Thread: Floorstanding VS. Bookshelf

I've googled and read a bunch of opinions and of course I would rather have my fellow Junkies here input on this.

I always run a sub. I'm crossed over at 80hz currently though I go back and forth between that and 100hz. Is there really any reason to have big ass floorstanders? I'm not running full range anyway.

If I move back to bookshelves or even on walls am I going to be missing anything?

I think xover setting is an importance also.

Ive always really had bookshelves, I mean the polks IMO arent really tough floorstanders. With my ProCenter set at 60hz, the ProMonitors at 100hz (both recommended by Def Tech) and the sub at 120, it sounds damn good to me. I don't know much about floor vs bookshelf, but Id assume great floorstanders would beat great bookshelves any day.

Oh L2W, calling L2W!!!

Id feel my most important investment at this point would be a 2nd sub.

As long as you have good mid-bass produced by the smaller bookshelf type speaker array and/or the sub, you shouldn't be missing anything. I would recommend that the mid bass driver in the bookshelf speaker be at least 6".

Originally Posted by Loves2Watch

As long as you have good mid-bass produced by the smaller bookshelf type speaker array and/or the sub, you shouldn't be missing anything. I would recommend that the mid bass driver in the bookshelf speaker be at least 6".

That's the area that I worry about the most. That mid bass. What freq's are those specifically? 80-150hz or so?

My speakers now have little to no quality mid bass anyway.

Im tellin ya, night and day going from the Polks to the Def Tech's.

Mine are 5.25", and they are def not good when you start getting below 100. That setting recommendation from Def Tech helped me out a lot.

With you having a great sub now, let it handle some of that higher stuff. I still prefer 120 as a sub setting.

Originally Posted by Disco Batman

That's the area that I worry about the most. That mid bass. What freq's are those specifically? 80-150hz or so?

My speakers now have little to no quality mid bass anyway.

What are you using for speakers currently? I would recommend some Paradigm Atom Monitors, they are small and really do deliver the mid-bass punch needed but there are other brands that do well too.

Originally Posted by Loves2Watch

What are you using for speakers currently? I would recommend some Paradigm Atom Monitors, they are small and really do deliver the mid-bass punch needed but there are other brands that do well too.

Polk monitor 60 floorstanders.

Originally Posted by Disco Batman

Polk monitor 60 floorstanders.

I do find Polk really missing in mid bass levels. Since you are considering a smaller speaker I would recommend you go do some auditioning of smaller speakers using your own music without any subs being connected. That way you will be able to hear the dynamic range of the speaker in it's stand alone capacity then when a sub is added it will smooth out the depth of the soundstage. Pay particular attention to mid-bass punch, guitar music, drums and electric or more importantly string bass.

I could recommend a few other brands but it is you that has to be satisfied with the sound so I say go listen for yourself and we will be here to assist after you have found something pleasing to your ear.

Any particular budget?

Originally Posted by Akkuma

Isn't part of the reason floorstanding is popular for true stereo music reproduction?

Seems that way. I use a sub to bring in the low end though.

Originally Posted by rgladiator

Any particular budget?

2 Grand for Left/Right/Center.

That's the range I'd like to stay at. Maybe 2.5K.

I'm a year away from purchasing maybe 2, I just bury myself in these sorts of things. I want my next speaker purchase to be a 10 year purchase. Gotta get it right.

Originally Posted by Disco Batman

2 Grand for Left/Right/Center.

That's the range I'd like to stay at. Maybe 2.5K.

I'm a year away from purchasing maybe 2, I just bury myself in these sorts of things. I want my next speaker purchase to be a 10 year purchase. Gotta get it right.

You'll get some nice gear for that price. I know what you mean, it's nice to buy stuff and be happy with it.

Originally Posted by elwaylite

You'll get some nice gear for that price. I know what you mean, it's nice to buy stuff and be happy with it.

No doubt.

Those ProMonitor 1000's you have are amazing for the price. They might be the biggest steal available.

Originally Posted by Disco Batman

No doubt.

Those ProMonitor 1000's you have are amazing for the price. They might be the biggest steal available.

I had some issues in the beginning, but moving them from 80 hertz to 100 was the best thing. They just aren't meant for that range. The bigger procenter 2000 handles 60 hz fine, and really sounds good. Shoulda bought the bigger center in the first place, but it's a learning experience.

If they are still selling klipsch sub 12s in a few months, I think I'll get a second. Got a dog and vacation to pay for now .

I would like some more thump, but I'm happy with the rcvr and other speakers.

Originally Posted by Disco Batman

2 Grand for Left/Right/Center.

That's the range I'd like to stay at. Maybe 2.5K.

I'm a year away from purchasing maybe 2, I just bury myself in these sorts of things. I want my next speaker purchase to be a 10 year purchase. Gotta get it right.

Hmmm I'm quoting myself.

2-2.5K if I go with Floorstanders

1-1.5K if I go Bookshelves.

Hence one reason for the question. My room is medium size I'd say it's 22 x 12 with the TV on the 22 foot side.

Originally Posted by Disco Batman

Hmmm I'm quoting myself.

2-2.5K if I go with Floorstanders

1-1.5K if I go Bookshelves.

Hence one reason for the question. My room is medium size I'd say it's 22 x 12 with the TV on the 22 foot side.

Me and you have about the same setup. What I like is it allowed me to spread the fronts and rears put and toe em in. Each of my fronts are 6ft from the center of the tv.

My problem is not most of the sound range, need more bass in the room. My ceiling is like 15ft.