Floor standing vs Bookshelf

[worm254]

Hi everyone I have a generalized question. Is it really necessary to have floor standing speakers if you have a subwoofer (or 2 in my case)?

The reason I ask is I do all my listening with the subwoofers on and I have 2 sets of speakers i use(not at the same time of course). I have a pair of Polk Tsi 500's (floor standing) and a pair of KEF iq30's (bookshelf on stands). I much prefer the sound of the KEFs to the Polks. Overall i cant really tell any lack of lower midrange difference. I am thinking of getting the newer KEF R-series when i can find them. Should I save money on getting another bookshelf since my subs take care of the low end or is there a added benefit that floor standing speaks still add?
I am using a Denon AVR 3311 and do use audyssey room set up. System used for both music and movies.

 

[GranteedEV]

Hi everyone I have a generalized question. Is it really necessary to have floor standing speakers if you have a subwoofer (or 2 in my case)?

Necessary? Course not. It's not even necessary to have bass below 100hz if you think about it...

Are there advantages to properly integrating a pair of capable, wide bandwidth speakers to subwoofers? IMO - yes. Having four sources of bass will spread out bass evenly throughout the room and have much more dynamic headroom too.

 

[AcuDefTechGuy]

I think KEF will sound better than Polk any day though.

I think most people prefer towers because they just look better. Of course, towers offer more dynamic volume (SPL), but most of us with room sizes smaller than 20' x 20' x 10' don't really need that kind of SPL capability.

 

[zieglj01]

As long as you are getting a good blend from the subwoofer to the bookshelf
speaker, then you are fine. I get real good soundstage and imaging - with real
good detail, defininition and depth from my bookshelf speakers. And they can
play louder, than I care to listen. Upgrade to the newer KEF when you are ready.

 

[Nuance AH]

Towers have the ability to cross lower, fill a larger room better and sometimes achieve a better blend at the crossover region (less phase issues). If you already have quality subwoofers, spending more money on a good pair of monitors would be a great way to go. I have a feeling you'll like the Kef R-series if you do got that route. Happy hunting!

 

[worm254]

Thanks for the feed back! Overall I feel I have good blending from the book shelf speakers to the subs except on very select music tracks (which could very well be the recording themselves). I have two different kinds of subs currently in the room which has been a bit of a challenge to get them to blend properly together but have finally got to a point where I cant tell any distinction in bass. I have a KEF PSW 4000 and a Boston Acoustics VPS 210. Currently I have the subs turned down quite a bit as they are quite powerful and can become overwhelming at times(they still shake the walls when turned down!). I almost bought a pair of the KEF XQ series (currently heavily discounted) and then I saw a picture of the new R's and decided to hold off till i see them in person cause they look amazing!

 

[zieglj01]

That Boston sub is a good one - if one can live with the frequency cut off.
It is powerful - and at the current closeout price, it is a killer deal.

 

[derrickdj1]

Bookshelf or Towers

The answer is not so simple, Bookshef or Towers: Personal taste and room asthetics come into play in the choice. The footprint of the HT is a consideration also. The frequency response and power handeling, and sensitivity of the speakers also come into play. A good bookself system can keep up with a tower system. One of the keys to a good bookshelf system is the use of multiple subs. Have fun with the shopping!

 

[templemaners]

One of the keys to a good [strike]bookshelf[/strike] system is the use of multiple subs.

Fixed it for you. Multiple subs are good in all systems if your budget and placement options allow it.

 

[derrickdj1]

Bookshelf vs Towers

Thanks for the correction

 

[lsiberian]

Hi everyone I have a generalized question. Is it really necessary to have floor standing speakers if you have a subwoofer (or 2 in my case)?

The reason I ask is I do all my listening with the subwoofers on and I have 2 sets of speakers i use(not at the same time of course). I have a pair of Polk Tsi 500's (floor standing) and a pair of KEF iq30's (bookshelf on stands). I much prefer the sound of the KEFs to the Polks. Overall i cant really tell any lack of lower midrange difference. I am thinking of getting the newer KEF R-series when i can find them. Should I save money on getting another bookshelf since my subs take care of the low end or is there a added benefit that floor standing speaks still add?
I am using a Denon AVR 3311 and do use audyssey room set up. System used for both music and movies.

No you don't need speakers to survive life. They are a luxury we all enjoy. Tower vs bookshelf tells you nothing about the quality price or performance of a speaker. I know a guy who puts subs in his towers. A tower generally is used for drivers that require large boxes or 3-ways. A bookshelf is used normally in 2 way designs with small volume requirements.

Always evaluate a speaker independent of it's form factor. Pick the best one for the job and you will come out fine. I ran my system for a few months without a sub(while building mine) and it still sounded amazing. Subs just add a depth.