Gloss Speakers for Home Theatre

[JSP]

I know it’s not ideal, but how big of an issue is it to have gloss black fronts (and centre) in a home theatre setup with a projector? I’m looking at upgrading my centre and fronts (which are right beside the screen), but the model I want is only available in a gloss finish. I guess the issue would be with reflections, but is it really that significant of an issue? Thanks.

 

[lovinthehd]

Have used piano finish black speakers with tvs without issue, not sure how much different a projector would be as don't have one. You could always drape something over them....

 

[Hetfield]

Have used piano finish black speakers with tvs without issue, not sure how much different a projector would be as don't have one. You could always drape something over them....

Same here, I agree.

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[JSP]

Yea, I was thinking I could cover the sides closest to the screen with a temporary vinyl covering or something if absolutely necessary.

 

[marticus]

My speakers are white and have a glossy top. To be honest I don't find it distracting (no more than the reflected light on my white walls anyway) but I can imagine it may be a bit more of an issue if the sides of the speakers are glossy.

As other have said though worst case scenario you could drape something over then or even apply some removable vinyl sticker to the effected areas ina matte color..

 

[JSP]

I guess at the end of the day, the performance of the speaker is more important than the finish look of it. As was said, I can always modify the finish somewhat if reflection is that big of an issue, as opposed to going with a lesser speaker with a flatter finish or moving to a higher price point.

 

[ryanosaur]

What Speakers?
...can't just tease us like that!

 

[JSP]

Sorry, my bad. Nothing too outrageous, but looking to upgrade current paradigm monitors to the premier 800f and 600c (or maybe 500c).

 

[Eppie]

Sorry, my bad. Nothing too outrageous, but looking to upgrade current paradigm monitors to the premier 800f and 600c (or maybe 500c).

That would be an excellent upgrade. Did they stop making the Expresso finish? Don't see it listed as an option any more, but you might find some old stock. Only see the gloss finishes on their web site.

 

[JSP]

I’m told they discontinued the espresso grain finish for some reason and only have old stock left in the centre channel and the 700f. That finish would have been my choice but no one in my area has any old stock of the 800’s left. Only the black or white gloss.

 

[Eppie]

I’m told they discontinued the espresso grain finish for some reason and only have old stock left in the centre channel and the 700f. That finish would have been my choice but no one in my area has any old stock of the 800’s left. Only the black or white gloss.

Figured as much. Good choice of speaker though.

 

[ryanosaur]

Unless you are really going to lose all interest in watching movies because of a little reflection off your Speakers, I wouldn't worry too much.
Of course, I say that as a person that likes some amount of ambient light in my room when watching anything... Oh, and I don't spend nearly as much time in HT as I do Music enjoyment...
But other than that...

Are you the kind of person that keeps your Grilles on? That will reduce reflective surface area on the front. For the sides, you could make a "sock" with Speaker Grille Cloth that you could just pull over the Speaker if necessary (and that way avoid doing anything to the speakers themselves).

 

[JSP]

Gene and James reviews actually sealed the deal for me.

 

[JSP]

Yea I usually leave the grilles on. I like the sock idea though. I’m hoping because they have that taper to them and I will have them turned a bit towards the listening area, the reflection may not be an issue. If it is a sock type deal may be the way to go. Thanks.

 

[Teetertotter?]

Yea, I was thinking I could cover the sides closest to the screen with a temporary vinyl covering or something if absolutely necessary.

Or use a nice textured paint?

 

[j_garcia]

I've had piano black speakers for many years. Other than keeping them clean, I never noticed much issue with reflections off of them. That will depend on placement and seating position though.

 

[ryanosaur]

Or use a nice textured paint?

Altering the speaker like that would destroy any potential value if OP were to want to sell in the future.

 

[JSP]

I've had piano black speakers for many years. Other than keeping them clean, I never noticed much issue with reflections off of them. That will depend on placement and seating position though.

I’m hoping I’ll have the same luck once I position them but we’ll see. I guess keeping them clean is a whole other ballgame…..

 

[gholt]

I have piano black gloss and don't notice it at all with my projector setup.

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[JSP]

Awesome, thanks. It’s sounding more and more that it will likely be a non issue.