First time poster - First build project setup - Tritrix

[memdump20]

Hello everyone. I’ve been lurking these forums for a while and now am making my first post. I finally decided I want to build out my home theater speaker system. This will be my first build and want opinion or advice on a few things.
My current setup:

• AVR = Onkyo HT-RC160 – 80W/Channel @ 8ohms or 130W/Channel @ 6 ohms
• Speakers = Onkyo HTP-770 – 7.1 setup – Basic Home Theater in a Box speakers with 10” Powered SubWoofer.

Would like to build Tritrix:
• Front L/R – Tritrix MTM Transmission Line setup. – Parts-Express Kit
• Center – Tritrix Sealed. – Design at speakerdesignworks
• Surrounds – (4) Tritrix MT - Design at speakerdesignworks
• Subwoofer – Either Titanic 12” Kit or Ultimax 12” with either separate amp or plate amp.
Questions:

• Would my current AVR be able to handle or drive these speakers sufficiently?
• Should I upgrade my receiver first?
• How would this setup compare to some store bought / brand name speakers like Polk, Klipsch, Definitive Technology, etc.
• Do you know anyone that has, makes, or sells the flat packs for the Center Channel Sealed and the MT surrounds?

Thank you all in advance for your input.

[joeybutts]

Re: First time poster - First build project setup - Tritrix

Welcome!

Absolutely no problem with your receiver powering these builds.
If you plan on growing or getting very serious about your HT experience I always think you should start with the brain and work your way out, whether car audio or home audio. If you are mildly entertained by this then either way works, from subs to speakers to AVR or AVR to speakers to sub.

Most of us evaluate your third question in a cost/performance ratio. Going to be very difficult to beat the tritrix in this dept.

I know a guy who can do flat packs. Me.

Also, a huge contributor to performance is your environment. Is this a dedicated space? What are the dimensions? Auto-EQ programs these days do wonders to make what were thought to be mediocre systems sound great.

Glad to see you pop in and hope you stick around and grow with the hobby!

Joey

[memdump20]

Re: First time poster - First build project setup - Tritrix

Joey,

Thank you for the prompt response and the warm welcome.

I would definitely like to get more serious with my home theater experience as time and finances permit. I decided to start first with the Tritrix build out for my first experience for a few reasons. First is cost, then performance, and last I want to make sure I don't suck at the DIY.

I'm glad you can make the flat packs and am interested in having you do that. I will probably start the project after the holidays (kids come first). It also saves me from spending the initial cost of a decent router and Jasper Jigs. I'm sure the experience will be a positive one so I will probably get the router, jigs, and various tools to do more advanced builds. I assume I can PM you for details on the flat packs.

The room unfortunately is not a dedicated room. I live in a 3 story town house where the living room (HT room) is on the second floor along with the dining room and the kitchen. Not much separation, then you have the 2 stair wells, one leading to the first floor and the other leading to the third floor. Tile floor but area rug in the living room.

Forgot to ask your opinion on which sub-woofer setup. Titanic or Ultimax? Open for other suggestions as well.

[memdump20]

Re: First time poster - First build project setup - Tritrix

Anyone else have an opinion on this build and the sub-woofer choices?

[dustinbagby]

Re: First time poster - First build project setup - Tritrix

Either sub is really going to perform quite well generally, but it also depends on how large the space is. You may benefit from two subs if the room is large. There are a few options that come in a little cheaper than the Ultimax or Titanic that will still perform very well (unfortunately my favorite option has been discontinued).

[memdump20]

Re: First time poster - First build project setup - Tritrix

Living room area is not very large, I guestimate either 20' L X 15' W or 22'L X 18'W is best guess estimate. The problem is it bleeds into the dining room, separation between the two rooms is a leather love seat then goes to the kitchen with really only a snack bar / counter to separate the area. I'm sure either will blow away my Onkyo Home Theater in a box 10" powered sub in a plastic ported box So if either will do then time to decide 12", 15" or way overkill 18". I appreciate your input and look forward to more. Thanks.

[mresseguie]

Re: First time poster - First build project setup - Tritrix

Memdump,

My HT room is my family room. By itself it is already large with a cathedral ceiling, but it opens on one side to my kitchen/breakfast area. My 12" sub was never enough to fill that space by itself, but adding a second 12" made a huge difference. Based on my experience, two (or three) 12" or 15" subs could very nicely produce the bass you want. Experiment with placement.

Enjoy!

[memdump20]

Re: First time poster - First build project setup - Tritrix

Thanks for your input. Much appreciated

[coniacvsop]

Re: First time poster - First build project setup - Tritrix

I built the TriTrix vented design for my first go around. They were for my father and he still really enjoys them. I compared them with the Polk Monitor 60's that I was running at the time and found the TriTrix to be a cut above them. They image a lot better and sounded more realistic. The Polks were just "there." They didn't really have any life or character to them. I am currently running a 10" Titanic MK III in a sealed enclosure. It excels in a ridiculously small enclosure (13" Cube). I have found that it does really well with home theater effects, but not as well with music. I have it paired up with the Bash 300 plate amp. You will have to decide how big you are willing to to with the sub enclosure and then figure whether a sealed or ported design is better for your application. I don't have any experience with the Ultimax.

[joeybutts]

Re: First time poster - First build project setup - Tritrix

My philosophy with substage is the same as my philosophy on televisions; take whatever size you think you would be happy with and go up one more.

No one ever said they wish they had a smaller TV and no one ever said I wish I had less LF capability.

[rtdbutcher]

Re: First time poster - First build project setup - Tritrix

TriTrix are a great choice for your TH setup. When it come to the sub. Go quality 10" and think of the neighbors. It could be you living next door to an over thumping oversized sub.

[memdump20]

Re: First time poster - First build project setup - Tritrix

I built the TriTrix vented design for my first go around. They were for my father and he still really enjoys them. I compared them with the Polk Monitor 60's that I was running at the time and found the TriTrix to be a cut above them. They image a lot better and sounded more realistic. The Polks were just "there." They didn't really have any life or character to them. I am currently running a 10" Titanic MK III in a sealed enclosure. It excels in a ridiculously small enclosure (13" Cube). I have found that it does really well with home theater effects, but not as well with music. I have it paired up with the Bash 300 plate amp. You will have to decide how big you are willing to to with the sub enclosure and then figure whether a sealed or ported design is better for your application. I don't have any experience with the Ultimax.

Is your enclosure sealed or ported? Is this the enclosure that came with the Titanic Kit or one that you made or bought pre-made and used the Bash amp? I ask because Parts-Express has one Titanic 12" Kit left and I'm seriously thinking of pulling the trigger on it.

Never mind I re-read and see it's sealed ;)

[memdump20]

Re: First time poster - First build project setup - Tritrix

My philosophy with substage is the same as my philosophy on televisions; take whatever size you think you would be happy with and go up one more.

No one ever said they wish they had a smaller TV and no one ever said I wish I had less LF capability.

This reminds me of the movie Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs where the Mayor is telling Flint.... Blah, blah, blah, science, science, science....BIGGER!!!

I'll definitely keep this advise in mind

[memdump20]

Re: First time poster - First build project setup - Tritrix

TriTrix are a great choice for your TH setup. When it come to the sub. Go quality 10" and think of the neighbors. It could be you living next door to an over thumping oversized sub.

I have a town house so yeah that is true. Current one of the units next to me is vacant. But, my neighbor on the other side regularly has his system excessively loud but mostly late at night when everyone in my house needs to work or go to school the next day. So considering I might want to make loose items shake in his house during "non offensive hours" brings a evil grin to my face. :D

[coniacvsop]

Re: First time poster - First build project setup - Tritrix

Is your enclosure sealed or ported? Is this the enclosure that came with the Titanic Kit or one that you made or bought pre-made and used the Bash amp? I ask because Parts-Express has one Titanic 12" Kit left and I'm seriously thinking of pulling the trigger on it.

Is your enclosure sealed or ported? Is this the enclosure that came with the Titanic Kit or one that you made or bought pre-made and used the Bash amp? I ask because Parts-Express has one Titanic 12" Kit left and I'm seriously thinking of pulling the trigger on it.

I built my own sealed enclosure for the 10" driver. The small size was attractive when I used to live in an apartment in the city. It looks like PE is clearing these guys out for some reason. I have been really happy with it, but I am now looking to upgrade I thought about building a vented enclosure to see how much lower it can go, but I may pass it on to my cousin who wants to build a HT system. Sometimes I can tell that there is some missing low end that it cannot reproduce. I don't think anybody else can, but I think that is the way a lot of us around here work. I can bottom the driver out with the 300 watt amp when I crank the gain up. If you get the 12", definitely go for a 500 watt amp.