Speaker questions (1 Viewer)

[Deluxecctv]

Hello all,

Please work with me for I am new to this. I am searching for new speakers for the two side surround sound. I will clarify, not the back, not the front, but the two speakers that are located on the side right in the middle. Do we need a two way, or three way? What is the difference between digital, and satellite? I want to stick with Yamaha since I find these to be what I am running for all the speakers. Any help would bve greatly appreciated. Thanks

 

[Raymond lee Leggs]

Two way or three way doesent matter, that's a matter of preference, as for the brand I would stick with yamaha if that's what you have already. There is no such thing as a "digital" speaker, Sattelite yes, they are called that because they are the speakars that are positoned in an "orbit" around the listeners and they are usually small.

 

[Deluxecctv]

Thanks for the info. I have seen digital speakers on several different websites, but you are probably right. They may be saying that to trick you into believing that they are better. Thanks again!

 

[David Willow]

When you say "side" speakers, are you referring to surround speakers? I'm a bit confused - Are you trying to expand to 7.1?

 

[Deluxecctv]

David,

I have 7.1 right now. They are the speaker to the left and right in the center of the room. The one's in between the rear surround and front surround. Not sure the terminology.

 

[David Willow]

OK, I think I understand now... You will end up with 9 speakers (plus the sub)?

If that is correct, then I'd suggest getting matching speakers all the side surrounds.

 

[Deluxecctv]

Ok, now when you say matching, do you mean match all the Yamaha brand name? Or, match the size of the other speakers? I have two larger ones for the back, two towers for the front. Each are different sizes. What do you suggest for the two middle side surround ones?

 

[Jeff Gatie]

That's because there is no terminology. 5.1, 6.1 and 7.1 are standard surround sound configurations. There is no 9.1 that I know of and no receiver/prepro that will actually process a 9.1 configuration. Are you sure you are moving from 7.1 - Seven speakers - Front (L+R), Center, Surrounds (L+R) and Back Surrounds (L+R), plus a subwoofer?

 

[David Willow]

My take on it was 4 speakers for the side surrounds. I'm pretty sure some of the Yamaha's offer this configuration. It would be used to cover a very large theater room with many rows of seats.

If that is the case, then you may be better off getting upgraded speakers all around.

 

[Deluxecctv]

It it a total of 10 speakers including the sub. Here it is, you have the two front, two presence, center, sub, two side surround, and two rear surround.

 

[David Willow]

OK, now I really do understand

Presence speakers are supposed to be mounted to the outside of the mains and slightly higher. Now that I know what you are talking about, I can't really offer any guidance since I have no experience with this setup (and I don't know anyone who is using them with their Yamahas). Hopefully someone will chime in with some good advice.

 

[Deluxecctv]

David,

One more question, I have found what appears to be some good THX approved speakers. What do you think? Here is the website QSC Cinema - DCS SR-18

 

[gene c]

Two things jumped out at me. First, the frequeny response was measured at -6 and -10 db instead of the usual +/-3 db (but I'm not sure what Half space, 2pi means). Second, the enclosure is made of plywood. But I've never heard them, either.

 

[David Willow]

Can't say that I've heard of that company. I'm not blown away by the specs and your Yamaha may be putting out more power than they can handle (85 watts). I think I would stay with the same type you are using for your surrounds.

To be honest, I think you would be better served saving your money for a new speakers all around rather than adding 2 more sub-par speakers to the set. Yamaha makes nice gear, but they are not know for their speakers.

 

[Deluxecctv]

Sounds like a plan to me. What type of speaker do you recommend?

 

[David Willow]

For all new speakers???

That will largely depend on your budget, room size, and most importantly, what you like when you audition them.

 

[Deluxecctv]

Any recommended brands? I would like middle grade.

 

[David Willow]

Room size? Budget? Preference between bookshelves and floor models? Have you heard anything you like?

 

[Deluxecctv]

I would say $1500.00 to start off with. I like the book shelf because they can be mounted up high and up off the floor. Room size is 22 Length X 17 Wide. I do like Infinity that I heard just the other day. Yamaha is what I have now, but looking to upgrade.

 

[LanceJ]

I know QSC as a respectable manufacturer of professional power amps and other electronic gear for sound reinforcement purposes (a lot of HT people use their amps to power passive subwoofers since they offer loads of power for relatively little $$).

The speaker is overkill for a typical home owner's HT system* but it won't hurt to use it I guess, but I have a feeling like many other horn-equipped pro stuff it will sound rather "forward" and bright, though to me Yamaha's speakers are also sound a bit that way, so a QSC may fit together with a Yamaha pretty decently.

Also: since most sub/sat systems are crossed over at 80Hz, IMO the QSC's bottom limit of 40Hz is perfectly acceptable. Plywood enclosure? Meh, wouldn't worry about it too much as it's probably braced internally and surround channels don't receive much in the way of heavy bass anyway (and anyway, in many theaters I don't think ultra-high sound quality is a top priority).

Personally I would just stick with another set of Yamaha speakers to complete your system. Maybe you could buy one of their "Soavo" series loudspeakers - cooooool. And only $999 apiece.

* my own surround speakers use one 8" woofer