Looking for surround considerations to complete DefTech system

[kickerscrt]

Hi all, my setup currently consits of BP7004 for main L & R, CLR2300, and for surrounds I am using the BP2X. Now don't get me wrong, the BP2X's are decent, but to me the majority of surround specific type speakers have a hollow and tinney sound to them. I am looking to get a full range surround experience with depth and impact. Of course it would be amazing to get another set of 7004's for side surrounds, but 1600 dollars is a lot to spend for surrounds.
Lately I've been leaning either towards the BP6's or the Studio Monitor 350, and then using the BP2X to complete the 7.1 setup. I know AccuDefTechGuy uses 7001SC's for surrounds, but I am looking for experience/suggestions on how well floorstanding speakers work for the surround channels. Is it really localized and easy to tell exactly where the sound is coming from? In your opinions, is it worth going the tower route to complete a 5.1 setup? Lastly, if I were to go this route, what is a good starting point for positioning? Thank you for any inputs.

Kyle

 

[GlocksRock]

I use BP2X for surrounds and I think they are great, but I also us BP10 for surround backs since I can't use tower speakers for side surrounds due to they layout of my room. I think that using towers is an excellent idea, but don't forget the BPVX/P would also be a great choice, and as for BP6, I would go with BP8 to keep the same driver size all around. You could always get a set of BP7006 on ebay for cheap too.

 

[kickerscrt]

Glocks, how do you have your BP2X's set up? I have mine in the rear (due to the fact that if I went for side placement they would be about 5 feet forward of my listening position and 8 feet from the floor!), and 6 feet from the floor. They are set to small on my Denon 2808 w/ an 80 hz crossover frequency. Don't get me wrong, they sound better than the Energy CR-1's I was using previously. I have thought about going with the BPX's, but for the price of those I could get SM350's, even though those have a direct sound. I wish I had the funds of AccuDefTechGuy as I would go with 7001's for mains, and C/L/R 3000, and use my 7004 for surrounds! It's always fun to dream!

 

[AcuDefTechGuy]

I've used the four SM450s in my 7.1 HT setup before. So I think the SM350s will sound great too.

The only reason I'm using full-range towers for my surrounds is because I'm kind of nuts.

I truly think surround speakers are very, very OVER-RATED.

Even when I listen to DVD-A and SACD, the surround speakers are mainly for ambience and backup chorus, etc.

For movies, the surround speakers are definitely for ambience and some panning effects.

I really don't think you need full-range speakers for surrounds.

But, if you're going crazy like GlocksRock and me, sure, get the BP6 or BP8 for surrounds.

I've also used the BP10s for my surrounds. Again, even those are overkill for surrounds. My BP7001s are absolutely overkilled and severely underused for surrounds.

But since I am crazy, I'm actually planning on getting BP7000s for by Surrounds and Center speaker so that I can have 5 identical BP7000 speakers.

 

[AcuDefTechGuy]

Glocks, how do you have your BP2X's set up? I have mine in the rear (due to the fact that if I went for side placement they would be about 5 feet forward of my listening position and 8 feet from the floor!), and 6 feet from the floor. They are set to small on my Denon 2808 w/ an 80 hz crossover frequency. Don't get me wrong, they sound better than the Energy CR-1's I was using previously. I have thought about going with the BPX's, but for the price of those I could get SM350's, even though those have a direct sound. I wish I had the funds of AccuDefTechGuy as I would go with 7001's for mains, and C/L/R 3000, and use my 7004 for surrounds! It's always fun to dream!

Just create a HT fund where you put $100/month into this fund. I call this my HT Piggybank.

Then dream about getting your ultimate speakers in 2-5 years.

Man, I wish you had $2,400 right now so that I can sell you my BP7001s ($3,800 new).

 

[GlocksRock]

I have my BP2x directly to the sides of my listening position about 3-4 feet above ear level. I plan on getting some pictures of my main system, and my bedroom system once I get everything completed, which should be very soon. It's not all fancy with hidden wires, but it sounds great, and it's mine, and it's all completely paid for!

 

[kickerscrt]

Glocks, I see you're running the RX-V1800...man, I contemplated for about 2 or 3 weeks between the Denon AVR-2808 and the Yamaha...how you liking that receiver? At times I kind of wish I would have went with the Yamaha due to it having slightly higher power and I believe it to have a better video scaler, but I suppose both receivers have their ups and downs. I'll tell you what, though, these 7004's sound really good w/ only 110 watts (advertised) going to them, but I would love to one day here what they can sound like with like 200 watts!

 

[itschris]

I'll put my two sense in... I went with the SM 350's and I think they have plenty of capability for surrounds.... hell, I got them 2 weeks before my 7002's so I just hooked them as my mains while I was in transition and I thought they were quite capable in that role as well.

They actually to produce some bottom end... not like a sub of course, but you can get a rather surprising amount of thump out of them on agressive sound and movie tracks. They image quite nicely as well and think they're well suited for surround duties.

At the same time though, I will admit to a certain amount of tower envy when it comes to GlocksRock and AcuDefTechGuy.

Bottom line... it's really a matter of personal taste being that performance-wise, you may or may not be gaining or losing much in either setup.

 

[AcuDefTechGuy]

...these 7004's sound really good w/ only 110 watts (advertised) going to them, but I would love to one day here what they can sound like with like 200 watts!

I'm not trying to make you feel better or anything, but I don't think you will hear any differences whatsoever with more power.

The reason is because the BP7004s (& all BP7000-series) have the built-in amps for the subwoofers and the midranges & tweeters don't require very much power at all.

 

[AcuDefTechGuy]

...I went with the SM 350's and I think they have plenty of capability for surrounds.... hell, I got them 2 weeks before my 7002's so I just hooked them as my mains while I was in transition and I thought they were quite capable in that role as well...

The SM350 & SM450 are pretty much identical, except the S450s have a little more bass.

The Audio Critic actually compared the SM450s to the big bad B&W 800 Matrix floor towers and said that for except the lower bass frequencies, the SM450s sounded very much like the B&W 800 Matrix's tweeters & midrange.

The SM450s were a FULL EQUAL to the B&W 800 Matrix on male voices. On female voices, the B&Ws were a little better. Considering the price differences, that's a HUGE compliment.