Small Speaker Recommendation

[Barrelhouse Solly]

I'm thinking about replacing my living room speakers for a 3.1 setup connected to an AVR. I'm mainly concerned with the L and R speakers. A primary requirement is that they be no more than 8" high and preferably smaller. I've been using a pair of Polk Blackstone speakers I bought nearly 10 years ago and I'm mainly wondering if I could get something substantially better for under $500. The Polk speakers are in the good enough category. I'm wondering if I can go to much better on my budget. The size requirement is set by the Chief Environment Officer who dislikes wires and visible speakers.

 

[SlowJim]

That is a tough one, maybe a used pair of kef lsx?

 

[MarkS]

KEF LSX are 9.4" high.

8" max height is a tall order ...

 

[Joe Smith]

What about using a taller speaker and tipping it to lie on its side? Maybe with a concentric KEF type driver so it doesn’t affect directivity as much? KEF Q6, for instance.

 

[kyuu]

I've been using a pair of Polk Blackstone speakers I bought nearly 10 years ago and I'm mainly wondering if I could get something substantially better for under $500.

$500 each or for the pair?

The Polk speakers are in the good enough category. I'm wondering if I can go to much better on my budget. The size requirement is set by the Chief Environment Officer who dislikes wires and visible speakers.

Have you considered in-wall speakers? That hides the wires quite effectively and some grills on the wall are pretty inoffensive.

 

[tineared]

Is width also a concern?
Perhaps you could purchase two or three center channel speakers
Example:

 

[EPICURIOUS007]

Kef Q150 Bookshelf Speaker Review

Kef Q150 Review

www.erinsaudiocorner.com

lay it sideways

11.9 inches high x 7.08 inches wide x 10.94 inches deep

 

[Barrelhouse Solly]

$500 each or for the pair?

Have you considered in-wall speakers? That hides the wires quite effectively and some grills on the wall are pretty inoffensive.

My son in law is an electrician. I talked with him about wiring for rear speakers when we moved in. He said that fishing the wire would be a nightmare in that room. It's why I have a 3.1 system.

 

[kyuu]

If your house construction is standard wood frame and drywall, there are several strategies that avoid the need for any fishing. Simply speaking, the holes you cut in the wall for the speakers make it pretty straightforward to run the wires down the wall to wall plates to terminate the wires to binding posts (or just pass them through if you prefer). Could also drill through studs via the holes.

In any case, just a suggestion as I have noticed that many people with severe space and/or aesthetic constraints often don't consider in-walls. If they aren't for you, totally understandable.

 

[Golfx]

The True Mini Monitor (Price per PAIR)

philharmonicaudio.com

Philharmonic audio speakers are an internet direct company with excellent products and equally excellent reviews with measurements. The True Minis is only 400/pair.

 

[staticV3]

The True Mini Monitor (Price per PAIR)

philharmonicaudio.com

Philharmonic audio speakers are an internet direct company with excellent products and equally excellent reviews with measurements. The True Minis is only 400/pair.

They're also 12in tall which won't fit in OP's space.

 

[Joe Smith]

Yeah, I just don't know of any good speakers that are that small....you may need to go back to the WAF committee and see if there is any room to budge...

 

[staticV3]

Anyway we still don't know if @Barrelhouse Solly wants to spend <$500 per pair, or per speaker.

That'd be useful.

 

[RobL]

Is this just for TV? Buy a good soundbar.

 

[Rick63]

The Monitor Audio Radius 90 measures 4-7/8"W x 7-13/16"H x 6-9/16" but is a bit over budget at $729 pr, but perhaps you could find a used pair.

https://www.crutchfield.com/p_893R90W/Monitor-Audio-Radius-90-Walnut.html

 

[CptKaos]

My son in law is an electrician. I talked with him about wiring for rear speakers when we moved in. He said that fishing the wire would be a nightmare in that room. It's why I have a 3.1 system.

if its a single story wood frame house with attic/crawl space access he just didnt want to do it

 

[Barrelhouse Solly]

Anyway we still don't know if @Barrelhouse Solly wants to spend <$500 per pair, or per speaker.

That'd be useful.

Oh, $500 total. 2 speakers.

 

[Barrelhouse Solly]

if its a single story wood frame house with attic/crawl space access he just didnt want to do it

It's 2 stories. He's fished wire for us before for speakers and under cabinet lighting so I'm pretty sure he wasn't trying to get out of it.

 

[staticV3]

Oh, $500 total. 2 speakers.

Passive bookshelves below $500 per pair and under 8in tall, that I'd consider:

• KEF Q1 Meta, laid on its side
• Monoprice THX Satellite, if you can find 'em
• KEF HTS3001se

that's about it.

 

[Golfx]

Can lay the philharmonic minis on their 6 inch tall sides. 400/pair