I am interested in buying the Sony BDV 870, would using the tallboy speakers as the rear speakers make any difference to the sound.
Any views, thanx.
Comments for Sony BDVE870 and Tallboy Speakers for the Surrounds:
Tallboy speakers for surrounds
by: Paul – Site Editor
Hi
The front left/right speakers in a surround system are more important than the rear surrounds. This is because they are required to reproduce voices, music and sound effects. They should work well with the center speaker.
The surrounds are needed for some effects and music, but you can often get away with a speaker in the rear that isn’t as capable as the front speakers – although ideally, all the speakers in a system will be able to reproduce a full range of low and high frequencies.
I haven’t seen this system in the flesh, but I would assume the front tallboy speakers have more drivers and will, therefore, have a better sound (more bass and more accurate mid-high frequencies).
However, I had a quick look at the manual and it didn’t really say much about the differences between the front and rear speakers – apart from the fact that the tallboys are taller than the surrounds – which I knew from looking at the picture
I would assume the front speakers are taller for a reason (better sound design), rather than just to look more impressive – although having said that, I wouldn’t be at all surprised if that is the only reason!
So, as long as the tallboys have a better sound than the rear speakers, then they should really be at the front as they will be required to do more work.
However, if the tallboys and the rears don’t sound any different (try connecting both pairs as the fronts and play some stereo music through them), then it shouldn’t matter which you use for the fronts and rears.
Bottom line? Connect it both ways and see which sounds better.
All the best.
Paul (Site Editor)
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About The Author
Paul started the Home Cinema Guide to help less-experienced users get the most out of today's audio-visual technology. He has been a sound, lighting and audio-visual engineer for around 20 years. At home, he has spent more time than is probably healthy installing, configuring, testing, de-rigging, fixing, tweaking, re-installing again (and sometimes using) various pieces of hi-fi and home cinema equipment. You can find out more here.
I’m thinking the same!
by: Tori
I’m also looking to use the tallboy speakers as the rear speakers… is this feasible, or will it mess up the sound?
Any thoughts would be so helpful!