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Horizontal Speakers under tv or Soundbar?

4281 Views 43 Replies 19 Participants Last post by Dave in Green, Sep 17, 2021

matt4444

Discussion Starter · Jun 11, 2021

So I recently picked up a new 65" oled and am trying to figure out what to do for my lcr channels. The tv sits to the left of a doorway so there's really not enough room to space bookshelves out wide enough. I might be able to get them 5' apart if i'm lucky but then the left is in a corner and the right one still is in the middle of the room. My initial though is that a passive soundbar is the best option, specifically the goldenear supercinema xl (though I'm open to suggestions) I could mount it to below the tv and be done. But I keep reading how any soundbar is not the best value and will never get to the quality of separate lcr speakers. So now I'm wondering if I get some speakers that can be placed horizontally underneath the tv? or maybe raise the tv so some bookshelves can stand up underneath? Either way the lcr is 'too close together' giving me similar separation as a sound bar. I'm willing to spend $1000 /speaker I'm ultimately looking for the best set up possible. But is it even worth spending the money given the room constraints? Is it possible a soundbar attached to the tv could give a better experience in my situation? Any opinions appreciated. This set up is for 95% movies/tv. listening position is 10ft away from screen.

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sigpig

· #2 · Jun 11, 2021

Budget?
Three Ascend Acoustics HTM-200SE speakers could work.
Three Jamo D600s -might- work, but they are rater large.

JamHandMan

· #3 · Jun 11, 2021

Do you not like how it sounds now or is this an aesthetic thing?

Zorba922

· #4 · Jun 11, 2021

Definitely no soundbar, especially not a silly overpriced one like that GE.

95% movies/TV with a 10ft listening position, I'd just do 3 x Emotiva C1+ for a total of $750 shipped. These are sealed cabinet (no rear ports) 3 way speakers with a wonderfully clear AMT tweeter. Don't make the common mistake of dismissing them because of their modest pricing.

emotiva.com

Airmotiv C1+ Center Channel Loudspeaker

The Airmotiv C1+ is a three-way center channel loudspeaker that delivers a superb listening experience with surround sound music and movies. The Airmotiv C1+ combines exceptional accuracy, amazing precision and detail retrieval, and unsurpassed smoothness - all in one truly great sounding...

emotiva.com

PS. Whatever speakers you get, pull them forward so that the front edges are at least flush with the front edge of that cabinet, or (optimally) jutting 1-3 inches forward of the cabinet. This might not look as pretty but it will sound better.

matt4444 said:
So I recently picked up a new 65" oled and am trying to figure out what to do for my lcr channels. The tv sits to the left of a doorway so there's really not enough room to space bookshelves out wide enough. I might be able to get them 5' apart if i'm lucky but then the left is in a corner and the right one still is in the middle of the room. My initial though is that a passive soundbar is the best option, specifically the goldenear supercinema xl (though I'm open to suggestions) I could mount it to below the tv and be done. But I keep reading how any soundbar is not the best value and will never get to the quality of separate lcr speakers. So now I'm wondering if I get some speakers that can be placed horizontally underneath the tv? or maybe raise the tv so some bookshelves can stand up underneath? Either way the lcr is 'too close together' giving me similar separation as a sound bar. I'm willing to spend $1000 /speaker I'm ultimately looking for the best set up possible. But is it even worth spending the money given the room constraints? Is it possible a soundbar attached to the tv could give a better experience in my situation? Any opinions appreciated. This set up is for 95% movies/tv. listening position is 10ft away from screen.

Zorba922

· #5 · Jun 11, 2021

PS. If you want a prettier and slimmer speaker, you could do 3 x RSL CG23 or CG25 since these come in a choice of glossy black or white. They're front ported but just simple 2 way designs.

Or, the 2-way Chane A2.4 and/or A1.5 --- these are rear ported but come with foam port plugs and in horizontal position are only 7" tall.

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sdg4vfx

· #6 · Jun 11, 2021

Two things to consider ...

Your TV appears to be at an angle. If that is indicative of your primary viewing position you might get better sound if your LCR speakers are positioned in line with the TV.
Your space for speaker placement is very narrow so smaller speakers might better take advantage of the width you have to give you somewhat better separation between the LCR channels. Horizontal speakers will be less than optimal for any separation with that restricted placement width. (If you place the speakers in line with the TV you'll actually get a couple more inches of separation.)

Since you have a decent sub here are two suggestions based on the above considerations ...

The RSL CG3 is a small bookshelf (9.5" tall, 5" wide) that kind of straddles the line between satellite and normal bookshelf speaker and has a very clean, well regarded sound. Three of those upright would take advantage of the space you have.

As an alternative to a soundbar maybe consider three of the Cambridge Audio Minx Min 22 satellite speakers - 6.1" tall by 3.75" wide. Exceptional sound for a satellite speaker largely due to the BMR driver, very clean looking, and, their small size will allow placement that will give you the best possible separation in your situation. (Also, because they are so small if you put them in line with the TV's angle it would not be very distracting visually.) Available at Crutchfield or Amazon for only $150 a piece.

CG3 Bookshelf Speaker - RSL Speakers

Cambridge Audio Minx Min 22 (Black) Ultra-compact satellite speaker at Crutchfield

https://www.amazon.com/Cambridge-Minx-Satellite-Bookshelf-Speaker/dp/B00Y2BNNG6/ref=sr_1_1_sspa?crid=H59IJOV6B79W&dchild=1&keywords=cambridge+audio+minx+min+22&qid=1623437147&sprefix=cambridge+audio+minx,aps,260&sr=8-1-spons&smid=A17IVE6SUAZA2P&spLa=ZW5jcnlwdGVkUXVhbGlmaWVyPUExRjhTMEM3Nk5VWTdSJmVuY3J5cHRlZElkPUEwNDU1NjY1M0czNFMwS0xHWklURCZlbmNyeXB0ZWRBZElkPUEwNTQ2NzQwM0JaMElKUUNDSDhONSZ3aWRnZXROYW1lPXNwX2F0ZiZhY3Rpb249Y2xpY2tSZWRpcmVjdCZkb05vdExvZ0NsaWNrPXRydWU&th=1

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tokerblue

· #7 · Jun 11, 2021

For that budget, take a look at the Ascend Acoustics Luna.

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gajCA

· #8 · Jun 11, 2021

matt4444 said:
So I recently picked up a new 65" oled and am trying to figure out what to do for my lcr channels. The tv sits to the left of a doorway so there's really not enough room to space bookshelves out wide enough. I might be able to get them 5' apart if i'm lucky but then the left is in a corner and the right one still is in the middle of the room. My initial though is that a passive soundbar is the best option, specifically the goldenear supercinema xl (though I'm open to suggestions) I could mount it to below the tv and be done. But I keep reading how any soundbar is not the best value and will never get to the quality of separate lcr speakers. So now I'm wondering if I get some speakers that can be placed horizontally underneath the tv? or maybe raise the tv so some bookshelves can stand up underneath? Either way the lcr is 'too close together' giving me similar separation as a sound bar. I'm willing to spend $1000 /speaker I'm ultimately looking for the best set up possible. But is it even worth spending the money given the room constraints? Is it possible a soundbar attached to the tv could give a better experience in my situation? Any opinions appreciated. This set up is for 95% movies/tv. listening position is 10ft away from screen.

View attachment 3143403 View attachment 3143405

Seems to me a passive soundbar actually attached to the TV as you angle it is the answer.

If you didn't have to angle it then three Emotiva center speakers mentioned make senses.

sdg4vfx

· #9 · Jun 11, 2021

tokerblue said:
For that budget, take a look at the Ascend Acoustics Luna.

The Ascend Acoustics Luna would be an excellent option if you can fit their height - 10.7". Would be about $1800 for three speakers - they look and sound great.

A more affordable option would be the Emotiva B1+ at 10.75" tall. Around $230 a pair.

Both could be considered best in class at their respective size and price.

Soccerdude

· #10 · Jun 12, 2021

Buy a pair of JBL 530 bookshelves $230 pair on sale this week . Denon receiver at Costco around $399. Way better than any Soundbar.

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jaybo666

· #11 · Jun 12, 2021

RSL CG23. Top notch support, and most likely to pass the WAF test. Available in white or black. Great sound, front ported

matt4444

Discussion Starter · #12 · Jun 12, 2021

Wow thanks for all the quick responses. So it seems like a sound bar is out. I should clarify I am looking to spend $1000 PER Speaker, so maybe $3k-4k total. I've got elac debut speakers 6.2 now and I enjoy them i'm just looking to upgrade. (L & R speakers weren't always on their side like that) Going from my old tv to oled was such a great upgrade so I've decided to do the same with the sound. I was considering 3 ascend sierra horizons or something but that would basically stack the speakers end to end across the furniture and wasn't sure if it made sense. Should I focus on bookshelf speakers short enough I can place vertical to increase separation? So then I was considering KEF R3 but then got the impression that they might not be best for home theater. I've been doing a ton of research but its so easy to get spun out with all the options and various opinions. So I thought if I could get ya'lls opinions on best placement it should help narrow things down. Is it worth making a shelf in the left corner for better separation or is that just gonna give me more problems? and also the tv ins't always at that steep an angle and I agree the speakers should be pushed up but there is always WAF to consider. Eventually I'm hoping to order 2 or 3 different speakers to audition in my home and sending back the ones I don't like. Also I have a denon 4700 amp to power everything. Thank you all for the input so far!!

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Zorba922

· #13 · Jun 12, 2021

Sure, if you can fit 3 of the Ascend Horizons you'd be golden. Personally I wouldn't bother with the RAAL upgrade, their standard dome is plenty clear/dynamic for your 95% HT usage.

Other good bets in that price range would be the Paradigm Premier 500C, Monitor Audio Silver C350, and (best bang for the buck but still with a pretty cabinet) the Polk LSiM 706C from the Polk Outlet which are currently marked down to 1/3 of their original retail price.

Even the $250 Emotiva C1+ will be a huge improvement over the ELACs you currently have, it really doesn't take that big of a financial investment to achieve that really.

The Horizon does have the advantage of being front ported.

matt4444 said:
Wow thanks for all the quick responses. So it seems like a sound bar is out. I should clarify I am looking to spend $1000 PER Speaker, so maybe $3k-4k total. I've got elac debut speakers 6.2 now and I enjoy them i'm just looking to upgrade. (L & R speakers weren't always on their side like that) Going from my old tv to oled was such a great upgrade so I've decided to do the same with the sound. I was considering 3 ascend sierra horizons or something but that would basically stack the speakers end to end across the furniture and wasn't sure if it made sense. Should I focus on bookshelf speakers short enough I can place vertical to increase separation? So then I was considering KEF R3 but then got the impression that they might not be best for home theater. I've been doing a ton of research but its so easy to get spun out with all the options and various opinions. So I thought if I could get ya'lls opinions on best placement it should help narrow things down. Is it worth making a shelf in the left corner for better separation or is that just gonna give me more problems? and also the tv ins't always at that steep an angle and I agree the speakers should be pushed up but there is always WAF to consider. Eventually I'm hoping to order 2 or 3 different speakers to audition in my home and sending back the ones I don't like. Also I have a denon 4700 amp to power everything. Thank you all for the input so far!!

doctors11

· #14 · Jun 12, 2021

Both the Paradigm Premier 500C and the Monitor Audio Silver C350 are sealed cabinets so should work well in that location.

matt4444

Discussion Starter · #15 · Jun 12, 2021

So I remeasured everything, the 3 horizons will not fit, nor will 3 of any of those center channels unfortunately. What if I got one horizon and then two sierra ex centers (so they sit horizontally) for my left and rights? will that cause problems? Just sticking within the ascend range for comparison, 2 lunas would fit vertically as would horizontal duo lcr for left and right. Would it make sense to have such a huge center and relatively small left and right channels?

gajCA

· #16 · Jun 12, 2021

matt4444 said:
So I remeasured everything, the 3 horizons will not fit, nor will 3 of any of those center channels unfortunately. What if I got one horizon and then two sierra ex centers (so they sit horizontally) for my left and rights? will that cause problems? Just sticking within the ascend range for comparison, 2 lunas would fit vertically as would horizontal duo lcr for left and right. Would it make sense to have such a huge center and relatively small left and right channels?

How about a pair of LS50 Metas (can be placed vertically or horizontally, makes no sonic difference unlike other speakers),

7-15/16"W x 11-15/16"H x 11"D

and a center on its side?

7-15/16"W x 12"H x 12-1/4"D

www.crutchfield.com

KEF LS50 Meta (Carbon Black)

Bookshelf speakers

www.crutchfield.com

www.crutchfield.com

KEF LS50C Meta (Carbon Black)

Center channel speaker

www.crutchfield.com

$10/box returns within 60 days.

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matt4444

Discussion Starter · #17 · Jun 12, 2021

Ive thought about kefs as well, and doing 3 ls50 meta, and they can all be vertically placed. But what about 2 ls50meta and an r2c center channel. would that be better for HT?

Ryan Statz

· #18 · Jun 12, 2021

matt4444 said:
But what about 2 ls50meta and an r2c center channel. would that be better for HT?

Six of one, half a dozen of the other.

There'd probably be very little difference between that and 3 LS50 Metas.

sigpig

· #19 · Jun 12, 2021

Before spending money, is there a different wall in your room that could house your setup? The way it is now, I personally believe that a passive LCR is your best bet.
A horizontal centre speaker is a compromise from the get-go. They all have different radiating patterns than vertical speakers, and can interfere with each other. @18Hurts has explained centre speaker technolies many times and is a great resource.
The idea of LS50 and R2C is exactly what @pase22 has for his setup.

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matt4444

Discussion Starter · #20 · Jun 12, 2021

the only way i can adjust the set up would be to replace the furniture under the tv. But that is a whole other issue so for arguments sake lets say the set up cannot change. I've read into the center channel issues. What about the sierra horizon center paired with 2 lunas? isn't that center supposed to be built to avoid all the issues of a center channel, or is that just marketing? Do horizontal LCRs have similar issues? Or should I be adjusting my thinking towards 3 vertical lcr speakers that fit under the tv (under 12") like a ls50meta? I am concerned about going too small. I do have an elac sub which i will upgrade as well in the future. Thanks all for the input so far this is really helping me pick the right speakers for the room

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