Advice new surrounds WITH midrange

craig620

I got a 42 Panasonic plasma for Christmas, and some new furniture to show it off. It's a low height console and I no longer have the bookshelf space I used to. I knew that my bookshelf speakers may be too large, and while they do just fit, they look out of place on the new console.
My current system is Yamaha RX-V520, L&R Boston CR8, Center Boston VR910, Rear Klipsch Quintet II, Sub Klipsch KSW10. Those were collected over a few years and I've had the CR8's at least 10. I'm happy with the way these sound just looking for smaller. I've tried running only the Quintets with the sub for music, and am disappointed in the midrange response.
Was reading about RM85's, but I think most 5 channel satellites suffer from asimilar problem. I need something smaller than the CR8s which are 8.5x10x15 and the VR910 which @ 6.5 tall clips the lower edge of the screen. Is there a 5ch sat pkg that doesn't suffer from lack of mid, or is there something in between bookshelf and sat size that delivers in midrange? Looking for something that does surround, but is also suitable for music.
Thanks

Mike21

Hi Craig.

The height limitation on the center channel makes it difficult to find matching L&R speakers that will produce decent midrange. A small speaker should have a low frequency response of at least 80 Hz for a good mid range. But, you also need to match as closely as possible the center speaker with the fronts. The center speakers I am familair that go down to 80Hz or lower are higher than 6.5".

Take a look partsexpress.com for the MTX Blueprint series. Model MP52 (Part # 302-006)can be used as fronts and as center (turned on its side). I can't tell from the specs if the height is 6" or 6 5/8". . These speakers go down to 90Hz.

Is there are way you could place the center speaker above the TV? There are mounts made specifically for this.

craig620

I did consider placing the center above the plasma. Didn't really want to go drilling holes in the wall for a shelf which is all I seem to be able to find. The plasma is not mounted to the wall, it sits on the console table, so there is about 1 foot between wall and rear of the plasma. That made me unsure about the appearance with a speaker shelf on the wall and the plasma in front of it. Even thought of turning something like a garbage can upside down to make a stand behind the set, but difficulty finding one narrow enough and the right height to do the job.

bevo

I have the rm 95 package, which is just 4 rm8's and the rm8 center. They sound pretty good for music after you get them dialed in, but they do lack in midrange if you're use to hearing larger speakers.

All in all though I have been happy with those little speakers. I did order 2 RTi A5's the other day though, because of the lack in midrange, just like you expected. If you have to have small speakers though, the rm8's actually sound better then you probably think. I know that I was pleasantly surprised by them.
If I had never of joined this forum, I would have been happy with them for years to come, but after reading alot of threads in here, and finding out about the refurbished speakers polk offers, I got the addiction for upgrades.