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In-wall speakers vs. bookshelves plus subwoofer for Stereo/HT setup

I live in a condo, and have no dedicated listening room. I have a TV/HT setup, plus a separate Amp for my front speakers (B&W 805s).  Now we are now remodeling, which essentially makes it hard to have a floor standing speakers, and/or bookshelf on stands.  Hence, my only option would be to put bookshelves, ON A SHELF (god forbid), or use some in-walls, plus an added subwoofer for the bass which can be placed beside the new cabinets being made.

What would be a better option? I like to get some nice bookshelves if possible, BUT they'd be up against the wall, and probably boxed in within some shelves... so would a higher end in-wall do better in this case? Like either Focal or B&W top of the line in-walls?
alexb76
mijostyn's avatar
mijostyn
8,161 posts
 
Hi Alex. No, you are better off with Bookshelf speakers like Harbeth Monitors. It is difficult to control resonances in walls and it might even
increase transmission to the neighbors assuming it is an attached condo. The shelves have to be weighted down nicely. Put granite under the speakers and bang on the shelves to make sure nothing rattles any rattle has to be fixed or it will drive you crazy. It helps if all the shelves are full of books and records. Hollow spaces resonate. If there are doors make sure they have strong magnetic catches. I have heard reasonable decent book shelf systems. 
millercarbon's avatar
millercarbon
12,531 posts
 
Bookshelves, for sure. Everything mijostyn says plus bookshelves you can experiment with placement. Something changes they easily move onto a stand. Or whatever. Point is, options. Not to mention they just always look a whole lot better.

For bass the answer is always four small ones. The smaller the space and the fewer the placement options the more important the inherent advantages of four becomes.
alexb76 OP
22 posts
 
Thanks, so bookshelves, ensuring the shelf they are placed on, is solid (could make it stone if needed), and maybe even add some isolation stands?  My biggest issue would be reflection of sound from the BACK of the speakers, and also sides, as it WILL have to be close to front wall, and may have shelves on the sides.

Which leads to WHICH bookshelves work best in this kind of setup? I find typical bookshelf speaker designs are ridiculous when advised AGAINST placing it on a bookshelf! I assume a front port would be better, or bottom port than rear port, right? What about acoustic treatments? I could possibly add some diffusers or absorbent (if small enough to fit) on the wall behind TV and the speakers.
loomisjohnson
1,903 posts
 
don't do inwalls. get the regas, or if you can afford 'em paradigm signature.
paradisecom
262 posts
 
If you go inwalls, and budget permits, look towards James Loudspeakers.  They're about as high quality as can be. They are built with aluminum enclosures and top-notch components through out. 
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