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View Full Version : Floor standing speakers vs. Bookshelf speakers


BlackCrowe13
Aug 6th, 2008, 11:05 PM
Hey Folks,
Wanted to get some opinions, pros, cons, of large floor speakers vs. bookshelf speakers. I know the obvious better base and louder volumes with the big speakers, but I have heard some smaller systems that sound full and pound as well.

I have always been a fan of the full sized stereo systems and have been eyeing a new Yamaha system... but that will cost a small fortune! I would like to hear others opinions...

On a side note... anyone remember "POST AUDIO"? I bought a killer set of towers with 2 10" cones in each for $400 way back when, from Adventure Electronics at Erin Mills Town Centre. They were by far the best bang for your buck I have ever seen... I would love to buy a set from them if they were still around. Anyone know any details on what happened to POST AUDIO?
If you know, fill me in please.
:cheesygri

darklord700
Aug 7th, 2008, 12:10 AM
Hey Folks,
Wanted to get some opinions, pros, cons, of large floor speakers vs. bookshelf speakers. I know the obvious better base and louder volumes with the big speakers, but I have heard some smaller systems that sound full and pound as well.



Floor standing is harder to balance and manufacture but it might sound fuller. However, with sub-woofer making an inroad into home theatre, I don't think you need to worry about the low end too much.

If you're on a tight budget, imho, bookshelf would probably be better. And I find bookshelf on stand to be aesthetically pleasing than most floor standing speakers.

Kwirky
Aug 7th, 2008, 12:58 AM
How big is your room? Large speakers can sound boomy and overpower smaller spaces, whereas small speakers will fail to fill the room with sound.

TruE SkiLLS
Aug 7th, 2008, 07:46 AM
bookshelf:
- smaller room
- you're closer to speakers
- limited space
- cost efficient

floor:
- large room
- far from speakers (like 50 inch monitor or something).
- lots of people
- more speaker driver, so u *can* get a fuller sound
- bigger driver space, so the bass sounds bigger

rogerchoi
Aug 7th, 2008, 07:55 AM
I agree, for smaller spaces about 12'x12' or so, bookshelf speakers will do fine.

If you're looking to fill an entire ope-concept basement with sound, then a full-size floor standing speakers will do a better job.

You'll also have to look at your flooring and wall treatment if you want to fully enjoy the sound from either setup.

mixpdf
Aug 7th, 2008, 08:36 AM
One of the factors for me was the use of speaker stands since there was nowhere to conveniently place bookshelf speakers. I found many speakers stands to be too delicately balanced (with kids around) and somewhat expensive for what you were getting. I chose to put that money towards floor-standing speakers instead.

gfong
Aug 7th, 2008, 08:41 AM
My question to you is! Are you ging to use the speakers for home theather or music? If HT then book shelf with a good sub woofer, if mostly music a good pair of tower speakers on their own with out a sub woofer. Good luck in your search.

coolspot
Aug 7th, 2008, 03:01 PM
How about in wall speakers? I've been looking at Axiom's inwalls:

http://www.axiomaudio.com/epicinwalls_main.html

Yamaha receivers are OK, but I don't think their speakers are anything to write home about.

BlackCrowe13
Aug 8th, 2008, 11:53 PM
How about in wall speakers? I've been looking at Axiom's inwalls:

http://www.axiomaudio.com/epicinwalls_main.html

Yamaha receivers are OK, but I don't think their speakers are anything to write home about.

Thanks for the responses... prob a bit of both music and movies... Those inwalls are awesome!!! they would suit the environment as well.

I agree with the Yamaha's... not too keen on the speakers anyway, but I like the receivers because of the wattage ratings.. IMO Yamaha is the best bang for your buck when receivers are the question.

Thanks again all... good points!

Emancipated
Aug 9th, 2008, 06:24 AM
What are the new Yamaha speakers you spoke of? I'd love some bookshelves too but you need a reciever to drive them and that not only adds to the cost but the frustration of maintaining a good sound.

Drew_W
Aug 12th, 2008, 11:11 PM
the frustration of maintaining a good sound.

Fortunately, it's only frustrating once.