The Paradigm Studio series is about two levels above a $350 in-wall speaker. I seriously doubt you can find a Studio 20 for $350 anywhere.
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Am I asking for trouble by switching from wall mounted to In-wall?...
I recently moved, but in the old place I was rather happy with my 5.1setup, as I like movies, but not enough to do anything more than 5. I really enjoy music as well, and like a 2.1 sound for that....
My old place had the Infinity Ref3 Video monitors being mounted and aimed down from a 11foot ceiling height(rather directional and toed in) as mains, and using a INwall Di6.5 LCR(as Center) DefTech center channel, with not so good surrounds. I have a 8" Sunfire sub that sounds pretty good to my ears(maybe I will get a 2nd if I find one).
So I still have the Infinity Ref3 speakers I kept, I also happen to have Deftech Studio Monitor40 or 50s/? (rather small for mains I had used in another room). AND I did repurchase the Di6.5LCR DeFTech, as I thought I was going to replicate what I had before...
Add either the INwall DefTech Di55 BPS BiPole as surrounds or the ONwall SR 9040s (they are about $500 vs 250each, respectively)
Oh, I also have a pair of older KEF iQ9 or C95(? I think they are) series towers sitting in the attic ...Which The Boss of the house is actually very OK with using, as that would be one less purchase!
I am a bit confused, as you might be at this point
. Maybe the title should be "A win for tower speakers"?
One of my fav sounding speakers were the Paradigm Studio 20v3 bookshelf, which I never purchased as they went up in price and could not justify another pair of speakers, but now that I have a blank slate....AND with the direction going for INwall for aesthetics, and the Bosses wishes, I was aiming for all INwall.... MAYBE ONwall being an option if keeping the Infinity as mains..depending on the advice I get here
Or , perhaps the Kef C95's are actually better than these I am considering?
I was thinking to either start fresh, with 3 Paradigm (LCR or the SR 25?) or something around or under $375 ea) INwall ...IF they will have the same sound as the Studio20's. That is likely not so realistic, and maybe scratch that off the list.
OR, keep the Infinity Ref3 with the Di6.5 in wall LCR, and get some other surrounds, since I have the LCR covered and just need rear surrounds.
The space is a rectangle 3 wall space. There are windows in one corner where one Left speaker would go. Other has a half wall which is open next to the Right main, while surrounds have walls on each side. Its a small space, being 15.5x18.5ft. The TV to couch distance is the 15.5ft length. (wider distance between the surround speakers).
I hope I get get some constructive feedback from experience. I also notice that I could not find anyone whos had the DefTech Di6.5 LCR speakers, and that DEfTech is actually not so well regarded here. I have heard a few of their lines, and I liked a couple of them. I didnt like Mythos. Anyway. Thanks in advance
My old place had the Infinity Ref3 Video monitors being mounted and aimed down from a 11foot ceiling height(rather directional and toed in) as mains, and using a INwall Di6.5 LCR(as Center) DefTech center channel, with not so good surrounds. I have a 8" Sunfire sub that sounds pretty good to my ears(maybe I will get a 2nd if I find one).
So I still have the Infinity Ref3 speakers I kept, I also happen to have Deftech Studio Monitor40 or 50s/? (rather small for mains I had used in another room). AND I did repurchase the Di6.5LCR DeFTech, as I thought I was going to replicate what I had before...
Add either the INwall DefTech Di55 BPS BiPole as surrounds or the ONwall SR 9040s (they are about $500 vs 250each, respectively)
Oh, I also have a pair of older KEF iQ9 or C95(? I think they are) series towers sitting in the attic ...Which The Boss of the house is actually very OK with using, as that would be one less purchase!
I am a bit confused, as you might be at this point
. Maybe the title should be "A win for tower speakers"?One of my fav sounding speakers were the Paradigm Studio 20v3 bookshelf, which I never purchased as they went up in price and could not justify another pair of speakers, but now that I have a blank slate....AND with the direction going for INwall for aesthetics, and the Bosses wishes, I was aiming for all INwall.... MAYBE ONwall being an option if keeping the Infinity as mains..depending on the advice I get here
Or , perhaps the Kef C95's are actually better than these I am considering?
I was thinking to either start fresh, with 3 Paradigm (LCR or the SR 25?) or something around or under $375 ea) INwall ...IF they will have the same sound as the Studio20's. That is likely not so realistic, and maybe scratch that off the list.
OR, keep the Infinity Ref3 with the Di6.5 in wall LCR, and get some other surrounds, since I have the LCR covered and just need rear surrounds.
The space is a rectangle 3 wall space. There are windows in one corner where one Left speaker would go. Other has a half wall which is open next to the Right main, while surrounds have walls on each side. Its a small space, being 15.5x18.5ft. The TV to couch distance is the 15.5ft length. (wider distance between the surround speakers).
I hope I get get some constructive feedback from experience. I also notice that I could not find anyone whos had the DefTech Di6.5 LCR speakers, and that DEfTech is actually not so well regarded here. I have heard a few of their lines, and I liked a couple of them. I didnt like Mythos. Anyway. Thanks in advance
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Thanks for the replies...
Sigpig...I was not looking at using Studio 20's, but their inwall "equal" at around 350-450 ea is reasonable.
I imagine speaker makers are loving this iNwall market direction...No box, no finish, none of the added work and still the top dollar....that's another topic
@Zorba922
The one thing I was hoping to get off the room and into the wall was the center channel, and I already have the DefTech Di6.5LCR. Its 2 6.5" drivers with a center tweeter. BUT, I can sell it and get something else....I liked the neutrality and its ability to smooth out any peaks...according to my older ears.
I did a hearing test last time about 8 years ago, and I think anything over 14,000 Hz is too high for me to hear well.
So each person will be different...
YET, I am not so selfish and only doing this for my ears, but the rest of my younger eared family...
So maybe a large boxy hunk of a Paradigm center channel is something I should consider.
The center channel has LESS resonance than mains, as the vocals are usually above 500Hz, so this is less important than the L/R or sub, as they need enveloping space. How much better is this going to be than a in-wall center channel? (But maybe there is a counter point I am not considering?)
Sigpig...I was not looking at using Studio 20's, but their inwall "equal" at around 350-450 ea is reasonable.
I imagine speaker makers are loving this iNwall market direction...No box, no finish, none of the added work and still the top dollar....that's another topic
@Zorba922
The one thing I was hoping to get off the room and into the wall was the center channel, and I already have the DefTech Di6.5LCR. Its 2 6.5" drivers with a center tweeter. BUT, I can sell it and get something else....I liked the neutrality and its ability to smooth out any peaks...according to my older ears.
I did a hearing test last time about 8 years ago, and I think anything over 14,000 Hz is too high for me to hear well.
So each person will be different...
YET, I am not so selfish and only doing this for my ears, but the rest of my younger eared family
...So maybe a large boxy hunk of a Paradigm center channel is something I should consider.
The center channel has LESS resonance than mains, as the vocals are usually above 500Hz, so this is less important than the L/R or sub, as they need enveloping space. How much better is this going to be than a in-wall center channel? (But maybe there is a counter point I am not considering?)
There are certain inherent advantages that a 3 way horizontal center enjoys over a 2 way.@Zorba922
The one thing I was hoping to get off the room and into the wall was the center channel, and I already have the DefTech Di6.5LCR. Its 2 6.5" drivers with a center tweeter. BUT, I can sell it and get something else....I liked the neutrality and its ability to smooth out any peaks...according to my older ears.
I did a hearing test last time about 8 years ago, and I think anything over 14,000 Hz is too high for me to hear well.
So each person will be different...
YET, I am not so selfish and only doing this for my ears, but the rest of my younger eared family
So maybe a large boxy hunk of a Paradigm center channel is something I should consider.
The center channel has LESS resonance than mains, as the vocals are usually above 500Hz, so this is less important than the L/R or sub, as they need enveloping space. How much better is this going to be than a in-wall center channel? (But maybe there is a counter point I am not considering?)
Pros & Cons of Various Center Channel Designs
This article and YouTube Video takes you on a tour of the most common center channel driver arrangements and discusses their strengths and weaknesses to help make the best selection for your needs.
www.audioholics.com
The DT center is a 2 way, iirc. If you place it at ear level and sit straight in front of it, the 2 way disadvantages will be less apparent than for people sitting off axis and/or not at ear level to the tweeter.
You don't necessarily have to blow $700-1000 just to get a solid 3 way center speaker.
Here are some proven performer 3 way centers in the $250-400 range:
Emotiva C1+
Emotiva C2+
Loudspeakers
A loudspeaker is the voice of your home theater or stereo system. Emotiva designs speakers to deliver sound just as it was recorded. Shop online today!
emotiva.com
Infinity Reference RC263
Infinity REFERENCE RC263 | 3-Way Center Channel Speaker
Infinity REFERENCE RC263 dual three way center channel speaker accommodates with any home theater system & has crystal clear sound quality with low distortion.
www.harmanaudio.com
Polk LSi-M 706C
LSiM706C Big Center Channel Speaker | Polk Audio™
The LSi M 706c center channel speaker features two 6.5" mid woofers, a 3.25" midrange and a 1" tweeter to disperse sound over a wide, uniform area.
www.polkaudio.com
If looking for a "neutral" sound signature, the Emotivas might be your best bet. The Infinity does come with free return shipping though, which is a nice extra bonus.
Hmmm, I like the Emotiv Airmotiv C2+ for a external center..., I see the Definitive Technology UIW RLS III In-wall multi-purpose speaker with built-in back-box735RLS3, but that is $699 AND its only 2way. Those radiators tricked me at first. The inwall Di6.5 LCR center I have is 2way and its $599. Maybe I can sell and get around $400 for it
That polk in Chery box looks nice..Between the Emotiv and the Polk...OR this NHT(I have heard the bookshelves and they sounds decent) https://www.amazon.com/NHT-Center-Channel-Speaker-Black/dp/B019PZ9BQY
Would be great if any of these had a horn tweeter, but maybe more important to have that on LR?
That polk in Chery box looks nice..Between the Emotiv and the Polk...OR this NHT(I have heard the bookshelves and they sounds decent) https://www.amazon.com/NHT-Center-Channel-Speaker-Black/dp/B019PZ9BQY
Would be great if any of these had a horn tweeter, but maybe more important to have that on LR?
Some nice options Zorba the GreekThere are certain inherent advantages that a 3 way horizontal center enjoys over a 2 way.
Pros & Cons of Various Center Channel Designs
This article and YouTube Video takes you on a tour of the most common center channel driver arrangements and discusses their strengths and weaknesses to help make the best selection for your needs.
The DT center is a 2 way, iirc. If you place it at ear level and sit straight in front of it, the 2 way disadvantages will be less apparent than for people sitting off axis and/or not at ear level to the tweeter.
You don't necessarily have to blow $700-1000 just to get a solid 3 way center speaker.
Here are some proven performer 3 way centers in the $250-400 range:
Emotiva C1+
Emotiva C2+
Loudspeakers
A loudspeaker is the voice of your home theater or stereo system. Emotiva designs speakers to deliver sound just as it was recorded. Shop online today!
Infinity Reference RC263
Infinity REFERENCE RC263 | 3-Way Center Channel Speaker
Infinity REFERENCE RC263 dual three way center channel speaker accommodates with any home theater system & has crystal clear sound quality with low distortion.
Polk LSi-M 706C
LSiM706C Big Center Channel Speaker | Polk Audio™
The LSi M 706c center channel speaker features two 6.5" mid woofers, a 3.25" midrange and a 1" tweeter to disperse sound over a wide, uniform area.
If looking for a "neutral" sound signature, the Emotivas might be your best bet. The Infinity does come with free return shipping though, which is a nice extra bonus.
I should be considering the ohms and sensitivity...for the Kef(i think 4ohms) vs the Infinity Ref3 vs others as I dont think my receiver can adjust this..I forget!?
The C2+ is a sweet 92db
So the Emotiv sounds like a good pick...some rear bipoles, and a decent selection of mains and we are good!! LOL..long way, I know!
I don't know of any 3 way centers with horn tweeters, Klipsch and JBL all have 2.5 ways centersHmmm, I like the Emotiv Airmotiv C2+ for a external center..., I see the Definitive Technology UIW RLS III In-wall multi-purpose speaker with built-in back-box735RLS3, but that is $699 AND its only 2way. Those radiators tricked me at first. The inwall Di6.5 LCR center I have is 2way and its $599. Maybe I can sell and get around $400 for it
That polk in Chery box looks nice..Between the Emotiv and the Polk...OR this NHT(I have heard the bookshelves and they sounds decent) https://www.amazon.com/NHT-Center-Channel-Speaker-Black/dp/B019PZ9BQY
Would be great if any of these had a horn tweeter, but maybe more important to have that on LR?
The NHT website lists the C LCR at a not-great 87db sensitivity.
NHT Audio
NHT (Now Hear This), Llc. is an American loudspeaker company based in Benicia, California that specializes in acoustic suspension loudspeakers and patented in-ceiling speakers
www.nhthifi.com
The wild card here is the Hsu CCB-8 which is a concentric horn design with an 8" woofer, so it can be positioned horizontally or vertically.
I know I have liked the Paradigm Studio 20v3, I do enjoy my Infinity Ref3.
In general, for home...
I have liked some things of the DefTech Studio Monitors/SM45/55/65 to some degree. I like NHT
I like my old Altec Lansings, I like wide dispersion horn, I dont like tinny sound or harsh highs fatiguing sounds. Have had some JBL's Control monitors do that. For some reason I can see Klipsch do that as well with the metal cones and such?
I like Bose 901, I have liked Boston Acoustic.
That is all I can think of...I know I dont like a pair of Sonus Faber, and some pair of Energy or something.
This would be going into a pretty long term permanent living space
I think the Emotivas would be a good choice for you in terms of trying to avoid "tinny or harsh highs fatiguing sounds" but still providing gobs of detail/clarity. Chane A5.5 / A2.2 / A1.5 as well and these have a slimmer profile if sleek looks are important to you. Although the Emotivas look much better in the wild than in their awful black-on-white website photos:I like wide dispersion horn, I dont like tinny sound or harsh highs fatiguing sounds. Have had some JBL's Control monitors do that.
This would be going into a pretty long term permanent living space
I think I maybe going that route with the Studio 20's. get the 2 speakers I have always liked, match a center to it, and not worry about 4ohm amping.
One thing I am considering is a second sub. Is there a way to have amps support a second sub?
Now I hope they/Studio 20's have a wide dispersion sound. I cant remember when I listened to them years ago
One thing I am considering is a second sub. Is there a way to have amps support a second sub?
Now I hope they/Studio 20's have a wide dispersion sound. I cant remember when I listened to them years ago
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