[dfree325]

After reading the posts on this site and listening to a couple of VMPS speakers (RM1 & Tower II), I have decided that my next speaker purchase will be VMPS.  There are many knowledgeable and insightful members here that I would like to ask for help.  What VMPS speaker is best suited for my system/home?  From a price, space and WAF standpoint I have narrowed the field to the 626jr, 626R, RM2jr, RM2, and the RM30M or C.  The CDWG seems like a good fit for my application.  I also, don’t think that I can afford the space for a sub. 

My listening will be 75% home theater and 25% two-channel music.  The room is approximately 16 x 22 with the vaulted ceiling running the length of the room.  Due to some built-ins the speakers will be located along the long wall, a minimum of 10 feet apart and the back of the speakers will need to be close to the wall.  Good news; the floor is carpeted and the furniture is upholstered.  Bad news; the back wall has 80 square feet of glass and only about 25% of can be covered with fabric shades.  More bad news; one end wall has windows up in the vaulted part of wall.  The seating area is about 9 feet wide centered between the speakers and 6 to 7 feet from the front speaker plane. 

Initially, the speakers will be powered by a Marantz 7400 HT receiver or a B&K ST1400 power amp. 

Your suggestions and recommendations are appreciated.

[JLM]

Without a sub and 75% HT use, the 626 and 626Jr would not be good choices.

[Brian Cheney]

RM2 and the RM2jr should do the job for you.  Either has the bass extension and output levels needed for HT, and you have your choice of the spiral tweeters (2jr) or the FST, depending on budget.

[warnerwh]

 If you state your budget it would be easier. You'd be best off with the RM 30's and the VSS, two would be better. If you can't afford 2 subs get one now and one later. This will make it a first class system by anyone's standards.

If you don't have the budget then the RM 2's augmented with the VSS is the route I'd take. Only using the sub to give power for the first octave and a tad below because these days dvd's have quite a bit of content down to 20hz and below. There are dvds in the single digit hz range but they are uncommon. This takes the ability to move massive amounts of air and makes movies far more enjoyable when you feel what you're supposed to feel.

Being as your room is, how shall I say it politely, completely awful . You must live in the south or have a great view because here in Oregon that much window coverage isn't found on homes for those of us who can't afford the hill top homes. If you can build or buy some 2'x4' bass traps and absorbers you'll  be glad you did. These can be mounted on stands or just stood against walls and can be removed if necessary. Room treatment should be budgeted in any system setup. If you can't do much with that I'd get the Behringer DEQ 2496 as it can help considerably especially in the bass range.

If you want world class audio I'll be happy to help you out. If you want the best sound you've ever heard let me know. Room acoustics make a huge difference in sound. As a matter of fact it can be argued room acoustics make more difference than speakers. Tests done have shown this to happen. For the money room treatments have excellent bang for the buck and maybe the very best return on yhour investment.The RM 30's reproduce sound with superb accuracy. To put them in a bad acoustical environment is a waste. If you want help let us know as we enjoy helping others just like others helped us.
Best wishes

[John Casler]

After reading the posts on this site and listening to a couple of VMPS speakers (RM1 & Tower II), I have decided that my next speaker purchase will be VMPS.  There are many knowledgeable and insightful members here that I would like to ask for help.  What VMPS speaker is best suited for my system/home?  From a price, space and WAF standpoint I have narrowed the field to the 626jr, 626R, RM2jr, RM2, and the RM30M or C.  The CDWG seems like a good fit for my application.  I also, don’t think that I can afford the space for a sub. 

My listening will be 75% home theater and 25% two-channel music.  The room is approximately 16 x 22 with the vaulted ceiling running the length of the room.  Due to some built-ins the speakers will be located along the long wall, a minimum of 10 feet apart and the back of the speakers will need to be close to the wall.  Good news; the floor is carpeted and the furniture is upholstered.  Bad news; the back wall has 80 square feet of glass and only about 25% of can be covered with fabric shades.  More bad news; one end wall has windows up in the vaulted part of wall.  The seating area is about 9 feet wide centered between the speakers and 6 to 7 feet from the front speaker plane. 

Initially, the speakers will be powered by a Marantz 7400 HT receiver or a B&K ST1400 power amp. 

Your suggestions and recommendations are appreciated.

I think Brian's advice is on the money.  The RM2 is a HT lovers speaker if ever there was one.  It is Dynamic, has BIG BASS, and still has all the detail you would need for 2 channel.

But we do need some details:

1) What kind of Monitor or screen will be used?

2) Where will the Center speaker need to be (as in "under the screen", on top of the RPTV, etc)

3) Are you looking for 5.0, 3.0, 7.0?

4) Has this room had a System before?  Cathedral Ceilings can be tricky.

[dfree325]

Thank you all for the fast response. 

Warnerwh, as much as I would like to have a separate Sub, space currently will not allow unless they are used as stands for smaller speakers like the 626.  I just might take you up on the offer of further assistance.  Thanks.

John, in answer to your questions:
1) Currently using 36 inch CRT and may move to 52 inch flat panel.
2) Currently the center channel is located directly above the monitor in a built-in shelf.  When we go to a larger panel the center can be located either above or below with a little carpentry.
3) More than likely we will stay with 5.0. 
4)The existing surrounds are the unknown in-ceiling type that came with the house.  I have been using Tannoy D30 (633) speakers for the mains and a small Tannoy center.  While OK for TV they are uninvolving in their current environment.  I am using a Marantz 7400 HT receiver.

I double checked the room dimensions and it is actually larger than I had remembered, 18x26 with some irregular bump outs that increase the room volume even more.

Regarding the RM2, how will the sound dispersion be over the large (sofa sized) listening area.  It seems that the CDWG is ideal for this set up but last I read it is not available for the RM2.  A finely focused "sweet spot" is not what I am after.  I would like to have a fairly uniform sound across the 4-6 person listening area.

My overall plan is to upgrade the front main speakers first. Second/third will either be improved power amp or center speaker.  Finally, new surrounds.  Also along the way various room treatments will probably be needed and changed as the system evolves.

[Woodsea]

I have one OSW, it is covered with a Khazak wall hanging.  My pair of 626r and LCR do not fit as well as the sub.  If I were you, I would get the 626 jr, the price is great and the 215 (same size as my OSW).  Then when you realize you do need a center get an LCR.  I am just wanting to upgrade to a fine wood grain.  I have the piano black, the new chinese finishes were not available. 
I only listen with the sub when movies are on.  For music it is really not needed!!!!!!!!

[Brian Cheney]

We can make CDWG's for the RM2Jr's for $200pr and for the RM2 FST for no extra charge.

[warnerwh]

That's a deal if I ever heard one.  The RM 2's are your best fit. You should read the shootout among five different speakers including the RM2.

"Also along the way various room treatments will probably be needed and changed as the system evolves."

Please put some rigid fiberglass and some 2x4's in your budget.  Room acoustics can make or break any system, even six figure ones. It's happened numerous times. Treatments are cheap and a necessity.

Once you get a pair of these speakers you'll have the potential to have truly outstanding sound quality. Do PM if you want any help at all. I enjoy doing it especially once the person gets this done and says: Whoa, that made an amazing difference, Thanks!  In my case my system sounded so different it took a few days for it to sink in. I've heard numerous people say, and this includes me, I wish I knew about this decades ago.

[John Casler]

Thank you all for the fast response. 

Warnerwh, as much as I would like to have a separate Sub, space currently will not allow unless they are used as stands for smaller speakers like the 626.  I just might take you up on the offer of further assistance.  Thanks.

John, in answer to your questions:
1) Currently using 36 inch CRT and may move to 52 inch flat panel.
2) Currently the center channel is located directly above the monitor in a built-in shelf.  When we go to a larger panel the center can be located either above or below with a little carpentry.
3) More than likely we will stay with 5.0. 
4)The existing surrounds are the unknown in-ceiling type that came with the house.  I have been using Tannoy D30 (633) speakers for the mains and a small Tannoy center.  While OK for TV they are uninvolving in their current environment.  I am using a Marantz 7400 HT receiver.

I double checked the room dimensions and it is actually larger than I had remembered, 18x26 with some irregular bump outs that increase the room volume even more.

Regarding the RM2, how will the sound dispersion be over the large (sofa sized) listening area.  It seems that the CDWG is ideal for this set up but last I read it is not available for the RM2.  A finely focused "sweet spot" is not what I am after.  I would like to have a fairly uniform sound across the 4-6 person listening area.

My overall plan is to upgrade the front main speakers first. Second/third will either be improved power amp or center speaker.  Finally, new surrounds.  Also along the way various room treatments will probably be needed and changed as the system evolves.

Looks like you have many options.

626 L&R Mains sitting on 215, or LARGER Subs (= RM1 on steroids)
LRC Center

or

RM2 L&R mains
RM2 Center (used as stand for Flat Panel)

or

RM2 L&R mains
LRC Center

or

RM30C L&R mains
LRC Center on LARGER SUB as a Stand

or you could even do:

LRC L&R mains (on any of the SUBs For stands)
LRC Center

Now none of the VMPS speakers come shielded in their stock form, but can be ordered as such if need be.

The above offers quite a range, of options.  Performance of all these combos, can be well beyond expectations.

There is a nice sonic symmetry to having all three front speakers the same, but with any of these combos, the drivers and sonic signature are perfect matches.

[dfree325]

Everyone's input is greatly appreciated.  John is right, there are so many good choices from VMPS.  For the most part your responses have affirmed my leaning toward the RM2 for my mains.  The LRC also makes sense as the center in my system.  My wife and I like the cabinet options available on the RM30 but the RM2 seems to be a better fit sonically.

I do have a few questions regarding the RM2 options:
1) Is the RM2jr essentially the standard spiral RM2 without the megawoofer? Any other differences?
2) What are the cabinet choices?  I see lite and dark oak listed, but have seen pictures on this site for piano black and what looks like cherry or light walnut.
3) What are the differences between the FST and Spiral tweeters?  Does perform better than the other with the CDWG?
4) What is the finish on the RM2 CDWG?
5) Can the RM2jr/RM2 still be ordered as either 4 or 8 ohm?

[Brian Cheney]

The RM2jr is the spiral tweeter version without the Megawoofer and lists for $1999pr.  You can add the Megawoofer for $200pr.

Finishes on the RM2jr are lite oak, dk oak and black.  On the RM2 we have lite oak and black.  On both cases the black is a gloss finish over the oak.

The RM2 or 2jr is available in 4 or 8 Ohms. CDWG finish is gloss black.

[John Casler]

3) What are the differences between the FST and Spiral tweeters?  Does perform better than the other with the CDWG?

Both Tweeters are excellent but the FST has slightly better dispersion, higher SPL capabilty, and has most say a "sweeter" high end.

The FST is $400 extra per pr.

They both function equally well within their qualties with the CDWG.

[warnerwh]

Get the megawoofer. You'll be glad you did. 

[Zheeeem]

I have the RM30Ms for 2 channel only.  If I was after a 75/25 HT/2C mix there is no question but that I'd get the RM2s.

I would get the FST, CDWG, megawoofer and blackhole 5 at a minimum.  Think about upgrading caps, too.

[PLMONROE]

Hay John, if defree325's HT room were a bit larger how do you suppose 5 RM-V60s and 4 VLAs would sound? You could package them as the UltimateVicta.     aa

[John Casler]

Hay John, if defree325's HT room were a bit larger how do you suppose 5 RM-V60s and 4 VLAs would sound? You could package them as the UltimateVicta.     aa

Five RM v60s is almost beyond my capacity to imagine.  And as well, it might be hard to find a "name" that would do it justice.