Electro-Voice

Tour X: Stealth Sound for the Castracane Clubhouse

When it came time to equipping his family’s new game room with a sound system, Steve Castracane knew a typical stereo setup for a residential application just wouldn’t do. Here he tells the story of his long-time enthusiasm for Electro-Voice, and how he arrived at a system based around Tour X loudspeakers for his game room.

“In recent years, I followed a common homeowner trend of using 5.1 and 7.1 surround sound receivers, speakers, and subwoofers,” Castracane explains. “Hearing the sound separation while watching a movie was nice, but it quickly lost its novelty. These systems are well-suited for most applications and tastes, but when it comes to listening to pure, clean, and loud music, these component systems really do not cut it.”

Growing up, Castracane’s brother was an electronics and high-fi nut, constantly trying out new equipment, designing his own speaker enclosures, and fitting them with different combinations of horns and drivers. “I got to see and hear a wide variety of equipment over the years,” Castracane recalls, “which gave me the opportunity to compare many different components, and to learn first-hand how equipment specs translate into actual sound. I remember hearing a set of EV loudspeakers for the first time – man were they great. I loved going to his house and listening to – and feeling – the music pumped through those things. Like he always said, ‘there’s no replacement for displacement.’ To this day, these are the very same speakers that I use for my outdoor sound system. These older EVs still have the ability to carry a full sound range and bass punch in a large open area, giving our pool parties a real sense of a band or private DJ.”

“While contemplating various options for the game room with my wife, I must admit we did briefly consider a new surround sound system,” Castracane continues, “but after everything I’d experienced I knew I needed EV speakers to match up to my high quality, high powered amplifiers. My wife was impressed with the EVs we already had, so we went to ‘test drive’ the Tour X new models. Our sales person was extremely helpful, and really spent the time to go through the various models and equipment – thanks Russ! There was no question; we couldn’t settle on anything less than EV.”

“Our game room, which has since taken on the name ‘the Clubhouse,’ has been equipped with Tour X TX1152 speakers powered by a Q1212 amp. We even went with a mixer for more control, instead of a component pre-amp. Yes, it may not have the residential ‘stereo’ look sitting on the shelf, but it offers greater controls and options. We were still able to maintain the look of the room, but we have a seriously stealth system. Whether we are hosting a party, dancing to Techno, watching a football game while shooting a round of pool, watching a movie, opening presents with my family while Christmas music plays in the background, or just plain cranking Godsmack, the sound is awesome. We are now looking at adding on a set of Tour X TX1181 subwoofers!”