Decor Blending vs. Performance

[L. Dobler]

I've seen previous threads strongly encouraging the use of speaker stands, rather than wall mounting or bookshelf placement.

But, doesn't that defeat the purpose of small satellites? Why would I purchase small satellites, if I'm going to put them on stands and create as big of a footprint as a tower speaker?

The only reason I'm getting small satellites is to hide them in a more formal room. I want to be able to place them on bookshelves or hide them in corners.

I think it's great the Hsu Research has invented this system to make satellites sound better, but is it going to sound better than a similarly priced Cambridge Soundworks satellite package if I can't space, direct and place the speakers just right?

Thanks for your input.

[Lwang]

Small speakers present a small frontal image when the sound is radiated. The LR or LCR setup will create a more accurate virtual image spanning between the speakers.

If you put it in an enclosed environment or against a wall, that part of the room will interact with the speaker much more, usually creating results that were not the intention of the speaker's design.

[L. Dobler]

Thanks. If I must compromise sound quality by not placing speakers as intended, will the VT-12 be satisfactory? Or, would it be better to purchase a slightly larger 2-way satellite system, similarly priced from Cambridge?

[Dudley]

My thoughts would be that a larger speaker would be effected more by room conditions (walls etc.) than a smaller speaker because it is producing a greater frequency range.

For example, floorstanders might sound vastly different in a corner than they do in free air. While the VT-12 would sound different, I don't think it would be nearly as marked.

[tdekany]

I heard a $160000.00 HT system and couldn't see ANY speakers. You will be fine.

[Lwang]

I heard a $160000.00 HT system and couldn't see ANY speakers. You will be fine.
Yeah, like the one in Bose's demo theater. $$$ for the video system, $$$ for the HT setting and $0 for audio. ;)

[Sasha_G]

Speaker placement does challenge aesthetics sometimes. But this conflict is present in all speakers. The size of the speaker isn't the issue.

The small Ventriloquist satellites are nice because you can use a very small speaker stand, such as this:
http://www.partsexpress.com/pe/pshowdetl.cfm?&PartNumber=240-762&DID=7. This is relatively unobtrusive. At HSU, we can get perfectionistic about sound reproduction. As with any High-end audio speaker, we recommend not placing the speaker against the wall. I would recommend this for any speaker, not only ours.

If you must place them on the wall, it is by no means the end of the world.

[tdekany]

that is the stand I use (2 pairs) - they are great!

[DNelms]

I am thinking about getting a set of the Ventriloquist speakers and they are going to have to be mounted on the walls.

My question is what speaker mounts do you recomend? And can I mount the center channel speaker on the wall.

If the center channel cannot be mounted, then I will have to check with the boss and see if those small stands would fit into her decor.

[tdekany]

I just ordered another pair of VT12s for my place.

[Dudley]

Did you take advantage of the savings on another sub? :D

[tdekany]

are you asking me?

I have a STF2 at my place (that I use with a pair of NHT SuperZeros) and a STF3 with VT12s at my girlfriend's house.

I just have to have surround sound! The VT12 sound so awesome.

[Dudley]

[QUOTE=tdekany] are you asking me? QUOTE]

Yes, sorry I wasn't specific. :o

2 entire HSU systems - wow! :D

I am obviously cobbling the quote feature - how does one do a partial quote?

[tdekany]

[QUOTE=Dudley 2 entire HSU systems - wow! :D [/QUOTE]

Yes I can't wait to hear it in a different room. I have wall to wall carpeting while she has wood flooring.

PS: delete the part that you don't want to display.