I bought a pair of 522s along with an S8 sub for stereo a couple years back, and am thinking now of upgrading my HT from a Yamaha set-up to all Aperions. I'm thinking of going with a 632/533 VAC front stage, but would like to use the old (but still nice) 522s for rear surrounds. Also, since my HT amp is 6.1, I need a rear center. Two questions: 1. Will the older 522s be voice-timbre compatible with the new HD X-3 crossovers in the proposed front stage? 2. How would a 534 SS bipole-dipole as rear center work in this set-up? Any opinions or observations would be welcome. Thanks!

Dennis, the 52 series vs the 53 series with new HD-x3 crossover technology would probably not be ideal to mix in the front soundstage. However, it sounds as though you are having a newly matched front soundstage and moving your current 522's to the rear - which shouldn't pose a noticible problem. If you really want 6.1, I would suggest another VAC for the center rear or a single 532 as opposed to the 534. I have found bi/dipoles to work from the side (not from the rear) in my previous experiences. This really depends on your room set-up and dimensions though. With a little more information on your room layout, we may be able to offer even better suggestions. Also, feel free to email me direct.

Thanks for the quick response, Jim. Its a 1913 Craftsman bungalow, so rooms are smaller and somewhat problematic. Dimensions in the room we need to use are 15' long X 13.5' wide X 8' ceiling--not a lot of space. Also, the door and window layout dictates that the screen be centered on the longer wall, which, to go by most HT illustrations, is the opposite of what most folks do. I'd like the room to double for music as well, but will assume that, while perhaps better for 2-channel stereo, the 633Ts are probably a little much for 1620 cubic feet or space.

Thanks for the quick response, Jim. Its a 1913 Craftsman bungalow, so rooms are smaller and somewhat problematic. Dimensions in the room we need to use are 15' long X 13.5' wide X 8' ceiling--not a lot of space. Also, the door and window layout dictates that the screen be centered on the longer wall, which, to go by most HT illustrations, is the opposite of what most folks do. I'd like the room to double for music as well, but will assume that, while perhaps better for 2-channel stereo, the 633Ts are probably a little much for 1620 cubic feet of space.

I don't think you will have a problem with the long wall layout - I've had systems sound great in a similar set-up. You will actually avoid side wall reflections better than the short wall set-up. As far as the 633's vs. the 533's, I would recommend the 533PT's. The 633's may be a bit much for your room, potentially even visually too much? As you know, Aperion Audio CS is great, so I would give them a call to see what they say. I'm not sure that your existing S8 sub will add much bass to the 633's, only going 3db lower, and that the dual 8" subs in a pair of the PT's may yield a more balanced bass presentation - both for HT and 2-channel. I have found dual subs, and especially the PT's to offer a seamless presention. Also, with your smaller space, you may find that you are more than satisfied with a 5 channel system, and that the 6th channel will add little. I've had a 7.1 channel system before (in a 15'x25' space), but in my current space 5 channels is more than enough. Will you be sitting along the back wall, or somewhat out from it?

About 2 to 3 feet out. Right now we have a boxy rear projection TV (46" Sony--great picture but , well, a big box in a smallish room). I'm looking to install a front projector and screen (7 ft. diagonal, if I can get away with it) a year or two down the road. A 7 ft. screen would suggest about 10 to 11 feet back, using the standard formula. So no, not slammed up right against the back wall.

I think your layout will yield you good sound, wether you go with either the 6 series or the 5.  My nod will still go for the 532PT's, but call Aperion and see what they suggest.

Maybe others will chime in as well???

Thanks for all your advice, Jim. I'll chew it over a couple weeks before deciding which way to go.

I agree with this, the dual 8's with the passive crossover in the PT series speaker is much better than most (not all) active crossovers in receivers or pre/pros.

Use your S8 for a stereo setup, or sell it to me, I'm in need of a smaller subwoofer for my NHT superzero's in my bedroom!!

 

 

No problem Dennis.  Good luck with your decision making, and keep us posted!