Discussion
Hi all
We've remodelled the downstairs of our house and my living room is now less than half the size it was. Combined with the fact that the imminent construction of a fireplace will mean the TV no longer sits in the middle of a flat wall, I have conceded that my current AE Neo 5.1 set-up is simply too big, both in terms of noise and physical presence. So I'm faced with the tricky task of what seems like downgrading.
Before I go on here is the room. Please excuse its appearance, it's half finished:
This was a trial run but the TV will be moving to that corner. There will be double doors in that frame and a fireplace where that wicker storage thing is. Space, as you can see, is limited. I think I've got three options:
1) Buy a soundbar.
2) Buy a satellite 5.1 system - my problem is that the L&R channels will be close together and there's nowhere ideal to place the side speakers.
3) Forget surround sound and buy a decent stereo amp and some small speakers to place either side of the TV.
Any thoughts or advice? I'm trying to decide what type of system to go for, before thinking about specific products.
ETA: Apologies for the crap thread title; it wasn't supposed to say that!
We've remodelled the downstairs of our house and my living room is now less than half the size it was. Combined with the fact that the imminent construction of a fireplace will mean the TV no longer sits in the middle of a flat wall, I have conceded that my current AE Neo 5.1 set-up is simply too big, both in terms of noise and physical presence. So I'm faced with the tricky task of what seems like downgrading.
Before I go on here is the room. Please excuse its appearance, it's half finished:
This was a trial run but the TV will be moving to that corner. There will be double doors in that frame and a fireplace where that wicker storage thing is. Space, as you can see, is limited. I think I've got three options:
1) Buy a soundbar.
2) Buy a satellite 5.1 system - my problem is that the L&R channels will be close together and there's nowhere ideal to place the side speakers.
3) Forget surround sound and buy a decent stereo amp and some small speakers to place either side of the TV.
Any thoughts or advice? I'm trying to decide what type of system to go for, before thinking about specific products.
ETA: Apologies for the crap thread title; it wasn't supposed to say that!
Edited by nickbee on Monday 16th September 14:01
tdm34 said:
You're putting a fireplace in the center of the wall? I take it it's decorative only?
if so bin the fireplace spend the money on a better TV and wall mount in the proposed fireplace location!
This was my thought too if so bin the fireplace spend the money on a better TV and wall mount in the proposed fireplace location!
If you have central heating there's really no need for them.Just out of interest, what happens on the wall opposite the new double doors? Corner TVs make audio a PITA so a flat wall is always preferable. I assume a window but thought I'd confirm anyway.
If the telly has to go in the corner there are some pretty good soundbars around but they can be pricey, also, there's nothing wrong with having three small satellites close to the screen, you just don't get the same stereo soundstage for music.
If it was me I'd move the fire place to the corner and put the telly where it needs to be. Seen this done several times and it's a very good solution. Very popular on the continent but for some reason we still like our fireplaces to dominate our centrally heated living rooms...
If the telly has to go in the corner there are some pretty good soundbars around but they can be pricey, also, there's nothing wrong with having three small satellites close to the screen, you just don't get the same stereo soundstage for music.
If it was me I'd move the fire place to the corner and put the telly where it needs to be. Seen this done several times and it's a very good solution. Very popular on the continent but for some reason we still like our fireplaces to dominate our centrally heated living rooms...
Opposite the double doors is a window and opposite the fireplace-to-be the wall is stepped and rather impractical to mount anything on.
To put this all in a wider context, we had a conversation a while back about whether we'd move house or make changes to the current one to make it a more long-term proposition. My wife's biggest 'want' was a fireplace, so having made the decision to stay I can't now go back on it. I'm not that bothered about 5.1 but I'm used to very good quality sound and can't contemplate listening to standard speakers!
To put this all in a wider context, we had a conversation a while back about whether we'd move house or make changes to the current one to make it a more long-term proposition. My wife's biggest 'want' was a fireplace, so having made the decision to stay I can't now go back on it. I'm not that bothered about 5.1 but I'm used to very good quality sound and can't contemplate listening to standard speakers!
I saw this on AVforums earlier. 
I just wanted to say that you can still have a setup that you enjoy with the TV in this position: My second system is in the corner of my conservatory. I use just two small M&K speakers (K15s which are discontinued now, but the current MK M5 is similar) and have tripole M&K K4 speakers each end of the sofa, plus a compact BK XLS200.
Despite me having my Arcam/PMC set up in my main room my second system still gives a great sound that I'm happy to listen to and watch films out there on summer evenings rather than go 'inside'. It's important to use a subwoofer since the little speakers can't produce the bass, plus I find that the K4 tripole speakers (current equivalent MK M4T) really give a large surround soundfield that sometimes gives the effect of sounds outside the room. Even when they are close to the listening position (they are easy to wall mount too if needed).
MK do a speaker that is 3 x M5 in one box which is the M9, this would work under the TV. Although it's quite wide, so you may have to make do with individual speakers or like me just use a 'phantom centre' set up with only two front speakers.
MK front speakers: http://mkloudspeakers.com/products-info.asp?id=194...
MK surround speakers: http://mkloudspeakers.com/products-info.asp?id=198...
M9 sound bar speaker: http://mkloudspeakers.com/products-info.asp?id=226...
You might find that one spot is better for listening, but then you just need to know where you sit for films.
Other alternatives would be the MA Radius speakers such as the '90 or perhaps the 45s as surrounds if the MK prices are a bit too strong.
I'll sort up some up to date pictures of my second roomset up to give you an idea of how I've set in a smaller room (4 x 4 metres)if it's of any interest.
I just wanted to say that you can still have a setup that you enjoy with the TV in this position: My second system is in the corner of my conservatory. I use just two small M&K speakers (K15s which are discontinued now, but the current MK M5 is similar) and have tripole M&K K4 speakers each end of the sofa, plus a compact BK XLS200.
Despite me having my Arcam/PMC set up in my main room my second system still gives a great sound that I'm happy to listen to and watch films out there on summer evenings rather than go 'inside'. It's important to use a subwoofer since the little speakers can't produce the bass, plus I find that the K4 tripole speakers (current equivalent MK M4T) really give a large surround soundfield that sometimes gives the effect of sounds outside the room. Even when they are close to the listening position (they are easy to wall mount too if needed).
MK do a speaker that is 3 x M5 in one box which is the M9, this would work under the TV. Although it's quite wide, so you may have to make do with individual speakers or like me just use a 'phantom centre' set up with only two front speakers.
MK front speakers: http://mkloudspeakers.com/products-info.asp?id=194...
MK surround speakers: http://mkloudspeakers.com/products-info.asp?id=198...
M9 sound bar speaker: http://mkloudspeakers.com/products-info.asp?id=226...
You might find that one spot is better for listening, but then you just need to know where you sit for films.
Other alternatives would be the MA Radius speakers such as the '90 or perhaps the 45s as surrounds if the MK prices are a bit too strong.
I'll sort up some up to date pictures of my second roomset up to give you an idea of how I've set in a smaller room (4 x 4 metres)if it's of any interest.
Think back a few years. All TVs were in the corner and we stills aged to be civilized.
Most of the important sounds come out of the front 3 so focus on them. Is you can have tall slim floor stand speakers such as B&O Beolab6000 you can put one to the right of the door way. This can be your right speaker. A speaker to the right of the proposed fireplace is now left. Then think diagonally across the room for the rears.
With the help of your amp you will be able to make it sound acceptable when balanced.
I only used B&O speakers as an example of shape. It's not a recommendation of speaker. You could even use in wall speakers which have come a long way recently. That's assuming you are detached.
Most of the important sounds come out of the front 3 so focus on them. Is you can have tall slim floor stand speakers such as B&O Beolab6000 you can put one to the right of the door way. This can be your right speaker. A speaker to the right of the proposed fireplace is now left. Then think diagonally across the room for the rears.
With the help of your amp you will be able to make it sound acceptable when balanced.
I only used B&O speakers as an example of shape. It's not a recommendation of speaker. You could even use in wall speakers which have come a long way recently. That's assuming you are detached.
Thanks all (and yes a carbon copy of the post on AVForums but I got more responses here).
The three-in-one speakers look interesting, I didn't know they existed until yesterday. They're quite appealing but is there any real sonic advantage to these over having three individual speakers in close proximity? It looks neater I'm sure, but individual satellites would give you more flexibilty.
I've been looking at MA stuff too, quite a lot.
This deal from Sevenoaks looks pretty good,
http://www.sevenoakssoundandvision.co.uk/p/monitor...
Although they do some tall, slim freestanding Radius speaks which I might prefer, if I can squeeze them either side of the TV. The tall speakers certainly drop a lot lower than the satellites, I'm just not too keen on the colour...
http://www.audiovisualonline.co.uk/product/5673/mo...
The three-in-one speakers look interesting, I didn't know they existed until yesterday. They're quite appealing but is there any real sonic advantage to these over having three individual speakers in close proximity? It looks neater I'm sure, but individual satellites would give you more flexibilty.
I've been looking at MA stuff too, quite a lot.
This deal from Sevenoaks looks pretty good,
http://www.sevenoakssoundandvision.co.uk/p/monitor...
Although they do some tall, slim freestanding Radius speaks which I might prefer, if I can squeeze them either side of the TV. The tall speakers certainly drop a lot lower than the satellites, I'm just not too keen on the colour...
http://www.audiovisualonline.co.uk/product/5673/mo...
Caution on Monitor Audio, watch the stock levels as the Radius HD range has just changed, it is now call the Radius Series and several of the speakers have changed in size and the subs have been updated to the 380 and 390. Deals can always be had on the new ones from PH friendly dealers on here 
Stock of the new ones are starting to dribble through and the new 3 in 1 speaker (Radius ONE) is now only 65mm deep!!!!
V.
Stock of the new ones are starting to dribble through and the new 3 in 1 speaker (Radius ONE) is now only 65mm deep!!!!
V.
h0b0 said:
I just look forward to watch TV. Looking at it now my chin is in line with the bottom of the TV. So much more comfortable than looking down. Friends and family have all commented how much better it is having the screen directly in front of you.
Next time you go to the cinema, make a note of how far off your sternum your chin is. Or try this....
Sit in your favourite seat the way you normally sit, then close your eyes, relax and open them to look at the wall where your eyes naturally land on the wall is where the centre of you tv should go.
THX recommend a 15 degree viewing angle. You wont get that by putting the TV on a cabinet in the corner. OP will also solve your problem with the speakers. and the room looks tidier and larger with the screen above the fireplace.
I honestly could never go back to a low placed TV.
I'm running a Monitor Audio setup myself, but in a fairly bit larger room. Simple stereo, Gold series floorstanders. My opinion: go for a 2.0 set and you'll be able to get much better speakers for your budget. If the room permits floorstanders, should give you as much low end as a 5.1 set (considering you want this for movies), but much more detail and precision, especially if you want to listen to music.
Lots of options out there, just go to the local hifi dealer and try some stuff out.
Lots of options out there, just go to the local hifi dealer and try some stuff out.
Gassing Station | Home Cinema & Hi-Fi | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff