Need advice/info on "wireless" rear satellite speakers

[krendevil]

Hi All,

I was wondering if anyone, with technical knowledge, knew anything about the current state/quality of wireless satellite speakers. I would like to have rear speakers, but I'm in an apartment and don't want to have wiring clutter and can't drill holes in the wall. Can anyone recommend some quality wireless speakers or is that technology still unrefined at this point? Any help or suggestions with this issue would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance

[mike_schultz]

Originally Posted by krendevil

Hi All,

I was wondering if anyone, with technical knowledge, knew anything about the current state/quality of wireless satellite speakers. I would like to have rear speakers, but I'm in an apartment and don't want to have wiring clutter and can't drill holes in the wall. Can anyone recommend some quality wireless speakers or is that technology still unrefined at this point? Any help or suggestions with this issue would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance

I have wondered this one myself- I would like to run wireless to complete a 7.1 setup at my house. I was told over at AVS forum (just talking audio- no Blu/HD-DVD chat) that if you have wired spearkers and then use wireless to complete 5.1/7.1 setup, it will not sound right. They told me there will be a noticable delay. Anyone else have any opinions?

[Zaphod]

Personally I would never invest in wireless speaker technology. The sound is cheap sounding (not full at all), too susceptible to interference, delay is possible based on the distance. I have yet to meet someone who raves about their wireless speakers. If you are into audio and love high quality then you will be disappointed. I don't even rely on wireless for my computers and game consoles. I have a wireless router for my laptop, but only use it for quick and easy access, otherwise I am wired. The bandwidth is just not there for wireless technology yet, speakers or otherwise.

[krendevil]

Zaphod,

Thanks for the feedback. I had a feeling that was the case. Any recommendations for a discrete set-up "wired?" Just trying to avoid the clutter

[crackinhedz]

KEF Wireless





KEF Wireless Doles Out Quality Audio with No Strings Attached

June 13, 2007 | by Arlen Schweiger

Can you still have quality home theater audio without the hassle of speaker wire runs? The engineers at KEF believe so, and the company is now shipping its KEF wireless solution designed to give homeowners some versatility in their home theater setups.

The KEF wireless system is offered in three configurations to make surround speakers wireless and provide flexibility in its applications and environment, the company says. The KEF “Universal Wireless” system (two receivers and a transmitter, $599.99) can turn a traditional speaker system into a wireless setup. A KEF wireless kit also has been specifically designed to fit the KHT5005.2 speakers, so existing owners can also purchase a wireless kit to upgrade their current setups to wireless (two receivers and a transmitter, $599.99). Additionally, consumers can purchase a complete KHT5005.2W 5.1 system (two receivers and a transmitter, KHT5005.2 speaker system, including the HTB2 subwoofer, $2,599.99).

All versions of KEF Wireless are now shipping nationwide.

KEF says its proprietary 2.4GHz wireless transmission technology uses advanced error-protection and adaptive frequency-hopping to ensure an interference-free signal. The technology is pre-emptive and will switch channels automatically to a pre-negotiated frequency (within the best available band) before any errors start to occur, KEF adds—so CD quality audio won’t be affected by microwave ovens, cordless phones, or LAN routers, for example.

Go to www.kef.com for more details.

[crackinhedz]

$600 on Amazon.com

[Slicker1]

Get a custom installer in there to wire that sucker for you! Wireless=BAD.

[Clark Kent]

Wireless is just not an option if one cares about sound quality. Would you want the same issues you have with cordless phones while listening to a movie or cd?

[Kayne314]

Not that my experience is anything to judge by, but I'm in an aparment, and just ran my speaker wire by pulling up the edge of the carpet around the room, and hiding the wires that way. Where the wires came out to the speakers, I just hid them behind shelves, or the speakers themselves. When I move out, the wires pull out, and the carpet gets laid back into place. No damage, no mess. I found this does require 25 - 30% more wire than a conventional wiring ( going around corners etcetera.), but works fine.

There is a lot of good speaker wire that is made flat enough to even run under carpet where people walk. I'm not sure of anyone with experience with flat wire though.

After hiding the wires, you can get any sound system that appeals to you. (I'm partial to Onkyo Receivers and Klipsch Speakers myself, but go with what works for you.)

[krendevil]

Originally Posted by Kayne314

Not that my experience is anything to judge by, but I'm in an aparment, and just ran my speaker wire by pulling up the edge of the carpet around the room, and hiding the wires that way. Where the wires came out to the speakers, I just hid them behind shelves, or the speakers themselves. When I move out, the wires pull out, and the carpet gets laid back into place. No damage, no mess. I found this does require 25 - 30% more wire than a conventional wiring ( going around corners etcetera.), but works fine.

There is a lot of good speaker wire that is made flat enough to even run under carpet where people walk. I'm not sure of anyone with experience with flat wire though.

After hiding the wires, you can get any sound system that appeals to you. (I'm partial to Onkyo Receivers and Klipsch Speakers myself, but go with what works for you.)

Thanks Kayne,

I figured that would be the case. Also, thanks to crackinhedz for the wireless info ; ) I will go wired, because it will be less $$$ and the quality will, no doubt, be a lot better than wireless. Cheers and happy holidays!!

[Kayne314]

And A Blu Christmas to you too!

[NeD AMG]

I have the Sony DAVFX900W and it has the wireless rear speakers...I think it works great...no delay in sound whatsoever...it does have the option to connect with the speakers but I haven't noticed a difference between wired and wireless.