CurtPalme.com Home Theater Forum

stefuel · Posted: Sun May 25, 2008 11:15 am Post subject: Speaker upgrade???

It's about time to replace my speakers in my small theater. I've never been into the audio end of things so go easy on me.
These will not be used for music unless it's part of a movie. They will be strictly for theater. Are there any special considerations to take into acct. when looking for theater only speakers? The only requirements I have for now is the main L and R speakers must fit within the area that the built in cabinetry provides. The opening for these are
18W X 28T x 12D. I can deal with just about any center channel speaker that works well with the mains. I plan to upgrade my reciever to the Pioneer VSX-94TXH. I will deal with the surrounds at a later date.

Is there a difference between a HT main and a music main?

Nashou66 · Joined: 12 Jan 2007 Posts: 16171 Location: West Seneca NY

With speakers it all personal preference, what you may think sounds too bright some one else might say they sound detailed. The only way to know is to audition them, preferably in your own theater. Most high end shops will let you take them home to try out, I did this with my Phase technology speakers 10 years ago and I still have them. For center speaker make sure it matches the L/R's well. Now you have me wanting to do the Upgrade thing too!!!

Athanasios

**Curt Palme** · Posted: Sun May 25, 2008 2:22 pm Post subject:

Frankly I've found speakers for HT to be far less critical than for 2 channel music use. I'd match the LCRs if at all possible, and listen to dialoge clarity over anything else. Usually the soundtracks to any movie are massively processed, which is why I've heard some really cheap speakers sound great for HT use and some higher end ones sound not so good.

stefuel · Posted: Sun May 25, 2008 3:25 pm Post subject:

When you say "match the LCR's" do you mean three identical speakers or match the spec of the center to the L and R's?
Am I correct in thinking that for HT use, the center channel is the most critical. It seems that (in my theater) my attention is always focussed on the sound from the center.
I never crank the system much above 25%. It drives the wife crazy. My mains have 12 inch drivers as such, I've never felt the need for a sub. But the mains are 30 years old and I'd like more detailed /refined sound.

**Curt Palme** · Posted: Sun May 25, 2008 3:42 pm Post subject:

Yes, common thought is to make all three front speakers identical to match timbres and frequency response. I've always wondered how close a left and right 8" 2 way speaker is compared to the same company's two 4" and a tweeter center channel speaker really is.

I have identical EAW 12" 2 way speakers across the front.

perisoft · Joined: 29 Aug 2007 Posts: 2920 Location: Ithaca, NY

stef, the mains aren't going to help for the sub channel if you're not specifically 'diverting' that channel to the fronts. Otherwise you just won't get any LFE, or only the little bit they left in the mix on the fronts (not very much, IME).

mike calcott · Joined: 18 May 2006 Posts: 307 Location: Australia

Be cautious using oversized drivers in a small area, as this can cause standing wave cancelation. You are better using 8'' or even 6'' woofers and a good sub, which will result in a cleaner less muddy sound with cleaner dynamics. Since the centre channel is mainly for voice, large woofers are not required, a centre speaker with 4'' or 6'' drivers are better suited for this purpose. Make sure the output and impedence match on all speakers.

Spanky Ham · Joined: 22 Mar 2006 Posts: 5643 Location: Comedy Central

Chip,
Has the Ampro destroyed your ability to see the different sections of the forum? Shocked

Since you seem to be pretty handy at making things, you should go check out HTguide and the DIY options.

Heywood Jablome · Joined: 12 Mar 2006 Posts: 1548

Heywood Jablome · Joined: 12 Mar 2006 Posts: 1548

Forgot to mention... I've already been in contact with the KG4 guy and have offered to come'n'look today.

stefuel · Posted: Mon May 26, 2008 2:23 pm Post subject:

**Curt Palme** · Posted: Mon May 26, 2008 2:36 pm Post subject:

Heywood Jablome · Joined: 12 Mar 2006 Posts: 1548

If you go the way of the KG4-as-mains, I've also got two crossovers, mid-high horns, and passives to go toward building a timbre-matched center.
I, myself, am still seeking a set of ugly Heresies to match my Cornwalls or La Scalas (still have not decided which to keep.)

**Curt Palme** · Posted: Mon May 26, 2008 2:53 pm Post subject:

Whenever I see the word 'Heresey', my brain equates it to 'Heretic' and I giggle inside.. Wink

ecrabb · Posted: Mon May 26, 2008 4:48 pm Post subject:

Heh heh... and whenever I see "Cornwall", I think "Cornhole" ... and I giggle inside. Wink

SC

jask · Joined: 17 Mar 2006 Posts: 10187 Location: kamloops BC

whenever I see the word BLOWS......

**Curt Palme** · Posted: Mon May 26, 2008 5:05 pm Post subject:

stefuel · Posted: Mon May 26, 2008 8:12 pm Post subject:

All that is really funny but when I hear the word "t*ts" I think of............ahhh..........t*ts Laughing

Mark_A_W · Posted: Tue May 27, 2008 8:11 am Post subject:

mike calcott · Joined: 18 May 2006 Posts: 307 Location: Australia

My reference to speaker size in relationship with room size refers only to the main front speakers, not subwoofers.
Many speaker manufacturers produce speakers with multiple mid size speakers rather than the 15" woofer 8" midrange and 4" or horn tweeter. the The larger woofers produce ultra low frequency's which result in a longer distance to dissipate.