Using PA Speakers In A Home "Audiophile" Application!


Hi guys,

I am a bit inspired to explore/trial usage of a pair of PA speakers at home after i attended a live event recently. 

I looked at some Yamaha PA models and zoomed in on one that isn't too huge/heavy, relatively easy to move around perhaps. 

Are there any audiophiles here who had relative satisfaction trying such speakers at home? I am also thinking that this may not be a great idea, but, just curious at the moment.

 

deep_333

Showing 3 responses by mijostyn

@phusis 

I do not have my unit yet, a Pre 8, but it should be shipped any day. 

DEQX has been in business for quite a while. since 1995 I think. Their previous units were very well excepted by those who had no problems with the steep learning curve. They were limited by the slower processors that were available at the time. The newest processors are way faster and more powerful. The new units are much more user friendly and were supposed to be available 2 years ago, but covid screwed them up (processor availability), they had to switch to an even more powerful, but more expensive processor which required changes to the main circuit board. There are three units, the Pre 4, Pre 8 and LS200, a 200 watt/ch integrated. The Pre 4 has four DAC channels for mains and subwoofers and the Pre 8 has 8 DAC channels, triamp mains and subwoofers. The Pre 8 will retail for $13,000. The price of the others has not been released yet. The Pre 8 is being released first to a select group of individuals who will test the beta programming. I should have mine shortly.

All three units use the same 64 bit floating point processor. The DEQX system is unique in that it tests the near field response of the speakers before testing the room. It can determine and isolate speaker problems from room problems. Once it is set up the user has an exceptional amount of flexibility in term of adjusting the sound to taste. All units use the same subwoofer management system which again is very flexible with high resolution choices of crossover points and slopes. The processor automatically adjusts phase and timing. Presets allow for the easy selection of sonic palettes one might use for various situations  For instance you might have one preset with a Gundry Dip in it for sibilant recordings. You might have presets for different volumes (loudness correction). A favorite trick of mine is to have presets for different listening positions. The computer will adjust the timing and phase of the speakers so that any seat in the room becomes the listening position like my desk at the rear left corner of the room. All units have a phono stage which was developed with Dynavector and is supposed to be pretty good although it is high output only. I'll certainly report on that as I plan on getting a transformer to go with my MC Diamond and perhaps a few high output cartridges. My current phono stage does not have a high output section. 

Because the Pre 8 has a 4 way crossover you can turn any loudspeaker into an active speaker, each driver having it's own amplifier.  I plan on using it as a three way system, 2 channels for the low frequency transformers of the Sound Labs, two for the high frequency transformers and two for the subwoofers. The Atma-Sphere MA 2s will drive the low frequency transformers, a Bricasti M25 will drive the high frequency transformers and two QSC PL380s will drive the subwoofers. Crossover points will be at 100 Hz and 5 kHz. 

@ellajeanelle 

You can have all of it, volume, low bass and refinement. I do use QSC amps to drive my subwoofers but would never resort to  PA loudspeakers for home use. They are usually fatally colored. I can understand the attraction as commercial equipment is much less expensive. Getting the required output out of an audiophile system is not an easy trick either and can get expensive in a hurry. 

@deep_333 

You do not have to resort to PA equipment for "insane" bass. All you need is a lot of surface area and power. The minimum requirement for a small system in a 12 x 16 foot room is two 12" subwoofers. My system is on a 16 foot wall and I use eight 12" drivers in four enclosures. Each enclosure gets 2500 watts. They are also set up to form a line source or linear array like you see in stadium concerts. 

@mrdecibel 

We are two peas in a pod. The ability to play cleanly at realistic levels is the mark of a great system. People do not realize how loud it is until they try to have a conversation. Getting the bass to feel right is the hardest part. We take different roads to get to the same destination. You are totally correct about the Lascalas. The enclosures are musical instruments and getting rid of all the resonance is not easy. It takes dedicated insanity.