The New RM-30 H – Horizontal Center Speaker – an HT Dream
When I heard about the new RM-30 speakers, I was elated to think that there was going to be a VMPS center speaker option with three ribbon panels. I had done some experiments using a single 626 R as a horizontal center speaker, and then using two 626R’s, head-to-head as a horizontal multi ribbon center speaker. The two together were significantly better than one, and represented the best sounding center channel speaker I had heard in my system. Better, in terms of both clarity of dialog and dynamics, than any of six center speakers I have had in my system or any I had auditioned at dealers. I have just got to believe that a horizontal RM-30 is going sound much better than an LRC.
So, when they are available, I will be laying one on the top of my 65” RPTV to match the RM-30C front speakers. There are going to be a lot of applications where it is impractical to have a RM-30 center speaker in the vertical position, and it will end up horizontal, resting on a flat surface(RPTV top or a shelf), on stands, or held by brackets of some sort.
Seeing the photos of the VMPS room at CES got me thinking more about details. So what will the RM-30 center channel look like? Here are some thoughts to start a discussion on the subject:
1. SIMPLEST SOLUTION
An RM-30C with the tweeter rotated 90 degrees and the base cut down to allow it to rest on a horizontal surface.
Issues/Question
A. It won’t be symmetrical in terms of the location of the drivers. The three midrange ribbons won’t be centered, and the woofers and tweeter will be at the very ends. What will it sound like? Will the directionality of the tweeter create confusing signals to our brains as we try to believe the sound is actually coming from the video screen? Will our amazing brains end up tricking us again and end up not being concerned about tweeter locations as we are absorbed in the story, ducking as the bullets wiz by us?
B. Is the base/port deflector really necessary? What if it is just left off? Could/should it be angled forward to direct the bass towards the listeners?
C. Do we need faux base/port deflectors on the tweeter end just to give it a balanced look?
D. How will we support this 48” X 19”, 100 lbs. box on our shelf/RPTV top? Will a half inch thick grey foam pad the size of the speaker work OK? Do we have to get multiple air suspension platforms from BrightStar to cushion its motion?
E. What would it be called, RM-30CH?
2. SOME MODIFICATIONS
An RM-30 with no bottom (now side) port, 90 degree rotated tweeter and simple platform stand that would allow a small amount of tilt from the horizontal plane.
Issues/Question
A. It still won’t be symmetrical
B. What will the impact on bass response be from no bottom/side port? Does the center channel really need to get down to 35 Hz? Could a port be placed in the back?
C. What would it be called, an RM-30H?
3. MAJOR REDESIGN
Same basic cabinet dimensions, but with one woofer on each end, the three midrange panels in the center and the rotated tweeter in a small add-on enclosure on top.
Issues/Question
A. It will be symmetrical!
B. It will look totally cool.
C. It will require a lot of additional design, retooling, new parts, etc (= $$ and time to develop).
D. It would probably sound wonderful.
E. What would it be called, RM-30 SuperH?
Whatever form it takes, I am looking forward to it.
