Best On-Wall/Flat 5.1 System?

[modman]

Hello All --

New poster here! I have a small house, with a modern decor and a small listening/viewing room (15 x 15 feet). I have decided to move from a rear-projection TV to an on-wall plasma display. With this change, I want to move from floorstanding speakers to flat, wall-mounted speakers for the mains and the center (the rears are already on the wall). I am looking for good sound quality and imaging. I currently have an AAD 2001 system, with an Outlaw LFM-1 sub. This system delivers outstanding quality for a reasonable cost -- and I want to maintain that level of quality.

In-walls are not an option.

Reviews for wall-mounted systems are not as plentiful as those for "normal" speakers. Can you help me out? Do any of you have any experience or information on good wall-mounted/flat speakers?

The following systems have caught my eye, but I have not had a chance to listen to any yet:

Magneplanar MMG-C and MMG-W (I am a former Maggie owner and big fan)
Legacy Sconce
Martin Logan

The frustrating thing about the Maggie system is that I can't demo it. I've heard some very good things about it.

I listen to all types of music, and -- after years of insisting that 2-channel audio was the only way to go -- I have become a very, very big fan of immersive surround sound. I like video and movies too, but music comes first.

Any information or feedback you can give me to help me develop a short list would be greatly appreciated.

 

[RLA]

Hello
I just completed an install using these and they sound and look very nice
Here is a press release and a couple of pre install photos






PRESS RELEASE
Contact: Caster Communications, Inc. at 401.792.7080

RBH SOUND INTRODUCES COMPACT THEATER ON-WALL SPEAKERS

WM-24s deliver exceptional performance in sound and style as RBH enters the on-wall speaker category.

Layton, UT – June 3, 2005 – Packed with convenience, style and their award-winning sound, RBH Sound introduces the WM-24 on-wall speakers. Precisely engineered to deliver an incredible audio experience and designed to compliment flat screen displays, the WM-24s are proving to be powerful, wall-mounted contenders.

“Many of our dealers have asked RBH to develop an on-wall ‘plasma-friendly’ speaker,” states RBH president Roger Hassing. “Rather than produce another “me-too” speaker designed solely with aesthetics in mind, we have applied extensive research to respond with the perfect marriage of performance and aesthetics as seen in our WM-24.”

Selecting one from the infinite number of speakers available to match décor and other home theater equipment can leave consumers reeling. RBH’s WM-24 speakers make the decision a little easier by offering a comparatively affordable alternative while delivering audio-purist quality sound. A welcomed addition to RBH’s award winning Compact Theater (CT) Series; the WM-24s are quickly distinguishing themselves as the CT Series’ flagship product.

Outfitted with RBH’s proprietary 4” dual-active and 4” dual-passive aluminum woofers and a 1” silk dome tweeter, the WM-24s are equally adept at reproducing demanding musical sequences and life-like special effects. The tweeter protection circuit featured on the WM-24 eliminates tweeter damage by allowing the compact speakers to achieve exceptional detail and sonic accuracy without being overdriven by over-zealous enthusiasts.

Regardless of room size, the on-wall speakers remain virtually unobtrusive measuring less than 4-inches in depth, while offering interchangeable mounting options and convenience. Position the WM-24s horizontally for a center, or rotate vertically for left, right and surround channels. Designed to match a wide array of flat panel television displays, the WM-24s boast an extruded hairline brushed aluminum exterior with removable black or silver cloth grilles.

The WM-24 wall-mounted speakers are sold separately and include wall-mount brackets and black and silver fabric grilles. The WM-24 measures 24“H x 7.125” W x 3.75” D and each weigh 9.5 pounds. MSRP is $449/ea. The WM-24s are scheduled for June 2005 availability.

Since 1976, RBH Sound has been designing, engineering and crafting high-performance loudspeaker systems, delivering superior acoustic reproduction at sensible prices.

 

[jaxvon]

Some other ideas....

Yamaha YSP-1 sound projector. With your small room, this will give you surround sound from 1 unit mounted under your plasma.

Leon Speakers is another option. I've never demoed these (I might soon), but they're made with high-quality drivers. The coolest thing is that they make them to exactly match your plasma, in thickness and finish.

Def Tech Mythos

Since you like the Magnepan thing, maybe you should go ahead and order a pair. I believe they have a pretty nice return policy on those speakers.

 

[9f9c7z]

Welcome to the forum, Modman.

Since you’ll be looking at speakers you may want to go ahead and see if the Vienna Acoustic Grand Waltz appeals to you. It’s in a little bit different class and at $700/ea a surround sound environment is going to require a little pocket change.

25-180 watts, 4 ohms, 70Hz-22kHz, 16 lbs each, 7.9 x 18.9 x 3.7 inches, bracket & mounting hardware included.

http://www.sumikoaudio.net/va/prod_waltz_clsx.htm

The finish on the VA products is the best I have seen on any audio product. You need to be careful when handling the speakers because the wood finish is so smooth a speaker can slide right out of your hands if it is not cradled.

I have not heard the Grand Waltz in a stereo configuration. I have heard several other VA speakers and sound imaging is exceptional. I own VA speakers all the way around. Like you, I listen mostly to stereo ... unless there is something mixed specifically for multi channel. People that come over always comment on how the center channel adds to the quality of the sound. I don’t even bother to tell them it’s stereo, the center channel is not being used.


Of course, I recommend listening before throwing cash out there for any speaker.