Looking for small but powerful L/C/Rs!!!

[cerebrex]

In a bit of a predicament. Due to the layout of the room, I have to put my new 58" Panny above the fireplace. This leaves me with little options in the way of speakers. I want a lot of power, first and foremost, but I now need to get a smaller size speaker because of this. The center, which will go on the mantle, will need to have a depth of no more than 8". The mantle is about 7", so I figure it can stick out an inch in a worst case scenario. The mains just need to be normal bookshelf-sized, as they will be going on shelves which are on both sides of the chimney.

I would like to keep the budget of all this at or under $1,500. A little over isn't a big deal, if it will make a big difference in sound. All this will be paired up with an SVS subwoofer, Inifity ES250 surrounds (unless otherwise recommended), and an Onkyo 805 receiver.

Any suggestions would be GREATLY appreciated, as I have been looking everywhere for something that would fit. Thanks a ton.

Greg

 

[Davemcc]

The Era Design 4 fits your criteria very well and will come in under budget, or allow for a set of Design 3 for matched surrounds. They come in very nice finishes and sound exceptional (IMHO). They will blend with your SVS sub nicely. I can heartily recommend the Era/SVS combo, see sig.
http://www.signalpathint.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=32&Itemid=45

 

[ParadigmDawg]

I would suggest that you dont do it. I tried the plasma over the fireplace thing and it just doesnt work out. It will kill your neck in a matter of minutes and you are really limiting your selection on equipment. Here is my first attempt at this which lasted all of two weeks before I took it all down and purchase good equipment and placed the plasma where it belongs.

In a bit of a predicament. Due to the layout of the room, I have to put my new 58" Panny above the fireplace. This leaves me with little options in the way of speakers. I want a lot of power, first and foremost, but I now need to get a smaller size speaker because of this. The center, which will go on the mantle, will need to have a depth of no more than 8". The mantle is about 7", so I figure it can stick out an inch in a worst case scenario. The mains just need to be normal bookshelf-sized, as they will be going on shelves which are on both sides of the chimney.

I would like to keep the budget of all this at or under $1,500. A little over isn't a big deal, if it will make a big difference in sound. All this will be paired up with an SVS subwoofer, Inifity ES250 surrounds (unless otherwise recommended), and an Onkyo 805 receiver.

Any suggestions would be GREATLY appreciated, as I have been looking everywhere for something that would fit. Thanks a ton.

Greg

 

[Seth=L]

The Era Design 4 fits your criteria very well and will come in under budget, or allow for a set of Design 3 for matched surrounds. They come in very nice finishes and sound exceptional (IMHO). They will blend with your SVS sub nicely. I can heartily recommend the Era/SVS combo, see sig.
http://www.signalpathint.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=32&Itemid=45

I was going to recommend this, ERA D3 is the smallest and most fitting for this application, Since these speakers are rear ported.

I did a review, link in signature, of the ERA D4 satelite and they also have LCR speakers.

 

[stratman]

I would suggest you look at the Gallo speakers, powerful yet small, they have cult following. I've had mine for the last 21/2 years and I really like them, quality is top notch plus they come in a variety of finishes.

 

[AVRat]

If you can find them in your area, Def Tech Mythos 2/3 combo. http://www.definitivetech.com/loudspeakers/mythos/mythos_table.html#mythos8

 

[cerebrex]

I would suggest that you dont do it. I tried the plasma over the fireplace thing and it just doesnt work out. It will kill your neck in a matter of minutes and you are really limiting your selection on equipment. Here is my first attempt at this which lasted all of two weeks before I took it all down and purchase good equipment and placed the plasma where it belongs.

That's the problem though; above the fireplace is the only option for the room, unfortunately. Let me ask you a couple of questions. How high up was your TV from the ground (as in where the bottom of the TV started)? Did you try tilting the television? What was your viewing distance to the TV, and was this straight on? I couldn't tell from your picture. I might have to look into getting a reclinable couch, as there is really no other option in the room, unfortunately.

Thanks for the suggestions guys? I was looking at those D4 speakers, and they seemed like a good option! Wouldn't it mess the sound up, however, on the D4s if I had them close to the wall, because they're rear ported? Any ideas? Thanks a ton!

Greg

 

[edmcanuck]

The Energy RC-Mini Centre is less the 7" deep and a great speaker. Matches very well to the RC-10s which are top-class bookshelves.

 

[Davemcc]

I was looking at those D4 speakers, and they seemed like a good option! Wouldn't it mess the sound up, however, on the D4s if I had them close to the wall, because they're rear ported? Any ideas? Thanks a ton!

Greg

The manufacturer states that near wall applications are just fine for the D4. They say the port is tuned so that the wall will not affect it's bass response.

 

[jcPanny]

On-wall speakers

Check out the on-wall speakers from Axiom, RBH, Paradigm and other manufacturers for a speaker that offers bookshelf power and performance in a more asthetically pleasing package.
http://www.axiomaudio.com/wallspeakers.html

I would avoid speakers that have very small (3") woofers because they usually have a limited frequency response and require a high crossover (>100 Hz) with the sub.

In-wall speakers might also be a good option and the grills can be painted to match the wall.