Thoughts on this setup: Receiver: Yamaha RX-V673 7.2 Mains: SEOS Tempest Subs: 2 of the Bic RTR-12S, 12" 100W rms 90db sensitivity (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16882007033) Center: zvox 580, using AVR center mono out -> RCA analog stereo in on the zvox, or perhaps the 3.5mm ipod jack. Viewing/listening area is about 15' x 18' and open on one side (opposite the 18' wall). L shaped seating. I like the idea of the SEOS to get a good sweet spot for everyone. Probably 80% tv/movies, 20% music. Everything from classical to metal to country but no hip-hop/rap... The idea is to put the tempests on the subs in lieu of stands to get them to the right height. Debating whether one of the 10" or even 8" models would suffice, although I notice that the other models CD rolls off around 16khz, and only the 360 is flat all the way out. Just seems weird to think a speaker with a 12" woofer would need a sub... Some reasons for the choices: I've already got the zvox, and while the the RCA-in is line level I'd expect it to work OK with the center channel output of the AVR, thoughts? The ipod input does allow the headphone volume controls to control the output of the zvox as well as the zvox volume control. For reference the zvox has two 6" woofers and five 3.25" mids (and is biamped). I know it's not designed to be used this way, but I don't have room for a SEOS based center or anything taller. It's got excellent clarity and a dialog enhance feature that works extremely well IMO. As for the subs, newegg had a $170 promotional gift card on the receiver, so I'd really like to apply it towards subs, and the Bic is about the right feature set, and about the only thing available from new-egg that looks right. Right or wrong I can't see spending as much for the subs as the mains. I can't hear much below 30hz, and the receiver has some contouring capability. Another nice thing about it is it's about the same footprint as the tempest, and I was going to go with black for the mains as my tv stand is black metal/glass. I don't know if I'll add surrounds in the future or not, as I don't have a place for them. Anyway, suggestions, alternatives, etc.. would be appreciated...
Hmm. Seems to me the tempests are pretty high end for that setup. Can I convince you to go DIY on the subs and use the store credit for mains. Kills me to say that since it would be a shame to miss out on the awesomeness of the SEOS. If you really aren't concerned with the subs performance, then I'd give the karma 10 a close look. Or my Delta Pure. Or I have an 8" design posted on the forum. Very nice and cheap. I think my choice would be the karma or an 8" design. You won't need the extra output the Pure would give. The Pure does have great frequency response though. If you put a high value on music even though it's only 20% of your listening. Splurge on the tempest or another upper end 12" design. Good luck.
I would start out with either of the 10" models. Set up properly, you might want to turn off the center channel and see how it sounds. You might be surprised. The subs might be the weakest link, but you can always upgrade those later if needed.
Thanks for the replies. I don't have access to a table saw/router, and all the diy subs kits are going to be >$300 by the time you get an amp in there, even the PE cab kits for subs are expensive. I'm wanting the mains to handle the music, the subs for some additional low end for movie sfx and give me something to put the mains on at the same time. I don't need window rattling power, or my internal organs jiggled about . I do put a higher value on music than movies, and I'm only wanting to build 1 set of speakers, so I'd like to at least try to understand where to draw the line, and greatly appreciate you and Erich's input. FWIW, I know that I personally cannot hear artifacts more than about -50db down (http://www.ethanwiner.com/audibility.html) so any amp with better than .1%THD will be good enough for me. So by that measure the yamaha should be good enough. So perhaps that would be something to figure into the speaker choice? Erich, do you mind elaborating on why you think the 10" models would be a better choice? Thanks!
I think the 10" models are a good choice for people upgrading from smaller speakers. The improvement will be huge and the price will still be very reasonable. If you were used to speakers like these and needed an upgrade, then I'd recommend something larger with the bigger compression driver. But the 10" models will be such a huge step up right now, you may never need anything bigger. If you needed these 2 speakers to play full range without a subwoofer, then I would recommend some of the 12" models.