Elemental Designs 6T6's or 5T5's for surrounds?

[Zman2k2]

So this is what's happening right now with my HT setup. I currently have eD A6-6T6 towers and a center right now, but I'm running some old Radio Shack speakers for surrounds right now. I'd like to improve on that, but I'm wondering which way I should go.

Since I will be running the surrounds in "small" sound mode on the receiver, crossed over at 80Hz, is the improved lower frequency response necessary on the A6-6T6 bookshelfs, or can I get away with running the A6-5T5 bookshelfs, and get decent sound?

[crackinhedz]

how do you like the eD speakers?? (can you compare them to any other speakers youve had?) ive only heard reviews for the subwoofers...was curious how the fonts/center are. Definitely something id consider down the road.

thanks

[Zman2k2]

Oh, I love my current front stage. I've been running them for about 6 month now, and couldn't be happier. I did have a Polk front stage previous (TSi towers, and CSi center), but always had a feeling like I was missing some lower end presence. The speakers themselves are built very well, a good solid feel to them. Once these were broken in, they really became a "warm" sounding speaker. Not overpowering in the bass department, but a fuller sound, in comparison to my Polks.

I like my movies fairly loud, and the towers and center never sound strained or make me worry that I'm going to over-extend them. I'm running them right now off of my Pioneer receiver in 6-ohm mode, which from the spec sheet says that it puts out 150w to each channel. I think my neighbours would concur . My current surrounds did sound over-worked on "Incredible Hulk" and "Iron Man", hence the reason for wanting to upgrade.

[aramis109]

I'm really curious on your thoughts on them too. They look pretty sweet.

There's something to be said for matching your fronts in the surrounds. I'm sure it'd sound terrific. However, with that said, you don't necessarily need that. Those 5t5's look pretty impressive as well. How big is your room? Personally I'd give them a go- you'd be saving quite a bit. Those are also pretty big bookshelf speakers, so you're going to possibly want a hefty stand to go with it. They're about the same dimensions as my Polk M-40's.

Anyway... how bout some pics either way?

[Chris Schempp]

I usually recommend the A3-5TC's for surrounds due to the fact that you really don't need that great of response down low for the rear speakers, there just isn't THAT much stuff mixed into them < 100Hz.

You can definitely spend the extra $$$ on the A6-5T5's or the A6-6T6 MTM's but it's a bit pointless IMO.

Don't get me wrong, 4 A6-6T6 towers and an A6-6T6 MTM with an A7S-450 made for some awesome Halo 3, but normal movies it was a waste really.

[Zman2k2]

Thanks for the reply Chris. Right now, I'm leaning towards the 5T5's with some nice 24" stands. That should set the soundstage about right.

Aramis, ask and ye shall receive.

[aramis109]

Thanks! Man, those are purrrrrrrrdy. I wish I had known more about them when I started out.

[Zman2k2]

Well, after taking Chris' suggestions into consideration, and talking to Alex on ICIX, I think I've decided on going with the A6-5T5 speakers. They should perform well on lossless audio movie tracks, and should make me smile playing COD:4 and Gears of War. Just gotta get some money owed to me, and I'll place the order.

[dobyblue]

When you get into some high resolution surround sound, you may appreciate the extra frequency response in the rears.

I have towers for rears and I usually keep them crossed over at 60Hz for music, letting my Servo take care of anything under that.

[zweet77]

Originally Posted by dobyblue

When you get into some high resolution surround sound, you may appreciate the extra frequency response in the rears.

I have towers for rears and I usually keep them crossed over at 60Hz for music, letting my Servo take care of anything under that.

I agree I have my rears crossed at 60 too I like the extra mid punch I get listening to music in all channel stereo.

[aramis109]

I wanna see some pics of those new eD rears. Zman, you should add them to your gallery.

A little off topic, but dobyblue- would you recommend for me to switch my crossovers from 80hz to 60hz on my speakers? I've considered it (and obviously I'll need to try and see how it sounds) but was just curious as to your thoughts.

[Zman2k2]

It's gonna be a while for the rear speakers now. I have to get a new AV stand, because my receiver is starting to act funny in it's current home. Not enough airflow to it now. Gonna take a month or so now.

[Midnightsailor]

Nice setup man.