On Wall vs Floorstanding

[rickdog81]

This is my first speaker system so forgive my ignorance. What can I expect from on-wall speakers vs floorstanding or bookshelf for the front channels?

I am particularly looking at the EMP EW35 (RBH) on wall speakers. See specs below. BTW why 6ohms instead of 8ohms. What does that mean? At $80 each is this a good deal? They are listed over $300 each elsewhere.

System Type:
35-inch On-wall Speaker
Frequency Response:
42Hz-20kHz ±3dB
Recommended Power:
50-200 Watts
Drive Units:
(2) 5.25" (133mm) Carbon Fiber Woofers
(1) 1" (25mm) Silk/Poly Dome Tweeter
Sensitivity:
86dB (1 Watt @ 1 Meter)
Impedance:
6 Ohms
Color:
Silver with black grille (optional silver grille included), and black accents on top, bottom and sides.
Dimensions:
7.125" W x 35" H x 5.625" D
181mm W x 889mm H x 143mm D
Weight:
23 lbs. each
10.4 kg. each
Warranty:
1 Year

 

[jamie2112]

For one you will need lots more power as the RBH speakers are 86db sensitivity and 6 ohms. Most mid range receivers will handle 6ohms with not too much problems but the sensitivity issue will require a sizable amp to get the volume you may be looking for in the front channels.

 

[fredk]

My question would be why are they $80 vs 300 everywhere else. Thats a huge price difference. Is this one of the audioholics clearouts?

45Hz is a exceptional -3db point for an $80 speaker. Thats good bass extension.

 

[rickdog81]

its from EMP

My question would be why are they $80 vs 300 everywhere else. Thats a huge price difference. Is this one of the audioholics clearouts?

45Hz is a exceptional -3db point for an $80 speaker. Thats good bass extension.

It's not an audioholics clearout out. It's from the company. Maybe they are making room for new gear? Who knows.

Good deal though, but not having experience with on wall or floor speakers I don't know if I want to go with those on wall speakers. I could buy 5 of them at $80 a piece and have a well matched 5.0 system at only $400. Then I can add a sub later. But even then, that gets me into the $600-700 range, within reach of some floor standing speakers like the other EMP line for $689 or BIC acoustechs.

I do get the feeling that I am sacrificing sound for looks and form with the on walls.

 

[allargon]

Dude, jump on those speakers now! You can probably sell them for twice that if you don't like them.

 

[fredk]

If thats direct from the company, its a good deal! Unfortunately, I have no experience with on-wall speakers.

 

[rickdog81]

Good point

Dude, jump on those speakers now! You can probably sell them for twice that if you don't like them.

I guess I won't have trouble getting $80 each on craigslist if I don't like them. Now for the center channel should I just turn one on its side?

 

[allargon]

I guess I won't have trouble getting $80 each on craigslist if I don't like them. Now for the center channel should I just turn one on its side?

Goodness no! Only do that if you don't have the room for a vertical center. Vertical center channels are better--especially for off-axis listening.

Don't believe me? Read this.

http://www.audioholics.com/education/loudspeaker-basics/vertical-vs-horizontal-speaker-designs