PLEASE- help with setup advice and opinion on our system

[Phrank]

Hi, I want to upgrade my 3 surrounds in a 6.1 system, moderate sized room about 15' by 23' and 8' ceiling... I have a Pioneer VSX 1014TX receiver, HSU VTF MK2 sub and center channel is a Primus Infinity with matching Primus Infinity R/L fronts.
My 3 rear surrounds are Athena micras and I am finally going to get around to replacing them this Christmas. Considering that there are about a half dozen commonly mentioned surrounds in my price range under $150 each, would most agree that without being able to audition any going with the Primus Infinity 163's would make the most sense? I have no complaints with the center or fronts and it seems that it would be best to just get matching rears rather than try and split hairs about sensitivity and response. I mean I am almost 40 so superb high end response is completely wasted on my aging ears and the low end is more than covered by the sub so the fact they match and have good reviews seems like the best bet.

My question is what is the best way to mount the P163's in sheetrock? Is there a universal mount generally recognized as best? They do have keyholes in the back but isn't it better to angle them toward listening area?

Dimensions
(H x W x D): 14-3/4" x 8-1/4" x 11"
(375mm x 208mm x 280mm)
Weight: 16.1 lb (7.3kg)

 

[Alex2507]

I like these side clamping wall mounts.

I use a couple of other styles of mounts but always have a piece of wood on the wall screwed to a stud to attach the mount to.

If it were me I would pick the 153's over the 163's for surround duty even though I have never heard the 163's but you didn't ask that and I'm not the type of person who offers unsolicited advice ... well, I wasn't before I met you. You are a bad influence.

Just kidding, I hope that helps.

 

[baniels]

I have the same mount for my surrounds as Alex. I would never trust them or any other mount just in drywall. Then again, one of my surrounds hangs above the entry to a hallway and I have a little one running around. Even without that risk, I would try to find a stud if possible.

The image below sketches an idea I've seen others use. It's a little DIY, but that makes it flexible. Just a little shelf to hook the bottom edge of the back of the speaker, and a chain attached to the wall at the appropriate length to suit your desired angle. The chain attaches to your keyhole.

 

[zieglj01]

I would double check the mount on the 163 - I do not believe, that there is a key hole.
The 153 has one.
http://a248.e.akamai.net/pix.crutchfield.com/Manuals/108/108P153BK.PDF

 

[shadyJ]

As has been said, the AM40 Pinpoint mounts are the best ones around right now which are relatively inexpensive. But I wouldn't want to try to mount Primus P163s into sheetrock, they are 15 lbs each. You will really need to mount them onto a stud.

 

[Phrank]

AM40 Pinpoint mounts

Just to keep it neat looking I am going to mount them in the corners and center of wall so a thin piece of wood painted to the same color as the wall and screwed to the stud is the way to go.

Would everyone agree that the AM40 Pinpoint mounts are the way to go?

EDIT: been doing some more research and some have said the P163's are not meant to be angled downward and are designed for ear level (on a stand I guess) listening... any thoughts? Should I go with in-wall? If so should they be mounted near the ceiling or at ear level?

 

[Alex2507]

I am going to mount them in the corners

Stuffing them into the very corner isn't ideal for sound quality. My tweeters are about 12" away from the back wall and pointed a little away from the back wall and toward just in front of the listening position. If you're interested you can look up placement guides but if looks matter most then you're good.

 

[jcl]

I would double check the mount on the 163 - I do not believe, that there is a key hole.
The 153 has one.
http://a248.e.akamai.net/pix.crutchfield.com/Manuals/108/108P153BK.PDF

My 162's don't have a keyhole. Maybe someone with 163's can chime in. I tried getting the manual from the infinity site but it failed to load.

 

[Phrank]

dropped the hammer

I made my purchase- P162's instead of the 163's because from what I can tell there is ZERO difference except for the face of the speaker is black in the 163s and silver in the 162's. The 162's were $85.99 and the 163's were $139 so the savings was $159 on 3 of them!
I went with the AM40 mounts for the 2 side surrounds and I am going to mount the 3rd surround flat as the listenig are is directly in front of it.
I am going to start a thread on best current deal on bindings, please drop me a line if you have a suggestion