MFW-15 from AV123...15" slot ported sub.
and yes that is my 8 yr. old parts express dayton 10"er. I like to say that I never even had a sub before.
What new pre-pro did you get I didn't see?? Do tell..or at least show me the thread where you told about it.
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