Speaker Selection - Forum

While I'm awaiting a comment from Ilkka, if anyone else has a recommendation or comment, please post. If you have any experience with any of the speakers I'm considering I'd appreciate your opinion.

Thanks,

Jim

Hi Jim,

Unfortunately this is not an easy question to answer. There are many factors which come into play.

Here are a few basic considerations

The 3 ways are stunning, but i have never specified a 3 way system with a HTS4B, they have always been either 7071's or HTS6s. So the cost of upgrading is maybe more than you have in your budget.

What surround sound processor are you using and do you intend to bass mange the front speakers? If you are intending bass managing the speakers then the 1038CF's would be worth considering.

In regards to the AIW25's, it all comes down to SPL. Although you say that you don't play at reference level very often, when you own a pair of large powerful speakers it is very intoxicating to hear all the dynamic range Do you have the space to mount a boxed speaker for rears? A pair 0f 8040's could be a good option. The 8000 series are very easy to mount as they have mounting points for Genelec's range of brackets.

Thanks for responding Steve, all helpful comments. I have a couple of Processors lying around (Halcro 220, Integra 80.3). I can also pick up ADA's CR Mach IV, or wait to check out Lexicon's next release later in the year. The room will be acoustically treated (all walls). It was only space related that caused me to look at the AIW's, and I'm fine with the moving to the 26's. Not sure about on walls because of the space available, but certainly will consider them.

I have no direct long term experience with Genelec's line. I know the background, and have read most of the comments on the normal suspect forums. Still gathering info. I've been an Aerial guy, and recently looked at Procella and Triad as well, but have always been interested in the Gen's.

Regarding budget, I guess I should have stated that although I do have a budget in mind, it is driven by my planning and not by my wallet. I have no problem spending more, provided that given the space I described will benefit from the expense. I've been in too many theatre's and media rooms that were overpowered and under used, basically a waste of money and good equipment. I'm trying to avoid that.

Thanks again!

James

Hi James,

Thanks for the reply, i now have a better feeling about what level you are at.

Do you intend listening to music in this space or will you have a 2 channel music room?

I am slightly biased as i own 1038's (HT315) but to my mind they are a stunning loudspeaker. Also for full disclosure, i am a Genelec Product Specialist, i work for the Australian Genelec Distributor, and have close to 30 years experience in the 2 channel Audiophile world .

My music speakers at home before working with Genelec were Sonus Faber Extremas (i still own them, but they have not been used for at least 6 years) The 1038's have a scale and authority that was simply compelling to me the first time i listened to them. If you want a room that will do double duty, music and movies, the 38's would be a great option.

100% of the rooms i have specified 38's into have also had HTS6's so there is a reasonable cost difference, but totally worth it. In regards to overpowering a room, it is always an interesting discussion. The biggest issue i believe that exists in most HT/Media rooms is the lack of basic design and calibration, nothing will provide scale like a large speaker, BUT it also needs very careful integration and calibration.

Genelec's focus on this is what i believe separates them from everyone else, their commitment to training and education is second to none. The fact that they have "Product Specialist" who's job it is, is to help specify, design and calibrate systems is unique. If you go to their learning centre, everything revolves around getting the speaker into the room in the best possible location.

AIW26's will work with the 1038/HTS6 combination, with your room being under 4,000 cu ft, the 38's will just be cruising at reference levels, the big benefit of this is excellent dynamic range capabilities and very low distortion.

If you can get a demo of the 1038/HT315 i am sure you will like what you hear.

I assume you are in the States, Keith Yates designed a great listening room for the Guys at Listen Up in Denver, if you do a google search, you can find the story on the room. If you have problems finding info, PM me your email address and i'll try and dig something up for you.

Thanks again Steve, I'll certainly take your advice and work to hear the larger Gen's.

To answer your other question, yes, my 2 channel listening is in a separate room, speakers are Aerial 20T's, electronics are primarily Linn.

I plan to use the HTspeakers almost exclusively for movies, but I'm sure some of the BR music discs will also be played in the theatre.

Thanks again!

James