Small, cute, but decent sounding surround speakers

[Doctors11]

I like my pair of Monoprice THX Satellite speakers which might meet your criteria. It's a two-way in a coaxial configuration which provides more even horizontal and vertical dispersion - a useful characteristic for surrounds, particularly if placement options are not ideal. I have one on a 1/4 threaded wall mount and the other on a fireplace mantle.
Review here:

Monolith by Monoprice THX Certified Satellite Speaker Review

Monolith by Monoprice THX Certified Satellite Speakers

www.erinsaudiocorner.com

Which wall mount did you use? I thought those speakers had a m6 threaded insert.

 

[GXAlan]

This is an area ripe for investigation. I sent in my Meyer Sound MM-4XP for measurements last year and it should be coming up soon.

With today’s modern EQ, I wouldn’t be surprised if the Bose 3” cubes work well too. It rolls off quite high, but if you had a rear sub, it would probably be OK.

 

[risandipra]

I use Martin CDD5 for 5.1.2. It may tick your

Hi all,

I'm looking for a replacement for my surround speakers in a living room 5.1 system. Fronts are kef r series; I'm not concerned with matching surrounds to the front soundstage.

Since this is a living room however, I do have physical criteria for the surround speakers; they need to be wall mountable, preferably max weight in the 5-6lb range with a 1/4" insert to match hardware that's already on the wall.

Practically this means that I'm looking for speakers with a 4" max woofer. Ideally I'd like to cross them over as close to 80hz as possible. I'm realistic enough that maybe 100hz is more reasonable goal. Would prefer to avoid the typical 120-150 Hz crossover that seems to be inherent to most satellite systems.

Despite the modest/subpar ASR review, my current front runner is the PSB Alpha P3, due to form factor, bass extension and value (good price in my country).

I intend to allow my AVR to run room correction above the Schroeder frequency for this speaker to tame the worst of the resonances below 4k.

Paradigm millennia one seem like a potential dark horse but the measurements online are old school and I don't trust them... Mainly thinking that their bass extension will not meet my stated goal.

Are there others that I should consider before pulling the trigger?

Thanks.

Maybe you could try Martin CDD5. Easily Wall Mounted (included hardware). Comes in Black and White. Coaxial design. 90 dB sensitivity. In my living room it's enjoyable and the form factor in term of size is acceptable.
I really love this identical speakers sound together all set to small crossed to sub at 100 Hz.

For reference:
I use 5.1.2 setup in a living room.
Apple TV, AVR, Martin CDD5 for all 7 speakers, an 8 inch Sub.

Hope this helps.

 

[scrubb]

Which wall mount did you use? I thought those speakers had a m6 threaded insert.

Yes, they do have a threaded insert. I think it's 1/4" rather than m6, but I might be wrong. The Monoprice's replaced a pair JBL Control 1 which measure poorly and apparently the woofers couldn't handle a sudden transient burst I accidentally threw at them. The Control 1 come with a threaded style wall mount which was compatible with the Monoprice.

 

[risandipra]

The JBL Control series got included hardwares that applicable for certain applications. The ball-joint type is should be easy to set conveniently.

The other options are Yamaha VXS series. It included the mounting hardware that is able to put on the ceiling/wall.

The Martin CDD series included hardware is for wall mounting. For those need it to be mount on ceiling, the hardware adaptor is sold separately.

This should come in consideration if one is finicky about where to put the speakers, moreover the height channels ones (whether on ceilings or walls), moreover if try to apply those result from Dolby Atmos Room Design Tools (DARDT).

I should add, this is a consideration regarding the visual aspects. Mostly, the visual aspects dictates one options in domestic audio video system applications, and compromises may be made for the audio requirement. Not to forget this type of speakers usually on higher sensitivity, that is a plus for those reluctant to add more amplifiers connected to their AVR for simplicity, again, mostly with visual decluttering consideration.

Hope this helps.

 

[XDM]

I use Martin CDD5 for 5.1.2. It may tick your

Maybe you could try Martin CDD5. Easily Wall Mounted (included hardware). Comes in Black and White. Coaxial design. 90 dB sensitivity. In my living room it's enjoyable and the form factor in term of size is acceptable.
I really love this identical speakers sound together all set to small crossed to sub at 100 Hz.

For reference:
I use 5.1.2 setup in a living room.
Apple TV, AVR, Martin CDD5 for all 7 speakers, an 8 inch Sub.

Hope this helps.

The frequency response of Martin Audio speakers seems to be quite bad https://dev.spinorama.org/index.html?brand=Martin+Audio&page=1

 

[risandipra]

The frequency response of Martin Audio speakers seems to be quite bad https://dev.spinorama.org/index.html?brand=Martin+Audio&page=1

Yes, you're right. Glad you brought this valuable information.

"I should add, this is a consideration regarding the visual aspects. Mostly, the visual aspects dictates one options in domestic audio video system applications, and compromises may be made for the audio requirement. Not to forget this type of speakers usually on higher sensitivity, that is a plus for those reluctant to add more amplifiers connected to their AVR for simplicity, again, mostly with visual decluttering consideration."

Sometimes in a multi-function room, with persons under one roof, there are compromises.

 

[just1n]

Micca MB42X G2 Budget Speaker Review

This is a review, listening tests and detailed measurements of the Micca MB42X G2 low cost 2-way bookshelf speaker. It is on kind loan from a member and costs US $100 for a pair, shipping included. I expected thin, cheap plywood construction but instead, found a robust composite enclosure that...

audiosciencereview.com

 

[XDM]

That Micca is certainly a good speaker but it doesn't seem wall mountable.

What I'd recommend is the

DFS - WHARFEDALE

www.wharfedale.co.uk

2x 4" woofers

Frequency Response(+3dB)70-24kHz

Very nice as a surround speaker. It's a bipole (not dipole) so it's still in accordance with Dolby standards for side surrounds.