Need help with choosing 5.1ch speakers for Home-theater - Forum

hello... anybody home?
no one to help?

The Genelec guys are on vacation right now I believe, they should be back by the end of the month!

Thanks for that information. Does that mean - even the sales team will not be around to respond to questions from the local distributor?

Thanks for that information. Does that mean - even the sales team will not be around to respond to questions from the local distributor?

No, just the people doing Community care here on the forums, I think.

Please recommend the minimum, the optimum and the maximum system I should consider.

Hi,

In order to give you a good system recommendation, I would like to ask about your previous sound systems. What kind of sound system / home theater have you had before, what kind of speakers? I ask this because I am trying figure out what kind systems have your heard before and where might be your "reference level" when it comes to good sounding audio system.

You might already know this, but Genelec has a local support office in Mumbai, India. If you want more personal and local help, you might want to contact clifford.pereira (at) genelec.com

I have the following additional questions:
1. could you pl. confirm if 8020/G2, 8030/G3, 8040/G4 are available in white?

8000 series is only available in producer black while G series is available in mystic black and polar white colours.

2. Is the price of the white model slightly lower than the corresponding black model?

When it comes to G series colour options, both black and white are priced identically.

3. Are there sub-woofer makes that pair well with and are as good as Genelec. If so I could save a lot on the shipping and buy a used sub locally.

I might be little biased, but if you want a good integration with the speakers, you should get a Genelec subwoofer as well.

4. I'm located in India where the power/voltage fluctuates frequently and need to know if power fluctuations will damage the speakers and if so what kind of protections to add.

Clifford might have more user experiences on this issue, but I haven't heard of any problems with voltage fluctuations.

Dear Ilkka,

I'm so honored to receive a reply from you. I have heard so much about you as I'm doing my research online.

Thank you so much for such a thoughtful and detailed response and for the contact of the local dealer. I will contact him after doing some research before-hand.

I used to have a Sony HTIB and so upgrading to Genelec will be a huge step-up for me:

Even though the living/dining/foyer is large the listening/seating area will be about 17' x 16' and untreated and very reflective. Listening distance will be a max of about 15' or 16'.

For the above space: which combination of models will be minimum, optimum, maximum?
Option 1: G2 for Left/Right and G1 for Center/Surrounds, F1
Option 2: G3 for Left/Right and G2 for Center/Surrounds, F2 or 7050?
Option 3: G4 for Left/Right and G3 for Center/Surrounds, 7060 or 2x7050
with option 3 - my budget may not allow me to buy the sub now - that's why I wanted to know if there are some compatible sub makes that pair well with G4. I'm more concerned about clean, tight, distortion free and true fidelity than loudness and SPL. I could consider used and later when budget permits I could upgrade to a 7060.
The other question is: would two 7050s be sufficient to match with Option 3? This is because I could get the 7050 but it doesn't have the sum-out option to daisy chain another 7050 without using an external 5.2 processor.
In 7060 there is no RCA input which means I have to convert the sound card output from RCA to XLR using a conversion jack - which can mean loss of signal. Pl. advise.


Also pl. recommend any sound-cards that I could add to my home-theater PC that will help me connect the speakers directly and get all surround effects without having to buy an additional pre-amp/processor.

I read somewhere that the input sensitivity is different from 8000 series (+4dB) to G sereis (-10dB) - but can that be adjusted in the G series if I need to used it as a studio monitor? Does this mean the G series will need a higher powered signal as compared to 8000 series?

Another question is: I'm an American expat living in India - if I shift back to the US - will I be able to use the speakers by just changing the voltage setting and using the appropriate power cable?


Please help.

Thanks in advance for your response.

Dear Ilkka,

I'm so honored to receive a reply from you. I have heard so much about you as I'm doing my research online.

Thank you so much for such a thoughtful and detailed response and for the contact of the local dealer. I will contact him after doing some research before-hand.

I used to have a Sony HTIB and so upgrading to Genelec will be a huge step-up for me:

Even though the living/dining/foyer is large the listening/seating area will be about 17' x 16' and untreated and very reflective. Listening distance will be a max of about 15' or 16'.

For the above space: which combination of models will be minimum, optimum, maximum?
Option 1: G2 for Left/Right and G1 for Center/Surrounds, F1
Option 2: G3 for Left/Right and G2 for Center/Surrounds, F2 or 7050?
Option 3: G4 for Left/Right and G3 for Center/Surrounds, 7060 or 2x7050
with option 3 - my budget may not allow me to buy the sub now - that's why I wanted to know if there are some compatible sub makes that pair well with G4. I'm more concerned about clean, tight, distortion free and true fidelity than loudness and SPL. I could consider used and later when budget permits I could upgrade to a 7060.

Based on your room size and listening distance, I would say the minimum system is the option 2. Optimum system would then be option 3 but with the subwoofer changed to 7070A.

The other question is: would two 7050s be sufficient to match with Option 3? This is because I could get the 7050 but it doesn't have the sum-out option to daisy chain another 7050 without using an external 5.2 processor.
In 7060 there is no RCA input which means I have to convert the sound card output from RCA to XLR using a conversion jack - which can mean loss of signal. Pl. advise.

Either two 7050s or single 7060 is not an optimum subwoofer for that system, especially when you have such a large room. I would recommend 7070A instead.

It is not a problem to convert RCA type of connector to XLR. There is no loss of signal or quality.

Also pl. recommend any sound-cards that I could add to my home-theater PC that will help me connect the speakers directly and get all surround effects without having to buy an additional pre-amp/processor.

I would not recommend getting a multi-channel sound card because they are more expensive than HT receivers/processors, and are more difficult to configure.

I read somewhere that the input sensitivity is different from 8000 series (+4dB) to G sereis (-10dB) - but can that be adjusted in the G series if I need to used it as a studio monitor? Does this mean the G series will need a higher powered signal as compared to 8000 series?

It is not the typical +4 dBu vs. -10 dBV that you often see cited as "professional" and "commercial" signal levels. It's just that there is 10 dB difference in input sensitivity. G Three and G Four have a setting which can be enabled to boost it by 10 dB. It is mainly meant for situations if your source signal level is very weak, such as with portable MP3 players or similar.

Another question is: I'm an American expat living in India - if I shift back to the US - will I be able to use the speakers by just changing the voltage setting and using the appropriate power cable?

No, you can't use your speakers there because there is no voltage setting on the speakers or subwoofers. They are only suitable for single mains voltage.

If you want speakers that have an universal power supply, you should look at our M series speakers. They will automatically detect mains voltage and operate correctly.

http://www.genelec.com/music-creation/m ... /overview/
http://www.genelec.com/music-creation/m ... view-m040/

Dear Ilkka,

Thanks for such a clear response to all the questions in my thread.
I'm sending this private message - to request your esteemed opinion...and am awaiting your opinion so as to make a purchase decision to approach the dealer.

Ok based on your suggestion, I'm considering the following 2 options:
Option 1: G4 for Left/Right and G3 for Center/Surrounds
Option 2: M040 for Left/Right and M030 for Center/Surrounds

Essentially for 2.1ch Music it will be a G4/M040 system and for 5.1ch Movies it will function as a G3/M030 system.
Many have suggested going for the same speakers for L/C/R but I've been considering using bigger speakers for the L/R and 1 step smaller speakers for the Center/RL/RR. The primary reason is budget but its also because there will be 5+1 speakers working to add to the SPL of the room and so I could expect the Left/Right to step down one level and match the level of the Center and Surrounds for 5.1ch movies whereas I could get the higher level performance of G4 or M040 for 2.1 ch music.-

Is this logic correct? pl. let me know if my thinking is flawed in the above and if you suggest only the G4 or M0404 for L/C/R.

I've just started looking at M series after your suggestion and find the following differences:
1. Cabinet Type: G Series (Aluminum) vs M Series (Wood fiber composite) - Is the composite cabinet magnetically shielded? Other than slightly lower-cost and eco-friendly nature of the composites are there any performance differences or advantages over the Aluminum cabinet?
2. Amplifier Type: G Series (Class A/B) vs M Series (Class D) - Apart from energy efficiency are there any advantages in Class D for performance/fidelity or reducing noise that make it better than Class A/B?
3. Amplifier Power: G4 (90W, 90W) vs M040 (50W, 80W) and G3 (40W, 40W) vs M030 (30W, 50W). This means there will be performance differences but to what extent?
4. Frequency Response: G4 (45Hz-21kHz) vs M040 (48Hz-20kHz) and G3 (55Hz-21kHz) vs M030 (58Hz-21kHz)
5. SPL (avg from 100Hz-3kHz @1m): G4 (105dB) vs M040 (107dB) and G3 (100dB) vs M030 (103dB)
6. Input connection options: G Series (RCA, XLR) vs M Series (RCA, XLR, 1/4" Jack)
7. Mains Power: G Series (cannot be adjusted) vs M Series (automatically senses voltage and adjusts with 10%FoS)
8. Appearance: G Series has Glossy metallic black finish vs M Series offers Patterned vs Glossy black finish
9. Stands: G Series (Adjustable on Isopod) vs M Series (Integrated with cabinet body)
10. Product line: G Series very few differences with 8000 series, M series considerable differences with 8000 series
11. Availability: Does the G Series have a lesser wait time than M Series?
12. Price: M Series slightly lower than G Series by what %?

Any other differences?
and based on the above list of differences - I'm not quite sure which option to select? Any advice?

Personally I like the idea of Aluminum cabinets and the look of G4 on Iso-pod slightly better than the M series which has the advantage of lower price and regional flexibility - but the most important factor is performance (fidelity and low distortion) - and on this particular factor which is better?
The G Series which is very similar to tried, tested and popular 8000 series - or the M series which is considerably different from 8000 series?

Sub-woofer:
Even going for the 7060 will stretch my current budget - so the 7070 is not possible.
I have heard that going with 2 smaller subs is better than 1 large sub which apparently helps "to avoid standing waves at very low frequencies". What is your opinion on this?
If so, which 8" or 10" subs would you recommend?

What is your opinion on Sealed vs Ported subs and dual driver push-pull subs?
Are sealed push-pull drivers better for clean, tight, distortion free bass?

Eagerly awaiting your response as I am eagerly waiting to order and receive my Genelecs...
Thanks in advance and warm regards,

Dear Ilkka,
I'm sure you are busy - I'm awaiting your input to decide on the G4, G3 vs M040, M030 (as the price difference is considerable) and your opinions on the sub.
Awaiting your reply.
Thanks

Is this logic correct? pl. let me know if my thinking is flawed in the above and if you suggest only the G4 or M0404 for L/C/R.

Hi,

For best possible tonal and maximum SPL balance, LCR speakers should be identical model. But typically the difference between for example 8030 and 8040 is so small that it takes an experienced listener to notice it.

Any other differences?
and based on the above list of differences - I'm not quite sure which option to select? Any advice?

Speakers are made for reproducing sound/music. Selecting a speaker by comparing technical specifications might not get you to the result that pleases you. I would urge you to contact your local distributor and ask for dealers around your area. Go visit one or more of them with your favourite CDs and listen how they sound. That should be most important for you as a person who will buy those speakers to enjoy their sound. Unfortunately I cannot make that decision for you.

Dealer will also tell you about the availability and pricing.

http://www.genelec.com/shop/distributors-network/

Sub-woofer:
Even going for the 7060 will stretch my current budget - so the 7070 is not possible.
I have heard that going with 2 smaller subs is better than 1 large sub which apparently helps "to avoid standing waves at very low frequencies". What is your opinion on this?
If so, which 8" or 10" subs would you recommend?

Multiple subwoofers can help with standing waves but it's not a given. Usually it requires acoustical measurements to optimize the position of the subwoofers. Have you considered hiring an installer or acoustic consultant for your project? I would highly recommend this approach.

What is your opinion on Sealed vs Ported subs and dual driver push-pull subs?
Are sealed push-pull drivers better for clean, tight, distortion free bass?

Clean, tight, distortion free bass is mostly about headroom, system integration and room acoustics. It has nothing to do with sealed, ported, horn, push-pull etc. All of those can be made to sound clean, tight and distortion free.

If you really want to have a good sounding system, you need to concentrate on the acoustic properties of your room/space. If you don't have properly designed and constructed listening space, any sound system will be operating barely at 50% level compared to optimal. You should put your effort into this instead of worrying whether sealed or ported subwofer will sound better.

I would Suggest, Compact and stylish, the G Two offers the perfect blend of size and performance. All the detail and precision you’d expect, but in a form factor that’ll fit into the smallest of spaces. However, there are other options you can go with.