Speaker/AV Layout Aesthetics/Sound

[cdyckes]

Slightly tongue in cheek but also in need of advice.

Just upgraded to a 65" Panasonic PF9 in the Lounge, and have currently got a KEF TDM THX 5.1 system apart from the side speakers which are modified Reference 104/2's (made into infinite baffle, -3db point rose to 60Hz). Also just bought a Denon 4306 which seems to run the TDM's (4 ohms) OK, but I know it's spec'd at 8 ohms.

Which speaker arrangement do you suggest:-

1) Modified Kef104/2's floormounted (or on small stands)


2) Modified Kef104/2's wallmounted (current setup)


3) KEF9000's wallmounted (proposed - mockup)


(Ignore the 'tumbler' stands for the centre - just using as spacers at the moment )

#2 looks 'heavier' in the flesh than the picture suggests.

TDM dipole surrounds are just below coving height alongside main listening position which is about 5 metres from screen.

Any comments appreciated.

Colin

[Piers]

I am nervous about replying having seen your comment about "tongue in cheek" - am I about to make a fool of myself

You look to have lots of very hard surfaces, notably a parquet floor. Ceiling height also appears low and the side walls aren't too far from your left and rights.

You have a lovely plasma!

HAA training would suggest that 1st reflections from floor / wall / ceiling are going to be really difficult here.

Pic 3 will please the ladies (I suspect). Pic 2 is the most difficult with early reflections, I suggest. Pic 1 has all the sound field below the screen which would not be my choice but compromises are inevitable.

Not hugely helpful, I appreciate, but still wondering about the "tongue in cheek" - put me out of my misery.

[cdyckes]

Tongue in cheek; Only is as much as I don't know which solution to go for (never keard the KEF9000's but told they sound sweeter that the TDM's), and it might be down to aesthetics as much as sound.

The room is 8 metres long by 5 metres wide by 2.3 metres high, and is minimalist in concept if not quite in implementation. BTW, the far wall extends some 18" into a recess on the RHS which contains the CD and DVD racking.

The current system is a 5.1, and I trying to decide if going to the 9000's and a 7.1 system will give a 'sweeter' sound and be suitable for playing CD's (seldom these days), and HD sources (SkyHD and up-scaled DVD's in DD and DTS).

The Denon AudysseyEQ Multi hasn't given a very good result so far, so I'm running with it turned off at present.

I have considered a large rug for the centre of the room (large multi-sheepskin would probably work), but can't easily introduce any other damping.

So... Your comments are appreciated. I'm not taking the p**s, and would appreciate any other input before paying £3500 for the 9000's!

[Piers]

I too haven't heard the 9000's so shouldn't be offering advice. Absorbent carpet will, despite that comment, help.

The early "self calibration" systems built into receivers were dire. I have been hearing good reports of the top of the range Audyssey system but remain sceptical about it versus a good RTA.

[Onno1]

With this setup i would choose b&w fpm6 speakers in black. They would match your system perfectly.

[cdyckes]

Onno1:

The B&W FPM6's are almost the same height as the front's in picture #2, but are 7.7" as opposed to 10" wide. Not sure that would help the aesthetics very much?

Are you suggesting them based on sound quality??

Thx

Colin

[Onno1]

If your lounge is in minimalist style, i would suggest the fpm 6's from B&W.
Wonderfull sound and looking a lot cleaner than your proposed setups.
But it just comes down to personal taste. Sound from the fpm 6's is evry, very good if matched with a good sub and processor.

[recruit]

Thread moved to Room Acoustics, Audio & Video Calibration as more relevant to this forum

[cdyckes]

At the suggestion of Joe Fernand, now seriously considering Anthony Gallo Reference AV's in Black/stainless steel without grills.

Haven't yet got a decent picture of the Gallo's to work from, but this gives some idea:-



VERY tempted!

Colin

[Piers]

Joe beat me to it (again!).

My Gallo Reference AVs should be here end of next week - hopefully.

[cdyckes]

Much better mockup from a picture Joe sent me a link for:-



Piers: Have you heard the Gallo AV's? Just slightly worried about one comment in one of the 'hi-fi snob' reviews that suggested that spoken voice was a bit 'forward', although they explained it as 'revealing' sounds that were obviously there

I gave up being a hi-fi buff some 20 years ago, and now want a SMOOTH AV system. 'Attack' on treble is a dirty word!

Colin

[Piers]

I have heard them but not under critical listening conditions. I would't worry about one iffy review - there have been lots of very, very good reviews.

[cdyckes]

They do seem to get good reviews, so I've gone ahead and ordered 5 in black with the silver orbs!

Also ordered a 2m x 1.5m black and white 2cm thick wool rug for the floor to remove floor reflections.

Thanks for everyones input. I'll post my own humble opinion of their sound in my room when I get them.

Colin

[cdyckes]

Piers:

Have you got your Gallos yet, and if so, what do you think of them?

I guess mine are still on a slow boat from China

Colin

[Piers]

Seems mine are still on the same boat as yours. End of this week probably.