How critical is satellite 'aiming?'

[Lieutenant Dan]

Hi, all...first post :)

I'm considering a VT12 system with a STF1 sub for my bedroom...this system is a finalist along with a Definitive Technology ProCinema 60 or 80 system.

My only real concern with the Hsu system is off-axis performance. Are these satellites good for dispersion and soundstage, or are they really tightly focused? Is there only one sweet spot for this system, or will the soundstage be a bit wider?

Small room, satellites would go on 48" stands up front, about six feet apart. Ventriloquist center would go on top of my 52" TV, above the level of the sats by about a foot or two. Rears would probably be mounted on the side walls facing each other by the back wall of the room.

I'm only asking because the Home Theater mag review of the Hsu system said the sats were very directional.

Thanks! Dan

[tafguy]

Hi, all...first post :)
My only real concern with the Hsu system is off-axis performance. Are these satellites good for dispersion and soundstage, or are they really tightly focused? Is there only one sweet spot for this system, or will the soundstage be a bit wider?


I angled the 2 front sats at 60 degrees instead of 45 degrees (for movies as some suggested), not because I don't watch movies a lot, but I like the sound stage that way. In fact, with a wider angle, I never had a problem sitting away from sweet spot. And coupled with HSU sub, either STF-1 or higher like mine a VTF-2 Mk2, front sound stage is very impressive and have exceled my hopes in term of performance and power. I have even tried them in stereo mode, they also sound great.


Small room, satellites would go on 48" stands up front, about six feet apart. Ventriloquist center would go on top of my 52" TV, above the level of the sats by about a foot or two. Rears would probably be mounted on the side walls facing each other by the back wall of the room.


I have similar setup like you describe as above except my TV is only 48" TV, center on top of it and level with front sats on 48" stands too. So far, I have enjoyed great soundstage with the front sats angled towards sweet spot. I only use the called sweet spot to calibrate or to listen music in stereo mode with the center turned off to get better imaging from the 2 front speakers. But for movies, I never have a problem sitting any place along the sweet spot plane.


I'm only asking because the Home Theater mag review of the Hsu system said the sats were very directional.
Thanks! Dan

Don't bother what they said. Once calibrated, the VT12/sub just rocks with DD/DTS sound tracks ! I don't often notice directional except special effect on movies but the 2 front sats + center tilted downwards did give me plenty of sound dispersion enough to get me lost to know which one of these the sound comes from but it will heavily rely on how good you calibrate the Vents.

[Lieutenant Dan]

Thank you for the very detailed response, tafguy! It's very much appreciated. I'm getting pretty excited about getting all set up with sound in this room; I think the VT12/STF 1 rig would do the trick with plenty to spare. I doubt the sub will ever get much of a workout, but it's presence will certainly be appreciated :)