Full range vs Satellite speakers for Surround
08-07-01, 11:01 AM
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Full range vs Satellite speakers for Surround
Hi all,
I am thinking of (finally) rounding out my HT setup with a pair of surround speakers. My question is, what are the advantages/disadvantages to purchasing a pair of full range speakers or a pair of smaller surround speakers to do the job. I currently own all KEF speakers (Q55 fronts, Q95.2C center, 35B sub) and am thinking of either 1) buying Q65.2 fronts and moving the Q55s to the rear, or 2) buying 85S surround speakers and using them for the rear surrounds. Was just wondering what the pluses and minuses for each. (The 65.2s are over twice the price of the 85S at around $750/pair, with the 85S being around $300. Thanks in advance for replies.
I am thinking of (finally) rounding out my HT setup with a pair of surround speakers. My question is, what are the advantages/disadvantages to purchasing a pair of full range speakers or a pair of smaller surround speakers to do the job. I currently own all KEF speakers (Q55 fronts, Q95.2C center, 35B sub) and am thinking of either 1) buying Q65.2 fronts and moving the Q55s to the rear, or 2) buying 85S surround speakers and using them for the rear surrounds. Was just wondering what the pluses and minuses for each. (The 65.2s are over twice the price of the 85S at around $750/pair, with the 85S being around $300. Thanks in advance for replies.
08-07-01, 12:27 PM
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Unfortunately, many people are under the false impression that because it's 'just the surrounds' you don't need full-range speakers for them. This is totally bogus, as Dolby Digital and DTS soundtracks carry full-range signals through all 5 channels, and once you hear the difference with a set-up with capable speakers all around (including the surrounds) you won't want to even think about satellite speakers ever again.
08-07-01, 03:27 PM
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Stingo,
If you can afford it, go full - range all the way around.
It 's the ideal setup, especially for DTS, which was designed for optimal use with 5 full-range speakers. The advantages are: No need to spend as much time on bass management, 'cuz ALL your speakers are capable of playing a great deal of the frequency spectrum (20 HZ - 20KHZ). Your sub doesn't have to work as hard, as it can deal just with frequencies it is supposed to, (<60-70 HZ) making it sound better(less boominess, less directionality). The disadvantages: Price, ans possibly space. Obviously those full - range speakers (probably towers) take up more space than satellites. If you already have a good separate sub though, the extra bux COULD be used someplace else.
If you can afford it, go full - range all the way around.
It 's the ideal setup, especially for DTS, which was designed for optimal use with 5 full-range speakers. The advantages are: No need to spend as much time on bass management, 'cuz ALL your speakers are capable of playing a great deal of the frequency spectrum (20 HZ - 20KHZ). Your sub doesn't have to work as hard, as it can deal just with frequencies it is supposed to, (<60-70 HZ) making it sound better(less boominess, less directionality). The disadvantages: Price, ans possibly space. Obviously those full - range speakers (probably towers) take up more space than satellites. If you already have a good separate sub though, the extra bux COULD be used someplace else.
Last edited by digitalboy; 08-07-01 at 03:35 PM.
08-07-01, 08:59 PM
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If you've got the room, and the cash, full range is the way
to go. The NHT 2.5i comes to life during Saving Private Ryan,
with shells shooting across the room, and landing in the
left or right surround -- BOOM a full range explosion coming
out of ONE channel. The neighbors love it.
to go. The NHT 2.5i comes to life during Saving Private Ryan,
with shells shooting across the room, and landing in the
left or right surround -- BOOM a full range explosion coming
out of ONE channel. The neighbors love it.
