[ctviggen]

I'm confused now as to what to get for a dual-purpose system (i.e., music and video).  I was planning on RM-40s and the LRC for the center.  I have a 57" Pioneer Elite TV, so the LRC would be perfect to sit on top of my TV.  However, three RM30s also seem very appealing.  But I might need dual subs with RM30s (and I already have a sub, which I use only for movies).  This would mean a fancier processor to handle three subs (I assume --  how could you do this?).  The RM40s and LRC would be easier, as I could run the RM40s full range and use the sub only for movies.  But, the RM30s look nicer and are physically less imposing plus have the benefit of a seemless front.  However, I have Linn speakers now, and the center is designed with the "same" drivers (there's no 8-inch woofer but the tweeter and midrange are the same as what's in the R/L speakers) and I really can't tell much difference for movies (and I haven't started to listen to multichannel yet).  

So, (1) RM40s + LRC or (2) RM30s all the way in the front?

Thanks!

[bubba966]

I'd stick with RM30's across the front.

It's really not too dificult to run multiple subs. I don't know what you're using for a processor so I can't really give you any specifics. But I just run a splitter on the LFE out on my processor as it's only got one LFE out.

[guest2218]

That brings up a interesting question how many times can you split the LFE signal? I am planning to get a VMPS larger and I already have two M&K 350's. Sorry to highjack your post.

     Bruce

[Sedona Sky Sound]

Hello ctviggen,
I think this is a quandry that many people will face in the coming months. If you are serious about two-channel music, then my vote would be for the RM40/LRC. While others may disagree, I believe the RM40s are much more musically oriented than the RM30+sub. Amung other things, the 10" drivers in the RM40 is significantly faster than that of the much larger driver in the 215 sub. The 215 is more than fast enough for movie soundtracks however.

An RM40 side/RM30 center combination would potenitally be the best of both worlds but I still can't quite figure out how you will use it with your TV.

If you just occationally listen to music and HT is your main thing, then go for the RM30s with a couple of the 215 subs. With this set-up, the shock-wave at the beginning of LoTR FoTR should move your couch and cause any animals in the vicinity to flee in terror   . Based strictly on what I heard at CES (and baselining it against what I have heard in the same room the previous 2 years), I would tend to say that for 90% of music, it is best NOT to use a subwoofer with the RM30s. Of course, I reserve the right to  change my mind once I get a chance to play with everything in my demo room.    

Julian
www.sedonaskysound.com

[ctviggen]

Thanks for all of the information.  I like stereo better than movies, and I also think that just OK speakers are fine for movies.  If I was able to, I'd set up two separate systems, but the space requirements are too great.

When you split the LFE signal, how do you manage the bass and setup the system?  Do you turn on all three subs and then set to 85db (or whatever test tone you're using)?  What if you want stereo subs, then how would you connect them?  Speaker wire to a crossover for the sub then to the speakers?

Thanks!

[bubba966]

When you split the LFE signal, how do you manage the bass and setup the system?  Do you turn on all three subs and then set to 85db (or whatever test tone you're using)?  What if you want stereo subs, then how would you connect them?  Speaker wire to a crossover for the sub then to the speakers?

Thanks!

I've got my 2 subs stacked.

I set them up by dB matching them to each other, then dB matching the output of them running together with the rest of the system.

It can take a good while to do (45-60 minutes usually) as you've got to go back and forthe all of the time. Get them matched to each other, and they're not right for total output. Lower/raise one a bit, match the other to it, then test them both again. Keep repeating that until you've got it.

I'd imagine the same method could be used for more than a pair of subs.

One dedicated HT setup I've experienced has 5 subs running. 3 stacked in the front, and 2 in the rear. But I don't know how M&K set them up, or how they're all connected to the processor.

[rblnr]

I've got a 2xRM40 and LRC setup, and it works very well.  The soundfield is very coherent.  As yours would, my LRC sits atop an RPTV.  Using wedges and some isolation, it is angled down toward the listening postion.

I listen to music far more critically than movies, FWIW.

[ctviggen]

I also listen to music much more closely than movies.  Plus, much of the stuff in movies (although there are exceptions -- like Shrek, Shallow Hal) is explosions or voices.  You typically don't need good speakers for that.  For my Linn, I didn't angle it downward, although I did put it on rubber bumpers.

[John Casler]

Dual purpose evaluation:

For two channel Music/HT (60/40)  = RM40s / LRC / RM30

For Multi-channel Music/HT (50/50) = Rm30s x 5 (all around)

Trinaural Processor = RM40 x3, or RM30 x 3

[mcody1]

since my HT has 2 rows of seating,w the rear on 12" riser- my concern is the vertical dispersion. I have a dedicated HT still spend about 50% of my time listening to 2 channel.

[lkosova]

mcody1,

Do you just have a platform where you sit or do you also have a stage?  If you have a stage it is usually the same height of the first tier of the platform, and the vertical dispersion should be OK.

I have three rows of seats and the second tier is the same nine inch rise as the stage.  A lot of people with this setup will still use the first row ( floor) for their critical music listening.  Since the front speakers are approximately nine inches higher I do not understand how they can accomplish this.

If you do not have a stage you might have to angle the speakers up towards you to get the proper dispersion.

What are you doing now?
Larry