LUClD
06-02-07, 03:50 AM
Hello, first time posting. Long time reader. I am in need of some new rears in my 7.1 system. What I am wanting to do is replace my two side surrounds with new bookshelves. Here is my current setup:
Receiver: Onkyo HT R540
Front Speakers: Acoustech HT-75
Center: Acoustech HT-65
4 Rears: Bookshelves that came with my Onkyo HTIB
Sub: SVS PB10 NSD
Room dimensions: 12 x 15 x 8
I am really happy with this system except for the rear surround effect. I find the rear speakers are not as clear and sensitive as I would like for them to be. Would I be better off just matching my rears and going with some Acoustech bookshelves or do you guys recommend I use a different speaker? I got to hear the HT-75's and center before I bought them, but I have never heard the bookshelf versions. I fell in love with my HT-75's, in fact the experience I have with these speakers are many times better than the local theater. I get tons of compliments on the sound quality from my friends and neighbors. What would be the best upgrade path for me to really meet my expectations of fully enveloping rear sound?
Please note: I have to run my onkyo rears at much higher decibels than the rest of the speakers to get the envelope effect and even then it is very weak compared to other surround bookshelves I have heard. I have calibrated my system, but after calibrating I find myself raising the levels on the rears to insane amounts to get a reasonable response from the speaker. I rarely run my system in full 7.1 mode unless its a "dogfight" type movie like Topgun DTS.. So at this point all I really care about is getting my 5.1 side rears at an optimum level where I don't have to really push the receiver hard to get some decent sound out of them. I also want accurate response and clarity. Bass is not really a necessity, as the SVS sub really does well in the room I have.
So, I guess the main question is. Is it always best to go with the same build and brand for all of your speakers including your surround?
Receiver: Onkyo HT R540
Front Speakers: Acoustech HT-75
Center: Acoustech HT-65
4 Rears: Bookshelves that came with my Onkyo HTIB
Sub: SVS PB10 NSD
Room dimensions: 12 x 15 x 8
I am really happy with this system except for the rear surround effect. I find the rear speakers are not as clear and sensitive as I would like for them to be. Would I be better off just matching my rears and going with some Acoustech bookshelves or do you guys recommend I use a different speaker? I got to hear the HT-75's and center before I bought them, but I have never heard the bookshelf versions. I fell in love with my HT-75's, in fact the experience I have with these speakers are many times better than the local theater. I get tons of compliments on the sound quality from my friends and neighbors. What would be the best upgrade path for me to really meet my expectations of fully enveloping rear sound?
Please note: I have to run my onkyo rears at much higher decibels than the rest of the speakers to get the envelope effect and even then it is very weak compared to other surround bookshelves I have heard. I have calibrated my system, but after calibrating I find myself raising the levels on the rears to insane amounts to get a reasonable response from the speaker. I rarely run my system in full 7.1 mode unless its a "dogfight" type movie like Topgun DTS.. So at this point all I really care about is getting my 5.1 side rears at an optimum level where I don't have to really push the receiver hard to get some decent sound out of them. I also want accurate response and clarity. Bass is not really a necessity, as the SVS sub really does well in the room I have.
So, I guess the main question is. Is it always best to go with the same build and brand for all of your speakers including your surround?