In wall/ceiling speaker advice

smithmilmsu
smithmilmsu Posts: 5
edited November 2008 in Speakers
I posted this yesterday and forgot the "help needed" prefix.
I wanted to add that I have attic access to where the ceiling speakers are located, so I could build enclosure boxes if necessary. What I'm really looking for is a recommendation on which series to install. I'm leaning towards the lc series and need to place an order early next week.

Thanks!


Original post follows:

I am considering installing a CAM 6.6 Russound whole house audio system in a house that was built in 1965. I had a pair of Polk RC 80s installed in my old house and would like to upgrade in the new.

I plan on installing ceiling mounted speakers in a bedroom and a large kitchen/family room. I want to install wall speakers in a living room. The construction is drywall with studs on standard centers.

Here are my questions:

1. Since it is existing construction, it will be a bit of a pain to install the Polk enclosures. How critical is this?

2. I am trying to decide whether to go with the LC or TC series. For the ceilings i'm considering the 80i model, 65i for the walls.

I'm open to any other recommendations

TIA,
Mitch
Post edited by smithmilmsu on
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Comments

  • 4406bbl
    4406bbl Posts: 194
    edited November 2008
    It is easy to make your own enclosure by spraying greatstuff foam to seal the ends of the wall cavity after you cut your hole. Try to make about a 1/2 cubic foot for a 6.5 driver and 3/4 cubic foot for an 8. Use the window and door great stuff as it will not expand as hard and bust out your drywall. You may want to add some fiberglass in the cavity also. Both of your speaker choices are good, just make sure you have enough amp power to run them, you do not want to be torching lsi tweeters with cheap components.
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  • Kex
    Kex Posts: 5,205
    edited November 2008
    smithmilmsu wrote: »
    ...
    2. I am trying to decide whether to go with the LC or TC series. For the ceilings i'm considering the 80i model, 65i for the walls. ...
    Mitch, I've been looking at this also. Just remember that the LCi range is 4 ohm, and very few receivers can drive them (you may need external amplifiers if you do not have a receiver rated stable for 4 ohms, not just 8 ohms).

    I think you are supposed to build an enclosure with MDF, BTW, but check that by following the DIY installation link from the speaker info pages.
    Alea jacta est!
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  • smithmilmsu
    smithmilmsu Posts: 5
    edited November 2008
    Thanks for the quick reply and heads up on the 4 ohm rating for the LC series.

    *If* I go for the LC I'll have to purchase a separate amp to drive them. I'm trying to narrow between a Denon 3012CI (http://www.usa.denon.com/ProductDetails/4135.asp#) and SpeakerCraft Big Bang 1235 (http://www.speakercraft.com/#Products:131:BB1235 12-Channel Amplifier) or 1265 (http://www.speakercraft.com/#Products:130:BB1265 12-Channel Amplifier). All are 12 channels rated from 30 to 65 WPC RMS @ 8 ohms. They can output to 4 ohms with the SpeakerCrafts having a switch for 4 or 8 ohms. Can't find much info about the Denon, but the SpeakerCraft amps reviewed well, albeit in a dated review. (http://www.audaud.com/audaud/DEC01/EQUIP/equip1DEC01.html)

    Any thoughts on these components to drive LCs?
    I'd also appreciate views on sound quality differences between the LC and TC series.

    Thanks,
    Mitch

    p.s. sorry about the links. couldn't figure out how to turn html codes on.
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  • 4406bbl
    4406bbl Posts: 194
    edited November 2008
    Take a look at emotiva amps,the 7 channel has 185 watts per channel at 4 ohms for 649.00. The lci will sound better and have more clarity if you have a 4 ohm stable amp. I have heard the Tsi in home theater use and they sound very good,either choice is good.
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  • smithmilmsu
    smithmilmsu Posts: 5
    edited November 2008
    4406bbl wrote: »
    Take a look at emotiva amps,the 7 channel has 185 watts per channel at 4 ohms for 649.00.

    Sweet looking amp! Unfortunately, I need 12 channels for a 6 zone whole house system. I'm thinking I might be better off with TC speakers. For the LC, I'm not sure how well the 12 channel amps are going to drive the LCs (at least the amps I can afford).

    I'm going to keep that amp in mind when I get around to finishing my basement.
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  • Kex
    Kex Posts: 5,205
    edited November 2008
    smithmilmsu wrote: »
    Sweet looking amp! Unfortunately, I need 12 channels for a 6 zone whole house system. I'm thinking I might be better off with TC speakers. For the LC, I'm not sure how well the 12 channel amps are going to drive the LCs (at least the amps I can afford).

    I'm going to keep that amp in mind when I get around to finishing my basement.
    I can't really advise you on this, since I've never really looked into a whole house system. Some of the other guys might be able to add something. It might help to know how you expect to use the system though: Home Theater, intense music listening, or background ambiance for parties ... ?
    Alea jacta est!
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  • smithmilmsu
    smithmilmsu Posts: 5
    edited November 2008
    Kex wrote: »
    It might help to know how you expect to use the system though: Home Theater, intense music listening, or background ambiance for parties ... ?

    As it stands now, it will be music only. Primarily intense listening and the occasional party. I've got a local installer who specializes in Russound. Installing a 6-zone CAV 6.6 with the following zones:

    Zone 1: Master Bed/Bath
    Zone 2: Living Room
    Zone 3: Kitchen
    Zone 4: Back patio (atrium 55s)

    May add 5th zone in basement.

    The CAV has 12 channels, 20 WPC @8 ohms. Input will be iTunes server and ONKYO HD AM/FM/XM tuner (for now).

    As noted, I would need a 4 ohm stable 12 channel amp if I go with LC speakers. From what I can see, the main options seem to be (all are stated as 4 ohm stable):

    SpeakerCraft bb1235 or bb1265, (12x35, 12x65 wpc@8ohm, respectively)
    Sonance Sonamp 1250 MKII, (12x50 wpc@8ohm)
    Niles SI-1230 or SI-1260 (12x30, 12x60 wpc@8ohm, respectively)
    Russound R1250MC (12x50 wpc@8ohm)
    Denon 3012CI (12x30 wpc@8ohm)
    Rotel RMB-1512 (12x100 wpc@8ohm)

    If money were no object, it would be Rotel, though I can't see anyplace that is selling it yet on the web.

    Probably going to pick between SpeakerCraft, Sonance, and Niles. It stinks that there is no place within 150 miles to listen to these.
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