Surround Speakers (Omnisats, BP1.2x, WH-2... ...)

[IwishIwasToneDeaf]

Hey All!

 

After FINALLY completing my HT's frontage, I'm looking at a change of my left and right surround for my 5.1 setup.

 

I'm currently using a pair of Deftech ProCinema 60 on stands which I find the sound not dispersed enough and not enveloping at the back. I have tried tilting it slightly to allow a reflection of sound off the back wall but still find the surround very directional/ pin-pointed.

 

For placement wise, I'm now intending to mount the speakers on the rear wall as my sides are my windows and a built-in wardrobe. I wouldn't like to be using speaker stands anymore for aesthetic reasons, thus, wall mounting is the only way to go. Also, I'm not looking at bookshelves as they protrude too much and would look funny to me on a rear wall.

 

1. What would be a good recommendation for a new or resale pair <SGD$300 (Bipole or Dipole) for a 6m x 4m room?

2. Also, would there be any sonic defects if I were to mount my rears 90cm above and 70cm away from my listening position on a rear wall instead of a side?

3. Would bipoles or dipoles be recommended for multi channel music? I do not own a multichannel player but was just wondering. ???

 

Please advise.  :)

 

Thanks in advance!

[SiriuslyCold]

I think music would be better with a point source (ITU recommendation for surround music is 5 of the same speakers)

 

 

[media2368]

1. For rear wall mounting, I recommend you to try Bipole, Wharfedate WH2 is less than $200.

2. Mount it 1ft~2ft (not higher) from YOUR EARS at sitting position.

3. No, bipole and dipoles would not be good for multi-channel music...but if you are not too particular, it still fine. Maybe you can try to find a speaker that can switch from Bipole, Dipole and Direct (Monopole) but I think price will be more than $300. However if you can find one that is less than $300, please let me know. (I am interested to buy one too.). :)

[IwishIwasToneDeaf]

I think music would be better with a point source (ITU recommendation for surround music is 5 of the same speakers)

 

 

 

Yeah SC, I thought so too. Anyway, I don't own any multi channel CDs.

 

Thanks for the info!

[IwishIwasToneDeaf]

1. For rear wall mounting, I recommend you to try Bipole, Wharfedate WH2 is less than $200.

2. Mount it 1ft~2ft (not higher) from YOUR EARS at sitting position.

3. No, bipole and dipoles would not be good for multi-channel music...but if you are not too particular, it still fine. Maybe you can try to find a speaker that can switch from Bipole, Dipole and Direct (Monopole) but I think price will be more than $300. However if you can find one that is less than $300, please let me know. (I am interested to buy one too.). :)

 

Hi Media2368, Thanks for your reply.

 

Are the Wharfedales still available? I did a search and understand that they are discontinued? The beech color finish would complement my JM Labs' finishing! But how does it fair in HT?

 

1ft - 2ft above the my ears, would mean the tweeter at that height or the top of the surrounds or...?

 

The surrounds' usage would be for HT purpose solely, but I asked just for that added advantage. I actually find multichannel music CDs expensive. I'm satisfied with 2 channel for music playback  ;).

 

 

[deepakvali]

consider this cheap trick (very subjective to others though) - Try to increase the rear level, this may give you better fill artificially, saving you some $$$  ;D

[media2368]

You can try KEC, I really not sure whether you still have stock or not.

 

I would usually measure from tweeter for the distance of 1~2ft aboved the ears, . However if the sitting position is really too near to wall, I suggest you try 2ft. If possible, you may place the speakers at different height to test the surround effect before you mount it. This will help you to find the best position.

 

You may also try Deepakvali's method before you get the bipolar, it may suit you since no harm trying. :)

 

 

[IwishIwasToneDeaf]

consider this cheap trick (very subjective to others though) - Try to increase the rear level, this may give you better fill artificially, saving you some $$$  ;D

 

Hi Deepakvali!

 

Yes I have tried increasing the volume or my rears manually but still not satisfied.  :)

[IwishIwasToneDeaf]

You can try KEC, I really not sure whether you still have stock or not.

 

I would usually measure from tweeter for the distance of 1~2ft aboved the ears, . However if the sitting position is really too near to wall, I suggest you try 2ft. If possible, you may place the speakers at different height to test the surround effect before you mount it. This will help you to find the best position.

 

You may also try Deepakvali's method before you get the bipolar, it may suit you since no harm trying. :)

 

 

 

Yes my couch is exactly against the rear wall. So I guess mounting 2ft above should be a better option.

 

So besides Wharfedales, are there any other suggestions? Anyone?

 

Cheers!

[dbchoong]

Probably you need "brighter" surround speakers. Not sure which brand/model is bright. ;)

[deepakvali]

think the wharf's are one of the cheapest rears available.

 

another option for you is a little more expensive but that is to get an AV receiver with at least 6 speaker outputs, or maybe even 7 speaker outputs. this way with the additional rear speaker(s), your rear fill will definitely feel better  ;)

[IwishIwasToneDeaf]

Probably you need "brighter" surround speakers. Not sure which brand/model is bright. ;)

 

Hey Dbchoong, I actually find the Deftechs bright! I just don't feel wrapped by the Movie...

[dbchoong]

Hey Dbchoong, I actually find the Deftechs bright! I just don't feel wrapped by the Movie...

 

Hehe! I have the DefTech Pro100 as surrounds. With the Panny AVR, my surround sound is wonderful. Maybe it's this combination that works well as I used to have really dull and uninteresting surround sound when I had a Marantz SR7300.

 

:)

[IwishIwasToneDeaf]

Hehe! I have the DefTech Pro100 as surrounds. With the Panny AVR, my surround sound is wonderful. Maybe it's this combination that works well as I used to have really dull and uninteresting surround sound when I had a Marantz SR7300.

 

:)

 

The Pro100s which I had were very efficient in handling loud sound levels and they sounded fuller compared to the Pro60s. I should have kept them and sold off the Pro60s instead but the buyer wanted the Pro100s.

 

Anyway, changing the Marantz is not an option!  ;D

[IwishIwasToneDeaf]

think the wharf's are one of the cheapest rears available.

 

another option for you is a little more expensive but that is to get an AV receiver with at least 6 speaker outputs, or maybe even 7 speaker outputs. this way with the additional rear speaker(s), your rear fill will definitely feel better  ;)

 

What others would fit my $300 budget or should I up it to put a stop to the upgrading?

 

I am using a 7.1 channel receiver which used to have 4 rears but sold off the center pair recently. I'm now trying a change of my side rears to bipoles to hear if I would really need the center rears again. Hope I'm not confusing you though.

 

Cheers!

[deepakvali]

sure i understand, my setup is like you with 7 speakers and using Dipoles for the Side Rears and regular Bookshelf for my Back Rears and I am satisfied with the fill  ;)

[1AngMoh]

Hey All!

 

After FINALLY completing my HT's frontage, I'm looking at a change of my left and right surround for my 5.1 setup.

 

I'm currently using a pair of Deftech ProCinema 60 on stands which I find the sound not dispersed enough and not enveloping at the back. I have tried tilting it slightly to allow a reflection of sound off the back wall but still find the surround very directional/ pin-pointed.

 

 

The lack of dispersion is a common problem for rear's where there is insufficient distance between the listening position and the rear speaker placement.

 

In your specific case i would recommend trying some non traditional speakers such as the Mirage Omnisats which are designed to be wall mounted, have a small footprint and incorporate omnipolar technology which radiates sound in a spherical dispersion pattern effectively expanding the sweet spot to encompass more of your room.

 

Whilst audiophiles wouldn't be happy with these type of speaker (no imaging...dah) i think they could be just the ticket for the problem you are facing.  You should be able to pick up a couple of these speakers second hand for $300.  The older model egg design have an angled front faceplate which means if mounted at 6ft above the listen position they will nicely direct the front lobe to the seating position.

[IwishIwasToneDeaf]

The lack of dispersion is a common problem for rear's where there is insufficient distance between the listening position and the rear speaker placement.

 

In your specific case i would recommend trying some non traditional speakers such as the Mirage Omnisats which are designed to be wall mounted, have a small footprint and incorporate omnipolar technology which radiates sound in a spherical dispersion pattern effectively expanding the sweet spot to encompass more of your room.

 

Whilst audiophiles wouldn't be happy with these type of speaker (no imaging...dah) i think they could be just the ticket for the problem you are facing.  You should be able to pick up a couple of these speakers second hand for $300.  The older model egg design have an angled front faceplate which means if mounted at 6ft above the listen position they will nicely direct the front lobe to the seating position.

 

Hi 1AngMoh!

 

Lack of dispersion is exactly the problem I'm facing. Thanks for the English!  ;) My listening position is indeed smacked at the back wall.

 

Are these Omnisats available new in Singapore? They do look unique though. I did a seach on amazon and it would cost USD$119 for a new piece excluding shipping charges back to Singapore.

 

I was surfing around some more and how about these Deftechs BP1.2x?

[1AngMoh]

Hi 1AngMoh!

 

Lack of dispersion is exactly the problem I'm facing. Thanks for the English!  ;) My listening position is indeed smacked at the back wall.

 

Are these Omnisats available new in Singapore? I was surfing around some more and how about these Deftechs BP1.2x?

 

Yes, Omnisats are available new in Singapore.  Alpha Audio @ Adelphi and SLS have them.  There are a couple of versions, namely the Omnisat and the Omnisat micro.  The orginal Omnisat has just been replaced with the V2.  I suggested second hand as new they are around $300 each depending on version.

 

The Def Tech's are bi-polar.  I would recommend Omni polar for dispersion.

[IwishIwasToneDeaf]

Thanks again 1AngMoh.

 

But wait...I just noticed that you said $300 EACH!? They'll cost $600 a pair which is more expensive then my fronts. And I checked Amazon again and they were priced at USD$119 EACH (back in stock soon)...

 

Anyway, anyone has any opinions on the Omnisats? Good or bad I would sure like to listen.  Like lack of bass? Strong mids? Sounds very bright? Punchy? Lacks involvement? I'll be great to gather more views.

 

Anyone selling could also PM me to discuss.

 

Cheers!

[Kelsteph2002]

Thanks again 1AngMoh.

 

But wait...I just noticed that you said $300 EACH!? They'll cost $600 a pair which is more expensive then my fronts. And I checked Amazon again and they were priced at USD$119 EACH (back in stock soon)...

 

Anyway, anyone has any opinions on the Omnisats? Good or bad I would sure like to listen.  Like lack of bass? Strong mids? Sounds very bright? Punchy? Lacks involvement? I'll be great to gather more views.

 

Anyone selling could also PM me to discuss.

 

Cheers!

 

Got my 5 omnisat micros today from USA. And i tried playing music from my dared mp5.  My room's XR55 has been moved to living room so another XR55 is coming in soon.  The wide soundstaging is excellent however, the bass is weak as usual since they are satellite speakers.  I'm sure with a subwoofer, these babies will shine.  The V1 Omnisat cost $800 a pair at alpha audio and the V2 is over 1k.  I asked alpha audio 2 weeks ago.  Best price will be from USA. 

[IwishIwasToneDeaf]

Got my 5 omnisat micros today from USA. And i tried playing music from my dared mp5.  My room's XR55 has been moved to living room so another XR55 is coming in soon.  The wide soundstaging is excellent however, the bass is weak as usual since they are satellite speakers.  I'm sure with a subwoofer, these babies will shine.  The V1 Omnisat cost $800 a pair at alpha audio and the V2 is over 1k.  I went there 2 weeks ago.  Best price will be from USA. 

 

Thanks NCMK, it really seems like a bad choice to be buying locally at double the price. How much did you pay for the Omnisats? Besides Amazon, anywhere cheaper with good shipping rates?

[Kelsteph2002]

Thanks NCMK, it really seems like a bad choice to be buying locally at double the price. How much did you pay for the Omnisats? Besides Amazon, anywhere cheaper with good shipping rates?

 

Hi IwishIwasToneDeaf, mine are omnisat micros not omnisat.  They are smaller than omnisat which has better and bigger drivers. 

 

 

I got 5 of them at SGD$570 inclusive of postage from USA.  I might order a pair of omnisat from amazon too for my living room surround.  Decide to pair them with Usher S520 and S525 for living room usage. 

[petetherock]

Hi bro

Just before you try shipping, just beware that Vpost doesn't ship speakers, some bro had isues with it. If you got  lucky, thats nice, but be careful.

I was using a Eltax bipole before, AV One sold it and it wasn't very expensive, ask them for the latest price.

 

I am using some JBL control 1s, and they sounded ok too, but a shifting of your couch from the back wall may yield a lot more than buying speakers too :)

 

Good luck!

 

 

[Kelsteph2002]

Yeah petetherock is right, vpost will not ship speakers, so dont use vpost if u decide to get the omnisat.  I might ask someone in the US to ship the omnisat using USPS.