4 Floorstanders

[Martiad3]

Is there any reason to not run 4 floorstanders in a 5.1 setup?

I was looking over the Onix X-LS speakers and realized that I'd need to get some stands for them also. When I priced those out, I came out with a price of around $240 per pair. However, the upcoming X-SLS speakers are floorstanders for about $299 a pair.

They should have at least the same performance of the X-LS, I'm thinking they'll be better performing. So I think to myself, why not spend the extra $100 and get better speakers and not have to mess with stands.

So, again, any reason to not do something like this?

Thanks for any help.

 

[fredejo]

i think its only b/c of price, & some people have no room for them?? but whats $100 more... i thought the surrounds were supposed to be above you a little so maybe thats it??

 

[Martiad3]

Good point on the height of the surrounds. I'll have to look into the dimensions on the X-SLS.

http://www.audioholics.com/techtips/setup/loudspeakers/hometheaterspeakerlayout.php

Probably wouldn't make a monumental difference if they're not 2 feet above ear level, but something to look at.

 

[Buckeye_Nut]

Is there any reason to not run 4 floorstanders in a 5.1 setup?

Absolutely not!!

I wouldnt do it any other way, unless the room layout dictated otherwise. I want direct radiating, directional surround effects pointed right at me, and not bipolar sound pointed somewhere off in space I like crisp & clear surround effects, and not secondary reflections coming from a bipolar speaker pointed to a place other than at my ears. However, if you have multiple rows of seating in your theater, bipolar surrounds will offer better sound to a wider area. There is no clear right or wrong, and each specific room application will be unique.

It's easy to test the effects of speaker positioning with your center speaker. Start off by listening to a segment with it at ear level directly in front of you. Then either go up 3 feet or down(depending on how high it's mounted), and listen again. You'll hear a definite difference in clarity in the high frequency range because that range is highly directional.

Good luck!

 

[MACCA350]

If you can accommodate it, buy one for your center also. it would be more beneficial to have 3 identical floorstanders up the front than a smaller different center, especially when sounds follow on screen action across the front soundstage.

cheers

 

[Snarl]

4 Floor stander's Rock, both for Movies and Music.

 

[Martiad3]

If you can accommodate it, buy one for your center also. it would be more beneficial to have 3 identical floorstanders up the front than a smaller different center, especially when sounds follow on screen action across the front soundstage.

cheers

I was thinking that, generally, as long as the manufacturer of the speakers and center were the same then the center would be alright. IE: I was going to get the X-CS to match up with the 4x X-SLS. I was also under the impression that the sub is the only thing that wouldn't really matter being from a different manufacturer (I was going to go with an Athena AS-P4000 since there are some really good prices on them).

Regardless: I really can't wait to do something like this, even though it'll all be hooked up to a 27" Sanyo (I'm a college kid and I got it for real cheap )...at least until I get my new TV in a few months!

 

[jcPanny]

X-LS floorstanders

You sould consider buying the X-SLS (or X-LS) and X center now for the fronts. A few months later when the X-PLS comes out (MTM w/ powered woofers) buy them for the mains and move the X-SLS to the back. The $600 powered towers should provied enough LFE in place of a sub.

 

[Sleestack]

I use 5 floorstanders in a 5.1 setup and absolutely love it. Don't really see any downside.

 

[mummy8402]

Yeah, I kind of like the ideal 5.1 all floorstander, but what would you positioned your center speaker? just right beside your TV?

 

[Sleestack]

Yeah, I kind of like the ideal 5.1 all floorstander, but what would you positioned your center speaker? just right beside your TV?

No, I have the TV mounted above and behind the center.

 

[Sheep]

No, I have the TV mounted above and behind the center.

Not everyone has your resources.

SheepStar

 

[Buckeye_Nut]

Yeah, I kind of like the ideal 5.1 all floorstander, but what would you positioned your center speaker? just right beside your TV?

Most people who utilize a tower center speaker have a PJ and a large screen, and the tower is positioned behind the screen (just like at Imax theaters)

Some screens are designed exactly for that purpose.

 

[Martiad3]

You sould consider buying the X-SLS (or X-LS) and X center now for the fronts. A few months later when the X-PLS comes out (MTM w/ powered woofers) buy them for the mains and move the X-SLS to the back. The $600 powered towers should provied enough LFE in place of a sub.

Thanks for pointing out that possibility, I kinda like it

May still have to go with the 4 x-sls, x-cs, and a sub because of price. The $200 difference between the 2 ideas is just a little too far for me

Damn you income...damn you!

 

[MACCA350]

Most people who utilize a tower center speaker have a PJ and a large screen, and the tower is positioned behind the screen (just like at Imax theaters)

Some screens are designed exactly for that purpose.

Or do what I did, Place the 3 Towers up the front and mount the screen above them. This puts the screen in the perfect spot as I sit on my lounge with my head on the headrest.

cheers

 

[Sleestack]

Most people who utilize a tower center speaker have a PJ and a large screen, and the tower is positioned behind the screen (just like at Imax theaters)

Some screens are designed exactly for that purpose.

Or they are like me and have a puny 50" plasma that looks tiny in a floorstander setup.

Just a temporary setup for my 5.1 audio until the HT room is done, but you get the idea... floorstanders work.

 

[billnchristy]

Slee-You clearly do not have enough stuff!!

Mart-I just got a pair of XL-S yesterday. They are astounding! I wouldnt consider any other speakers for the price. From what I have heard about the tower versions, it should be the same with more bass!

Also, I believe they are in the 40" range for height.

Have you considered the X-sub as well? I havent heard one but judging from the rest of the line, I am sure it will impress.

 

[Martiad3]

I thought of the X-sub, but the Athena AS-P4000 is less expensive and I've heard it's a good performer also.

Glad to hear you liked the X-LS, those are probably my backups.

 

[brendy]

Go to the Dolby site and you will see that it calls for the surrounds to be above and preferably behind the listener in 5.1.They created surround sound so they should know.