Minmize Cables: Airmotiv Vaulta In-Ceiling as Rears + VSUB-1

[louco73]

I'm going through a house renovation and have the opportunity to layout a new HT in the living room. To help reduce the clutter of wires I'm wondering if I could use the Airmotiv Vaulta In-Ceiling speakers as rears in an ATMOS setup. That is, the layout would look like 5.1.4, but it would be 5.1.2 with the rears in-ceiling behind the seating position.

I noticed the Emotiva VSUB-1 Virtual Copper would allow me to place my SVS sub anywhere in the room without having cables back to the XMC-2. Are there any downsides to this approach apart from possible interference and therefore dropouts?

To avoid a long run for an HDMI cable in the ceiling, that would be tricky to upgrade, I'm thinking of using the Emotiva HDMI 4K 18 Gbps HDBaseT Signal Extender. To allow for future proofing (48 Gbps, 8K) should I run fiber and find an extender that supports that instead? I'm looking at the wireless option for the Epson TW9400W/6050UB as another option, but that also has restrictions (max 4K 30 Hz).

Happy to get some input and other suggestions.

[ttocs]

Nov 10, 2020 10:13:06 GMT -5 louco73 said:

I noticed the Emotiva VSUB-1 Virtual Copper would allow me to place my SVS sub anywhere in the room without having cables back to the XMC-2. Are there any downsides to this approach apart from possible interference and therefore dropouts?

To avoid a long run for an HDMI cable in the ceiling, that would be tricky to upgrade, I'm thinking of using the Emotiva HDMI 4K 18 Gbps HDBaseT Signal Extender. To allow for future proofing (48 Gbps, 8K) should I run fiber and find an extender that supports that instead? I'm looking at the wireless option for the Epson TW9400W/6050UB as another option, but that also has restrictions (max 4K 30 Hz).

Happy to get some input and other suggestions.

I've got three VSUB-1 pairs and they work great! One is 22' away and another is 15' away from their respective transmitters. No dropouts yet. No pops, no thumps, nuthin'.

If you are running any cabling, always double-up. Whether it's fiber, copper, whatever, always run extra. When low voltage guys run cabling in new construction they always install at least one more than is needed to every location.

Re 8K, it's gonna be a while. "On a unit basis we don't expect 8K to exceed 1% of volume until 2022" (Stephen Baker, VP Industry Analysis at NPD Group in a CNET article.)

Re projectors, you might want to start looking at the laser ultra-short throw models which have drastically reduced in price lately. The lasers will last more than 10 times longer than bulbs, which means longer than the projector will probably ever be in service. They work much better in non-dedicated rooms under brighter lighting conditions, AND they are true 4K. (Speaking as a Epson 5040UB owner.)

[louco73]

That's great you've not had any problems with the VSUB-1. Thanks for the providing the feedback.

I'm meeting with the electrician/automation team in the morning my time (Australia) and definitely intend to discuss doing dual runs of cables where necessary.

I realize 8K is going to take a while. It's more 4K 60/120 Hz that will be more common on cameras and even mobile phones. Anyway, it's going to be a forever home, so best to plan ahead.

I did look at some of the UST models, but each one seemed to have some compromises. Also, placement of the center speaker is problematic and I'd be paying for speakers I don't need. I had a JVC-HD1 for many years, so I want a projector of that caliber (from it's launch time) with a laser that's priced sensibly. It feels like we are a few years off from that point, hence the Epson is a compromise.

[louco73]

After meeting the electrician/automation team we decided to move all the major components (sources, processor, amps, HTPC) into my 37U server rack in the garage. That will leave the living room looking very clean with just the LCR and sub on the floor.

Here is what the interior designer is thinking for a rough layout. Excuse the extra speakers on the side; they were 2 possible locations for the sub. The LR speakers will be further into the room too.



They want to place my center speaker in the shelf, but I'm reluctant because my center speaker has a rear firing tweeter. I think putting it inside a box will mess with the sound. It will also limit possible upgrades of my center channel. Thoughts?

Here is the space I have to work with. The left hand wall is where the projector screen will go. The total distance in a straight line from the amps to the speakers will be more than 20m/65ft. They say they will use the correct speaker cable for that length of a run, but I'm still a bit worried. Again, thoughts on that?

The projector will be installed about 4m back from the left wall, roughly in line with the vertical dotted line. The rear in-ceiling speakers will be just in front of the same dotted line (it represents a void from the lower to the upper floor) and the Atmos in-ceiling speakers will be roughly in the middle of that area. If anyone sees any possible issues please speak up! I have to confirm everything this week. All help appreciated.

[wizardofoz]

I would ask what they deem the correct speaker cable gauge would be for that run. The longer the distance the heavier gauge you would need. That lent will add some LCR components to the normal 2-3M runs expected.

[DYohn]

www.roger-russell.com/wire/wire.htm#wiretable

Plus remember if you are running through walls or ceilings you will need CL2 or CL3 cable (check your local codes.)

[louco73]

Nov 17, 2020 12:54:36 GMT -5 DYohn said:

www.roger-russell.com/wire/wire.htm#wiretable

Plus remember if you are running through walls or ceilings you will need CL2 or CL3 cable (check your local codes.)

Awesome, thanks for that link! I have another meeting in a couple of days and will bring this knowledge on the right type of cable guage to the discussion. The good news from that table and website is that long runs are manageable with the right cables.

[mgbpuff]

Putting sensitive electronic equipment in your garage is insane. Varying temperature, humidity, and subjection to insect invasion. Plus wifey will eventually run into the rack.

[louco73]

Nov 18, 2020 8:59:28 GMT -5 mgbpuff said:

Putting sensitive electronic equipment in your garage is insane. Varying temperature, humidity, and subjection to insect invasion. Plus wifey will eventually run into the rack.

Her car will not be allowed in the garage (old, oil leaking), so that's one less risk . I agree it's not ideal in the garage for the reasons you outline, but there is no where else to put it while keeping things clean inside. I asked them to put in a large fan in the ceiling over the rack to keep air moving.

[DYohn]

I have seen very successful installations using a nearby closet, if what you want is to keep equipment out of sight. But a garage is fine to use. I have a system in my garage here in Arizona. Even though it is insulated it is not cooled so the temp out there can get quite hot. The gear does not care. Plays fine, has lasted ten years so far.