Polaris times 3.

[PHC1]

Going over my project for the home theater once again it kept bugging me that I have to compromise on the screen size a bit to try to make everything fit with Maxx 3s, the Polaris and the screen. Maxx 3s are quite tall and need a bit of space taking away from the screen size and me having to shrink it down to 92" at most... I would also have to place the Maxx 3s rather close to the side walls to leave enough room for the screen. It is a compromise on both ends that keeps on bugging me...

Had an idea today. I can go with Polaris x 3 and get an appropriate larger size screen for the room. This would require 3 Polaris centers across the room and underneath the screen.

Going over the descriptions and specs on Wilson site, I now feel confident about the height of the soundstage which was my main concern if I was to use the room for both 2 channel listening and movies. After all, Dave Wilson did envision the Polaris to be used as a low profile speaker.. Wilson Audio: Polaris: As a Low Profile Music System

"Meanwhile, image height—just as in the large Wilson speakers—is a function of time alignment via Adjustable Group Delay. Just as correct time alignment of say, an Alexandria, projects an image at the seated height of the listener, rather than at the six foot height of the speaker, so optimal alignment of the driver modules allows Polaris to project a sound image above its physical height. In a home theater setting, Polaris can be optimized for either stadium or traditional seating arrangements."

Alongside Alexandria and Maxx Series 3, Polaris is now the third Wilson Audio loudspeaker to feature Aspherical Propagation Delay which allows an unprecendented control of both time domain and dispersion characteristics to achieve increased soundstage width, height, and depth, as well as better tonal coherence and accuracy."

It may be a bit of a compromise of sorts to be going with Polaris vs Maxx 3 for R+L speakers but I think it is one I have to make if I am to accomplish both video and sound quality. I still have another 2 channel room to play with but it will not be quite big enough to give Maxx 3s room to breathe properly. I may have to do with Sasha or Sophia II/III in there.

Your thoughts?

[-E-]

If you are going HT only - I wouldn't worry about a larger L&R main speaker; I would probably focus on being exactly matching for smoothness of soundstage (and height for that matter).

The Polaris speakers are god-ugly IMO. The taller WA's look swanky, but those look like a failed geometry project. They probably sound wonderful, though.

What was your idea for rear speakers? Running 5.1 or 7.1? Perceived processor/amps?

[Still-One]

Serge
I do not see you getting that much use out of your HT especially with a second dedicated 2-channel room. The 3 Polaris sound like a great idea for the HT if you are not willing to compromise on screen size. (How deep will the room be?) I am sure you will be very happy if you go with the Sasha's in the 2-channel room. I think they have spoiled you from going to the Sophia II's.
Jim

[Taylode]

That would be a combo I'd have to hear first. If it works to your satisfaction that would be a great solution. How much bigger will the screen be going with 3 Polaris'?

[schaefer11]

My experience with H/T has been that no matter how big the screen you get, it doesn't take long for you to decide that it is not as big as you hoped. (Like women and certain parts of the male anatomy ). I have an 82" screen because that was as large as I could get in my old house. I am currently plotting how to go to a 106" screen. Since you aren't exactly going to be scraping the bottom of the barrel speaker wise with the Polaris, I say go for the biggest screen you can.

[1KW]

Sounds like your thinking of combining your 2 channel and home theater rooms together. What if you did a fabulous 2 channel system with the Wilson speakers and moderatly fabulous home theater room ie good projector and Cremona or B&W speakers for the surround sound. As you said before when your concentrating on the screen your not critically listening to the audio. Just a suggestion.

[PHC1]

Originally Posted by Vesuvius

If you are going HT only - I wouldn't worry about a larger L&R main speaker; I would probably focus on being exactly matching for smoothness of soundstage (and height for that matter).

The Polaris speakers are god-ugly IMO. The taller WA's look swanky, but those look like a failed geometry project. They probably sound wonderful, though.

What was your idea for rear speakers? Running 5.1 or 7.1? Perceived processor/amps?

Polaris is 94dB efficient and not quite as "dippy" in the impedance so I can loosen up the requirements and run say 3 Ayre MX-Rs for amplification...

[PHC1]

Originally Posted by Still-One

Serge
I do not see you getting that much use out of your HT especially with a second dedicated 2-channel room. The 3 Polaris sound like a great idea for the HT if you are not willing to compromise on screen size. (How deep will the room be?) I am sure you will be very happy if you go with the Sasha's in the 2-channel room. I think they have spoiled you from going to the Sophia II's.
Jim

Jim, I expect to get very good use out of the HT since I also looove watching movies. If it turns out as good as I am trying to make it, I will be using it just about daily... The room is 15.5x26x10 (width shrank from 16 by the time I am done with ASC iso-wall/double drywall method).

[PHC1]

Originally Posted by Taylode

That would be a combo I'd have to hear first. If it works to your satisfaction that would be a great solution. How much bigger will the screen be going with 3 Polaris'?

I was fitting into a 92" with Maxx 3s kept tight to the sidewalls. With Polaris x 3 I can do whatever since they would be under the screen. I think a screen of 106 or so would be completely doable now, even a bit bigger as long as I don't lose video quality from going too large.

[PHC1]

Originally Posted by schaefer11

My experience with H/T has been that no matter how big the screen you get, it doesn't take long for you to decide that it is not as big as you hoped. (Like women and certain parts of the male anatomy ). I have an 82" screen because that was as large as I could get in my old house. I am currently plotting how to go to a 106" screen. Since you aren't exactly going to be scraping the bottom of the barrel speaker wise with the Polaris, I say go for the biggest screen you can.

106" would probably be about right for my room as well.