Building a Hybrid Media Room with Dutch & Dutch 8Cs – Advice Needed!

[MKR]

I just requested a quote on a screen and projector for this reason but I think a Genelec would probably be a very good center channel.

Nice! And agree on the Genelec as a good center. But why not go with another 8C if the placement aspect is solved? Center same as mains is always best if you can manage, everything else a compromise.

 

[murl]

Nice! And agree on the Genelec as a good center. But why not go with another 8C if the placement aspect is solved? Center same as mains is always best if you can manage, everything else a compromise.

Yes if I can solve the placement issue I agree 100% it makes the most sense to go with an 8C. If I moved the screen forward ~3-4 feet I could put everything behind the screen including the 8c.

 

[Fidji]

Is there an issue with placing the screen a few feet from the front wall and placing the center channel as well as the center channel behind the screen? I think it would be very difficult to place all of the AV components in the rear or on the sides with the current layout.

No, no issue -https://www.projectorscreen.com/projector-screens/special-features/acoustic?Attribs=6355+670 , lot of good acoustically transparent screens out there

You will need to talk to somebody who understands your exact conditions [light control, HVAC etc] and most imporantly projector to best complement the screen. You can then go for bigger size and have even L-R behind the screen for movies.

 

[murl]

Does anyone have a strong opinion on whether doing Perlisten R4s on wall vs R5i L/R in wall surrounds would be preferable? Seems like I would have more positioning options and directivity control with the on walls. The negatives are I have small children with friends and they would be easier to damage. It also looks better to have in walls.

 

[Sal1950]

Does anyone have a strong opinion on whether doing Perlisten R4s on wall vs R5i L/R in wall surrounds would be preferable? Seems like I would have more positioning options and directivity control with the on walls. The negatives are I have small children with friends and they would be easier to damage. It also looks better to have in walls.

A lock on the theater room door might be the best option.

 

[Jannis - Dutch & Dutch]

Hi all,

I've been loving my Dutch & Dutch 8Cs through Roon for years (previously paired with a Matrix Audio Element X before the 8Cs were Roon-ready) in my condo. My family and I recently moved into a house, and I'm planning to turn a windowless upstairs room (21'x15' with 9' ceilings) into a hybrid media room for music and home theater. My wife and two kids love movie nights, but I spend most of my time with the 8Cs listening to music in 2-channel mode. My goal is to balance a dedicated listening room with a family-friendly home theater setup.

The room is currently at the stud stage, and I've had four dedicated 20A circuits installed. I'm running 12-gauge speaker wire, Canare L-4E6S microphone cable, Monoprice balanced cable, and coaxial cable to the left/right mains, surrounds, and surround backs, with 12-gauge wire for four Atmos channels. The AV rack/stand will sit in front of the TV on the floor.

Music is my priority, but I want to do home theater right for the family. My plan is to keep the 8Cs as left/right mains and add GoldenEar Triton One or Two speakers for surrounds and surround backs, with GoldenEar in-ceiling speakers for Atmos. I'm considering a Trinnov Altitude processor to tie it all together and possibly the Amplitude8 amplifier for the surround and Atmos channels, though I’m open to more affordable amp options.

I know many prefer matching speakers across a home theater for tonal consistency, but since I'm prioritizing music, is mixing the 8Cs with GoldenEars a major mistake? Has anyone tried a similar hybrid setup?

For the center channel, I'm stuck. A third 8C would match perfectly but can't be placed horizontally, and I think it’d look awkward vertically with the TV setup (I’d also need a second AV rack, which I’d rather avoid). I’m considering an active Genelec center for its neutrality but am open to other suggestions. Would a phantom center work in a room this size for family movie nights?

Am I overcomplicating things by integrating the 8Cs into a full home theater setup? Any advice on center channel options, amp choices, or making this hybrid room work would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

For center and (if you are interested in surrounds).. I would recommend the Dutch & Dutch 6c.

 

[Jannis - Dutch & Dutch]

There may or may not be a smaller D&D 6C at some point, I know nothing about, certainly not allowed to talk about it so who knows.
Keith

I saw that Dutch & Dutch shared a story and post about the rumored Dutch & Dutch 6c.. just sayin ;-)

 

[Purité Audio]

Too little too late, just saying.
Keith

 

[tifune]

For center ...... I would recommend the Dutch & Dutch 6c.

Does this mean the 6C's will be a little easier to acquire individually? I tried to buy a single 8C years back and was quoted something along the lines of $10k for 1 vs. $15k for a pair. The dealer claimed that was coming from the D&D side, but salesmen gonna sales so who knows for sure ...

 

[Jannis - Dutch & Dutch]

Does this mean the 6C's will be a little easier to acquire individually? I tried to buy a single 8C years back and was quoted something along the lines of $10k for 1 vs. $15k for a pair. The dealer claimed that was coming from the D&D side, but salesmen gonna sales so who knows for sure ...

Hi Tifune,

I’m sorry to hear about your experience. That information is not correct.
A single 8c can absolutely be purchased individually. In fact, all Dutch & Dutch speakers are priced per unit and can be sold as single units.

Jannis Dossis

 

[murl]

I replied to your PM but I am interested.

 

[murl]

Here is an interval construction photo with the isolated floor and some insulation.

 

[90sNintendoKid]

May I ask what speaker layout you are going for?

 

[murl]

Right now the only plans I have are for Dutch & Dutch 8cs for L/R and JL Audion F112 V2 subwoofers. Probably either a 6c or 8c center. Planning for 7.4.4 in total but will figure the rest out later. Will probably use perlisten atmos speakers. I ordered a Trinnov CI.

 

[murl]

Here are some updated photos. Construction is finished. I built some 2x2 panels to go over the false wall and covered them in speaker fabric from parts express. The last photos are with the Philips hue lights dimmed. TV is supposed to be delivered on Saturday.

 

[murl]

Does anyone have experience with the GIK acoustics site for helping with room treatments?

 

[Everett T]

Does anyone have experience with the GIK acoustics site for helping with room treatments?

They're excellent to work with, have no qualms with recommending them.

 

[Fidji]

Does anyone have experience with the GIK acoustics site for helping with room treatments?

I have my acoustic treatments from them - they offer good value for money, in my opinion.
Standard choice of absorbers and diffusion product with reasonable choice of finishes/fabrics. They also offer non-standard sizes, which is great.

My setup consists of PolyFusors [cylindrical diffusers with light absorption] and I have corner TriTraps with FlexRange and [subsequently] added diffusion panels. Had all sorts of absorbers and resonators before too, but this combination works best. Never had any issues with delivery times, one or two of their panels had small cosmetic issues. Also they offer wide range of mounting options and accessories.

Their consulting serivce was rather average, but it can be different in US.

I would combine GIK for the bulk of treatments and add some special panels [e.g. diffusers] from other companies, for best value.

 

[murl]

I did the consulting service and I agree it was rather meh. I think I know what I want. Planning to treat first reflections, bass traps in corners, and some resorption on the rear wall. I can't treat the opposite side reflections due to the position of the surround speakers.

 

[Fidji]

Just have in mind that MCH room is different sport compared Stereo.

There is some first reflection everywhere with high channel count system and you will get best results with slightly drier room compared to 2Ch. Not easy to get it right at first attempt by yourself.

Anyway you will end up listening to Atmos Music on stream or with Trinnov Auro3D upmixer [like everybody I know ;-)], just because it is so much better. One of the advantages of Trinnov is that you can adjust it precisely to your preferences. I have audiophiles coming to my place and not realizing, that they are listening to upmixed stereo.