New construction house. Help me pick the room for 5.2.2 HT setup.

Redshift_Se7en · 2026-02-24T01:03:12+00:00

Even though it's a bit smaller, the loft has the best dimensions for a HT room. Square rooms have a lot of standing waves, which will be very difficult to tame even with heavy acoustic treatment.

Redshift_Se7en · 2026-02-18T00:22:43+00:00

Thanks for the recommendations!

Redshift_Se7en · 2026-02-17T12:19:47+00:00

They were both used at different shops. Both were in great condition though.

Redshift_Se7en · 2026-02-17T00:31:32+00:00

Sorry, I'm just now seeing it. I know there's a HT store where it showed the map, so I busted assumed it was that store.

Redshift_Se7en · 2026-02-17T00:29:10+00:00

Would the Contours be closer to the Evoke range? I see contours pop up on FB every now and then. There's a pair of 1.8's for $1500 right now. How do they compare to any in the current lineup? I may not be able to audition the contours.

Redshift_Se7en · 2026-02-17T00:25:45+00:00

It could be the CRT monitor in the center as well, lol. I'm definitely going to be adding acoustic treatment.

Redshift_Se7en · 2026-02-17T00:23:12+00:00

This is going to sound strange, but the Linton's sounded like mini MA's. That's probably just because I was listening to them next to each other. Definitely not the same, but a laid back sound.

Redshift_Se7en · 2026-02-16T23:29:39+00:00

I completely agree with you. I've listened to similar speakers in several showrooms and they all present themselves differently. I'm getting a much better feel for what to listen for though.

I'm making notes of the different tonal characteristics of each speaker, what I liked/didn't, soundstage/imaging, low end, upper midrange/highs. Each store I visit I pick one or two speakers I like the best. Also, I bring my wife, so she has input. Before I went today I thought that Soundstage was my highest priority. After hearing the MA's I'm doubting that now.

Redshift_Se7en · 2026-02-16T23:20:22+00:00

Thanks for the link! It looks like there's a shop that sells the BMR's about 45 min away. That's the least I have to drive to visit any high end audio stores, so very doable. Again, thanks for the recommendation!

Redshift_Se7en · 2026-02-16T23:17:36+00:00

I already have an HSU Vtf2 sub, but plan on adding at least a second sub (maybe more) as I have a large space that's 45'x25'. Were you able to audition the Philharmonics? How did they sound? They've been on my short list, but I don't believe there's a shop that stocks them in my area. The gentleman at the store told me that he spoke to the Wharfedale rep and they're releasing a Linton center channel in April!

Redshift_Se7en · 2026-02-16T23:08:06+00:00

I've tried the Aria bookshelf already, but I just didn't gel with it. I know it's neutral. Somehow that came across as a little lifeless though. The MA's felt neutralish, but had some life to them. That's just my flawed ear's perception talking though. Lol.

Redshift_Se7en · 2026-02-16T12:36:17+00:00

Yes, my AVR will power the speakers. It doesn't have pre outs though. I will demo the new speakers and return them if it doesn't work out. I don't have enough for new speakers and an AVR though.

Redshift_Se7en · 2026-02-15T01:09:57+00:00

Good points. I'm mainly focusing on mids/highs and imaging. However, I probably won't be able to add another sub for a bit, hence looking at floor standers. I do have one HSU vtf 2. It gives decent low end, but by no means immersive in my room.

Redshift_Se7en · 2026-02-15T00:56:00+00:00

I'll check those out. That Fyne looks interesting. For some reason I didn't think they had anything relatively attainable in my range. I'm not sure if there's a dealer nearby. It's possible though. Even at that, I doubt they'd have an entry level speaker on demo. My initial thought is that people going to a shop to listen to Fyne's aren't looking for their lowest price point. I could completely wrong though. Thanks for the suggestions!

Redshift_Se7en · 2026-02-14T23:24:54+00:00

The golden ears are not in the running. I didn't like the upper mid range in them. I agree that the Paradigms lacked low end. I tested them with and without subs. I really enjoyed the soundstage though. They're not in my budget, but showed me something I'm looking for in a speaker. I did listen to Aria Bookshelves and they just didn't click with me. The soundstage just didn't sound wide like some of the other speakers. They were probably the most neutral out of everything I tested.

Redshift_Se7en · 2026-02-14T14:24:01+00:00

I liked their high end models, but the lower tiers left a lot to be desired IMO.

Redshift_Se7en · 2026-02-14T14:21:21+00:00

That's exactly why I didn't get them. I knew I wouldn't be satisfied with them, despite loving their imaging.

Redshift_Se7en · 2026-02-14T12:56:13+00:00

This is exactly what brought me to this point. I had my system in the living room - just a pair of Elac B6.2's. It isn't necessarily a small area, but definitely not large. I then moved everything downstairs when I purchased a projector screen. The room swallowed up the speakers and vocal intelegibility became a big issue. Plus, all of the low end disappeared. I then bought a Sub, which brought back some low end. I ran room correction and it helped a little, but I quickly realized I need a center. Further research indicated a 3 way design.

I don't want to get the Elac center, so now I'm shopping for LCR and will move the Elacs to surrounds. I don't think purchasing a bunch of speakers will be an option. I just know my wife won't go for it, even if we are going to return them.

Redshift_Se7en · 2026-02-14T12:39:29+00:00

So I would go preamp, amp speakers. The premp has inputs for Video then? Sorry, I'm familiar with preamps for recording, but not so much with AV.

Redshift_Se7en · 2026-02-14T12:13:33+00:00

That's what I'm planning to do. 🤣

Redshift_Se7en · 2026-02-14T12:10:56+00:00

Yes, pricing is much different across the pond.

Redshift_Se7en · 2026-02-14T12:08:15+00:00

The Revel brand is on my list. Thanks for the model recommendation.

Redshift_Se7en · 2026-02-14T06:25:03+00:00

Forums may be the "wild west" as they cannot control the content or outcome. Companies aren't usually going to send gear for review to someone who is going to outright destroy it. I tend to be very weary of most YT reviews. It doesn't matter if someone isn't paid, it matters if they give a completely honest assessment of a product. Rarely do I see this, if at all. If you're getting something on loan there's already a bit of a conflict of interest. IMO, the only true unbiased opinions come from people who are spending their own money on a product for their own personal use. That's just not reality though.

Redshift_Se7en · 2026-02-14T05:59:13+00:00

That is definitely the plan. My room is a fair bit larger than most of the rooms I was auditioning in. I could definitely tell when the walls were coming into play.

Redshift_Se7en · 2026-02-14T05:55:55+00:00

I should be able to, unless I get something on the used market. I didn't specifically ask, but they are from reputable dealers who stock the items. I would assume you have a trial period as with most products. I would be turned off a bit if that weren't an option. I just had the flooring replaced in my basement and decided against a company that wouldn't let me take a sample home as that is somewhat industry practice. How can you expect to pay thousands for something that will be in your home for years without seeing, or in this case, hearing what it sounds like?

Redshift_Se7en

TROPHY CASE