Front Speaker placement for HB/HC's w/front projector

[grantxyz]

I am working on setting up our under construction home theater room. I've got a 92" screen w/front projector and only 7' ceilings (basement). That leaves me with about 23" under the screen and 13" above (about 20" on the sides). I was thinking about going with all HB's across the front, but as I'm looking at it I'm thinking that the HC might work better with the space constraints. I'm thinking that mounting the center above the screen is preferable to below, and so I think the 8" high HC would work better than the 15" HB. Plus this will put the tweeter 7" closer to ear level (if mounted above). Is my thinking correct? The only reason I question it is because our ear level is a little below 40" and placing the center below the screen would actually be a little closer. I've heard this can cause problems with bass bounce? In addition, what should I do for distance from the back wall? The screen is flush on the wall. I know ideally the speakers should be pulled out a ways. With the center channel so close to the ceiling (or floor) does it still need to come out that much? and if not would it be better to still have the sides out the recommended distance or would it be preferable to have them in the same plane? Thanks for the feedback--

--Grant

[Pete_Hsu]

Hi Grant!

I think it would be just fine to use HC-1's all the way across. I'm not sure about mounting the center near the ceiling though! I would probably be inclined to mount the center below the screen and simply angle it upwards towards ear level. As for distance to the back wall, just make sure to provide a couple inches of clearance for the rear-firing porting on the horn speakers.

Sincerely,

[mitchman]

I'm looking to buy a HB/HC 5.1 setup and I have a question for you guys....

My current setup utilizes a matched pair of front speakers but a VERY different size of center channel speakers. I've noticed than at a low volume the center channel is hard to hear compared to the front speakers. I'm wondering if this is because the front speakers have better sensitivity than the center channel.

This is one of the reasons we're looking to upgrade our speakers so they are all the same. Hopefully that will keep them balanced as the volume goes up/down.

Am I on the right track with my thinking? (I notice that the HB1 and HC1 has the same sensitivity spec even though the HC1 has duel woofers)

[grantxyz]

Thanks Pete!

So if I go with the HC-1 under the screen, should I go ahead and put the HB's on the side of the screen at ear level or should I line up 3 HC's below the screen at the same level pitched up? Maybe it wouldn't make a huge difference either way. Money-wise I'd rather get the HB's instead of 3 HC's and I guess this is the typical layout that I've seen with larger screens.

I guess my other option is to get a sonically transparent screen and line up 3 HB's behind it at earlevel. When are you guys gonna develop a visibly transparent speaker so I can just stick my center channel right in front of the screen like it should be;)

Thanks again.

[Pete_Hsu]

Good evening Grant!

I think it would work very well to have two HB-1 at ear level, with the HC-1 tilted upwards toward ear level. You should have a really awesome system when all is said and done!

Sincerely,

[grantxyz]

Thanks Pete,

I think so too. I've been happy w/the Ventriloquist for now (considering it cost me a couple hundred bucks), but our space has always been too big for them. I've never been a big fan of horns, but all the reviews I've read make it sound like these horns are not very horny..that doesn't sound quite right, but you know what I mean.

Considering HSU is such a value product and HSU customers tend to appreciate value as well as performance, I think others might be impressed with the theater I've put together for relatively few bucks.

If I spend $800 on the new speakers, plus (I think) $800 for the sub when I bought it, plus $250 for the receiver, $170 for the new OPPO DVD player, $650 for the InFocus 480p Projector, and $125 for the high contrast screen (Ebay)..that brings me to $2150 for everything except wires and cables. I also bought a Digital TV Receiver and a nice antenna ($200 & $50) so I get all the Over-the-Air HD and digital channels without paying for cable or satellite. When you look at Cost vs. Performance I think my humble system is pretty awesome.

Thanks on your feedback on the speakers--

--Grant

[Pete_Hsu]

My pleasure Grant! I'm looking forward to hearing your impressions on the HB/HC-1 speakers...