My ELAC speakers get here tomorrow! I have to mount the surrounds, how high & what mount should I use? (1 Viewer)

[StoneHouse]

Ok so I'm making a whole new thread now that I've learned more. I'm close to ready to buy, just need you all to guide me. It's my first ever home theater system. I have a room with a projector and screen, now just need audio. Here’s my home theater room (Imgur link) (screen is on the top wall opposite of the door) the dimensions are included in there. Somebody asked my “listening style” no idea what that means lol, we just sit on the couch and watch! I love loud, but do have neighbors and can’t bother them TOO much so it will be within reason. I haven’t figured out the couch situation next (that’s my next research project). My budget for home theater audio was $1,700, but some of the options below bring it to maybe $2,000 and I'm ok with that if the quality is really there.


Here is my existing setup (just the AVR) and a few options for speakers.


AVR:

I just purchased a Yamaha TSR-700 – bought it for $400, a few posts on the forum said this is a really good buy, I found some in stock at Costco and picked it up. Here’s a link if you need info. https://usa.yamaha.com/products/audio_visual/av_receivers_amps/tsr-700/index.html



Subwoofer:


Option 1: SVS SB-1000

Option 2: SVS SB-2000, $619 (on Amazon right now), See on Amazon I'm guessing because this says 2,000 and that's higher than 1,000, that this option is better lol. Supposedly this is last years model so there "may be sales" somewhere?

Option 3: Somebody said I could try HSU http://www.hsuresearch.com/ but they didn’t give any specific models. I’ve seen two people say that a “Hybrid 3 package” would be good for my price range. http://www.hsuresearch.com/products/hybrid3hppkg.html of course, I know nothing about it but there is some appeal to a one-and-done purchase of this package stuff.

Option 4: ELAC is having a sale (read my section on Speakers below) and somebody said these are really good. I guess I could get one of those ELAC subs, but I have no idea which one and they’re expensive. https://www.elac.com/lp/debut2/?sl=promopage again my neighbors house is maybe 15-20 feet away so I can't piss them off too much lol.





Speakers (Center, front L and R and rear/surrounds/whatever you call them):

Option 1: ELAC is currently having a sale on their Debut v2 speakers. One poster said I should find a tiny bit more money and get the Debut 2.0 6.2 speakers. These interest me a lot. I only read 2 people on a forum suggesting them, and know nothing about them/never heard of them (don’t really know home audio well) but they said it’s basically the next level up and their ~20% until the 24th sale puts them close to my price range. That’s interesting, and I also Really like the tall standing front L and R speakers, I like floor standing speakers. He recommended I get the following setup:

Debut 2.0 B6.2 6.5" Bookshelf Speakers - On sale for $280 for a pair
Debut 2.0 C6.2 6.5" Center Speaker - On sale for $260 for one
Debut 2.0 F6.2 6.5" Floorstanding Speaker - On sale for $370 each
Each of these speakers can be viewed on this page https://www.elac.com/lp/debut2/?sl=promopage

Can anyone confirm the idea of me doing this instead? It is above budget, and not sure what I'd do for a sub but.. how are these?



More options: I did make this thread recently https://www.avforums.com/threads/co...tup-with-roughly-1-700-which-options.2319637/ and in there I have more options. I guess I didn’t want to include them ITT because I didn’t want to clutter everything.. even though I know almost nothing about the ELACs, something about the way the poster said it made me think it may be the better option.



Thank you all, I can't wait to read your responses because I think I'll actually buy after making this thread.

 

[StoneHouse]

Bump! Hoping to get some help in here.

 

[StoneHouse]

Hi All,



I've heard from enough of you, and Here’s my home theater room with dimensions (Imgur link). It's my first home theater system. Elac is having a sale right now, which puts both systems at an acceptable price range for me, the sale ends soon so I need to buy right away. I have a Yamaha TSR-700 AVR and I don't have time unfortunately to go do a live listen. I'll be using this for movies, occasional video games with friends, probably not music. So I'm thinking either of the following:





Option A:



Emotiva C2 (center) - $400 - https://emotiva.com/products/airmotiv-c2-1

Emotiva T-Zero (front L/R) - $400 - https://emotiva.com/products/airmot...cxGif86jBP5KsJNWUxAC6vvgRtts2sshoC__UQAvD_BwE

Emotiva B1 (surrounds) - $230 - https://emotiva.com/products/airmotiv-b1-pair




Total: $1,030





Option B:



ELAC Debut 2.0 C6.2 (center) - $260 - https://www.elac.com/lp/debut2/?sl=promopage

ELAC Debut 2.0 F6.2 (front L/R) - $740 for pair - https://www.elac.com/lp/debut2/?sl=promopage

ELAC Debut 2.0 B5.2 (surrounds) - $230 - https://www.elac.com/lp/debut2/?sl=promopage



Total: $1,230







Subwoofer - still deciding but it sounds like people are suggesting I go with an HSU sub, maybe the Hsu VTF 2? Though it looks like they're on backorder unfortunately so open to any specific sub suggestions.

 

[JohnRice]

A slightly adjacent suggestion. Forums like this aren't just for the purpose of helping you, but also so people can come in and see the process others went through to make their decisions. For that to really work, it's detrimental to keep starting new threads. You now have four threads on the same topic, including two started just this week. That also makes it a lot more difficult for others to help you, because they have to read all four threads to know what you've considered and where you are.

In other words, you're shooting yourself in the foot by creating so many threads on the same topic.

 

[JohnRice]

...and my suggestion is the same as it was previously. ELAC Debut speakers and SVS SB-1000 or SB-2000 sub. Unfortunately, the deals on the outgoing SB-2000 seem to be gone now. There were "LIke New" open boxes from reputable sellers for $550, but I don't see those anymore.

 

[ManW_TheUncool]

Agreed w/ John.

IF you're fine w/ it, maybe the moderators could just merge this new thread onto the previous longer one (whether now or later)...

Meanwhile, I was the main person recommending Hsu, but definitely consider the comparable SVS models as well... though the Hsu VTF-3 Mk5 HP would be hard to beat at its price (unless there's some great sale going on elsewhere)... and your room size could probably use something that powerful instead of the next lower model -- the price diffs aren't that much anyway between the diff Hsu models, and I would even go w/ the even more raved VTF-15H Mk2 if you can stretch for it (though do take note it's that much more bulky/hefty and actually costs nearly 2x to ship, which was why I didn't do it myself for my livingroom HT).

One thing. You might consider waiting a bit for some sales for the sub. They'll probably happen before too long me thinks given the upcoming holiday shopping season... plus you might also get extended return period that way...

_Man_

 

[JohnRice]

I think you can do well with either brand of sub. I actually own one (they came in pairs, actually) of the very first subs Hsu made. I spoke to Dr. Hsu on the phone when he called to clarify what I had requested the configuration to be. That's how small the company was at the time, which was called "Definitive Research" and soon changed their name for obvious reasons, since Definitive Technology started up around the same time. I've never heard anyone being unhappy with a Hsu sub.

 

[StoneHouse]

Ah, this is tough. In this forum, the two of you recommend ELAC. On another forum, two people said the Emotiva options.

Can either of you elaborate and help me understand one way or another? I really appreciate both of your inputs, and John, thanks for teaching me how to structure this best, going forward I'll avoid new threads like that.

 

[StoneHouse]

...and my suggestion is the same as it was previously. ELAC Debut speakers and SVS SB-1000 or SB-2000 sub. Unfortunately, the deals on the outgoing SB-2000 seem to be gone now. There were "LIke New" open boxes from reputable sellers for $550, but I don't see those anymore.

Figured I should quote you so you get a notification please see my reply above if you can.

 

[JohnRice]

Alright. Well, it's probably safe that you'll be happy with either speaker option. FWIW, I own a ton of Emotiva gear. Nine pieces currently in my good system. I've bought a lot of their stuff. My experience with their speakers is extremely limited though.

Last year I upgraded my living room system with the Debut v2. They are just significantly better than their price. It's kind of amazing. They aren't flashy, though, but that's a good thing. They don't color the sound, but their real strength is their imaging, which means they have an incredible ability to not sound like individual speakers. If you set them up properly, with breathing room around them, they will virtually disappear. It's the kind of sound that you don't grow tired of. They are simply far too good for their price.

Having said that, I'm actually considering upgrading that system to the new ELAC UniFi v2, and the reason is something important in your decision. I would have gotten the original UniFis instead of the Debuts, but they are 4 Ohm, and the Debuts are 6 Ohm. The new UniFi are 6 Ohm now. 4 Ohm speakers are going to be a problem with any receiver... and the Emotivas are also 4 Ohm. The front speakers in my good system are 4 Ohm, but I drive them with an 800 WPC Emotiva XPA-DR2 amplifier. A receiver, any receiver, is going to have heat and other difficulties handling a 4 Ohm speaker. I just don't recommend driving that difficult a speaker with a receiver.

 

[StoneHouse]

...and my suggestion is the same as it was previously. ELAC Debut speakers and SVS SB-1000 or SB-2000 sub. Unfortunately, the deals on the outgoing SB-2000 seem to be gone now. There were "LIke New" open boxes from reputable sellers for $550, but I don't see those anymore.

Alright thank you John, thank you both actually, I just made the purchase! ELAC is the way I went based on your post, I did the Debut 2.0. I went to their website and didn't see the other ones you mentioned so bought those.

Onto the sub, you said the SB-2000s are now gone unfortunately. On another forum, somebody said to get the " Rythmik LV-12F" instead of an HSU or any sub. Should I get the Rythmik LV-12F?

If not, can you recommend a specific sub for me? I would ideally like yo spend maybe $400-500 give or take on a sub. I guess if you think it makes a HUGE difference I could go to $600 but yeah, I'd like to try to save some money lol.

What do either of you think?

 

[JohnRice]

Those are all good brands. Each sub is going to have its own strengths. Rythmik is known for being server controlled, which helps maintain things when you push them. They also have a 12" sealed model. If this is a living space, sealed subs can be nice since they're a lot smaller. The Hsu model has the ability to tune the ports, which lets you somewhat adjust how it performs. It it's a HT dedicated room, then small size might not be as much of a factor. Ported subs will tend to be more impressive, but could create some port noise. There are no losers among these models.

 

[ManW_TheUncool]

IF you must buy now and not wait for a sale, then I'd think either the Hsu or Rythmik should do and not disappoint, especially if you're not a dedicated audiophile -- SVS probably costs a bit more for same/similar results though they probably also offer bit better guarantees, if you're the dedicated audiophile sort and would really make use of at least some of that, eg. completely free trial and returns (w/ extended 60-day right now).

IF you can wait a bit for a sale, then that might make the best choice (for you) reveal itself more given your budget limit. Maybe a next higher model will fall barely into your limit during an upcoming sale... and your intended, dedicated room size looks like it could probably benefit some from a larger, more powerful sub...

_Man_

 

[StoneHouse]

IF you must buy now and not wait for a sale, then I'd think either the Hsu or Rythmik should do and not disappoint, especially if you're not a dedicated audiophile -- SVS probably costs a bit more for same/similar results though they probably also offer bit better guarantees, if you're the dedicated audiophile sort and would really make use of at least some of that, eg. completely free trial and returns (w/ extended 60-day right now).

IF you can wait a bit for a sale, then that might make the best choice (for you) reveal itself more given your budget limit. Maybe a next higher model will fall barely into your limit during an upcoming sale... and your intended, dedicated room size looks like it could probably benefit some from a larger, more powerful sub...

_Man_

Hey! So, just checking in. I haven't bought a sub and I'm thinking it would be ok if I waited until Black Friday. Just to make sure, you don't know of any sales I should currently take advantage of before then on a sub do you?

 

[StoneHouse]

My ELAC system gets here tomorrow. It's my first ever serious home theater audio setup I've ever bought, so you can imagine my excitement. The total 5.1 system will cost me a bit above $2k. I still need a sub but I figured I should wait until Black Friday sales for a sub, right?


Anyway, I'm getting the ELAC Debut 2.0 speakers, I went with the 6.2s for the floorstanding and center, and a 5.2 for the surrounds to save some money. Here’s my home theater room with dimensions (Imgur link).


Here's a link to the Debut 2.0 5.2 speaker surrounds, https://www.elac.com/series/debut-2-0/b5-2/?r=us

I have the audio wiring through my wall already. I'll be using the room with a couch and just watching movies and sports games/occasional video game on it. Anyway, to the questions.


1. How high should I mount these? The wiring is already put through the walls and is probably 6 feet up the wall. Should I just mount them right there or lower/higher, and I angle them at the viewing position right?

2. Any specific speaker mounts you recommend? I want them to look good and work well of course. Should I just get something like this?

 

[StoneHouse]

Ugh. The speakers arrive tomorrow lol. I just bought the following last week while ELAC was having their 20% off sale:

[IMG ]https://ci3.googleusercontent.com/proxy/SbOMXdXgKKMPVl6xg1bMsvmoPs6ixpU3kEmNrWx6oVjou3arGbCLYxbahvsUsZzksnyCE9-LpVsJ44t1FqWWiGjV8CDe6Ps4cTuQwhIl1bMcg26F84ejc5GGRXMzEmY3JzGgvPSwTLsLWAdAvC1lWg=s0-d-e1-ft#https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/1016/6629/products/DF6.2_1_compact_cropped.jpg?v=1574721839[/IMG]​ Debut 2.0 F6.2 6.5" Floorstanding Speaker (Each) × 2 $739.96​

[IMG ]https://ci4.googleusercontent.com/proxy/_aZkXxELT8-PnHgp6eFy9fZp1muS5Tbsww1tAb2s3pyDXlkWsH4x01X43UK9FWv42XTyAWsJiSDza6MXJ02OfXlkmTnrEPFxsCoG7lxU6D478xySpVdefXBZ4k-I8sqHJhQwnE-4q_WM9ZtExQ=s0-d-e1-ft#https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/1016/6629/products/c6.2_compact_cropped.jpg?v=1584126713[/IMG]​ Debut 2.0 C6.2 6.5" Center Speaker (Each) × 1 $259.98​

[IMG ]https://ci3.googleusercontent.com/proxy/59zXIcm2_AtesHC4n6izrnlbpLJrCpkQ6KBi6RiblGJCP1v69qRFuRjMTFrl9Obp3mHlqJZ7ZVQqrHiHD2H8VlgBa4lCZb8LRNBvRksNWFD0Z1ybv8oeeJc2UVblEnP0_Pa4Jt1826_ryTh7OLNIblPYTo3zyj4=s0-d-e1-ft#https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/1016/6629/products/B5.2_Gallery_1_compact_cropped.jpg?v=1569062235[/IMG]​ Debut 2.0 B5.2 Bookshelf Speakers (Pair) × 1 $229.98​

and I randomly check a deal website I like and find that BestBuy is talking about the ELAC Debut 2.0 speakers on sale at BestBuy for quite a bit less.

https://www.bestbuy.com/site/elac-d...a701cb811eba3d2ced5612574d30INT&skuId=6198600 Those look to me like the same floorstanding ELAC speakers I just bought, except mine were $370 each with the sale, these look to be $230 each with the sale. Both are listed as product number DF62-BK

Are they the same? Should I just return my ones from ELAC and buy these Best Buy ones now? That's a big price difference, even with the 20% Elac sale.

https://www.bestbuy.com/site/elac-debut-2-0-dual-6-1-2-2-way-center-channel-speaker-black-ash/6198595.p?ref=8575135&loc=4166eb361cb911eb9e74aec59e3f4e020INT&acampID=4166eb361cb911eb9e74aec59e3f4e020INT&skuId=6198595

^ that also looks like the same center I bought, the DC62, is it? Because again, even with the ELAC 20% sale I bought my center for $260 and this one at Best Buy right now is $165.



Should I return my center and front L/R and get the Best Buy ones?


Also.. I still need a sub, is the Best Buy ELAC sub they have on sale a good option right now? Linked here.

 

[Wayne_j]

Yes, they are the same speakers. It looks like Best Buy has the Elac Floor Standers and Center for 50% off. The bookshelf speakers appear to be at the MSRP.

 

[StoneHouse]

IF you must buy now and not wait for a sale, then I'd think either the Hsu or Rythmik should do and not disappoint, especially if you're not a dedicated audiophile -- SVS probably costs a bit more for same/similar results though they probably also offer bit better guarantees, if you're the dedicated audiophile sort and would really make use of at least some of that, eg. completely free trial and returns (w/ extended 60-day right now).

IF you can wait a bit for a sale, then that might make the best choice (for you) reveal itself more given your budget limit. Maybe a next higher model will fall barely into your limit during an upcoming sale... and your intended, dedicated room size looks like it could probably benefit some from a larger, more powerful sub...

_Man_

Those are all good brands. Each sub is going to have its own strengths. Rythmik is known for being server controlled, which helps maintain things when you push them. They also have a 12" sealed model. If this is a living space, sealed subs can be nice since they're a lot smaller. The Hsu model has the ability to tune the ports, which lets you somewhat adjust how it performs. It it's a HT dedicated room, then small size might not be as much of a factor. Ported subs will tend to be more impressive, but could create some port noise. There are no losers among these models.

Hey "man" and John! I hope you guys are on tonight. So, looks like ironically (and frustratingly) Best Buy is all the sudden having tons of sales on ELAC speakers. The ones I just bought.

Question to both of you, this ELAC sub is on sale with Best Buy right now - https://www.bestbuy.com/site/elac-3...-subwoofer-each-black/6198602.p?skuId=6198602

For my needs (if you remember my thread and situation) is this a good sub, should I buy this?


Here's a thread I just made on the sale just in case you're bored Here

But let me know if I should buy this sub or if you think I should wait until Black Friday instead.

 

[StoneHouse]

Yes, they are the same speakers. It looks like Best Buy has the Elac Floor Standers and Center for 50% off. The bookshelf speakers appear to be at the MSRP.

Got it. Well, annoying to have to handle returns and all that, but hey I'll save a ton of money! I thought the ELAC 20% sale was big and these are way off lol.

Anyway, I really need a sub. This is my first ever system and here is my thread about my room/need/wishlist. I bought the ELACs but still need a sub.

I'm now trying to learn (I'm a rookie) is the ELAC sub Best Buy has on sale good? Or, should I maybe wait for a Black Friday deal? What would you do?

 

[JohnRice]

I hear good things about their subs. That’s all the experience I have with them.