Laying bookshelf speakers on side - Blu-ray Forum

SrLoin · 12-01-2009, 09:13 PM

Would laying a bookshelf speaker (particularly the Polk Mon. 30) on its side have any negative effect on quality?

I've heard answers going both ways and wanted to make sure.

Hammie · 12-01-2009, 09:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SrLoin

Would laying a bookshelf speaker (particularly the Polk Mon. 30) on its side have any negative effect on quality?

I've heard answers going both ways and wanted to make sure.

Personal preference. A speaker was designed a certain way for a reason. Having the speaker on the side may affect the sound. Highs may be muffled by the mid/bass. But then again, it may not. I guess the only thing to do is try it and see how you like the sound. Go to a store tip it on the side and see how it sounds.

Only your ears will be able to tell if you like it or not.

Fors* · 12-02-2009, 11:48 AM

I am pretty sure the imaging would get screwed up, but as lou said, go give it a listen and see what you like...?

Big Daddy · 12-02-2009, 01:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SrLoin

Would laying a bookshelf speaker (particularly the Polk Mon. 30) on its side have any negative effect on quality?

I've heard answers going both ways and wanted to make sure.

It is not a good idea to do that. Read Horizontal Center Channel Speakers & Why They Should be Avoided.

SrLoin · 12-02-2009, 01:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Big Daddy

It is not a good idea to do that. Read Horizontal Center Channel Speakers & Why They Should be Avoided.

Does that apply to laying a front speakers on their sides if they don't fit vertically and not using one as a center.

jomari · 12-02-2009, 02:41 PM

in essence, yes it does.

Bad for your speaker?
sound disperson - yes
technical aspects (causing problems on the insides?) - no.

unless their cheapo speakers with duct tape on the inside, you should be fine.

Beerserker · 12-02-2009, 04:12 PM

Laying the speaker on its side will most likely affect the horizontal projection of the sound some, narrowing the sweet spot so to speak, or orienting the sound dispersion vertically instead of horizontally. Might not be so bad because its a MT and not an MTM but a CC really should have a vertical arrangement of mid and tweet. Wont cost you anything to try though.

jomari · 12-02-2009, 05:08 PM

if i may ask, are you trying to place this inside an enclosure? like a shelf unit of some sort, thus the speaker cant 'fit'?

just wondering.

SrLoin · 12-02-2009, 05:34 PM

My TV stand isn't very wide so I can't put them to the sides, figured if I stood them up they would cover the bottom corners of the TV.

But to answer your question, they'll be out in the open.

Beerserker · 12-02-2009, 06:14 PM

Oh, you wanted to lay both down and still use them as fronts. I see. I can't imagine that will sound good. I thought you just wanted to use one for a center.

Hammie · 12-02-2009, 07:02 PM

If you do it, try it with the tweeters closest to the center of the TV and pointing at the seating position.

12-01-2009, 09:13 PM	#1
SrLoin Active Member Member since:Sep 2009 Trading Score:25	Laying bookshelf speakers on side Would laying a bookshelf speaker (particularly the Polk Mon. 30) on its side have any negative effect on quality? I've heard answers going both ways and wanted to make sure.

12-02-2009, 04:12 PM	#7
Beerserker Active Member Member since:Dec 2009 Location:Las Vegas	Laying the speaker on its side will most likely affect the horizontal projection of the sound some, narrowing the sweet spot so to speak, or orienting the sound dispersion vertically instead of horizontally. Might not be so bad because its a MT and not an MTM but a CC really should have a vertical arrangement of mid and tweet. Wont cost you anything to try though. Last edited by Beerserker; 12-03-2009 at 02:33 AM. Reason: better wording

Similar Threads
thread	Forum	Thread Starter	Replies	Last Post
Bookshelf speakers	Speakers	idofelru	4	02-21-2009 10:59 AM
High end bookshelf speakers vs more common brand floorstanding speakers??	Speakers	supaman72	13	11-19-2008 09:54 PM
Bookshelf Speakers	Speakers	allstar780	26	11-01-2008 08:57 PM
Best bookshelf speakers???	Speakers	maddrummerboy	43	07-31-2008 02:15 AM

12-02-2009, 11:48 AM	#3
Fors* Moderator Top ranked HT gallery Top contributor Member since:Jan 2009 Location:Pottstown, PA Home Theater Gallery:160 4K collection:12 Blu-ray collection:142 Trading Score:11	I am pretty sure the imaging would get screwed up, but as lou said, go give it a listen and see what you like...?

12-02-2009, 02:41 PM	#6
jomari Moderator Top contributor Member since:Nov 2007 Home Theater Gallery:18 Blu-ray reviews: 2 Trading Score:2	in essence, yes it does. Bad for your speaker? sound disperson - yes technical aspects (causing problems on the insides?) - no. unless their cheapo speakers with duct tape on the inside, you should be fine.

12-02-2009, 05:08 PM	#8
jomari Moderator Top contributor Member since:Nov 2007 Home Theater Gallery:18 Blu-ray reviews: 2 Trading Score:2	if i may ask, are you trying to place this inside an enclosure? like a shelf unit of some sort, thus the speaker cant 'fit'? just wondering.

12-02-2009, 05:34 PM	#9
SrLoin Active Member Member since:Sep 2009 Trading Score:25	My TV stand isn't very wide so I can't put them to the sides, figured if I stood them up they would cover the bottom corners of the TV. But to answer your question, they'll be out in the open.

12-02-2009, 06:14 PM	#10
Beerserker Active Member Member since:Dec 2009 Location:Las Vegas	Oh, you wanted to lay both down and still use them as fronts. I see. I can't imagine that will sound good. I thought you just wanted to use one for a center.

12-02-2009, 07:02 PM	#11
Hammie Blu-ray Champion Top ranked HT gallery Top contributor Member since:May 2008 Location:Washington, DC Metro Home Theater Gallery:53 Blu-ray collection:545 DVD collection:12 Trading Score:12	If you do it, try it with the tweeters closest to the center of the TV and pointing at the seating position.

Best Blu-ray Movie Deals