Rear Channel Recommendations Needed (1 Viewer)

[Mike--M]

Hello again,

I am looking for a recommendation on type and placement of my rear channel speakers. My room is:

13.3' wide
15.5' deep
the ceiling slants from right (8' high) to left (10.5' high)

My couch sits against the back wall. I was looking at bipole speakers like the Monitor Audio Silver series SFXI but am wondering if I should go with satelites or bookshelfs instead.

Please make recommendations on type and placement.

Thanks, Mike

 

[Steve Griswold]

You didn't mention what speakers you have for center and mains. Technically, you should look into getting matched rear channels (same brand/sub-brand), but I find it much less important than making sure your center and mains are matched.

I believe the "optimal" setup is having the same 5/6/7 speakers all the way around for the most consistent sound but that isn't necessarily feasible in the majority of scenarios.

 

[Mike--M]

Thanks for the reply. I have not purchased any speakers yet. I am replacing a frankensien set that I have had for 15 years. I am really looking for if I should get bookshelf (that can be aimed for desired listening with HT) or wall mounted ones like the Monitor Audio ones n the original post. I like the MA type better but am not sure if they will work with my room setup. They would be on a wall behind me and with my couch I sit about .5' from the wall. Would bookshelf on stands be better, since I can aim them sideways? Or woudl the other ones be OK?

Thanks again

 

[Stephen Weller]

First, start at the low end of the price spectrum and audition as many speakers as you can get your hands on. [rant]In your setting if at all possible.[/rant] Stop when their sound pleases [rant]you[/rant], or you run out of money - whichever comes first.

Second, experiment with placement. In my case, I started with my surrounds in the theoretically "ideal" location and didn't like it. Too directional. While consulting the Dolby website (Take a look!), I was surprised to see the suggestion of placing them on their backs on the floor. What the heck. So I tried it. Shazam! The speakers disappeared and I became enveloped in a sound field. EXPERIMENT!

Don't forget to get your self a sound meter. Get the cheapest one. Great investment.

 

[Mike--M]

Thanks for the input. What is the general consensus of Axiom speakers? I am looking to get the following:

M60T1
VP150
QS8

I have the Yamaha RX-V630 receiver (75w x 6).

Questions:

1. If you agree that Axioms would be good, should I go with the center and rears noted, or step down to the next level?

2. I saw a sound meter at radio shack for $49.99 is this a god one or can you recommend a better one?

 

[Joel()Les]

That's good news; because I was thinking of doing the same thing because of space limitations.

FWIW, I just bought some JMLab Chorus 706s for the front and went with their smaller 705s for surround. Most of the voice will come from your front 3 speakers, so the backs can be generally a little lesser in quality for those on a budget.