trade off for systems being used for 2 channel and HT

[3db]

The advent of high def displays and people like me who use their systems for both 2 channel and HT are facing a trade off between optimum speaker placement for 2 channel and being able to see the benefits of high def displays.

As an exmaple, I have a 47" LCD display and according to the chart,

http://s3.carltonbale.com/resolution_chart.html

I have to sit between 5' and 7' to get the full benefits of 1080p. From a speaker placement perspective and keeping the equalateral triangle rule of speaker placement in mind , its means I would have to sit between 5' and 7' from the main speakers as well as have the distance betwen the speakers set between 5' and 7'. I don't like the imaging I get by sitting this close to speakers. I don't like the nearfield sound...it just sounds to contrived. So the trade off is to sit further away from the display to get the sound i want but lose out on the advantage of the higher res display or sit closer to the display to take advantage of the display's capability and lose out on optimum sound when it comes to 2 channel audio.

 

[JerryLove]

I solved the problem with a 106" projector

 

[3db]

I solved the problem with a 106" projector

Thats an option I may explore when this display dies and I can get better light control of the room. but for the time being, I'm in trade off mode.

 

[KEW]

Life is good when you have such concerns instead of wondering how today's hunt will go and hoping all return without injury!

Just one caveman's perspective!

 

[ratso]

i would guess that one or the other has to matter more to you (HT/2 channel) and i would skew my choice in that direction. i take it you can't simply move your chair/couch/whatever?

 

[j_garcia]

I set mine up based on the audio since that is my priority, and the video ends up following that.

 

[3db]

I set mine up based on the audio since that is my priority, and the video ends up following that.

I've done the same as you.. audio is my higher priority. But at least you confirmed that it is a trade off between video and 2 channel audio from the same set-up. thx.

 

[lsiberian]

I've done the same as you.. audio is my higher priority. But at least you confirmed that it is a trade off between video and 2 channel audio from the same set-up. thx.

I've got a solution for you, but only I would like it. Send me the tv and speakers and I will gladly compromise.

On a more serious note (I have those(no really I have them) )

Audio is much more critical than home theater. So sit farther.

 

[jostenmeat]

I don't think the equilateral triangle is a "rule". I think the rule should be what sounds best.

It's true, you can spread the mains further without imaging dropout, well, if you have a center channel in the mix.

You can put your couch feet on sliders, and scoot it up for mch movies, and scoot it back for music. Just a thought.

 

[3db]

I don't think the equilateral triangle is a "rule". I think the rule should be what sounds best.

It's true, you can spread the mains further without imaging dropout, well, if you have a center channel in the mix.

You can put your couch feet on sliders, and scoot it up for mch movies, and scoot it back for music. Just a thought.

I though of that.. Better yet controlled through a programmable remote. Press 2 channel and the sofa rolls back to the optimum listening distance...pres HT and the couch rolls towards the optimum viewing distance.


Seriously though, if what I'm reading from most of the responses, people are forgoing the benefits of what 1080p has to offer over sound quality. Hmmm. Maybe we should put to this a poll?

Site moderator.. can we open a poll.....the selections are these;

Whats more important;
a.) sitting close enough to the big screen to take full advantage of high def at the expense of non optimal speaker placement with respect to the listening position
b.) sit at a distance for optimal sound from your speakers and lose out on some of the benefits of high def video.

 

[highfigh]

I don't think the equilateral triangle is a "rule". I think the rule should be what sounds best.

It's true, you can spread the mains further without imaging dropout, well, if you have a center channel in the mix.

You can put your couch feet on sliders, and scoot it up for mch movies, and scoot it back for music. Just a thought.

Sliders? That's weak! It would be much better with a linear actuator and a set of tracks, that's controlled by the remote control.

 

[3db]

Sliders? That's weak! It would be much better with a linear actuator and a set of tracks, that's controlled by the remote control.

Thats my thinking too

 

[j_garcia]

Better yet, it is automatically adjusted by a calibration mic so that you are placed in the optimum position every time

 

[3db]

Better yet, it is automatically adjusted by a calibration mic so that you are placed in the optimum position every time

Now we're smokin..

Seriously though, if one is truly picky about both, the advent of HD displays has rendered optimal placement for both HT and 2 channel (from the same set-up) impossible unless going projection.

 

[j_garcia]

Now we're smokin..

Seriously though, if one is truly picky about both, the advent of HD displays has rendered optimal placement for both HT and 2 channel (from the same set-up) impossible unless going projection.

That's my take on it, though I don't think projection is the only way. That really depends on the size of your room. Per "recommended" viewing distances, I would need a somewhere around a 46" set based on my seating position. While I do feel my 40" is a just a bit undersized, I am not really displeased with the quality and quantity of picture that I get.