5.1 speaker selection

[listenup]

Hi,

I've seen a 5.1 package, an EPOS avs 5.1 home cinema system. The front & rear speakers are identical. the salesman said that the same size format makes the system a better match than different sized front & rear (same power requirements, same sonic levels (?) etc). The speakers are smaller 2 way bass refex HxWxD (235x130x187cm) (9.25x5.12x7.36inches).

I listened to the system in the store and the sound (esp with movies) was quite impressive.

Has anyone else heard them and does anyone have an opinion on speakers the same size for front & rear?

 

[XEagleDriver]

Not necessarily!

Hi,
I've seen a 5.1 package, an EPOS avs 5.1 home cinema system. The front & rear speakers are identical. the salesman said that the same size format makes the system a better match than different sized front & rear (same power requirements, same sonic levels (?) etc).

Welcome to the Forum,

The power requirments and sonic levels rationale sounds like chaff to me. However, voice matching speaker is generally advisable and there are several levels at which this can be done:

Using PSB Image T-45 tower speakers as an example, this can be done by using the same model (T-45); if not, then from the same series (Image); if not, then from same the brand (PSB), or just having the same size/type woofer (5.25"/metalized polypropylene), etc. Each option involves different cost, WAF, and room real estate. yet?

IMHO, exact matching the rears to the fronts is more for multi-channel music (i.e. SACD or DVD-A) than movies. In fact, for movies you may NOT want to exact match to have rear speakers more capable of providing a diffuse sound to enhance surround effects.

The speakers are smaller 2 way bass refex HxWxD (235x130x187cm) (9.25x5.12x7.36inches).

I think the salesman is being disengenuous, because the benefit of exact matched speakers is achivied by upgrading (read more $$) the rear speakers to match an excellent pair of front speakers.
-- Not by limiting the entire system to small satellites just so that they match.

I listened to the system in the store and the sound (esp with movies) was quite impressive.

Compared to what?
Just saying, I would listen to several other speakers before pulling the trigger. Furthermore, the subwoofer described in the EPOS system, does not appear to be very robust. Online I saw the EPOS set you referenced for about $1800 US--with that much cash, there are many options!

Last thought. Defining your: budget, use (movies/music/both), room size, and your system goal (a starter system--to be replaced later, or your dream system for the long run) will help you narrow the field.


Cheers,
XEagleDriver

 

[AcuDefTechGuy]

Hi,

I've seen a 5.1 package, an EPOS avs 5.1 home cinema system. The front & rear speakers are identical. the salesman said that the same size format makes the system a better match than different sized front & rear (same power requirements, same sonic levels (?) etc). The speakers are smaller 2 way bass refex HxWxD (235x130x187cm) (9.25x5.12x7.36inches).

I listened to the system in the store and the sound (esp with movies) was quite impressive.

Has anyone else heard them and does anyone have an opinion on speakers the same size for front & rear?

You don't want a Subwoofer that has a bass response of 38 Hz @ -6dB (per Manufacturer), which translates to probably 50 Hz @ -3dB per 3rd Party measurements. No way.

How about something from HSU?

One of these subwoofers or upgrade to better ones:
http://www.hsuresearch.com/products/vtf-2-mk3.html
http://www.hsuresearch.com/products/vtf-3-mk3.html

Plus five of these:
http://www.hsuresearch.com/products/hb-1.html

 

[lsiberian]

Center's are only beneficial if you plan to have a wide distance between your L-R speakers.

 

[AcuDefTechGuy]

Hi,

...The front & rear speakers are identical. the salesman said that the same size format makes the system a better match than different sized...

I agree.

I prefer having 5 identical speakers + subwoofer.

 

[agarwalro]

the salesman said that the same size format makes the system a better match than different sized front & rear (same power requirements, same sonic levels (?) etc).

This statement is only partially correct and then too the correct reasoning is not used).

The statement is true mostly for multi-channel music. Say for instance, when a track has brums or bass guitars panning to the rear channels. In this case, having the same speaker for all speaker channels (that is, except LFE) is considered the ideal setup.

In case of movies, rarely (if at all) do the side and rear channels see the same same duty as mains since they are used mostly for ambiance and effect. In this case for the most part it is essential to have sound pan seamlessly between the front three speakers. So in this case, having the surrounds different from the fronts is not that big a deal.

In both cases, the need to have similar or identical speakers for specific channels is driven by the ability to sound the same rather than be able to handle the same amount of power or play louder.

 

[njedpx3]

I agree.

I prefer having 5 identical speakers + subwoofer.

OP, AcuDefTechGuy is a true audiphile purist in that all speakers match. Then you will have perfect timbre ( seamless sound) everywhere. This provides ecellent sound but is expensive in terms of $$$.

I am of the practical level of purist audiophiles. I believe the front speakers are by far the most important speakers in any HT system and you should spend most of your money on the front speakers. The "center" speaker is primarily for dialog and is important if you listen to TV or video DVDs. If just music then it is less important. It should match the fronts to maintain timbre ( seamless sound) across the front. Sometimes you can have a "phantom" center speaker; sounds like a center speaker is there when none exists. I believe the subwoofer is important if you like explosions gunshots and low bass. If you get a subwoofer get a good one. Cheap ones sound cheap and you will either turn off or upgrade to a good one. My thoughts on rear and surrounds are that they are just for enhancement and can be smaller and do not need to match the front and center speakers. It is a more cost effective approach.

Having said all that ,

The salesman is just trying to sell you HIS system, AcuDefTechGuy is giving you a true audiophile purist's Opinion; There is a big difference.

Later!

NJ


P.S. _ I highly respect AcuDefTechGuy's opinion -- because of him I upgraded my Def Techs

 

[listenup]

Thanks to everyone for their replies. I admit I was seduced by the look of the system (smaller & less obtrusive) but I really do want quality of sound foremost. I have a stereo set-up in another room so the surround system will be mainly for watching (& listening) to movies. I'm now leaning toward a pair of good front speakers & a good sub-woofer. Maybe I could start with that cofiguration and add the extra speakers later if I need to.

Thanks again.

 

[listenup]

Hi,

Just an update on my query re a 5.1 setup (same size speakers etc). I have done a fair bit of online research & decided on a 2.1 to start with - add a subwoofer to go with the fronts (I have a pair of old pioneer speakers) and get better speakers when funds permit.

I auditioned an SVS SB12-plus and loved it. A great sound and within my budget. Will receive it shortly.