High Quality Wall Speakers

[geoffrey5239]

I have been investigating options for replacing my Quad ESL63s (bought new in 1982) with wall mount speakers that would go at the sides of the TV that is on the right of the enclosed living room picture.

Before deciding what to get I thought it worth while getting some data on the present performance of the ESL63s.

I enclose the results from using REW software with a calibrated MiniDsp UKIK-1 microphone in the middle of the room which seem to show that the ESL63s are still within specification.

The only suitable speakers that I have found so far that can be wall mounted and are likely to be at least as good in sound quality as the ESL63s are the D&D 8C and the Mesanovic CDM65.

The CDM65 has the advantage of being easier to wall mount because of its built in VESA mounting points. The 8C is more of a problem because of its weight and with its available U bracket being intended for ceiling mounting.

Also, to be acceptable visually, I think that the speaker drivers need to be covered – any suggestions as how to do this ?

Why do manufacturers now think that appearance does not matter?

Quad knew better!

 

[staticV3]

Hi @geoffrey5239! Welcome to ASR.

The 8C has two rearward-facing woofers making it not really suited to wall mounting.

The CDM65, too, is not really designed for wall mounting from what I can tell.

For on-wall mounting, I would consider the Arendal 1528 Slim 8, KEF Q4 Meta, or AsciLab F6Bs.

Quad's Panel speakers are not particularly well performing, so I would not worry about losing sound quality: https://3d3a.princeton.edu/quad-electroacoustics-esl-57

 

[geoffrey5239]

Mine are ESL63s ! I previously has a pair of ESL57s and was rather disappointed with them. The big claim from the D&D 8C people is that by using the ability to use the built in electronics to tailor the response (depending on measured room conditions) they can be be placed within 10cm of a wall while still being able to produce a flat response. The forthcoming AsciLab F6B Active may be a contender (the passive version probably would not be good next to the wall) and the Adrenal although suitable for wall mounting using its VESA mounting points would need its own amplifier and equalization for near wall positioning. And, I think both look ugly and need a grill or some sort of fabric caver !

 

[staticV3]

The big claim from the D&D 8C people is that by using the ability to use the built in electronics to tailor the response (depending on measured room conditions) they can be be placed within 10cm of a wall while still being able to produce a flat response.

On floor stands placed close to the wall, yes.

But not mounted to the wall directly.

 

[geoffrey5239]

The problem with the 8C is finding a wall mount that would work. If the speaker is 10cm from the wall it is supposed to be OK.

 

[staticV3]

The problem with the 8C is finding a wall mount that would work.

You would not have that problem if you used speakers actually designed for wall mounting, like the ones I listed above

 

[pjug]

I don't know how they measure but Axiom has a whole line-up of on wall speakers.

On-wall Speakers | Axiom Audio

Award-winning On-wall Speakers by Axiom. Choose from three sizes and hundreds of finishes! 30-day in-home trial

www.axiomaudio.com

 

[staticV3]

I don't know how they measure

Poorly, with these kinds of driver layouts.

 

[geoffrey5239]

But why no grills or fabric covers ? Surely the addition of these would not make a significant aural difference - and if it did then an active speaker could be made to compensate for any effect.

 

[staticV3]

But why no grills or fabric covers ?

The Arendal 1528 Slim 8, KEF Q4 Meta, and AsciLab F6Bs all have grilles or fabric covers.

 

[geoffrey5239]

On floor stands placed close to the wall, yes.

But not mounted to the wall directly.

What do you think about using the Genelec 8361A. They can be used with purpose designed wall fixings and being active can be room tailored. But what do they sound like?

 

[geoffrey5239]

The Arendal 1528 Slim 8, KEF Q4 Meta, and AsciLab F6Bs all have grilles or fabric covers.

If so why are there no pictures anywhere showing this? I want not to be able to see the cones of the drivers.

 

[staticV3]

If so why are there no pictures anywhere showing this? I want not to be able to see the cones of the drivers.

The Arendal page has this render image showing the magnetic woofer grille floating in front of the speaker:


You can imagine how it would look once seated flush into the cabinet just like the mid woofer in the picture, with metal grilles covering all three driver cones.

The Ascilab page has lots of pictures showing the fabric woofer cover and phase plug tweeter cover.

And here's a picture of the Q4 Meta with its magnetic fabric cover included in the box:


Black and wood cabinets get a black cover and white cabinets get a light gray cover:

 

[Multicore]

What do you think about using the Genelec 8361A. They can be used with purpose designed wall fixings and being active can be room tailored. But what do they sound like?

You can hardly do better but you well need some proper wall mount engineering as they are 32 kg each.

AsciLab F6Bs seems like a nice option.

 

[geoffrey5239]

You can hardly do better but you well need some proper wall mount engineering as they are 32 kg each.

AsciLab F6Bs seems like a nice option.

ChatGPT is suggesting also the Kii3 and Neumann KH150. There is a wall mount sold for the Kii3 that would work but its a bit pricey and I see no way to properly hide its front. The Neumann KG150 seems to tick all the boxes and has a range of wall mounting solutions. When I previously mentioned the Genelec I was mixed up regarding the model numbers I was actually referring to the Genelec model 8341A which is light enough to easily wall mount and seems very similar in performance to the Mesanovic CDM6.

 

[Esprit]

What do you think about using the Genelec 8361A. They can be used with purpose designed wall fixings and being active can be room tailored. But what do they sound like?

Only the lower models are wall mounted, not the 8361.

 

[staticV3]

Also, to be acceptable visually, I think that the speaker drivers need to be covered – any suggestions as how to do this ?

Why do manufacturers now think that appearance does not matter?

ChatGPT is suggesting also the Kii3 and Neumann KH150. There is a wall mount sold for the Kii3 that would work

I find it somewhat paradoxical how you care enough about appearance that exposed driver cones are a no-go, but do not mind mounting speakers like this (sans the Ferrari red color):


On either side of your TV, in this room:



Proper wall mount speakers would integrate so much nicer here, since they wouldn't stick out, like, a meter into the room.


But ok, looks are subjective. I'll stop nagging

 

[geoffrey5239]

Only the lower models are wall mounted, not the 8361.

I meant to type 8341A - but I now think that the Genelec 8351B would fit the bill better than the Neumann KH150 - and could be wall mounted.

 

[geoffrey5239]

I find it somewhat paradoxical how you care enough about appearance that exposed driver cones are a no-go, but do not mind mounting speakers like this (sans the Ferrari red color):
View attachment 449563

On either side of your TV, in this room:
View attachment 449565


Proper wall mount speakers would integrate so much nicer here, since they wouldn't stick out, like, a meter into the room.
View attachment 449567 View attachment 449568

But ok, looks are subjective. I'll stop nagging

In the end I will probably choose White Genelec 8351Bs. I note that they are now available in the whole range of RAL colours - but they have not extended the colour onto the central driver which I think is a shame.

 

[caught gesture]

In the end I will probably choose White Genelec 8351Bs. I note that they are now available in the whole range of RAL colours - but they have not extended the colour onto the central driver which I think is a shame.

Great choice!