Bookshelf speakers on the floor
Discussion
What would I be doing wrong by placing bookshelf speakers either side of my television cabinet? The floor is engineered oak and the speakers would be close to a wall.
I personally don't like the look of stands, or rather the wiring going to them.
Would floor standing speakers be a better bet, though I fear they'd look to obvious.
As you can tell I know very little about audio!
I personally don't like the look of stands, or rather the wiring going to them.
Would floor standing speakers be a better bet, though I fear they'd look to obvious.
As you can tell I know very little about audio!
DavidY said:
Most speakers are designed to work in relatively free space.
davidy
Not true, especially for bookshelf speakers which are usually designed for use hard against a rear wall. One of my systems has Linn Kans which, if located more than a couple of inches from a rear wall, sound yuck. My main system utilises B&W 705's which have lot's of free space around them as they are designed to work optimally in open space.davidy
Back on topic, if you have nothing between floor and speaker then bass will get muddled. I would suggest some spikes and some spike shoes. It will only lift the speakers about 1 inch above ground and will protect your floors.
Having the floor effectiveley acting as a right-angle between front baffle is not good for reflections and diffraction from the speaker drivers, and front of the cabinet.
The optimum position for speakers is generally considered as having the tweeters (high frequency driver) at ear level. That is often why stands are recommended to bring the tweeter up to ear level (while in your listening position), and floor standers tend to have the tweeter at approximately 0.8-1m from the floor.
The optimum position for speakers is generally considered as having the tweeters (high frequency driver) at ear level. That is often why stands are recommended to bring the tweeter up to ear level (while in your listening position), and floor standers tend to have the tweeter at approximately 0.8-1m from the floor.
phil_cardiff said:
What would I be doing wrong by placing bookshelf speakers either side of my television cabinet? The floor is engineered oak and the speakers would be close to a wall.
I personally don't like the look of stands, or rather the wiring going to them.
Would floor standing speakers be a better bet, though I fear they'd look to obvious.
As you can tell I know very little about audio!
The obvious question, which seems to have been missed;I personally don't like the look of stands, or rather the wiring going to them.
Would floor standing speakers be a better bet, though I fear they'd look to obvious.
As you can tell I know very little about audio!
Which make / model of speakers are they?
From a "hifi beardy type" outlook, it'll sound naff. Speakers (esp. tweeters) have a cone like "spread" of sound. By putting them on the floor, you're pointing that cone at your shins. The lower edge of the cone will bounce off the floor, and reflect up - muddling things up. Meanwhile, you;ll get less treble and more bass because the bass will have a wider spread of sound - a little like turning treble down and bass up on the amp.
However, if you're not a "sit and listen to hifi" type, go for it. Yes, floorstanders would be better - but if you're just listening from another room, or are generally less bothered, spend the money on petrol =)
However, if you're not a "sit and listen to hifi" type, go for it. Yes, floorstanders would be better - but if you're just listening from another room, or are generally less bothered, spend the money on petrol =)
I think the main issue you'll find with bookshelf speakers on the floor is that sound and image will be coming from different locations. The ear / brain is good a locating the source of vocal frequencies and very good at locating where high frequencies come from. I don't think you'll be happy with the results on TV dialogue if you use bookshelf designs on the floor. Floorstanders or speaker stands are the way to go IMHO.
Edited by CRACKIE on Thursday 5th August 18:06
CRACKIE said:
I think the main issue you'll find with bookshelf speakers on the floor is that sound and image will be coming from different locations. The ear / brain is good a locating the source of vocal frequencies and very good at locating where high frequencies come from. I don't think you'll be happy with the results on TV dialogue if the you use bookshelf designs on the floor. Floorstanders or speaker stands are the way to go IMHO.
Just to clarify, I'd very rarely have the TV going through the stereo. The speaker location either side of the TV cabinet would be just for convenience. phil_cardiff said:
CRACKIE said:
I think the main issue you'll find with bookshelf speakers on the floor is that sound and image will be coming from different locations. The ear / brain is good a locating the source of vocal frequencies and very good at locating where high frequencies come from. I don't think you'll be happy with the results on TV dialogue if the you use bookshelf designs on the floor. Floorstanders or speaker stands are the way to go IMHO.
Just to clarify, I'd very rarely have the TV going through the stereo. The speaker location either side of the TV cabinet would be just for convenience. Edited by CRACKIE on Thursday 5th August 18:08
phil_cardiff said:
Cheers for the interesting and informative replies. My thoughts are a Denon DM37 coupled with either somthing like the Mission M30i on stands or Wharfedale Vardus VR300 freestanding.
Cheers for the info so far. Anyone have any thoughts on the above for a budget system? phil_cardiff said:
Cheers for the interesting and informative replies. My thoughts are a Denon DM37 coupled with either somthing like the Mission M30i on stands or Wharfedale Vardus VR300 freestanding.
Hi Phil ~ Denon DM37 is very good IMHO, my sister has one and it impresses even with the 'below par' Denon supplied with the unit. I have no experience of the speakers you mention though so can't comment.Gassing Station | Home Cinema & Hi-Fi | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff