Home Theatre Audio

[Skiiwee29]

So I am looking to up my game for home theater audio. Right now I'm using an LG 2.1 sound bar and sub, which is ok. Main issue I have is that I am fairly tone deaf and do wear hearing aids, so I am looking to boost clarity a TON. I also love having cinema quality audio to be able to feel the action.

 

My knowledge of audio is extremely limited so hoping some more knowledgeable people can help me with choosing a setup that works.

 

Living room is approximately 9x12. Right now I use Klispch for my PC speakers and love the audio quality and sound. its my only real reference point. I am looking at keeping it at/under $2,000.

 

Right now I am looking at possibly Klipsch Reference 5.2 Home Theater System

 

If anyone has other suggestions, please feel free to share that will provide what I am looking for. As for devices that would be connected, 3 PCs, 1 PS5. 

 

 

[johnt]

Are you open to purchasing used audio equipment? I'm assuming since you linked to amazon.com that you are in the US? Are you in a rural area or some medium to large suburban cities?

 

In general, I would avoid brands that sell products at your local B&M stores. If you have not already looked into it, consider brands like SVS, KEF, and even Audioengine. Consider PowerSoundAudio, Hsu Research, and Emotiva if you can stomach the costs and space. Also, don't under estimate the importance of a really good dedicated amplifier to get really good results. Personally, if this is for a simple audio solution in the living room, I would get a set of powered KEF speakers.

 

I mean my home theater setup cost me around $20k for 8 speakers (I run dual centers), two subwoofers, and a receiver. So if you want really, really high quality, I would say $2k still puts you in the 2 speaker realm, which is NOT a bad thing. 

[Skiiwee29]

6 minutes ago, johnt said:

Are you open to purchasing used audio equipment? I'm assuming since you linked to amazon.com that you are in the US? Are you in a rural area or some medium to large suburban cities?

 

In general, I would avoid brands that sell products at your local B&M stores. If you have not already looked into it, consider brands like SVS, KEF, and even Audioengine. Consider PowerSoundAudio, Hsu Research, and Emotiva if you can stomach the costs and space. Also, don't under estimate the importance of a really good dedicated amplifier to get really good results. Personally, if this is for a simple audio solution in the living room, I would get a set of powered KEF speakers.

 

I mean my home theater setup cost me around $20k for 8 speakers (I run dual centers), two subwoofers, and a receiver. So if you want really, really high quality, I would say $2k still puts you in the 2 speaker realm, which is NOT a bad thing. 

definitely not looking to spend 20k lol, thats well outside my budget and definitely outside the ask for forgiveness rather than permission with the wife.

 

I turned to the forum to help me select the best I can get for my budget of 2k and under. Yes, US is my location.

[johnt]

2 minutes ago, Skiiwee29 said:

definitely not looking to spend 20k lol, thats well outside my budget and definitely outside the ask for forgiveness rather than permission with the wife.

 

I turned to the forum to help me select the best I can get for my budget of 2k and under. Yes, US is my location.

I hear ya. Just trying to temper your expectations. With a wife in the mix, potential kiddos, I would say look for a used set of KEF speakers. Are you guys costco members?

[Skiiwee29]

1 minute ago, johnt said:

I hear ya. Just trying to temper your expectations. With a wife in the mix, potential kiddos, I would say look for a used set of KEF speakers. Are you guys costco members?

No kids, just wife. We are not members at a Costco. Closest one I believe is 2hrs away in Green Bay, Wisconsin.

[saintlouisbagels]

Spoiler

preamble:

I don't care about surround sound for films. My friend has a sound-treated Dolby Atmos 9.2 theater room. I recently upgraded from 2.0 to 5.0 for my desk setup (5x KEF LS50 Meta speakers).

I still feel 100% of the same enjoyment with my excellent living room 2.1 setup than I do with an excellent 5.0/9.2 setup.

I frequently watch most films in AMC Dolby Cinema and true IMAX, so I do have a proper frame of reference for surround sound.

I recommend against a surround setup, and I think you should focus on only 2-channel or 3-channel setup for your budget.

 

I strongly recommend KEF speakers for most people.

You can't go wrong with any of their speakers.

Notably Q100, Q150, Q300, Q350 should be on your radar for bookshelf speakers.

Additionally, you should also look out for Q550, Q750, Q950 for their floor-standing options.

 

They also sell 'center speakers' but I think people are overexaggerating their importance when it comes to speaker tonal matching and performing correctly. I would recommend getting a 3rd (bookshelf) speaker and laying it on its side. Bonus points if it's the Q150/Q350 since they have a symmetrical design.

 

My usual source for them is accessories4less since they are an authorized reseller and they always have phenomenal prices.

https://www.accessories4less.com/?type=&page=category&action=&id=spkbookshelf&mode=&search_query=&category=&brand_f[]=KEF&thumb_sort=store_price.asc

As shown in the above link, you can get a pair of Q150 for $300 or even the brand new Q1 Meta for $320!

https://www.accessories4less.com/?type=&page=category&action=&id=spkfloor&mode=&search_query=&category=&brand_f[]=KEF&thumb_sort=store_price.asc

In the above link, you can get a pair of Q750 for $1200! Awesome value.

 

I recommend using Audiogon too. I have used them a few times, and the experience is painless.

https://www.audiogon.com/listings?q=KEF

 

I also recently used accessories4less for a Denon receiver. It's been perfect so far.
https://www.accessories4less.com/make-a-store/item/denavrs760h/denon-avr-s760h-7.2-ch-x-75w-8k-a/v-receiver-w/heos/1.html

 

Difference between bookshelf and floor-standing?

You can kind of get away with not owning a subwoofer if you own floor-standing speakers because it will have additional woofers that fill out the room better and it's easier for it to achieve the lower frequencies. There is no difference in clarity because it's the same tweeter between the models.

 

As for home theater receivers, you don't need to spend a lot of money for a 'good' one with a lot of power. Speakers get plenty loud with a few watts, and the difference in sound quality between good and bad DACs/amplifiers are beyond human hearing.

For a reference point in loudness, the KEF Q750 has a sensitivity of 88dB. That means at 1 Watt, it's already at the threshold of safe hearing.

 

Side note: Klipsch speakers have a really bad name in audiophile circles. The highs are very fatiguing, and they don't sound that accurate. Their high-end stuff is good, but that's not what we're talking about here.

[Skiiwee29]

3 hours ago, saintlouisbagels said:

  Hide contents

preamble:

I don't care about surround sound for films. My friend has a sound-treated Dolby Atmos 9.2 theater room. I recently upgraded from 2.0 to 5.0 for my desk setup (5x KEF LS50 Meta speakers).

I still feel 100% of the same enjoyment with my excellent living room 2.1 setup than I do with an excellent 5.0/9.2 setup.

I frequently watch most films in AMC Dolby Cinema and true IMAX, so I do have a proper frame of reference for surround sound.

I recommend against a surround setup, and I think you should focus on only 2-channel or 3-channel setup for your budget.

 

I strongly recommend KEF speakers for most people.

You can't go wrong with any of their speakers.

Notably Q100, Q150, Q300, Q350 should be on your radar for bookshelf speakers.

Additionally, you should also look out for Q550, Q750, Q950 for their floor-standing options.

 

They also sell 'center speakers' but I think people are overexaggerating their importance when it comes to speaker tonal matching and performing correctly. I would recommend getting a 3rd (bookshelf) speaker and laying it on its side. Bonus points if it's the Q150/Q350 since they have a symmetrical design.

 

My usual source for them is accessories4less since they are an authorized reseller and they always have phenomenal prices.

https://www.accessories4less.com/?type=&page=category&action=&id=spkbookshelf&mode=&search_query=&category=&brand_f[]=KEF&thumb_sort=store_price.asc

As shown in the above link, you can get a pair of Q150 for $300 or even the brand new Q1 Meta for $320!

https://www.accessories4less.com/?type=&page=category&action=&id=spkfloor&mode=&search_query=&category=&brand_f[]=KEF&thumb_sort=store_price.asc

In the above link, you can get a pair of Q750 for $1200! Awesome value.

 

I recommend using Audiogon too. I have used them a few times, and the experience is painless.

https://www.audiogon.com/listings?q=KEF

 

I also recently used accessories4less for a Denon receiver. It's been perfect so far.
https://www.accessories4less.com/make-a-store/item/denavrs760h/denon-avr-s760h-7.2-ch-x-75w-8k-a/v-receiver-w/heos/1.html

 

Difference between bookshelf and floor-standing?

You can kind of get away with not owning a subwoofer if you own floor-standing speakers because it will have additional woofers that fill out the room better and it's easier for it to achieve the lower frequencies. There is no difference in clarity because it's the same tweeter between the models.

 

As for home theater receivers, you don't need to spend a lot of money for a 'good' one with a lot of power. Speakers get plenty loud with a few watts, and the difference in sound quality between good and bad DACs/amplifiers are beyond human hearing.

For a reference point in loudness, the KEF Q750 has a sensitivity of 88dB. That means at 1 Watt, it's already at the threshold of safe hearing.

 

Side note: Klipsch speakers have a really bad name in audiophile circles. The highs are very fatiguing, and they don't sound that accurate. Their high-end stuff is good, but that's not what we're talking about here.

Thanks for this. What sub should I get to pair with Q750s? I want that punchy bass when watching movies. I really love feeling the movie and hearing it and being blown out of my mind in many different ways. Since both you and @johnt recommend KEF, seems I should stick in the eco system. I am looking at the Kube 10b.

 

https://www.accessories4less.com/make-a-store/item/kefkube10b/kef-kube-10b-10-300-watt-class-d-powered-subwoofer-black/1.html

 

 

[johnt]

3 hours ago, saintlouisbagels said:

recommend against a surround setup, and I think you should focus on only 2-channel or 3-channel setup for your budget.

Agree, wholeheartedly. Especially for a living room environments and a wife.

 

3 hours ago, saintlouisbagels said:

They also sell 'center speakers' but I think people are overexaggerating their importance when it comes to speaker tonal matching and performing correctly.

Avoid center speaker at first. Start with front LR.

 

3 hours ago, saintlouisbagels said:

I also recently used accessories4less for a Denon receiver. It's been perfect so far.

I suggest you consider the Denon x3#00 or x4#00 series receivers. Even as far back as the X3200. It is a phenomenal receiver. Also, look on CL for an Emotive amplifier if you go with passive speakers. It is life changing.

 

Avoid Yamaha receivers. AVOID YAMAHA!! It's not a quality issue, in fact, I think Yamaha is higher quality than Denon. But Denon provides way more features and bang for the buck. They also have more settings for tv/movies, and in my personal opinion, Yamaha is better suited for music. The bass management on Yamaha speakers is basically nonexistent.

 

Nearly all receivers are anemic when it comes to bass output. So consider that dedicated amplifier. You will just need a receiver with line outputs, like the X3200 or any X3#00 or X4#00 series.

 

36 minutes ago, Skiiwee29 said:

I really love feeling the movie and hearing it and being blown out of my mind in many different ways. Since both you and @johnt recommend KEF, seems I should stick in the eco system. I am looking at the Kube 10b.

Absolutely not lol SVS or PowerSoundAudio for mind blowing subwoofers. HSU Research is also good but pricey. Rythmic Audio also makes amazing subwoofers but I have no clue how to order them! lol

 

This is a warning rant... Defer the subwoofer for as long as you can. Most of the time the mind blowing bass isn't a problem for speakers. Most modern speakers can produce decent SPL these days. The issue with deep bass is that it is lacking most content. Earth shattering, drywall cracking, things falling over, "oops my projector got unplugged bc it was shaking" are literally in a handful of movies: Newer Mad Max, San Andreas, Pacific Rim. Otherwise yes movies have bass, but it really doesn't extend that far into the lower frequencies. Even worse are the streaming services. The audio is too compressed and most of the time lacks a lot of detail in the bass. You really have to look for discs, or (don't ban me) pirated copies with higher end tracks to really get a rich audio experience. Practically any Disney movie just avoids deep bass. The Marvel movies are all disappointing in the bass department... all of them. 

 

I will continue this warning... but subwoofers are when you officially have to worry about size, placement, room corrections, and wall treatment. After spending all the time, energy, money, and more time and energy and money, and even more of it, I can tell you confidently it's best to avoid it unless it is keeping you up at night lol

 

But if you must buy one: purchase sealed, avoid companies that sell products at B&M stores: especially Klipsch subwoofers. You really can't go wrong with an SVS or PowerSoundAudio, but you should be looking around the $1k mark minimum for a subwoofer. Sorry I know I'm breaking your budget every time I reply

[Skiiwee29]

4 minutes ago, johnt said:

Agree, wholeheartedly. Especially for a living room environments and a wife.

 

Avoid center speaker at first. Start with front LR.

 

I suggest you consider the Denon x3#00 or x4#00 series receivers. Even as far back as the X3200. It is a phenomenal receiver. Also, look on CL for an Emotive amplifier if you go with passive speakers. It is life changing.

 

Avoid Yamaha receivers. AVOID YAMAHA!! It's not a quality issue, in fact, I think Yamaha is higher quality than Denon. But Denon provides way more features and bang for the buck. They also have more settings for tv/movies, and in my personal opinion, Yamaha is better suited for music. The bass management on Yamaha speakers is basically nonexistent.

 

Nearly all receivers are anemic when it comes to bass output. So consider that dedicated amplifier. You will just need a receiver with line outputs, like the X3200 or any X3#00 or X4#00 series.

 

Absolutely not lol SVS or PowerSoundAudio for mind blowing subwoofers. HSU Research is also good but pricey. Rythmic Audio also makes amazing subwoofers but I have no clue how to order them! lol

 

This is a warning rant... Defer the subwoofer for as long as you can. Most of the time the mind blowing bass isn't a problem for speakers. Most modern speakers can produce decent SPL these days. The issue with deep bass is that it is lacking most content. Earth shattering, drywall cracking, things falling over, "oops my projector got unplugged bc it was shaking" are literally in a handful of movies: Newer Mad Max, San Andreas, Pacific Rim. Otherwise yes movies have bass, but it really doesn't extend that far into the lower frequencies. Even worse are the streaming services. The audio is too compressed and most of the time lacks a lot of detail in the bass. You really have to look for discs, or (don't ban me) pirated copies with higher end tracks to really get a rich audio experience. Practically any Disney movie just avoids deep bass. The Marvel movies are all disappointing in the bass department... all of them. 

 

I will continue this warning... but subwoofers are when you officially have to worry about size, placement, room corrections, and wall treatment. After spending all the time, energy, money, and more time and energy and money, and even more of it, I can tell you confidently it's best to avoid it unless it is keeping you up at night lol

 

But if you must buy one: purchase sealed, avoid companies that sell products at B&M stores: especially Klipsch subwoofers. You really can't go wrong with an SVS or PowerSoundAudio, but you should be looking around the $1k mark minimum for a subwoofer. Sorry I know I'm breaking your budget every time I reply

lol, all good. For audio/music listening, usually would be via Amazon Music which I find the quality vastly superior to any other streaming service I've used. Hell, it even sounds significantly better than supposed lossless iTunes albums I've purchased in the past.

 

Don't think I am ready to drop $1500 on just a receiver. I do like the looks of the Wood Grain Q750's so I think thats what I will be getting for the speakers. Since you guys are set against center channel or sub, which receiver should I go with the drive these to the absolute best out of them and keep within my ~2k budget? @saintlouisbagels

[Skiiwee29]

Right now after doing some more research, seems I would benefit from DIRAC for room correction since its a lathe and plaster room with no sound treatment and a wide open entry way. Looking at maybe the Onkyo NR7100?

 

https://www.accessories4less.com/make-a-store/item/onktxnr7100-rb/onkyo-tx-nr7100-dirac-9.2-ch-x-100w-thx-8k-a/v-receiver/1.html

[saintlouisbagels]

I just got home and read everything.

3 hours ago, johnt said:

I suggest you consider the Denon x3#00 or x4#00 series receivers. Even as far back as the X3200. It is a phenomenal receiver. Also, look on CL for an Emotive amplifier if you go with passive speakers. It is life changing.

3 hours ago, Skiiwee29 said:

Don't think I am ready to drop $1500 on just a receiver. I do like the looks of the Wood Grain Q750's so I think thats what I will be getting for the speakers. Since you guys are set against center channel or sub, which receiver should I go with the drive these to the absolute best out of them and keep within my ~2k budget? @saintlouisbagels

In my experience with using budget integrated amplifiers and audiophile integrated amplifiers and audiophile monoblocks, ranging from $100 to $1300... I have never been able to discern any difference between any of them. So I am completely disillusioned if people try to sell me on more-expensive receivers because they use better amplifiers.

 

2 hours ago, Skiiwee29 said:

Right now after doing some more research, seems I would benefit from DIRAC for room correction since its a lathe and plaster room with no sound treatment and a wide open entry way.

I definitely agree with this. You will not hear a difference in amplifier quality, but room correction will always yield very noticeable changes.

Most Denon receivers come with a microphone module and some kind of cardboard tower assembly for room correction.

 

4 hours ago, Skiiwee29 said:

Thanks for this. What sub should I get to pair with Q750s? I want that punchy bass when watching movies.

If you're set on getting a subwoofer, then I recommend you get bookshelf speakers instead of floor-standers. Especially when the price difference is so big e.g. you can get the Q1 Meta for $320 recertified or $400 brand new. And then spend ~$400-$800 on some home theater receiver. I know @johnt already recommended against get a center channel speaker, but if you have leftover $$ then I would recommend getting two pairs (4 speakers total) of whatever bookshelf you decide and using one of them as a center channel turned sideways.

 

And finally, it's a rule of thumb, subwoofers don't get good until you spend above $600.

The SVS SB-1000 Pro is the default recommendation for most people. $600

https://www.crutchfield.com/p_946SB1KPBA/SVS-SB-1000-Pro-Black-Ash.html

And just continue up the ladder until you run out of money.

 

I own an REL Acoustics T/5i ($700) because of the aesthetics. The piano glossy black matched my KEF R100 at the time.

https://www.crutchfield.com/S-ygh8AlV0M2o/p_436T5XBLK/REL-T-5x-Black.html

 

If you want to stay in the KEF ecosystem, people don't really recommend their subwoofers until you reach their KC62, and even at 'recertified price' it is a very expensive $1300.

https://www.accessories4less.com/make-a-store/item/kefkc62blk/kef-kc62-6.5-1000-watt-powered-subwoofer-carbon-black/1.html

[Skiiwee29]

5 minutes ago, saintlouisbagels said:

 

 

If you're set on getting a subwoofer, then I recommend you get bookshelf speakers instead of floor-standers. Especially when the price difference is so big e.g. you can get the Q1 Meta for $320 recertified or $400 brand new. And then spend ~$400-$800 on some home theater receiver.

 

And finally, it's a rule of thumb, subwoofers don't get good until you spend above $600.

The SVS SB-1000 Pro is the default recommendation for most people. $600

https://www.crutchfield.com/p_946SB1KPBA/SVS-SB-1000-Pro-Black-Ash.html

And just continue upwards until you run out of money.

 

Funny you say this... This is the one I was actually looking at getting that fit in my budget and seems to have good reviews. 

[johnt]

22 minutes ago, saintlouisbagels said:

In my experience with using budget integrated amplifiers and audiophile integrated amplifiers and audiophile monoblocks, ranging from $100 to $1300... I have never been able to discern any difference between any of them.

They make a difference in bass, noise floor, and distortion at higher volumes. It can depend a lot on the speakers. Something like a basic pair of Klipsch won't see a great benefit from a dedicated amplifier. But a pair of LS50 will definitely see an improvement.

 

Plus you can get into a debate of distortion vs. gain, and generally affordable receivers are rated for ~100w per channel, but only driving one or two channels with high levels of distortion, even though they support 9 to 13 channels (you do the math, right?). But dedicated amplifiers can usually push that much power per channel, so they maintain a much lower level of distortion at higher volumes. Does it matter? It's hard to debate. It's like an i9 vs i7. I don't think you can appreciate the difference unless it's in your house and you use it extensively. It also lets you get away with using a cheaper receiver as a processor. It was beneficial for me. But like I've tried to hint at @Skiiwee29, buying used audio gear is a great way to save money and buy way above your budget (especially in this economy). I got my two amplifiers for $800... a total of about 140 pounds of amplifiers vs 25 pounds of receiver. But maybe that was appropriate for my setting. I still think if the Op can find a x3200 model used he will be in great shape. It's great to start with and provides the pre-outs for an amplifier if he chooses. Older/used Emotiva amplifiers are a no brainer.

[Skiiwee29]

Thank you @johnt and @saintlouisbagels for your guidance on my entry into the realm of home theater. I have made my purchases.

 

 

KEF Q750 speakers

 

You both seem set on KEF as a great starter set and these seemed to be really good and will look excellent I feel in my space. (got the wood finished pair)

 

SVS SB-1000 Pro Sub (Black Ash)

 

Seems to be the best budget sub available and was actually looking at it before @saintlouisbagels recommended it as the minimum entry point

 

ONKYO: TX-NR7100

 

This is the one I deviated a little from your recommendations. Main reason is the ease of DIRAC which I most definitely need and the 100w per channel opposed to the 75w on the Denon one initially recommended. Since I will just be running a 2.1 (I think this is what this setup will be?) should be ample and not experience a power drop off that seems to happen once you start filling out the channels. Given that my space is not very large and I will only be about 6-7ft from the Q750s, I don't think ill have a need to expand beyond this setup or even add a center channel for voice clarity. This should be sufficient from what I am seeing in reviews.

[johnt]

Sorry dude... another long post...

 

Great purchases! I don't think you will be disappointed. Feel free to ask any more questions as you're using it.

 

Here are a few suggestions for wires/connectors. You can check if your components come with it, but they usually do not.

 

Speaker Cable: https://www.amazon.com/Monoprice-Access-Gauge-Conductor-Speaker/dp/B001UNJVJW

 

Some terminology: CCA is copper clad aluminum, these are cheaper but not as desirable for speaker cable. Typically you want to see pure copper labeled or oxygen free copper (OFC sometimes). And speaker cable should be stranded, not solid.

 

Honestly it is slim pickens on Amazon these days. They used to have a much better selection of better and more affordable products. Now they just have things that I don't recommend. You could just go with a made cable: https://www.amazon.com/InnoStars-Premium-Braided-Speaker-Plated/dp/B0CC5FYBLC Let me know if you need a wire stripper, but any basic stripper will do. You can use a scissor or knife to cut the jacket if your wire has one.

 

Banana Plugs: https://www.amazon.com/Monoprice-5PRJX74047-Plated-Speaker-Banana/dp/B0097JLRFM (not required, but saves time when connecting the speaker wire, you also need them at both ends, so each wire needs two pairs (4 per wire))

 

Subwoofer cable: https://www.amazon.com/BlueRigger-Subwoofer-Shielded-Plated-Connectors/dp/B008UGUL4G (buy the length you need, and you only need a single cable per subwoofer, don't be stingy on the wire length... you are just making your life harder lol)

 

 

[Skiiwee29]

2 minutes ago, johnt said:

Sorry dude... another long post...

 

Great purchases! I don't think you will be disappointed. Feel free to ask any more questions as you're using it.

 

Here are a few suggestions for wires/connectors. You can check if your components come with it, but they usually do not.

 

Speaker Cable: https://www.amazon.com/Monoprice-Access-Gauge-Conductor-Speaker/dp/B001UNJVJW

 

Some terminology: CCA is copper clad aluminum, these are cheaper but not as desirable for speaker cable. Typically you want to see pure copper labeled or oxygen free copper (OFC sometimes). And speaker cable should be stranded, not solid.

 

Honestly it is slim pickens on Amazon these days. They used to have a much better selection of better and more affordable products. Now they just have things that I don't recommend. You could just go with a made cable: https://www.amazon.com/InnoStars-Premium-Braided-Speaker-Plated/dp/B0CC5FYBLC Let me know if you need a wire stripper, but any basic stripper will do. You can use a scissor or knife to cut the jacket if your wire has one.

 

Banana Plugs: https://www.amazon.com/Monoprice-5PRJX74047-Plated-Speaker-Banana/dp/B0097JLRFM (not required, but saves time when connecting the speaker wire, you also need them at both ends, so each wire needs two pairs (4 per wire))

 

Subwoofer cable: https://www.amazon.com/BlueRigger-Subwoofer-Shielded-Plated-Connectors/dp/B008UGUL4G (buy the length you need, and you only need a single cable per subwoofer, don't be stingy on the wire length... you are just making your life harder lol)

 

 

Was actually thinking about the cabling and if I would need some or not. Likely will since these are refurbished/re-certified units rather than brand new. Is 16awg enough or should I try for larger 12 or 14? Seems to be kind of split out there from what I've been reading. Whats the reason for using braided/stranded opposed to solid?

 

For strippers, I work in fiber and do a lot of ethernet and phone cable stripping so I have a pair of strippers that should work, if not, very proficient with scissor stripping from doing 20+ years of it lol. If not, can always just run to the local hardware store.

 

The sub, im guessing cabling will be about 20-25ft or so ill need. Plan to wrap it around the room and place it between the 2 lazy boy chairs my wife and I use. Will this distance be to long or cause to much resistance?

[johnt]

10 minutes ago, Skiiwee29 said:

Whats the reason for using braided/stranded opposed to solid?

Solid is generally used for electrical and tends to be a lot more expensive. It is also not as flexible/bendy. You also would have a very difficult time getting it around a binding post. A solid 14gauge copper wire is no joke. Plus, there is no real way to fit into a banana plug.

 

13 minutes ago, Skiiwee29 said:

Is 16awg enough or should I try for larger 12 or 14?

I think 16awg will get you there. You won't see a difference with 14 for shorter runs (less than 15 feet). The pros call 12 the "garden hose" size for speakers. It is completely overkill. Most banana plugs comfortably accept 16awg. At 14, you may have to cut off a few strands to get the banana plug to screw down (depending on the type). You can go to monoprice directly for the different sizes and lengths: https://www.monoprice.com/product?p_id=2817 Just avoid 18awg

 

21 minutes ago, Skiiwee29 said:

Will this distance be to long or cause to much resistance?

Doesn't even matter lol it is only a small pre-out level and the subwoofer is going to do the amplification (see? dedicated amplifiers are more common than you think!). I have 35 foot runs and they are fine. Just don't bind yourself. If you need more than 25 feet, get it.

 

Be warned about the subwoofer: placement matters. Placing it right next to you might not be ideal. Typically a corner loaded subwoofer is the most efficient placement, but acoustically it might be too much. When it is near you, you may have issues with reflections and not enough time for the SPL to attenuate, so blending it with your speakers at the roll off is trickier. Bass is very location dependent. You will likely hear huge variations across your room as you walk around, this is very normal. Do not expect the subwoofer to sound the same in every part of your room. But I will let you cross that bridge when you get there. Look up subwoofer crawl  

[saintlouisbagels]

@johnt do you have any opinions regarding isolation pads for subwoofers?

When I lived in a crappy apartment in college years, we had a really boomy $400 Klipsch subwoofer. It was nice and loud, but not very clear, and obviously too much sound travel.

 

I decided to purchase an Auralex isolation pad to mitigate the issue, and quite literally it was a night and day difference. The bass was much tighter and isolated to the room. It felt stronger and clearer, and the sound didn't travel as far when we had loud movie nights.

https://auralex.com/subdude-ii/?srsltid=AfmBOoqwqvdMNYxJLQsvcXAtgqZaLub6-bn0JKaj1jDFhZGE0lU6oU4s

 

Since then (about 2014), I have used an isolation pad with every subwoofer I've owned and I don't bother doing the sub crawling.

[Skiiwee29]

7 hours ago, saintlouisbagels said:

@johnt do you have any opinions regarding isolation pads for subwoofers?

When I lived in a crappy apartment in college years, we had a really boomy $400 Klipsch subwoofer. It was nice and loud, but not very clear, and obviously too much sound travel.

 

I decided to purchase an Auralex isolation pad to mitigate the issue, and quite literally it was a night and day difference. The bass was much tighter and isolated to the room. It felt stronger and clearer, and the sound didn't travel as far when we had loud movie nights.

https://auralex.com/subdude-ii/?srsltid=AfmBOoqwqvdMNYxJLQsvcXAtgqZaLub6-bn0JKaj1jDFhZGE0lU6oU4s

 

Since then (about 2014), I have used an isolation pad with every subwoofer I've owned and I don't bother doing the sub crawling.

Never heard of them until now honestly. Never saw it when researching Subs in articles or youtube. Since the sub would be on a hardwood floor, im sure it would likely help so ill get one ordered. Thanks for the recommendation!

[johnt]

On 5/23/2025 at 11:56 PM, saintlouisbagels said:

@johnt do you have any opinions regarding isolation pads for subwoofers?

My subs are on carpet, but I would totally consider it for hardwood floors, or I would get a rug to put under. I have isolators/stands for my speakers and I can attest they do make a difference. But maybe that has to do with positioning? Not 100% sure, but I know subs are very sensitive to placement. 

[sm1th5]

Nobody really ever suggests the sb line of subs from svs.

It's always the ported versions. I have a pb 1000 pro after hearing overwhelming feedback.

If you're from USA the feedback is always rsl speedwoofer 10s or even 12s on the best subwoofer to buy over svs.