[JustinSC]

I'm thinking about starting a HT project. I am wondering what the pros and cons are for floorstanding vs bookshelf speakers. I have always liked the look of floorstanding speakers but it seems like there are more projects for bookshelf speakers. Any information/help would be appreciated.

Thank you

[Dan Wesnor]

Audibly, there aren't any pros or cons. Most drivers available for DIY don't require large boxes. You can build any bookshelf as a floorstander just by extending it down.

[JustinSC]

You mean by sealing it and extending it right? So the volume is the same?

[Mattak]

You may notice that ported speakers tend to be larger in order to tune them lower. For example, these ones:

http://www.wadsnet.com/~dtenney/dayton_8MTM.htm

I built a pair of these. I enjoy them, and the LFE is pretty good for mains.

You can see a picture of one of mine here:

http://www.objext.com/finished1.jpg

Here's another picture I came across of someone elses:

http://members.interfold.com/tedrobinson/Finale.html

[Dan Wesnor]

Right, essentially just building the stand into the speaker.

[JustinSC]

Well normally floorstanding speakers use the full enclosure space. I'm guessing it would have better low end response?

[Eric Ha]

If built right, absolutely. I built a pair of Adire 281 towers, as well as a 281 sealed center speaker. The towers have a MUCH lower response, and are much more enjoyable to listen to. So much so that I don't run my SVS sub while listening to music.

If space isn't an issue, go with floorstanders.

[Chris Tsutsui]

Hey, A bookshelf can actually be put on a shelf... (well small ones at least)

A while ago I helped my friend with a pair of DIY Jordan bookshelf speakers that are now his computer speakers. He puts them on a bookshelf which saves space. hehe

The floorstanding speakers do have a con, and that is they are sort of "fixed" at a certain height. Bookshelves you can put on various height stands if you want the tweeter to be a certain level. Floorstanding speakers are also harder to move around if you're picky about position, or if you like to carry them to peoples houses for demos.

One benefit I do see floorstanding speakers to have is generally they have more bass, and some are full range which means no separate subwoofer needed for music.

Bookshelves also are more "builder" friendly if you plan on making the cabinets.