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7.2 HT speakers

radix

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I am looking to replace some old/cheap Klipsch HT speakers. It will be in a 7.2 config (L/F/C, 2 surrounds, 2 height). I have decent subs (Sigberg), so I'm just looking to replace the speakers. The room is 3.4m wide, 5.4m long, and 2.5m tall. A single row seating area is about 3.6m from the front. It's driven by a Denon 6700, which I usually have around 50% - 65% volume with the Klipsch. The use is about 99% HT, 1% music.

I had wanted to use the KEF T series, but based on the recent measurements, I'll pass on that. I'm looking for bookshelf-sized speakers, not floor-standers.

I'd like to keep the total cost under $3000, though I could reach a bit higher for a significant improvement.

Here are some options I've been tossing around, but please suggest other things too.
  • Monoprice THX365C + 2x THX365T + 2x THX265B (about $1690)
  • KEF Q650c + 2x Q350 + 4x Q150 (about $2200)
  • KEF Q650c + 2x Q350 + 2x Q150 + 2x Q50a (about $2550)
  • Revel 3x M16 + 4x S16 (about $3700)
  • Revel C25 + 2x M16 + 4x S16 (about $3825)
  • Revel C208 (used) + 2x M106 (used) + 4x S16 (about $4300)
  • Neumann 7x KH80 (about $3500) -- likely too many power cords and all new wiring
It seems like there should be good options from ELAC or Polk, but from what I see there's mixed reviews or no measurements.

Personally, I'm leaning towards one of the KEF option, though the Revel M16/S16 route looks good too.

The monoprice have built-in bouncy atmos, which I'm not really a fan of.

Thanks for your time,
Marc
 

Matt0305

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6x Emotiva B1+ and a C2+ would come in around $1150. The B1+ was well reviewed for the price.

 
OP
radix

radix

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I see the KEF also suggests using 3x Q650c for LCR. Any comments on that vs. Q650c + 2x Q350?

 

sweetchaos

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Here's what I would do...

SpeakerType$Qty neededTotal cost
Kef R3bookshelf$850/ea3$2550
Emotiva B1+ (or alternatively JBL Studio 530)(depending on your preference)bookshelf$125/ea4$500

Total is $3050 (or $50 over budget...sorry).

The LCR do 90% of the work, while the surrounds and surround backs are insignificant compared to the LCR...hence, my budget is 85% allocated to LCR.
 

sweetchaos

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I see the KEF also suggests using 3x Q650c for LCR. Any comments on that vs. Q650c + 2x Q350?

Erin suggest R3 instead of R2C (3-way center) for LCR duties:

So bookshelves will work better for LCRs over 3-center channels as LCRs.
 

sweetchaos

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6x Emotiva B1+ and a C2+ would come in around $1150. The B1+ was well reviewed for the price.

Excellent budget build. I don't think you can get better at this price point.
JBL Studio 530's as alternate to Emotiva B1+'s is the only worthy competitor for this price point.
 
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radix

radix

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Erin suggest R3 instead of R2C (3-way center) for LCR duties:

So bookshelves will work better for LCRs over 3-center channels as LCRs.
I though in this video from Erin he compares a vertical R2c vs R3 for the LR channels and says R3 wins.

I think that's different than saying the R3 would work better for C. It may, but I didn't think that's what the video shows.

Marc
 
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radix

radix

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Here's what I would do...

SpeakerType$Qty neededTotal cost
Kef R3bookshelf$850/ea3$2550
Emotiva B1+ (or alternatively JBL Studio 530)(depending on your preference)bookshelf$125/ea4$500

Total is $3050 (or $50 over budget...sorry).

The LCR do 90% of the work, while the surrounds and surround backs are insignificant compared to the LCR...hence, my budget is 85% allocated to LCR.

The "LCR do 90% of the work" sunk in. The config I'm looking at is:

- 2x R3
- 1x R2c (it's hard to find a single R3)
- 2x Q150 or Q350 for surrounds
- 2x T101 for heights (I already have them and the 2-point mounting helps with my slanted walls near the roof)

This also busts the $3k limit
 

Dj7675

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Guiy
The "LCR do 90% of the work" sunk in. The config I'm looking at is:

- 2x R3
- 1x R2c (it's hard to find a single R3)
- 2x Q150 or Q350 for surrounds
- 2x T101 for heights (I already have them and the 2-point mounting helps with my slanted walls near the roof)

This also busts the $3k limit
Guy on AVS is selling 4 Revel S16s for $1000. I have them for surrounds and they are really nice. Mount nicely, and are shallow, and easy to drive.
 
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radix

radix

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So I went with 2x R3, 1x R2C, 2x Q350 (surrounds), 2x T101 (heights) on a Denon 6700. I'm super happy with this. It is orders of magnitudes better than the Klipsch I had before (R-15M, R-14M, R-41Sa heights, Tannoy center). I hear much better stereo separation and much better surround. Voices on the center really sound different and better.

Marc
 
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