So i made my first post over a week ago and got no responses. It finally came to me that ChatGPT would certainly respond! Here’s what sky said….
You are an audio visual expert engineer at designing new build systems and are hired to consult on the following system with respect to better alternatives Designing a new build home system with preference for room correction and (selective) active speaker amplification and of course simplicity/UX/value (impossible?!). Great room30x20 vaulted, master bed room plus bath vaulted , office20x18 vaulted , screened porch, patio. Ideas to change or optimize the following? What would you do?
Thinking of a Heos driven set up (Samsung TVs)
1) audiophile area in office 5.1 marantz 7706 (heos with balanced xlr pre outs) with 3 genelec 8341 and 2 8331 ceiling surrounds 7360 sub,
2) great room audio video 7.1 Denon avr 3800 (Dirac) Polk Es 20s, es35 center, ceiling Polk rc80i surround and rears, SVS pb3000 or pc 2000, 3) receiver zone 2 -adjacent kitchen 4 ceiling rc80i,
4) bedroom and bath (as zone 2) denon avr1800 same Polk monitors and center above ceiling rc80i, bath 2 ceiling speakers
5)screened porch avr 1800 4 definitive aw6500 and patio (zone 2) definitive AW 6500 speakers in eves.
6) hot tub heos amp driving 2 definitive aw6500
will pre wire the living room kitchen and porch with cat 5, power and balanced xlr for potential future genelec upgrades.
Home automation philosophy is nest cameras and hvac, Lutron lighting, hunter douglas shade automation controls plus switches
What would you do to optimize/impove the Av system and or do to future proof on wiring etc?
AI response
Your current setup is quite robust and well-thought-out, but there are definitely areas where you can optimize for performance, future-proofing, and simplicity. Here’s a breakdown of suggestions for each part of your system:
1. Audiophile Area in Office (5.1 Marantz 7706 with Genelec 8341/8331 and 7360 Sub):
• Upgrade Consideration: The Marantz 7706 is a solid choice, especially with its balanced XLR outputs. However, if you’re focusing on ultimate audio fidelity and active speaker amplification, you might consider an AV processor like the Trinnov Altitude 16 or the Anthem AVM 70, which offer superior room correction and even better integration with high-end active speakers like Genelecs.
• Room Correction: Since you’re using Genelec speakers, consider using Genelec’s GLM software for room calibration in conjunction with the built-in Audyssey or consider Dirac Live if you switch to a processor that supports it. This will give you finer control over room acoustics.
• Future Proofing: Your idea to pre-wire for future Genelec upgrades with CAT 5, power, and balanced XLR is excellent. Ensure that you’re using high-quality shielded CAT 6a or CAT 7 cables for minimal interference, especially if you plan to run them near power lines.
2. Great Room AV (7.1 Denon AVR 3800 with Polk ES 20s, ES35, SVS Sub):
• Speaker Consideration: Polk ES20s and ES35 are good choices for budget-conscious setups, but if you’re looking to improve sound quality, consider upgrading to a higher-end speaker line like KEF Q Series or Monitor Audio Silver Series, which offer better clarity and imaging.
• Subwoofer Upgrade: The SVS PB3000 or PC 2000 are powerful, but if the room is large and you want to fill it with more impactful bass, consider dual subwoofers to even out bass response. Dual SVS PB3000s would be ideal.
• Room Correction: The AVR-3800 with Dirac is a strong choice. Make sure you take the time to fully calibrate with Dirac Live, possibly investing in a calibrated microphone for more accurate measurements.
• Pre-Wiring: Consider running additional speaker wire for potential future upgrades to Atmos or additional surrounds. Also, ensure that you have enough network connections for streaming devices or smart TV integrations.
3. Zone 2 (Adjacent Kitchen with 4 Ceiling Polk RC80i):
• Speaker Placement: Ensure the ceiling speakers are placed to provide even coverage. If the kitchen layout changes or the listening area expands, consider adding an additional pair of ceiling speakers or using in-wall speakers for more directional sound.
• Consider Wireless: Depending on the design and future plans, you might consider a wireless audio solution here for simplicity. HEOS or Sonos amps could drive ceiling speakers wirelessly, reducing cable clutter and making future upgrades easier.
4. Bedroom and Bath (Denon AVR1800, Polk RC80i):
• Audio Zones: Given the layout with the bedroom and bath, consider using a multi-zone amp like the Denon HEOS Amp HS2 instead of the AVR1800. This can simplify control, particularly if you want to use the same or different audio sources in the bedroom and bath.
• Ceiling Speakers: Ensure the ceiling speakers in the bath are moisture-resistant models to avoid any issues in the humid environment. The Polk RC80i are generally good for this, but confirm their water resistance.
5. Screened Porch (Denon AVR1800, Definitive AW6500):
• Outdoor Audio Consideration: The Definitive AW6500 are excellent for outdoor use. To optimize the experience, ensure they are mounted at the right height and angle to cover the seating areas evenly.
• Consider a Dedicated Outdoor Amp: If you plan to expand outdoor audio, consider a dedicated outdoor amp or a weatherproof solution like the Sonos Amp or another HEOS Amp for better integration and control.
• Wiring: Ensure that outdoor speaker wires are rated for in-ground or exterior use to prevent degradation over time.
6. Hot Tub Area (HEOS Amp driving 2 Definitive AW6500):
• Control and Waterproofing: The HEOS Amp is a solid choice, but make sure it’s placed in a waterproof or indoor location, away from direct exposure to the elements. Use weatherproof speaker cables and ensure the speakers are securely mounted to handle outdoor conditions.
• Automation: Consider integrating the hot tub area into your home automation system for simplified control over lighting, audio, and possibly even hot tub controls.
Home Automation Considerations:
• Integration: Since you’re using Lutron for lighting and Hunter Douglas for shades, make sure your AV systems can integrate with these. Consider using a central controller like Control4 or Savant that can unify AV, lighting, shading, and HVAC controls into one interface.
• Voice Control: If you’re interested in simplicity and UX, consider integrating voice control (via Alexa, Google Assistant, or Siri) for common tasks like turning on/off zones, adjusting volume, or changing inputs.
• Future-Proofing: Run additional Cat6/7 cables throughout key areas of the house to future-proof for potential new technologies. Consider placing conduit in walls for easier upgrades later.
General Tips:
• Rack-Mounted System: Consider a centralized, rack-mounted system for all AV equipment. This not only keeps things organized but also allows for easier maintenance and upgrades.
• Surge Protection and Power Conditioning: Invest in a high-quality surge protector and power conditioner to protect all your AV equipment, especially in a high-end setup like this.
This system already reflects a high level of thoughtfulness, but these suggestions aim to enhance audio quality, usability, and future scalability.
You are an audio visual expert engineer at designing new build systems and are hired to consult on the following system with respect to better alternatives Designing a new build home system with preference for room correction and (selective) active speaker amplification and of course simplicity/UX/value (impossible?!). Great room30x20 vaulted, master bed room plus bath vaulted , office20x18 vaulted , screened porch, patio. Ideas to change or optimize the following? What would you do?
Thinking of a Heos driven set up (Samsung TVs)
1) audiophile area in office 5.1 marantz 7706 (heos with balanced xlr pre outs) with 3 genelec 8341 and 2 8331 ceiling surrounds 7360 sub,
2) great room audio video 7.1 Denon avr 3800 (Dirac) Polk Es 20s, es35 center, ceiling Polk rc80i surround and rears, SVS pb3000 or pc 2000, 3) receiver zone 2 -adjacent kitchen 4 ceiling rc80i,
4) bedroom and bath (as zone 2) denon avr1800 same Polk monitors and center above ceiling rc80i, bath 2 ceiling speakers
5)screened porch avr 1800 4 definitive aw6500 and patio (zone 2) definitive AW 6500 speakers in eves.
6) hot tub heos amp driving 2 definitive aw6500
will pre wire the living room kitchen and porch with cat 5, power and balanced xlr for potential future genelec upgrades.
Home automation philosophy is nest cameras and hvac, Lutron lighting, hunter douglas shade automation controls plus switches
What would you do to optimize/impove the Av system and or do to future proof on wiring etc?
AI response
Your current setup is quite robust and well-thought-out, but there are definitely areas where you can optimize for performance, future-proofing, and simplicity. Here’s a breakdown of suggestions for each part of your system:
1. Audiophile Area in Office (5.1 Marantz 7706 with Genelec 8341/8331 and 7360 Sub):
• Upgrade Consideration: The Marantz 7706 is a solid choice, especially with its balanced XLR outputs. However, if you’re focusing on ultimate audio fidelity and active speaker amplification, you might consider an AV processor like the Trinnov Altitude 16 or the Anthem AVM 70, which offer superior room correction and even better integration with high-end active speakers like Genelecs.
• Room Correction: Since you’re using Genelec speakers, consider using Genelec’s GLM software for room calibration in conjunction with the built-in Audyssey or consider Dirac Live if you switch to a processor that supports it. This will give you finer control over room acoustics.
• Future Proofing: Your idea to pre-wire for future Genelec upgrades with CAT 5, power, and balanced XLR is excellent. Ensure that you’re using high-quality shielded CAT 6a or CAT 7 cables for minimal interference, especially if you plan to run them near power lines.
2. Great Room AV (7.1 Denon AVR 3800 with Polk ES 20s, ES35, SVS Sub):
• Speaker Consideration: Polk ES20s and ES35 are good choices for budget-conscious setups, but if you’re looking to improve sound quality, consider upgrading to a higher-end speaker line like KEF Q Series or Monitor Audio Silver Series, which offer better clarity and imaging.
• Subwoofer Upgrade: The SVS PB3000 or PC 2000 are powerful, but if the room is large and you want to fill it with more impactful bass, consider dual subwoofers to even out bass response. Dual SVS PB3000s would be ideal.
• Room Correction: The AVR-3800 with Dirac is a strong choice. Make sure you take the time to fully calibrate with Dirac Live, possibly investing in a calibrated microphone for more accurate measurements.
• Pre-Wiring: Consider running additional speaker wire for potential future upgrades to Atmos or additional surrounds. Also, ensure that you have enough network connections for streaming devices or smart TV integrations.
3. Zone 2 (Adjacent Kitchen with 4 Ceiling Polk RC80i):
• Speaker Placement: Ensure the ceiling speakers are placed to provide even coverage. If the kitchen layout changes or the listening area expands, consider adding an additional pair of ceiling speakers or using in-wall speakers for more directional sound.
• Consider Wireless: Depending on the design and future plans, you might consider a wireless audio solution here for simplicity. HEOS or Sonos amps could drive ceiling speakers wirelessly, reducing cable clutter and making future upgrades easier.
4. Bedroom and Bath (Denon AVR1800, Polk RC80i):
• Audio Zones: Given the layout with the bedroom and bath, consider using a multi-zone amp like the Denon HEOS Amp HS2 instead of the AVR1800. This can simplify control, particularly if you want to use the same or different audio sources in the bedroom and bath.
• Ceiling Speakers: Ensure the ceiling speakers in the bath are moisture-resistant models to avoid any issues in the humid environment. The Polk RC80i are generally good for this, but confirm their water resistance.
5. Screened Porch (Denon AVR1800, Definitive AW6500):
• Outdoor Audio Consideration: The Definitive AW6500 are excellent for outdoor use. To optimize the experience, ensure they are mounted at the right height and angle to cover the seating areas evenly.
• Consider a Dedicated Outdoor Amp: If you plan to expand outdoor audio, consider a dedicated outdoor amp or a weatherproof solution like the Sonos Amp or another HEOS Amp for better integration and control.
• Wiring: Ensure that outdoor speaker wires are rated for in-ground or exterior use to prevent degradation over time.
6. Hot Tub Area (HEOS Amp driving 2 Definitive AW6500):
• Control and Waterproofing: The HEOS Amp is a solid choice, but make sure it’s placed in a waterproof or indoor location, away from direct exposure to the elements. Use weatherproof speaker cables and ensure the speakers are securely mounted to handle outdoor conditions.
• Automation: Consider integrating the hot tub area into your home automation system for simplified control over lighting, audio, and possibly even hot tub controls.
Home Automation Considerations:
• Integration: Since you’re using Lutron for lighting and Hunter Douglas for shades, make sure your AV systems can integrate with these. Consider using a central controller like Control4 or Savant that can unify AV, lighting, shading, and HVAC controls into one interface.
• Voice Control: If you’re interested in simplicity and UX, consider integrating voice control (via Alexa, Google Assistant, or Siri) for common tasks like turning on/off zones, adjusting volume, or changing inputs.
• Future-Proofing: Run additional Cat6/7 cables throughout key areas of the house to future-proof for potential new technologies. Consider placing conduit in walls for easier upgrades later.
General Tips:
• Rack-Mounted System: Consider a centralized, rack-mounted system for all AV equipment. This not only keeps things organized but also allows for easier maintenance and upgrades.
• Surge Protection and Power Conditioning: Invest in a high-quality surge protector and power conditioner to protect all your AV equipment, especially in a high-end setup like this.
This system already reflects a high level of thoughtfulness, but these suggestions aim to enhance audio quality, usability, and future scalability.
