What surrounds? (1 Viewer)

[Jesse P]

I'm setting up a 5.1 system, maybe a 5.0 for a little while. I have JBL N38s for mains, JBL N center channel. What should I use for surrounds. Will the JBL N24s match up the best with this or should I use N26's? Also is there a difference in sound from the N24s to the N24AW. The AW are outside speakers.

I will probably wait a little while on the sub, but should I go with the Sony SM40 or the JBL PB-10 or PB-12? Any other suggestions. I like my mains for music listening so the sub would just be on for HT. The room size is 14x18', 8' high, with the back being open another 10' deep x 20' wide. I don't want to spend more than the PB12 on the sub.

 

[Phil Iturralde]

should I go with the Sony SM40 or the JBL PB-10 or PB-12?

Any of the above listed subs will work - though the Sony SAWM40 12" - 120 watt design, is used by many HTFer's.
Available @ TrulyDigital.com** Sony SAWM40 $139.99 + S/H
**Excellent / Top Service -- The five-star Top Service icon next to a store's name is a sign of superlative quality. It means that the store is participating in our Merchant Rating System, and customers who have ordered from that store have given it the highest ratings.
FYI: Read Sony SA-WM40 consumer reviews: 275 reviews 4.6 of 5 Stars
Phil

 

[Jesse P]

Phil,

Thanks for the info and links. I will probably go with the sony sub for what I'm looking for.

 

[Jesse P]

I have another question on speaker placement. I have an entertainment wall, a pocket for the RPTV and built in shelving. Should I place the mains next to the RPTV or should I make speaker pockets at the ends of the wall to hold the speakers.

 

[Marc H]

Depends how wide the RPTV is and how far back you are sitting.

Generally at least six feet apart is best as a minimum though.

 

[Phil Iturralde]

Should I place the mains next to the RPTV or should I make speaker pockets at the ends of the wall to hold the speakers.

I recommend looking over Dolby Labs http://www.dolby.com/ht/Guide.HomeTheater.0110.html#s3.1
There is enough INFO there to help you decide what option will suit your needs.
Phil

 

[Jesse P]

I was planning on making a pocket for the speakers but I didn't know if having the left one in the corner, and the small pocket enclosure would have a bad effect on the speaker sound, my hearings not to good anyway but I don't want to sacrifice the sound. Basically I want to know if it will sound better with them 9' apart rather than 5' apart, worth the work?

 

[Larry Hoffman]

By pocket, if you mean that the speakers would be surrounded on 3 sides, I wouldn't recommend it. Most speakers sound best with a fair amount of air around them. Walls to close to the speakers cause all kinds of reflections and ruin imaging.

Larry.

 

[Jesse P]

By pocket I do mean the speakers would be in the wall with the front flush with the wall. I was wondering changing the sound, would it make a difference if I filled around the speaker with foam or something like that.

The other option would be to place the speakers on both sides of the RPTV, all of these would be in a larger pocket with the fronts flush with the wall.

Suggestions??