New HT in works, need advice

stevennoland

Hello all,

I have a 15'x10'x8' (LxWxH) room that I'm planning on using for a dedicated home theater. Because the room is rather narrow (10' wide), and I'm planning on an 82" screen, I don't have a lot of room on either side for the left and right mains. I was originally planning on using the LSi9's, but I might consider using two LSiC's for the mains (along with an LSiC for the center). Also, since the LSiW sub is not yet avaliable, I was planning on using a Martin Logan 'Depth' for the LFE. For the sides and back I'm planning on four LSiFX. My budget is somewhat limited (it might not seem so with the 'Depth' sub costing $1700), but I'm considering a Denon AVR-4806 (when it becomes avaliable) or a B&K Reference 50 with a Reference 200.7 amp. The projector is TBD. So, what are your thoughts?

Thanks

okiepolkie

If looks like you are on the right track.

For your LFE section, you might look SVS. They seem to mate well with the LSi series. One of these subs will probably be much more cost effective than the ML, and will be just as formidable of a competitor. Just look through the system showcase and you will see a plethora of SVS subs.

Since you are thinking about 3 LSiC's for the front, have you considered a trio of the 9's instead? If you do any two channel listening, then I think you will be happier with the 9's(I've been happy with the 7's).

As far as power sources, I would stick with the B&K separates. You will get more out of the speakers using the separate amp and preamp than you will out of just about any receiver.

Early B.

For the sides and back I'm planning on four LSiFX.

For such a small room, consider a 5.1 setup.

Also, if you're getting separate amps, there's no point to spending a load of cash on the Denon receiver. Most of what you'd be paying for is the power that you won't be using. Spend $500 (or less) on a good receiver with pre-outs.

I also agree with the 3 Lsi 9's or 7's. (Or maybe two Lsi7's and an Lsi 9 as the center channel.)

And as Okie mentioned, forget about the ML sub. Again, for your size room an SVS PB12 would be more than adequate.

There you go. We just saved you about $2,000.

Whadyasay

For that size of a room, the LSi7's would be fine for mains, with maybe an LSi9 or LSiC as a center. A sub like the SVS mentioned earlier would be great for handling freq's under 80hz, and would load up a room of that size nicely. You could put a pair of LSiFX's directly to the side of the seating area in dipole mode, and the rearward firing drivers would fill in the back just fine.....no real need for rear surrounds, so you could stay with 5.1. In light of this, a 200.5 amp instead of the 7-channel version, and an Outlaw 950 pre/pro or a Denon 2805 used as a pre/pro. If you're also planning on listening to music and/or SACD/DVD-A, then you might want to go with the LSi9's for mains. But for HT, the 7's would be fine since the sub would be handling the majority of the bass.

Another possibility (apologies to all Polk fans), is one of the M&K speaker packages, which are outstanding for HT. Again, a sub would handle most of the bass, allowing the other speakers to operate with better definition.

gregure

Personally, I've always preferred 6.1 surround. A bit more sound field than 5.1, but not quite as much as 7.1, which I find to be a bit too much in a regular sized room. Only problem is, for good gear you have to buy a 7.1 setup, which means you're kind of wasting a channel. That's what I'm doing now, though, and I'm happy with the sound.

Some suggestions on speakers if you decide to go w/ 6.1

LSi 9 mains
LSi C front/back surround
LSi F/X surrounds
Hold off for the new SVS PB 12 Ultra-singe 12" Ultra driver. Definitely better than that $1700 monster you were considering.

or

LSi 9 mains
LSi 9 center/back surround
LSI F/X surrounds
SVS PB 12 Ultra

You might want to consider just getting a B&K reciever. I've been extremely happy w/ mine. It has no problem playing loud, with excellent surround processing and sounds great for music.
Will cost you less than separates, and probably won't sacrifice much in sound quality. Plus, with 150 wpc at 8 ohms, you're going to get the max recommended amp power for the LSi series anyway (200 wpc). Plus, the B&K 505/507 amp has no cut-off point, which really helps make the dynamics as good as separates. Would save you some money, and still yield a great system.