I'm wondering if anybody has thoughts or experience with adapting the VBS-6.2 as a budget-minded Atmos speaker? For my theater I'll be using HTM-12's for LCR and HT-8s for surrounds and rears, plus subs. I've considered Volt 8s for on-ceiling Atmos boxes. There is lots of hype about the questionable sound quality of the Volts, but I suspect this is less noticeable in normal listening, and probably not a big deal for Atmos. I would likely build angled boxes to ceiling mount Volts if I go that route. I started thinking, however, that the VBS-6.2 could make for a really cool, low budget ceiling wedge. By slightly changing the sealed box to a semi-wedge shape of the same internal volume I think they might make for really nice angled Atmos units that could further be recessed into the drywall between joists if necessary. At less than $100/each they would be a bargain and I'm guessing have similar tonal characteristics to the bed layer CD/waveguides. Plus it appears the components are still available which is iffy these days. SVS makes a similar wedge concept with their Prime Elevation speakers that are often ceiling mounted on brackets. It might be better to invert the VBS-6.2 woofer and tweeter so that the deeper CD/waveguide are mounted in the thicker part of the wedge and the shallower woofer mounts at the narrow end. Any thoughts or advice on this concept - or just take the easy route and do Volts or other commercial Atmos speakers? I'm also thinking seriously about the RSL C34E MKII which are only $150/each and recess cleanly into the ceiling with no build time required. Thanks! Andy
Hi Andy, The VBS-6.2 would work in a design like that, I'd even go so far as to say it would match the HTM-12's and HT-8's better then the Volts. If you are going to build an angled box just make sure ahead of time that there is clearance for the compression driver so that it does not interfere with the cabinet wall. I'll also note that the HT-6's will be available soon which could be another option.
I recently finished a pair of Volt-10's for my shop, these things sound fantastic. I also have a set of Volt-8's to build, just no rush to do anything with them yet. I would go with Matts advice, he wouldn't steer you wrong. If you have the Volts build them and try them, I do not think you will be disappointed. But if you don't have them, you know how hard it is to buy them, stick with something that is available,
Great! Another speaker that I don't currently have an actual need for that I will probably buy because ...........well, who even needs a reason other than they are in stock?