WAF approved on wall speakers

[Eric]

I am currently planning my HT speaker layout. I am trying to stay away from in-wall speakers. I like the efficiency of the SHO series of speakers Craig has produced (although I've yet to hear them, they sound like what I'm after) but the wife is hoping for something more aethetically pleasing for side and rear surrounds. Something similar to my old Polk LSiFx speakers. They are physically relatively large but look far less obtrusive/imposing when wall mounted. I think this has to do with the shape of the cabinet. are there any plans to offer something like these in the future? If not, this is my dedicated theater. As such, I have the ability to do what I want with it and ultimately may do so.

[edgebsl]

I am currently planning my HT speaker layout. I am trying to stay away from in-wall speakers. I like the efficiency of the SHO series of speakers Craig has produced (although I've yet to hear them, they sound like what I'm after) but the wife is hoping for something more aethetically pleasing for side and rear surrounds. Something similar to my old Polk LSiFx speakers. They are physically relatively large but look far less obtrusive/imposing when wall mounted. I think this has to do with the shape of the cabinet. are there any plans to offer something like these in the future? If not, this is my dedicated theater. As such, I have the ability to do what I want with it and ultimately may do so.

Eric, there has been talk of the upcoming SHO-6 being released in a wall mountable surround style, angled cabinet. However, the SHO-6 is months away and nothing has been solidified yet.

A lot of folks are using the WAF-3 as a compact on-wall surround with a typical keyhole mounting bracket. It is only 4 inches deep. However they work best crossed over about 120hz so I am not sure if it is exactly what you are looking for. But they would provide a nice rear soundstage while being small and unobtrusive. They are $60 per speaker right now, so they may be worth trying out?

[HuskerOmaha]

Eric,

If you end up needing something low profile, and don't want/need a direct radiator design, the Axiom QS8s are working great for me. My wife loves the look and they don't take up as much real estate like my SHO 10/6s.

The SHO 6s are good looking speakers as well. Just bigger.


Greg


EDIT: The Axioms sensitivity was 94 or 98db, can't remember which was 'in-room'.

[dvenardos]

Axiom has the best looking on wall speakers. I can't speak for their performance.

http://axiomaudio.com/wallspeakers.html

I use the GR AV-1RS.

http://www.chasehometheater.com/forum/showthread.php?t=515

[cburbs]

I also just dove in and went the av-1rs route. I haven't had tons of time with them yet....

[Eric]

Thanks for all the replies. I don't know that I am up for DIY right now as I am working to finish my basement but I've always wanted to try some of Danny's designs. Those QS8's are a good looking speaker. How would you characterize the sound?

I think if CHT made an on wall design similar to the Polk LSi or the Axiom QS8, they would sell quite well.:begging:

[bmf795]

The Emotiva on wall's keep going up in price. They look and sound nice. Should have bought a pair when they were around $200.

http://emotiva.com/erd1.shtm

[Jethro]

I have the axiom inwall/onwall variant speakers and like them very much. For an onwall, I'd have to give a nod to the QS8 from Axiom for looks and being easy to drive. I too like the looks of the Emotiva onwall surround and it has been well received from what I've read, but it comes in at 89db sensitivity and a 4 ohm nominal load.

[Eric]

I have considered the Emotiva ERD-1. They look like a good speaker for the money. I wish the sensitivity was a tad higher.

Craig has changed my mindset on HT speakers a bit. I used to think high sensitivity, horn speakers were bright and at times harsh. So now I want my cake and I want to eat it too. It sounds like the SHO line is exactly what I'm after but being that they don't quite disappear on the wall, the QS8 may be a very good alternative.

Can anyone comment on QS8 sound characteristics?

[HuskerOmaha]

I have the axiom inwall/onwall variant speakers and like them very much. For an onwall, I'd have to give a nod to the QS8 from Axiom for looks and being easy to drive. I too like the looks of the Emotiva onwall surround and it has been well received from what I've read, but it comes in at 89db sensitivity and a 4 ohm nominal load.

I have considered the Emotiva ERD-1. They look like a good speaker for the money. I wish the sensitivity was a tad higher.

Craig has changed my mindset on HT speakers a bit. I used to think high sensitivity, horn speakers were bright and at times harsh. So now I want my cake and I want to eat it too. It sounds like the SHO line is exactly what I'm after but being that they don't quite disappear on the wall, the QS8 may be a very good alternative.

Can anyone common on QS8 sound characteristics?

I went with the Axioms over the Emotivas due to them matching up sensitivity wise with the SHO-10s well. And they look a bit better on a wall.

Sound? My room is narrow (13.5 ft wide) so I wanted a low profile non direct radiator. They work awesome in my room for any sound effects and the detail is great. I'm super happy. What else have I listened to? Just a HTIB at my house and a few other HTs that have straight firing speakers.

I guess I like the more diffuse sound of the Axioms, just me.

I think Ray or someone on here has heard the GRs and Axioms both and could help...

I bought my Axioms B-stock and saved $100 overall. Nothing wrong with them I could see; even cosmetically.

[dvenardos]

I have not heard them, but Axioms have a reputation for being bright which some people don't like. On the other hand, lots of people love them. For surrounds I don't think it would really matter.

The ninja had less than good things to say about a couple of their speakers:

http://www.skiingninja.com/Articles.asp?ID=173

https://www.skiingninja.com/Articles.asp?ID=174

[Eric]

Wow, Sean really did not care for either of the Axiom speakers Danny measured! As you say, dvenardos-it may not matter for surrounds. I am not a fan of bright speakers as I find many virtually unlistenable at high volume. The QS8 is a good looking speaker though. If it sounds remotely as good as it looks, it may be worth considering.

[Ray3]

I think Ray or someone on here has heard the GRs and Axioms both and could help...

I haven't heard the GRs, but I do have the QS8s hanging on the wall. I'm all for measurements, but my ears usually tell me what I need to know. If I need an instrument to convince me, I probably can't hear the difference anyhow.

The QS8s are NOT bright or even close to it. That Axiom comment comes from the M60s and M80s (and is pretty overstated IMO).

In any event, this is my second set of QS8s. I spent the five years between selling the first set and getting this set kicking myself for ever selling the first set. These things are just outstanding, delivering more/better surround detail than any other surround I've heard.

Keep in mind that the surrounds are for delivering ambient sound, not the main audio tracks. The QS8s just deliver. They bring the nuances out in a way I haven't heard with anything else.

I could blather on and on, but I'll just tell you that these are probably Axiom's best product and buying them will NOT result in buyer's remorse.

[Eric]

That's good to hear, Ray. Thanks!

[goonstopher]

I have considered the Emotiva ERD-1. They look like a good speaker for the money. I wish the sensitivity was a tad higher.

Craig has changed my mindset on HT speakers a bit. I used to think high sensitivity, horn speakers were bright and at times harsh. So now I want my cake and I want to eat it too. It sounds like the SHO line is exactly what I'm after but being that they don't quite disappear on the wall, the QS8 may be a very good alternative.

Can anyone comment on QS8 sound characteristics?

You need to realize that if you have a decent amp then you can add 3dB to the functional output of a 4ohm speaker over an 8ohm speaker with the same sensitivity or in other words the sensitivity is "increased" by 3db