Page 1 of 5 1 2 3 ... LastLast
Results 1 to 25 of 107
  1. #1
    The Nonconformist Registered Member KirK's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jan 2005
    Location
    CA
    Posts
    344

    Home Theater Project

    Hi Gang,

    I realize it ain't summer yet, but I am planning on fixing up a nice home theater for my father pretty soon. The project may take 2 to 3 years to complete, so this thread could essentially be dormant at times.

    Since my father lives in an RV, I am considering beefing up his current theater. Presently, it's just one of those Sony theaters in a box that just came with the RV. Next year, I would like to acquire some floor standing tower speakers and a decent size receiver with preamp outputs; perhaps from Crutchfield.

    But, the hall-mark will be, of course, the subwoofers as I am a man who loves my bass and am damn proud of it. I would like to alternate the subs between his theater and my car on occasion.

    In the preliminary build stages, I would like to purchase a 12" TC Sounds LMS-R this summer and use it in a passive radiator set up tuned down to 20 Hz. BTW, I could not give a sh*t less about the negative reviews on that transducer as they were compiled by novices and imposters. If anybody here is curious about TC Sounds, I will be sure to provide you my objective feedback asap.

    The amplifier is where things get interesting. Currently, I am contemplating some Zapco's running off the RV battery, and the battery being on a charger as per my father's advice. However, I am still undecided with the amps. I would love to acquire something in the neighborhood of 1 kW RMS as that would be pretty bad a$$ with the new Batman movies.

    The thing that will probably be most late in the theater is pending on whether or not the W7 will get the butyl surround like the W6. So, perhaps a 12W7v2-3 would be a last addition.

    Obviously, the amp would run a single woofer at a time to avoid funky phase issues.

    So, my apologies if this thread goes dormant, but I look forward to hearing the TC Sounds this summer. If anybody wants feedback, just let me know.

    Take care guys
    Last edited by KirK; 03-04-2014 at 12:34.
    Democracy is a Hypocrisy.

    -Malcolm X

  2. #2
    The Nonconformist Registered Member KirK's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jan 2005
    Location
    CA
    Posts
    344
    Hey gang,

    I thought I would just give everyone an update. I'm a little behind on the fees for an autism program I am enrolled in at the university I am attending. So, this summer I would like to get caught up on those fees, which means my purchase of the TC Sounds LMS-R might have to be delayed until next year after I have graduated.

    Thus far I have been attending all of the FE Review sessions; the FE is an exam engineering students have to pass to obtain a license in engineering. So we'll see how that will turn out this fall when I take the Fundamentals Exam. But, for sure, I am very much committed to this home theater project, and would like to acquire some of the equipment next year.

    Take care guys!
    Democracy is a Hypocrisy.

    -Malcolm X

  3. #3
    The Nonconformist Registered Member KirK's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jan 2005
    Location
    CA
    Posts
    344
    Hey guys,

    Looks like I might be eligible for some aid for paying the autism program fees; however, I stress the word 'might'. Depends on what all needs to be processed and what sort of period that would take in the next two months. Anyway, the aid is from Rehabilitation Services since I have a documented disability. So we'll see how that goes in the next month or two.

    That might free up some of my internship money over the summer so I could possible buy the TC Sound LMS-R in, perhaps, July if everything goes well. I won't be able to feed that monster any power since I leave my Audi back east at my sisters house while I'm in California with my father. Anyway, I could take some pics of it. Hopefully, if I upload them this time, there won't be a maintenance period that comes along and reduces them to nothing.

    Also, I am going to try to upload a video of my system tomorrow. I'm keeping my fingers crossed that it uploads successfully. At present, the only thing I have at my disposal is my Canon Powershot for taking vids; I have a rather ancient cell phone (obviously I am not O.C. with cell phones, LOL!) so I would run into similar issues with that.

    Okay, well take care guys!
    Democracy is a Hypocrisy.

    -Malcolm X

  4. #4
    The Nonconformist Registered Member KirK's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jan 2005
    Location
    CA
    Posts
    344
    https://www.dropbox.com/s/uis6qg7d48...ch%20Up%27.AVI

    Okay that's from Dropbox; hope it works ...

    That was some old school Ludacris, Catch Up, which is pretty bad @$$.

    As you can tell, the res and audio is a little crappy, but for the time being I only have the Powershot. I figure once I get a vid cam next year, I'll start my own Youtube channel with comments disabled for obvious reasons.

    I graduate in December this year so my father and I are figuring on going to CES 2015 in Las Vegas; that should be cool. That would definitely be a nice reward after going through an ABET accredited CE curriculum, for sure! We'll most likely be back in Cali at the end of December and will venture into Nevada when the event is held.
    Last edited by KirK; 04-04-2014 at 14:42.
    Democracy is a Hypocrisy.

    -Malcolm X

  5. #5
    The Nonconformist Registered Member KirK's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jan 2005
    Location
    CA
    Posts
    344
    Here's some old school Jay Z, Dirt Off Your Shoulder, from his Black Album.

    https://www.dropbox.com/s/7o99d2k7wg...houlder%27.AVI
    Democracy is a Hypocrisy.

    -Malcolm X

  6. #6
    The Nonconformist Registered Member KirK's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jan 2005
    Location
    CA
    Posts
    344
    I got some Goth and some Gangsta Rap, so if anybody has a request just let me know. Mmmm ... yeah, I would get tired of the usual fare of videos on Youtube containing the W6v3's. Pretty bland, plain jane new age hip hop and other garbage in those videos; not to mention most of the time the lens isn't even pointed toward the transducer; it's pointed toward the HU ... or S.S. ...
    Last edited by KirK; 04-04-2014 at 18:40.
    Democracy is a Hypocrisy.

    -Malcolm X

  7. #7
    The Nonconformist Registered Member KirK's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jan 2005
    Location
    CA
    Posts
    344

    Subwoofer Porn!!!

    Late Night Tip from Three Six Mafia and Wretches and Kings from LP. Needless to say, the port becomes a fan with those!

    Also, in one vid I show the plexi glass window with the halogen bulb illuminating the inside of the enclosure.

    Enjoy!

    https://www.dropbox.com/s/99e2qmd5ud...%20%282%29.AVI
    https://www.dropbox.com/s/yztimglugn... and Kings.AVI
    https://www.dropbox.com/s/cvxri5src17g2j6/Plexi.AVI
    Democracy is a Hypocrisy.

    -Malcolm X

  8. #8
    The Nonconformist Registered Member KirK's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jan 2005
    Location
    CA
    Posts
    344
    Obviously, the W & K from LP is a 'Flat-version' just from the CD itself; I would not have to use a 'boosted-version' with 500 W RMS. I might be insane, but I'm not 'that insane' ... yet! Muhahahahahahaha! LOL!
    Democracy is a Hypocrisy.

    -Malcolm X

  9. #9
    The Nonconformist Registered Member KirK's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jan 2005
    Location
    CA
    Posts
    344
    Hey guys, figured I'd give everybody an update..

    I'm pretty much decided on what amplifiers I will purchase for this project and my next car. I'm pretty much decided on all Zapco. The first one I'd love to buy sometime next year is a DC-501 to power the TC LMS-R; presuming 500 W RMS < RMS P < or = 1000 W RMS @ 1 ohm (I'll do some research or will inquire what kinda power it can do at a 1 ohm impedance). Sometime after I get a new Audi A6 in the next couple of years, I'd love to get some components and have my heart set on the DC-364, which would be more than enough control over the EQ and delay for me with its onboard DSP. Once JL Audio releases the 12W7v2-3, which, I would anticipate, may make its debut in CES 2015 or CES 2016, I would love to get my hands on a DC-1101 to power it (presuming RMS P < or = 1000 W RMS @ 3 ohms). Acquiring that amp might, very well, take a couple years, however. Fortunately, there's a couple of Zap dealers in SoCal, so that's cool.

    Obviously, if I would want to transfer some of this to my car on occasion, I would need to beef up the stock alternator. Some outfits that come to mind immediately are Ohio Generator and Iraggi, but I'm sure there's a slew of others at present. Some alts, I believe, can have the solenoid cooled with a surrounding fluid medium, so I think I would drop some more $ to pick up something like that.

    I think I might retire my old 500/1, and use the DC-501 to power the W6 on occasion. Don't get me wrong, the 500/1 is great, but those built-in hex bolts suck ... Glad and excited to see Zapco using Phillips heads for their amps.

    Okay, well those are the plans anyway, might be a lengthy project, but for what I've been through, I deserve to treat myself to these nice things dammit! LOL! Take care guys.
    Last edited by KirK; 04-17-2014 at 14:06.
    Democracy is a Hypocrisy.

    -Malcolm X

  10. #10
    The Nonconformist Registered Member KirK's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jan 2005
    Location
    CA
    Posts
    344
    *Replace 'solenoid' in that last post with 'coils'... Yes, I am definitely no EE, LOL!
    Democracy is a Hypocrisy.

    -Malcolm X

  11. #11
    The Nonconformist Registered Member KirK's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jan 2005
    Location
    CA
    Posts
    344

    Update

    Hey gang,

    Looks like my father might need my help with replacing an antiquated gas oven in his RV with an electric oven. Against better judgement, I'll purchase the Zapco DC-500.1 from eBay; I hate buying things from eBay but oh well ... It saves my income in case if my father needs it. What's mine is his is my philosophy since he's got some nasty credit card debt due to my accumulated tuition over the past three years.

    I know the DC-500.1 is an older model, but it still has all of the DSP Goodness without the second subwoofer channel as can be seen on the most recent model. Looks like we can get the RV up and running sometime in June, and relocate in San Diego. Should be cool; anything to get me closer to Torrey Pines, Slater's 50/50, and Fuddruckers ... I love those places!

    I'm pretty much decided on replacing my existing JL Audio 500/1 and giving that to my younger brother back in New Jersey. About a year ago, I left him my ported 12W6v2-D4 in case he ever gets his Mustang up and running. I have meal plan money I never use when I'm in school so September would be a perfect opportunity for me to pick up the TC Sounds LMS-R. My school is pretty darn close to Ohio, so the 'ducer will be probably be delivered to my dorm within 2 days so that's cool. The remainder of the money will be spent on a Z-1KD to power it; it would just be a matter of finding an authorized Zap dealer. That way, I can just wire the coil in parallel for a 1 ohm impedance.

    To run the equipment for the theater, I'll eventually purchase an AIMS 2500 W Power Inverter for powering the amps. Sometime next year I'll get a good HT Receiver and some good floor standing speakers to keep up with the subwoofer. The power capacity of the inverter suggests something doesn't it? Well, when the time comes my father and I will build two transmission line enclosures for two 12W7v2-3, each powered with their own DC-1101. I'll christen them with The Dark Knight. I can't wait, its going to be pretty bad @$$.

    Well, that's the update anyway, take care guys,

    KirK (Captain KirK on Zapco forums)
    Last edited by KirK; 05-27-2014 at 14:37.
    Democracy is a Hypocrisy.

    -Malcolm X

  12. #12
    The Nonconformist Registered Member KirK's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jan 2005
    Location
    CA
    Posts
    344
    Okay guys,

    I just bought a Zapco DC-500.1. I'll try to upload some images Monday or Tuesday; whenever its delivered. This will power my 12W6v3-D4 as mentioned earlier. Should be a lot of fun tweaking all settings and playing with the DSP (like time alignment). The TC Sounds LMS-R is a sure thing this fall. Will be quite lovely having a 39 lb 'ducer to admire in my dorm along with the Z-1KD I will pick up afterwards. No signs of the 12" VMP coming back so I'll settle on a transmission line enclosure tuned to 18 Hz.

    Hopefully, JL Audio won't introduce a new patent on the W7v2's (like the PVAC on W6v3's) and have it pend for 13 months after its debut or 9 months after it was advertised to be released. That's what actually happened ...
    Democracy is a Hypocrisy.

    -Malcolm X

  13. #13
    The Nonconformist Registered Member KirK's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jan 2005
    Location
    CA
    Posts
    344

    Zapco's Here!

    The Zapco arrived!

    Name:  Top View.jpg
Views: 594
Size:  103.5 KBName:  Isometric View.jpg
Views: 443
Size:  125.5 KB

    Its got my finger prints all over it!

    Name:  Isometric View.jpg
Views: 443
Size:  125.5 KB
    Democracy is a Hypocrisy.

    -Malcolm X

  14. #14
    SeNiOr MeMbEr!!! Registered Member nastynas's Avatar
    Join Date
    Aug 2007
    Location
    London
    Posts
    178
    I'm rushing around so don't have time to read the full thread but well done mate

    Have you fitted it yet? I just helped my brother with his install. Zapco reference amps, AVI BSM components and an RE Audio (mid range sub). It sounds really good.
    ''these Over-night Wonder, Self Proclaimed Audio Guru's who think x number of years of being enamored with their own perception of audio actually accounts for 'knowledge'... '' Kirk

  15. #15
    The Nonconformist Registered Member KirK's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jan 2005
    Location
    CA
    Posts
    344

    Hey Nas Man!

    Hey Nas!

    I haven't quite fit it yet; you see my Audi is back in Virginia at my sister's house for the summer, and I'm out visiting with my father in southern California.

    However, that's not stopping me from collecting any of the cables and DPN Software. Thus far, I picked up the 6 pin DIN cable that connects to the amplifier and the Symbilink Transmitter; it's about 6 ft in length and I just bought it yesterday.

    In July, I'm hoping to pick up the DPN Software, but I run Windows 8; so I might have to take out my aunt's ancient computer she left behind at my father's RV to have the DPN work with a compatible operating system. So Nas, you say you've got some experience with tuning these? Would you mind if I pick your mind on what setting you used for Phase and Time Delay? Or, does the DPN Software sorta simplify those things for all of us?

    This is just the beginning of many acquisitions to come the next several years. This fall semester (my last semester), I'll be picking up the 12" TC Sounds LMS-R and I know of an authorized Zap dealer in Florida that sells all the amps online that I need for the theater. It will just be a matter of transferring some $ between accounts, but I think I can pick up a Z-1KD for the TC Sounds which would be a perfect match in my opinion.

    My first year in the CE profession, I'll pretty much be collecting some of the necessities like an AIMS 2500 W Power Inverter, a HT Receiver with pre-amp outputs (a Harmon Kardon with a USB input), and two floor standing speakers (Polk, very likely) to keep up with the TC. In my second and third year in the profession, I'd like to see about getting a 12" RE XXX. And I'm getting anxious to see what goodies might show up at CES 2015 and 2016; maybe a JL Audio 12W7v2-3 with a much-needed NBR surround. If that happens to be the case, I'll add a Zapco DC-1101 to my list, which I would suspect, could do around 950 W RMS @ 3 ohms. Should be interesting!
    Last edited by KirK; 06-06-2014 at 11:37.
    Democracy is a Hypocrisy.

    -Malcolm X

  16. #16
    The Nonconformist Registered Member KirK's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jan 2005
    Location
    CA
    Posts
    344
    Hey Nas,

    Just bought the DPN Software; should be here next Wednesday. The DIN cable comes next Tuesday. I'm VERY excited!

    Also, I'm now a member of Zapco's forum, if you would like to communicate with me there, that would be cool. They're admitting more and more members, but, FYI, the active window of time for admission are their business hours of operation, M - F.
    Democracy is a Hypocrisy.

    -Malcolm X

  17. #17
    The Nonconformist Registered Member KirK's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jan 2005
    Location
    CA
    Posts
    344
    Got all the Zapco accessories; now I just need a Power, Ground, and Remote-turn-on wire to fire this bad girl up and tune it! Money is tight this month so I might have to delay that purchase until July.

    Name:  Zapco.jpg
Views: 491
Size:  169.0 KB

    Here's the Craftsman Pro I've been talking about. Helluva Christmas present I bought for my father last November!

    Name:  Craftsman Pro Portable Table Saw.jpg
Views: 1033
Size:  183.8 KB
    Democracy is a Hypocrisy.

    -Malcolm X

  18. #18
    The Nonconformist Registered Member KirK's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jan 2005
    Location
    CA
    Posts
    344
    No such luck with getting into CES unless if I can tag along with Zapco ...

    I didn't realize it wasn't open to the public until I spoke with Mike ... Ah, no big deal.

    Nah, I'll just be doing my usual rounds on the internet and keep an eye out on videos of CES.

    Hoping to see some goodies!

    No patents pending this time, I hope. *Knock on wood*
    Democracy is a Hypocrisy.

    -Malcolm X

  19. #19
    The Nonconformist Registered Member KirK's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jan 2005
    Location
    CA
    Posts
    344
    Just downloaded LP's The Hunting Party but ... DAMN ... I can only enjoy it with the RV's existing 50 W 8" Sony subwoofer or the 5 x 7's in my father's CRV. Ah man ... these are hard times ...

    Obvious sarcasm, of course, LOL! Love to be around my dad, even if I'm not with my Audi. And come this December, my car will finally be back in SoCal; so I can't complain.
    Democracy is a Hypocrisy.

    -Malcolm X

  20. #20
    The Nonconformist Registered Member KirK's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jan 2005
    Location
    CA
    Posts
    344

    Slight Change in Plans

    As it appears the TC Sounds 12" LMS-R won't be available until October 17th, I'll be purchasing a RE Audio XXXv2 12 D2 in September. I would like to say by mid September I'll at least have images of the REA XXX sitting in my dorm. I figured I would just put that update out there for Nas ...

    It might be a stretch, but I think I can move around some $ and pick up a Zapco Z-2KD for the XXX in October or November. Should be a good start for a very bad ass HT for my father's RV. I'll see if I can upload some images on the Zapco Forum in that time period as well.

    Peace guys!
    Democracy is a Hypocrisy.

    -Malcolm X

  21. #21
    SeNiOr MeMbEr!!! Registered Member nastynas's Avatar
    Join Date
    Aug 2007
    Location
    London
    Posts
    178
    I used to be part of the Zapco forum until they upgraded it. Let me see if I can re-join
    ''these Over-night Wonder, Self Proclaimed Audio Guru's who think x number of years of being enamored with their own perception of audio actually accounts for 'knowledge'... '' Kirk

  22. #22
    The Nonconformist Registered Member KirK's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jan 2005
    Location
    CA
    Posts
    344
    Hey Nas,

    Just an update; looks like I can pick up the Harmon Kardon stereo receiver at the end of this month. Space is at a premium in the RV so a stereo receiver should do just fine for the RV. The receiver has 2 pairs of sub pre-amps so all I'll have to pick up in January is a hefty 2500 W RMS power inverter for the Zapco amps. I'm sure I'll have to drag the REA XXX to my dorm once it arrives; damn ... 88 lbs with all the packaging, SWEET! Should be incredible with the Zapco Z-2KD with movies and music. I'm still leaning towards my idea of a ported enclosure with the opt net volume and a super low tuning frequency, but I'm going to experiment with round ports (3 inch dia) this time. The problem with the slots is it would need many dados' which sorta can be a PITA when final assembly comes and trying to isolate the Gorilla Glue from expanding into the main chamber. The cool thing with my round port idea is I can run for 30 inches + and can obtain like 19 Hz or 18 Hz depending on how long I decide to run it. No end correction factor I have to accommodate either which is a plus.
    Democracy is a Hypocrisy.

    -Malcolm X

  23. #23
    The Nonconformist Registered Member KirK's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jan 2005
    Location
    CA
    Posts
    344
    Ugghh!!!

    Getting anxious with buying this receiver and went to Best Buy today hoping that it would be on display and perhaps picking it up there ... No such luck ...

    Why is it that the Bricks-and-Mortar are fading out to eCommerce? I mean, whatever happened to interacting with electronics before buying them? Would it be safe to assume that the metaphorical guiding light (or Go-to) for purchasing ANYTHING electronic these days is reading a half assed, 'ffeine fueled review? I guess Thiele Small Parameters don't mean anything to the Lay. There's always 'Helpful?' at the end of a review, followed by Yes and No hyper text ... IMHO, there should be an optional radio 'Bull Sh*t' button, LMFAO ...

    Well, I guess I'll settle on purchasing the unit from Crutchfield once my father and I are settled with the new SD address ...
    Last edited by KirK; 07-19-2014 at 11:31.
    Democracy is a Hypocrisy.

    -Malcolm X

  24. #24
    The Nonconformist Registered Member KirK's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jan 2005
    Location
    CA
    Posts
    344
    Purchased the Harmon Kardon HK 3770 today from Crutchfield; it's estimated delivery is July 29 at my new address. When the time comes in 2015, I'll pick up some Polk floor standers to tap into the 120 W RMS reserve for each channel. Looks like it has a single pair of pre-amp outputs which is not that of a big deal for me. All I really need is one pair for the Zapco's I'll be running. I guess I was confusing the pre-amps on the HK with some specs on another HT receiver I was observing. Nonetheless, the USB input is a nice feature for my iPod and USB drives.

    Instead of the dual 2 Ohm version I'll get the dual 4 Ohm version of the RE Audio XXX. The RE Audio XXX v2 12 D4 will have some cleaner output at 2 Ohms than running the voice coil at 1 Ohm with the dual 2 Ohm version. This alternative gives me an excuse to pick up the DC-1101 this fall, which will power future equipment in 2015 or 2016. The DC-1101 is most likely not going to extract much performance from the REA XXX, but the Z-3KD and ZX-500.2 are a little outside my budget; the DC-1101 being just within budget.

    I figure mid to late 2015 I'll pick up a nice video camera for a subsequent YouTube channel. By then, I most likely will be employed so budget shouldn't be too much of an issue for buying a nice professional low frequency mic to prevent any sloppy choppy bass recordings.

    I'll post some images when the unit arrives.
    Democracy is a Hypocrisy.

    -Malcolm X

  25. #25
    The Nonconformist Registered Member KirK's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jan 2005
    Location
    CA
    Posts
    344
    Internet is going to be down until Thursday evening. Cell and WiFi service at the new address is crap; we'll be getting a DirectTV and WiFi service bundle installed Thursday to remedy the limitations of the RV Park.

    The HK 3770 is due to arrive around noon tomorrow. My father and I will be going to Riverside to pick up the remainder of our belongings tomorrow; so I could potentially use the broadband while we're up there. I'll take my Powershot along anyway and see if I can upload some images.

    The RV Park is pretty much temporary until I get employed next year. Unfortunately, the sites are on top of each other so exercising the 'ducer's excursion is likely to disturb some of the neighbors. At this point, I can guarantee the HT will be up and running once my father and I set up the RV at a more prestigious park; preferably with some buffer zone from the adjoining lots. Realistically, I'd be aiming around September or October in 2015 to have the equipment set up, a camera and low freq mic ready for the YouTube channel by then. In the meantime, much of the equipment will be collected this fall. We'll at the very least build the enclosure for the REA XXX in January; same style as my W6v3 enclosure with the only difference being 1.5 inch thick MDF surrounding the main wedge chamber. I probably will also pursue the same reinforcement with the 12W7v2-3's later in 2015 if they happen to make their debut at CES in January. NBR and rubber surrounds are where its at ... Foamie don't play that, LOL!
    Last edited by KirK; 07-27-2014 at 21:59.
    Democracy is a Hypocrisy.

    -Malcolm X

Thread Information

Users Browsing this Thread

There are currently 5 users browsing this thread. (0 members and 5 guests)

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •