[boycottinactivity]

Hey guys, I’m looking to build out a home theater and hoping to get some advice.

I’m a super-newb, and these will be my first diy speakers.
My plan is to get up to a 5.1.4 setup and possibly up to a 7.2.4 eventually.
If I could build all of them, that would be pretty amazing, but I also need to ease into it a bit.

This is for main living area, in a funky room.

I’m planning to start with left and right, then go from there.
They will likely be connected to a Denon 3700 AVR— so not a particularly discerning high fi system required atm.

Additionally, it’s possible that I may move in the next few months, so I’m not sure what the new living space would be, if it’s going to be bigger or smaller, be closer or further from a dedicated HT, etc. So, a decently flexible setup that can be gotten up and running with some agreeable sound is kinda what I’m going for.

I don’t currently listen to two channel audio, but I’m starting to get interested. Don’t know if I’ll end up picking it up, though.

Currently, I’m thinking of X-SLS Encores for L&R, X-SCS for center, surrounds as either X-LSes or AV1RSes with a Servo Sub 1 or 2.
Not sure what to do about height channels... put av1rses as upward firing? Put them directly on the ceiling?

Of course, writing all that out, it sounds like complete overkill. But what can I say, I like movies. I want a theater experience and California isn’t letting me have it.

I’ll definitely just be starting with L&R, but I want to have a game plan before going in. I’d rather not build the whole thing out and find out it doesn’t sound right when I could have just asked here first.

I’d actually be really interested in HTs that have already been built out.

Thanks in advance!

[mlundy57]

Since you are going to be running subs you can use the X-SLS for the mains or you can use the smaller X-LS on stands or you can build three of the X-CS and use them for Left, Center, and Right. All three options will cross to the subs. Using three X-CS speakers will give you fuller bodied and cleaner midrange. Without a sub you'd give up bass extension with three X-CS but with a sub that's not a problem. Here are some pics of the X-CS used as LCR







For 5.1 surrounds I use the A/V1-RS. In a 7.1 system you can use the X-LS as surround back speakers.

Ceiling speakers is a different animal since Atmos ceiling speakers are intended to be a point source. I'm not sure what would work best for these.

[corndog71]

I 2nd X-CS for front and center.  AV1RS for surround.  Sealed servo sub or 2.  Start with 5.1 before expanding. 
With Danny’s speakers even 2.1 is amazing. 

[boycottinactivity]

Thanks guys— this is exactly the type of info I needed.
I was planning to just start with 2.0, but of course I prefer 2.1– so I’ll probably go that route and then add AV1RS for the back (probably in a few months).

I like the idea of having the X-CSes as left, center, and right.
Is the X-MTM a floor-standing version of the same speaker?
I was noticing that taking the X-LS and making them floor standing speakers allowed the low end to expand from 55Hz down to 45. So I’m wondering if starting with X-MTM’s would allow a similar expansion, while also having the same benefits you find with the X-CS?

[mflaming]

I'm really new into this as well and have been running XLS's on a 2.0 system (if you even call that HT). The center imaging and bass response has been really impressive - to me anyway. I'm looking to add a sub and center later, buy like you said, start with a pair and keep adding to your system as you build. Also helps with the finances and keeps the fun of building going.

[corndog71]

I like the idea of having the X-CSes as left, center, and right.
Is the X-MTM a floor-standing version of the same speaker?
I was noticing that taking the X-LS and making them floor standing speakers allowed the low end to expand from 55Hz down to 45. So I’m wondering if starting with X-MTM’s would allow a similar expansion, while also having the same benefits you find with the X-CS?

X-CS has the same drivers and crossover.  The difference is the cabinet.  X-CS is sealed.  X-MTM is a big ported tower.  Obviously the tower will provide more bass but the X-CS has a nice gradual roll off  that still works well with male vocals.  I lived with a pair of X-CS for a few years and even without a sub found them very enjoyable.  They’re also efficient enough that I got plenty of output using a 35 watt tube amp.  If you have a big room then the towers might be a better option. 

[mlundy57]

Thanks guys— this is exactly the type of info I needed.
I was planning to just start with 2.0, but of course I prefer 2.1– so I’ll probably go that route and then add AV1RS for the back (probably in a few months).

I like the idea of having the X-CSes as left, center, and right.
Is the X-MTM a floor-standing version of the same speaker?
I was noticing that taking the X-LS and making them floor standing speakers allowed the low end to expand from 55Hz down to 45. So I’m wondering if starting with X-MTM’s would allow a similar expansion, while also having the same benefits you find with the X-CS?

Yes, the X-MTM is the floor standing version of the X-CS. Where the X-CS rolls off at 70Hz, the X-MTM goes down to 40Hz. Here's some X-MTMs (the black ones). The rosewood speakers are N3s.

[JWCoffman]

Thanks guys— this is exactly the type of info I needed.
I was planning to just start with 2.0, but of course I prefer 2.1– so I’ll probably go that route and then add AV1RS for the back (probably in a few months).

I like the idea of having the X-CSes as left, center, and right.
Is the X-MTM a floor-standing version of the same speaker?
I was noticing that taking the X-LS and making them floor standing speakers allowed the low end to expand from 55Hz down to 45. So I’m wondering if starting with X-MTM’s would allow a similar expansion, while also having the same benefits you find with the X-CS?

I'm just starting my X-MTM and X-CS build today.  I'm going to see if I can finish construction before the innards arrive from Danny (probably not).  I opted for the MTM's over the X-SLS after reading some other posts here and considering our largish room (17'x26').  You probably can't go wrong with either one, though.  Like you, I'm starting with an OK, but not great receiver, but I figure at this point I should get equipment that meets the standard I want to get to, starting with the speakers, then I'll really be able to tell when I make improvements upstream.

[Tyson]

I'm just starting my X-MTM and X-CS build today.  I'm going to see if I can finish construction before the innards arrive from Danny (probably not).  I opted for the MTM's over the X-SLS after reading some other posts here and considering our largish room (17'x26').  You probably can't go wrong with either one, though.  Like you, I'm starting with an OK, but not great receiver, but I figure at this point I should get equipment that meets the standard I want to get to, starting with the speakers, then I'll really be able to tell when I make improvements upstream.

That's really smart.  Get the best speakers you can, then bring the rest of the gear to their level is an excellent approach.

[Edgar77]

I am also planning a home theater and I like to know your opinion about mixing different kind of speakers.
My idea is also a combination of home theater and stereo system.

For the stereo system I have the Open Baffle NX-Otica and Open Baffle H-Frame Subs in mind.
Should those Open Baffle speakers only be combined with other Open Baffle speakers?

I.e. would a X-CS Encore be a suitable center? Or would it be better to use the Open Baffle NX-Otica MTM and lay it on it's side as a center speaker?

And how about the rear speakers? Would X-LS Encores be a good idea? Or again only Open Baffle like the NX-Otica MTM?

[Toecutter]

I'm no expert but I personally am much happier without a center speaker. I found when my mains were set up properly  the sound stage and imaging was much better, might be my room its not big .
I currently run a 4.2 setup and I am happy. Having 2 subs is nice in a home theater too.
Your gonna see once you get some decent speakers and have them in the right place in the room its like magic , music will not be the same. 

[boycottinactivity]

You guys are all super helpful— thank you!

I'm really new into this as well and have been running XLS's on a 2.0 system (if you even call that HT). The center imaging and bass response has been really impressive - to me anyway. I'm looking to add a sub and center later, buy like you said, start with a pair and keep adding to your system as you build. Also helps with the finances and keeps the fun of building going.

I would absolutely call 2.0 with X-LSes HT. Thank you- I was actually wondering that. I’ve heard that the XLSes are actually pretty impressive down low and this was my original plan. Then I started looking at other speakers and now my eyes have gotten bigger than my... ears? I guess that works 

X-CS has the same drivers and crossover.  The difference is the cabinet.  X-CS is sealed.  X-MTM is a big ported tower.  Obviously the tower will provide more bass but the X-CS has a nice gradual roll off  that still works well with male vocals.  I lived with a pair of X-CS for a few years and even without a sub found them very enjoyable.  They’re also efficient enough that I got plenty of output using a 35 watt tube amp.  If you have a big room then the towers might be a better option. 

Perfect- thanks. I’m not sure what’s considered “big,” but it’s the main living space at about 16x24, and opens into a dining room, hall, and down toward stairs. So, I think it’ll be better with the X-MTM? I was also planning to have no sub for a while. That’s why I was looking for a setup that would reach pretty low.
Although, since it’s a bit of an obsession at the moment, I’ve just started scratching the surface of room treatment— lol. So much to find out about!

Yes, the X-MTM is the floor standing version of the X-CS. Where the X-CS rolls off at 70Hz, the X-MTM goes down to 40Hz. Here's some X-MTMs (the black ones). The rosewood speakers are N3s.

40Hz seems pretty darn low— that’s kind of exciting.
I’m not sure what N3s are, but I definitely have speaker envy.
So, based on the fact that these pics are all taken with the tv in the center, it seems like you’ve gone through some HT setups. Do you have any particular setup that stands out as a favorite?

I'm just starting my X-MTM and X-CS build today.  I'm going to see if I can finish construction before the innards arrive from Danny (probably not).  I opted for the MTM's over the X-SLS after reading some other posts here and considering our largish room (17'x26').  You probably can't go wrong with either one, though.  Like you, I'm starting with an OK, but not great receiver, but I figure at this point I should get equipment that meets the standard I want to get to, starting with the speakers, then I'll really be able to tell when I make improvements upstream.

Beautiful. I absolutely want to know how it turns out. And I feel the same way- high end speakers, then bring up the rest.


I’m actually wondering something else now:
If I have X-MTMs L&R, and X-CS center, they obviously have different roll offs at the low end. In the AVR, do I set the sub crossover the same for all of them? Or different for center vs LR?
And then I wonder if it’s better to go all X-CS up front with the same crossover?
Mlundy and corndog, you both mentioned all X-CS up front with a sub. Is that out of your guys’ personal preference? Or because that ends up being the most flexible or something?

[mlundy57]

I am also planning a home theater and I like to know your opinion about mixing different kind of speakers.
My idea is also a combination of home theater and stereo system.

For the stereo system I have the Open Baffle NX-Otica and Open Baffle H-Frame Subs in mind.
Should those Open Baffle speakers only be combined with other Open Baffle speakers?

I.e. would a X-CS Encore be a suitable center? Or would it be better to use the Open Baffle NX-Otica MTM and lay it on it's side as a center speaker?

And how about the rear speakers? Would X-LS Encores be a good idea? Or again only Open Baffle like the NX-Otica MTM?

With my NX-Otica MTM/H-frame speakers I don’t use a center channel. The Oticas image so well and are so clean they don’t need a center channel. Plus, adding a center channel speaker that is not on the same level as the Oticas would only diminish the presentation.

I don’t know how an Otica MTM would work laying on it’s side. Without the sub cabinet the MTM will roll off at 100Hz but you can cross that to an HT sub like Danny’s Sub Kit 2.

Even with the open baffle subs up front, you want to have an HT sub in the system connected to the LFE (subwoofer) channel of the AVR. I have a sandbox sub in my system connected to the AVR’s LFE channel and that channel is set to LFE only.

I use Danny’s AV/1-RS surround speakers with my NX-Oticas. These are Omni-directional speakers designed for surround use

[Tyson]

With the NX Ottica, you'd be better off using a single NX-Studio Monitor as a center channel.  But as Mike points out, you probably won't need it.

[mlundy57]

I’m not sure what N3s are, but I definitely have speaker envy.
So, based on the fact that these pics are all taken with the tv in the center, it seems like you’ve gone through some HT setups. Do you have any particular setup that stands out as a favorite?
Beautiful. I absolutely want to know how it turns out. And I feel the same way- high end speakers, then bring up the rest.


I’m actually wondering something else now:
If I have X-MTMs L&R, and X-CS center, they obviously have different roll offs at the low end. In the AVR, do I set the sub crossover the same for all of them? Or different for center vs LR?
And then I wonder if it’s better to go all X-CS up front with the same crossover?
Mlundy and corndog, you both mentioned all X-CS up front with a sub. Is that out of your guys’ personal preference? Or because that ends up being the most flexible or something?

The N3s are an MTM transmission line from Danny’s N series line which is currently out of production.

As for a favorite system, that has two answers. For normal use on a realistic budget it would be either:

Front -  X-MTM Encores with X-CS Encore center, or if you can get them at least 3ft off the front wall, my preference would be X-Statics with X-Voce center. Speakers fully lined with NoRez, upgraded crossovers, and tube connectors.

Surround speakers - A/V1-RS or if your room is big enough the surround speakers can be 3ft from any wall the X-Omni

If you have enough room to get all speakers 3ft from the walls: X-Statik, X-Voce, and X-Omni

If you can get the front speakers 3ft off the wall but not the surrounds: X-Statik, X-Voce, and A/V1-RS

If you can’t get either front or rear speakers 3ft off the wall: X-MTM Encore, X-CS Encore, A/V1-RS

Plus either one or two Sub Kit 2 in a sealed box(s).

Use the AVR’s bass management to set the crossovers for the speakers individually.

As for my personal favorite system, that would be the one in my man cave. This is a 4.1 system, no center channel speaker.

L&R main speakers - full range open baffle NX-Otica MTMs on top of dual H-frame servo subs

No center channel speaker

Surrounds - A/V1-RS

HT sub - Servo Sub Kit 2 in a sandbox cabinet.

This system has both two channel and HT electronics. For HT the AVR’s Left and Right preamp outputs are connected to the two channel preamp’s HT by-pass input which allows the higher end two channel preamp and power amps to drive the main speakers while the AVR drives the surrounds, HT subwoofer, and controls the volume. When listening to music the AVR is not turned on. This setup gives me best for both music and HT without having to change any wiring, Just Chang the input setting on the two channel preamp and pick up a different remote.

[boycottinactivity]

The N3s are an MTM transmission line from Danny’s N series line which is currently out of production.

Nice. Well, they're beautiful! I checked out a couple of your build threads, I might have bug you on how to make grills when I get there. Seems to add a level of classiness.

As for a favorite system, that has two answers. For normal use on a realistic budget it would be either:

Front -  X-MTM Encores with X-CS Encore center, or if you can get them at least 3ft off the front wall, my preference would be X-Statics with X-Voce center. Speakers fully lined with NoRez, upgraded crossovers, and tube connectors.

Surround speakers - A/V1-RS or if your room is big enough the surround speakers can be 3ft from any wall the X-Omni

If you have enough room to get all speakers 3ft from the walls: X-Statik, X-Voce, and X-Omni

If you can get the front speakers 3ft off the wall but not the surrounds: X-Statik, X-Voce, and A/V1-RS

If you can’t get either front or rear speakers 3ft off the wall: X-MTM Encore, X-CS Encore, A/V1-RS

Plus either one or two Sub Kit 2 in a sealed box(s).

Sold! That's exactly the direction I was leaning (X-MTM, X-CS, A/V-1RS, Sub Kit 2). So the added recommendation pushed me over the edge -- thanks

As for my personal favorite system, that would be the one in my man cave. This is a 4.1 system, no center channel speaker.

L&R main speakers - full range open baffle NX-Otica MTMs on top of dual H-frame servo subs

No center channel speaker

Surrounds - A/V1-RS

HT sub - Servo Sub Kit 2 in a sandbox cabinet.

This system has both two channel and HT electronics. For HT the AVR’s Left and Right preamp outputs are connected to the two channel preamp’s HT by-pass input which allows the higher end two channel preamp and power amps to drive the main speakers while the AVR drives the surrounds, HT subwoofer, and controls the volume. When listening to music the AVR is not turned on. This setup gives me best for both music and HT without having to change any wiring, Just Chang the input setting on the two channel preamp and pick up a different remote.

 

I'm hoping to get to a similar setup with preamp, amp + HT AVR. But that's a bit down the road for me, I think.
One day, I might be cool enough to sit in front of some NX-Otica's, lol. But I also think I need to train my ear a bit in order to fully appreciate them.
From what I've been getting, it seems that the GR speakers perform at a level that's about 5-10x their price point. So the NX-Otica's must be top top top tier, yeah?

[BrandonB]

This system has both two channel and HT electronics. For HT the AVR’s Left and Right preamp outputs are connected to the two channel preamp’s HT by-pass input which allows the higher end two channel preamp and power amps to drive the main speakers while the AVR drives the surrounds, HT subwoofer, and controls the volume. When listening to music the AVR is not turned on. This setup gives me best for both music and HT without having to change any wiring, Just Chang the input setting on the two channel preamp and pick up a different remote.

Mike what electronics do you have in your system?

[mlundy57]

Mike what electronics do you have in your system?

As of now, the 2 channel electronics include:

Sources:
PS Audio DirectStream DAC MK1 (currently Beta testing the MK2 which will replace the MK1).
PS Audio Stellar Phono preamp
PS Audio PerfectWave SACD transport

Preamp:
PS Audio BHK preamp

Poweramps:
PS Audio Stellar M1200 monoblocks
McIntosh MHA200 headphone amp fed from the DAC

The HT electronics include an ARCAM AV40 pre/pro and PS Audio Stellar M700 monoblocks for the surround channels. Massive overkill for surround channels, I know but I had them so might as well use them.

All components are fully balanced and connected with XLR cables.

[BrandonB]

As of now, the 2 channel electronics include:

Sources:
PS Audio DirectStream DAC MK1 (currently Beta testing the MK2 which will replace the MK1).
PS Audio Stellar Phono preamp
PS Audio PerfectWave SACD transport

Preamp:
PS Audio BHK preamp

Poweramps:
PS Audio Stellar M1200 monoblocks
McIntosh MHA200 headphone amp fed from the DAC

The HT electronics include an ARCAM AV40 pre/pro and PS Audio Stellar M700 monoblocks for the surround channels. Massive overkill for surround channels, I know but I had them so might as well use them.

All components are fully balanced and connected with XLR cables.

Mike out of your equipment what do you think is the most important for quality sound besides the Speakers?  Have you ever looked inside of your BHK equipment to see if everything is high quality.  I see Danny take apart expensive speakers and they have CHEESE parts as he would describe in the crossovers.

[mlundy57]

The most important piece of equipment for sound quality depends on the source. If the source is digital, the DAC is the most important piece, much more so than the source itself (transport, streamer, server, etc).  If the source is vinyl, not counting the cartridge, the phono preamp is probably the most important. When adding the cart into the equation, it becomes a balancing act. Is it better to spend more on the cart vs the preamp or vice versa? The answer to that is going to depend on who you ask. In my system, the cart and phono preamp are about the same price.


The only BHK piece I have is the preamp. Not being an audio engineer (or any type of engineer for that matter) I can't comment on the quality level of the parts used, only to the quality level of the sound produced, and that is top notch.