Would they score the same rotated as a center?
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Passive Speaker Recommendations for USA (by @sweetchaos)
- Thread starter sweetchaos
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OP
- Thread Starter
- #162
In the case of Kef Q350, the difference between horizontal and vertical orientation is almost non-existent, as shown by this animation between horizontal and vertical orientation.
Also, the preference score stays the same, regardless of orientation.
Same effect is visible by looking at Kef LS50, although the horizontal orientation increases the preference score by 0.1 in that case, over the vertical orientation...which is negligible overall.
Not to be rude but you did put it at #1 when you have not heard it in person...
Not to be rude, but why do you think hearing speakers is relevant to this thread? The OP very clearly states that it's based on measurements/preference scores. It's obviously a data compilation project, not a source of subjective reviews.
OP
- Thread Starter
- #165
My legend explains it:
LEGEND:
LEGEND:
| Value | Description |
| #1 | Best rated-speaker in terms of preference score. |
| #2 | 2nd best-rated speaker in terms of preference score. |
| #3 | 3rd best-rated speaker in terms of preference score. |
| Worthy | Worthy picks that either Erin or Amir measured and recommended. Plus a few models that weren't measured but still for consideration, since we can predict will be good, based on similar model's measurements. |
bellagenesis1023
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In terms of preference, he is the most popular speaker. In terms of preference, he is the second most popular speaker.
The 3rd most popular speaker in terms of choice.
Both Erin and Amir found these items to be worthy of their recommendation. In addition, there are a few models that were not tested but are still being considered since related models' measurements indicate they would be excellent.
PS Personality Score (with no subwoofer added). If you're looking for a negative value, you're looking for a poorly built speaker (theoretical limit). The higher you go, the better.
A Low-Frequency Extension (LFX) (in Hz). This is the output of the bass at a dB level of -6dB. This was a calculated result, not an opinion. The lower the number is, the better.
The 3rd most popular speaker in terms of choice.
Both Erin and Amir found these items to be worthy of their recommendation. In addition, there are a few models that were not tested but are still being considered since related models' measurements indicate they would be excellent.
PS Personality Score (with no subwoofer added). If you're looking for a negative value, you're looking for a poorly built speaker (theoretical limit). The higher you go, the better.
A Low-Frequency Extension (LFX) (in Hz). This is the output of the bass at a dB level of -6dB. This was a calculated result, not an opinion. The lower the number is, the better.
Say for the KEF R3, the company's spec calls for 35Hz at -6dB, but if I look at Erin's spin, that data point is actually at 38-39Hz (87dB -6 = 81dB), but then again the actual measured SPL from Erin might not be 87dB from the spec, and there are other speakers that the results from the spin and the specs are just...different, and maybe I'm looking at this too closely and that really isn't the point.
The problem is that the coaxial design of the kef can be used horizontally and It is a big perkI prefer the BMR Monitor over any of the bookshelf speaker models listed above. For price vs performance it's easily my 1st choice.
View attachment 196909
Philharmonic Audio
www.philharmonicaudio.com
OP
- Thread Starter
- #169
You probably meant “positioning the BMR upright (vertically) in the center channel position”. Well, yeah, most upright bookshelves will work as centers.I prefer the BMR Monitor over any of the bookshelf speaker models listed above. For price vs performance it's easily my 1st choice.
View attachment 196909
Philharmonic Audio
But I was listing bookshelf speakers that need to be rotated 90 degrees to lay like a center channel would be. Which means coaxial speakers will work the best.
By the way the Revel M16 scores 6.0 with the port closed.
Maybe it should be moved out of the worthy title and into a regular title with a note at the end?
Maybe it should be moved out of the worthy title and into a regular title with a note at the end?
Not an issue for stereo music though, and KEF does make center channel speakers as well.
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Thanks for doing this @sweetchaos
I have been thinking about this option quite a bit because these options are cheaper than similarly-scoring center speakers (even when you consider having to buy two speakers), therefore this seems to represent the best value option for people on a budget.
It is a bummer that having one extra bookshelf speaker is pretty useless, though.
Is the New Sierra LX model not present here because of the vertical directivity issues?
D
Deleted member 45274
Guest
What is the advantage of rotating the kefs? Just aesthetics?
The main advantage is simply in regard to space and design. If you use a media console you are limited in terms of space, especially if you are placing your TV at recommended height. In other words, it is difficult to place an upright bookshelf speaker upright under the TV.
Edit: I am not sure a bookshelf speaker rotated horizontally looks great because it some cases it is asymmetrical (e.g., KEF R3).
D
Deleted member 45274
Guest
Furniture compatibility. Right, didn't think of that.
Just slap on that grill /s
with the grills the kef r 3 are perfectly fine to use horizontally, but having a decentered speaker its not for everyone
OP
- Thread Starter
- #178
I can't find this information. Can you show me the source?
Very cool. I didn't know that. Then it becomes a worthy pick for center-channel use. Thanks.
Yes, it's a typical 2-way, which means it's vertical directivity is aweful. And if you rotate the speaker 90 degrees (to be horizontal, like a center channel), then it's vertical directivity becomes horizontal. So now your horizontal directivity is aweful.
That's why coaxial speakers work best for center channel, since when you rotate the speaker, the vertical directivity (which is good) becomes horizontal, and everything works out.
You can read about it here: https://www.audiosciencereview.com/...orama-and-misc-measurements.27076/post-980559
In that post you can see that the score increases by 0.3 when you close the port. So the original NFS score is 5.6 so it's 5.9 with the port closed and would be 8.0 with the port closed and with a subwoofer.
8/10 with Sub is remarkable without EQ though for a passive speaker. and would be #2 on your list for a speaker pair under 1000$
OP
- Thread Starter
- #180
Thanks, added.
