What to do? Set up to big for room! I think...

Jer_ry

So for the last month I've ignored my ht set up. It's not exactly the sound I'de like and and i think I've figured it out. I have a HK avr 435, rti4's for mains, csi3 center, svs pb10 sub and some small klh's for the rears. I was planning on getting some rti8's as mains and moving the 4's back. I think that might be a bit much I noticed that the sound is alright at my listening level but as soon as I turn the volume up high the sound gets fantastic but the volume is higher than I'de like listening volume -40db and the great sound is at -22db. I think my room is to small for this set up. My room is 11x12ft with 7ft tall ceiling going into an 8ft cieling. Anything I can do to help clear the sound up without raising to high volume? and will the rti8's make this worse or better? Thanks.

wingnut4772

You might try getting a separate amplifier and hook it up to the pre outs on the HK 9 assuming it has them). Anything from Outlaw Audio would do the trick.

Frank Z

Before you do anything, buy anything, or even adjust anything.....
http://www.audiophilia.com/hardware/spl.htm

Dennis Gardner

I agree with Frank that calibrating each speaker with an SPL meter is essential to getting balanced sound at all volume levels. I would also suggest that you pick up a DVD of Avia or Video Essentials to help you understand what you are seeing and hearing from your system. These discs can help you get your TV calibrated properly for the best picture too.

http://www.amazon.com/AVIA-Guide-Home-Theater/dp/630551982X/sr=8-1/qid=1159119151/ref=pd_bbs_1/002-0077855-5396878?ie=UTF8&s=dvd

Lots of Polkies have systems in bedrooms and living rooms around the size of your room and get good sound out of their system when putting some effort into proper setup. Be glad you room isn't so large that it takes 5-7 channels of 300 watts just to fill!

Early B.

Yeah, once youy get it calibrated, I'd still say go for the 8's with 4's in the back OR put Rti6's up front.

josh_parsons626

Personally, I'd go for the 8's. But that's just because I prefer floor-standing vs bookshelf for fronts.

faster100

one of 2 things, the HK doesnt reach it's sweet spot until you get the volume up there or the same for the speakers.. I have small rt25i's and they need a higher volume to get the bass and sound i like.. you wont get louder and detailed sound IMO with small bookshelves or unless you have more power.. Get either the rti6 or 8's and you will be more impressed with your HK then you are now.. more impact and at less volume,

GATOR3000

The Rti6’s up front and Rti4’s for the surround would do the trick for the size of your listening area and ceiling heights. Rti6’s are awesome speakers and need power. I would suggest giving them at least 100 wpc external amp. More powerful amp will help to fill your room with lover volume settings. Also, you would improve SQ of your system.

Rock on.

Gator