Eureka! The Ideal Sound System!
High school renovation includes Klipsch® THX® Ultra2 speakers
By George Wilson
When Eureka High School in Eureka, California, made plans to renovate their 60-year-old industrial arts building, they wanted to ensure that their new 127-seat auditorium represented the best available sound—that’s why they went with Klipsch THX Ultra2 speakers.
In addition to a redesigned, art deco-influenced exterior, the interior of the building was completely redone to house their new technology department, which combines computer and internet-based learning, Eureka’s local cable TV provider and the auditorium, which is used for a variety of functions, from classes and lectures to films, community meetings and special events.
According to Craig Pedley, vice president of Sound Advice, a Klipsch dealer for 24 years, a number of considerations needed to be addressed, leading to the choice of the THX products for the room. “We used Klipsch THX rather than traditional commercial speakers because they’re physically more compact; in addition, they provided a smoother midrange and extended bass response.”
The finished system includes nine KL-650-THX LCRs, two KW-120-THX subwoofers and a KA-1000-THX sub amplifier. The KL-650 center channel is angled and partially inset into the ceiling to provide improved dispersion and, more importantly, prevent shadowing on the 12-foot drop-down screen. The subs were internally bolted to the floor for added security; to protect the cones, metal grills have been installed beneath the standard cloth ones.
Although the system is output limited to prevent hearing damage, it still is impressive in its performance. “At the rear of the room, the system delivers sustained, undistorted output in excess of 105dB,” Craig noted. “Even with just two 12-inch subwoofers, and modest digital room correction, the low-frequency extension is totally smooth to below 20Hz.”
Kevin Scheffler, assistant principal at the school, also found the sound quality to be remarkable. “The room is unbelievable and our Klipsch speakers sound positively amazing. This is a one-of-a-kind facility in the state of California, and we’re rightfully proud of its quality.”