Meridian Unplugged - Powered by MrTechGuy.co.uk Forums Discussion HiFi & HT Chat ‘Budget’ AV System

Marcus, It is indeed true that some loudspeaker manufacturers, especially those whose most expensive speakers are floor standers, recommend head height. In my experience, wall mounting is better for sides and rears. Have you noticed how in commercial cinemas the surround speakers are always above head height? I am somewhat heretical. Sides and rears are for atmosphere, preferably, but are also used by directors for adding excitement (bullets, missiles, helicopters etc). Either way, I think a bit of height helps (even if you have Atmos or the like). And out and out sound quality is not terribly important because one's mind is on a story and visuals. I used to have Mission dipoles (passives) with my Meridian speakers. If I was stupid enough to stop and listen to them they were good but not as good as my other speakers, obviously, but it didn't matter at all for watching and experiencing the sound of films. The misguided purist in me went for the DSP3300s, but, actually, I have found that, really, I wasted my money as I don't notice the difference in everyday usage. But have your sides and rears up a bit. In my opinion they work better up there for their purpose.

Incidentally, I can angle the DSP3300s down to point at the listener. I don't - the effects they are reproducing just don't sound as atmospheric. Temperamentally, I rarely follow instructions without testing things for myself and without taking the trouble to understand why something should be as instructed.