I am having a new house built and am taking the opportunity to rebuild my HT. My current HT setup is out-of-date and not worth mentioning here. I am going to purchase the Yamaha 2400 and use a 7.1 setup. I am wondering what would be the best speaker choice. The room is 15' wide x 19' long x 9' high. The setup will be for 90% HT. I was thinking about using 3 M22ti speakers for the fronts and center. But not sure about surrounds and rear surrounds. Would 4 QS4 speakers work? I will probably go with an HSU sub.
My Suggestion;
M60's L/R
VP150 C
QS8 Surround L/R
M2 Surround Back L/R or presence channels
The three M22's would sound great across the front too (I own M22's and am very happy with them). If you need to save money you can run a 'phantom' centre until you save up.
Cheers;
You're about to be inundated, but let's see if I can beat the rush.
Most people using 6.1 around here prefer 3 QS series in the back, but the 7.1 users generally use two QSes for the sides and M2s for the rears. The M22s are really nice speakers. They might be a little small for that room, so you might consider the M50s or M60s for the L/R speakers. What kind of Hsu are you considering?
EDIT: Oops, didn't beat the rush...
I'd go bigger than that if you can afford to. If cost is an issue, consider going with the Rx-v750 (very much like the 1400, with 100 watts/ch, and an abbreviated YPAO). I got one on eBay for $500 - a couple hundred cheaper than the 2400 will run you.
In a room your size, I'd go with the M60 or M80 (but the M22s may serve you well if you've got a good sub.) Think also about goign with the QS8s - they'll give you a bigger sonud in that room of yours - the 4s may be a little anemic. As for rear surrounds, think about the M2s. The center is another subject of debate - I have a room slightly smaller than yours, and I went with the VP100. Others really swear by their VP150. Just remember that laying an M22 on its side may cause wierd/undesirable soudn dispersion, and is really only recommended in its vertical orientation.
I realize that I've just spent a $1000 more than you were probably hoping. But, if your building a new home, consider it an investment.
Also, really take another look at that receiver, like I mentioned above. The 2400 is just a really powerful receiver that won't be of much use to you if you get 22s and QS4s...
Others, I'm sure, will also give you their opinion....
Welcome to teh boards. Have fun, and congrats on the new system (to be).
Since you selected the M22s instead of the M60s, I take it you're being budget conscious, right? Three M22s across the front would be great. The only place I'd disagree with your selections is using 4 QS4s in the back. It's generally a better idea to use direct radiatin speakers in the rear. For this reason the M2s are most often placed in the back. QS4s are perfect as side surrounds.
welcome to the forum. you have chosen the correct speaker.
with that size room and that sub, i would get M60's in the front, a VP150 center, 2 QS8's for surrounds, and either 2 M2's or M3's for the rear. i think its better to get direct firing speakers in the rear, rather than the the QS4's or QS8's.
you could go the M22 route for the fronts, but that is a pretty good sized room, and they might not reach the performance levels you want. definitely get the QS8s for surrounds.. those are awesome speakers.
good luck, and take all the input you are gonna get in stride. if you have been out of the HT loop for a while, you will have a lot to learn.. but the yamaha 2400 is a good start, thats a great receiver.
bigjohn
OK...I guess I am posting on the correct board
I went the M22 route mostly because I was considering the HT aspect without much music listening (if any at all). I don't think that I have ever played any music on my current setup. Going up to a tower isn't a problem. This may sound crazy, but I am don't want overkill. You guys know a lot more than I do so lets try this again. How about M60 front, VP150 center, QS8 surrounds, and M2 rear surrounds?
I was thinking about the HSU STF-2. Will this be good?
If you've got the green, the system that you've just mentioned seems very popular, and is likely to satisfy.
About overpowering the room - it has been said that percieved loudness is different listening to better speakers (i.e. you can play better speakers at a higher volume and enjoy them more without some of the negative side-affects - like distortion - that mar lesser speakers when turned way up). And, who knows, when you get into HT with these puppies, you may wish you had a little more umph in your system...
This, way, you're getting the best, now you can forget about the rest ( -- no buyers remorse, no upgradeitis -- )
Will the Yamaha 2400 do justice to this speaker setup?
I'm running the same set-up (sans the VP150, as I went with the VP100) with the RX-V750, which is about 20 watts/ch. less than the 2400. It kicks some @ss.
In short - you'll have no probs with the 2400. You may even be able to get away with less amplification if you're not trying to overpower the sound. Thats why I still recommend you think about the 1400 or the 750
the 2400 is one of the more powerful/versatile receiver out there right now. the dang thing will almost wash your dishes for you..
as someone has already said, if money is an issue, you can actually drop down to a little cheaper receiver, to give you more cash on the top for speakers.
if budget isnt an issue, then go for the gusto.. and once you get all this set-up, you just might find yourself listening to more cd's than you ever had before.. its rather impressive to hear good music thru great speakers.
bigjohn
I am considering the 1400. The only differences that I can see are the serial port, 2 DSPs, 10 watts per channel, and a different remote. I have a Harmony Remote so I don't care about the remote anyway. It is a strong possibility that I will go with the 1400 now that I am going up 1k in speaker cost
you wont miss 10 watts.. get the 1400, and get the M60's in the front..
you will be well on your way
bigjohn
Thanks for all the help. I really appeciate it. I have one more concern to deal with. Will the HSU STF-2 sub work for me or do I need something bigger? Since I am going with towers now, does this change my sub requirements?
check out the comparison charts at yamaha.com.
If you go to their site, and navigate to the receivers, click on a model, and there will be a link to compare different receivers. They'll let you compare, side by side, the 2400, the 1400 and the RX-V1. On another sheet, you'll be able to compare the 750, 650 and a couple others. Comparing the 750 sheet to the 1400 sheet, you realize that the 750 and the 1400 only differ in a couple of ways - and you can decide how important they are.
So... starting from the viewpoint that both recievers are IDENTICAL, here are the differences...
1400 - 110 watts/ch.
750 - 100 watts/ch.
1400 - YPAO - complete
750 - YPAO - does not include re-equalization on the mains and surrounds. Essentially, you can futz with the bass, mid and treble manually, but the YPAO won't re-EQ your speakers, except for the center. Some say that this is a good thing (like Alan - a moderator on these boards), because the equalization can make the speakers sound much different, and basically undo all that the manufacturer did to make the speaker sound the way that it does.
1400 - lots of DSP modes
750 - MORE DSP modes (interesting, huh)
1400 - more digital inputs, fully assignable
750 - a couple of less inputs, fully assignable. I.e. unless you have 12 components, you'll find plenty of space to put your equipment, and don't worry that you'll have to remember that your CD recorder is hooked up to the MD jack - you can re-assign the name to correspond to the component that the input is being used by.
I believe that those are the only, if not the biggest differences. Both have DLPIIx, both have sh*tloads of processors. Both have a phono jack. Both have 2nd room capability, and bi-wireable capability. I think even the remote is the same.
Anyway, just my input. Go find out for yourself, then you won't need convincing, right!?
Good luck. Ps - you can't maek amistake with the options that you've chosen.
In reply to:
How about M60 front, VP150 center, QS8 surrounds, and M2 rear surrounds?
That's the way I'd go in a room (and I'm assuming, a budget) that size.
Were I you, I'd give HSU a call (or at least fill out their
Product Recommendation and Support Form) about the correct sub for a room that size. I would wager Bren's woodchuck (inside joke - see
here) that they suggest the STF-3, or VTF-3, would serve you better in a room that size, but I've been known to wrong now and then
. They, like Axiom, SVS, av123, et. al., have very good customer service, and won't fool you into something you don't need. If the STF-2 will work for you, that's what they'll tell you. I, by the way, own and enjoy an STF-2 (11.5x18x8).
I will also echo BigJohn's caveat. I suspect that when you get that system cranked up, your interest in listening to music will be reborn. And, with the Yammy's capabilities, your curiosity will be piqued as to what it'll do with SACD and/or DVD-A
Enjoy.
the sub question can be a little more complicated. some will tell you that you cant ever have enough sub.. while others will say that moderation is the best bet. there is no doubt that the STF-2 will get the job done, but there is no question that the STF-3 will get the job done BETTER. the low LFE's are essential to the HT experience, so it is highly recommended not to skimp on the sub.
the HSU brands are fantastic subs.. the STF/VTF series are as good or better than most. you may also look into the SVS subs.. their PCi and PC+ series will probably be the best match for your room. they also make box speakers if concealment is an issue.
you have yet to mention a wife, so we dont know exactly what your constraints are
bigjohn
15' x 19' isn't all that big of a room...I think you could get away with the M22ti's just fine, depending on how far away from them you'll be sitting. If you're no further away than 10'+ I say go for it. If you'll be sitting much further back, then the M60ti's will work really, really well also.
Regarding the rear channels...someone around here made an excellent point (can't remember which one of you it was) that if you're rear channels are going to be on the wall just behind the seating area (like only 1'-2' away) you'll be much better off with another set of QS series surrounds in the rear. But if you've got some space behind you (at least 4'+) then the direct radiating M2i's are probably a better bet for those f/x channels.
In either case the QS series should be used for your surrounds...they're amazing.
It'll come as no surprise for the regulars around here, but I whole heartedly support your choice of Hsu for the sub. That room can be filled by the VTF/STF-2, but you'd really enjoy the VTF-3 a bit more. You've got a good amount of air to move around.
Good luck!
Guys - tyring to get a better handle on some of your comments about the difference between rears and surrounds. The diff would be between 5.1 and 7.1, right? So, in a 5.1 setup, rears and surrounds are synonymous, right? In that situation, would the QS8's be a good choice for 5 channel audio as well as surround? SOrry - I just dont get it yet... jb
Whether or not it is the case, I think of the term "rear surround(s)" as being exclusive to 6.1 and 7.1 configurations, and they are mounted on the back wall or corners. The term "surrounds" are found in all 3 configurations and are meant to mounted on the side wall (or, to the sides of the listening area), but CAN be effectively placed on the back wall, or behind the listening area. If someone is talking about a 5.1 configuration and uses the term "rear surround(s)," it is only confusing the issue.
Just my opinion.
In reply to:
If someone is talking about a 5.1 configuration and uses the term "rear surround(s)," it is only confusing the issue.
Yo momma so fat, when she sits down listen to her home theater system, her rear surrounds the couch cushion.
SEE! I told you it was confusing.
Go listen to the M50s and report back here pronto, you young whippersnapper!
. (Jeez! I sound like Gabby Hayes. Now THERE'S a terrifying thought.)
The scary part is that you LOOK like Gabby Hayes too!!!
. It can't take long to brush both of those teeth every morning.
Ahh, I feel better now. Here's another thought. If $$$ are an issue, there's really no reason to get right to 7.1. It's not like there is a tremendous amount of source material out there. Do your M60/VP150 (100 is also excellent) /QS8s now and grab the Yammy 2400. Call HSU and SVS and talk to them (great folks at both places) to zero in on a sub. You can always pick up the other 2 speakers for 7.1 later. Spreads the bucks around a little better for you.
NAH! Here's my latest photo and I don't see the resemblance at all.
