Need front stage rec's for dad's HT

[joeybutts]

Dad's living room is in need of new mains for the HT. Mom hates the CC. Wants it off the mantle. And mom doesn't want massive mains.

Sooooooooo....here are the requirements :)

1. Width can not exceed 10" and Height cannot exceed 16".

2. These will be mounted on the wall, so the wall will be in close proximity to the back baffle; probably within 4"-8".

3. Would like to get rid of the CC, so something that images well.

4. Would primarily be used for TV/movies.

5. Speakers would be about 4' apart, and each speaker would be about 4' from each wall.

6. The main room opens into another same size room. The living room is about 14'x12' with a huge opening into a 12'x12' room.

Here is a pic of the room. You can see the left "main" up by the TV there. The new ones would be moved in closer to the TV, almost right next to it. Don't mind my dad there....it was him enjoying the new subwoofer I built him for Christmas....:)

http://www.icixsound.com/vb/icixnation/images/8663_760.jpg

(Oh, by the way...no speakers on the mantle. Mom says so. ;) )

7. There is a nice low end subwoofer rounding out the bottom.

8. Let's keep equipment cost around $350.

I appreciate any suggestions/help! Please let me know if there is any other info necessary!

[djg]

Zaph says his ZA5.3c center channel speaker is also right for use as a pair of mains in your situation. It is a bit higher, 22", than your spec. Worth a look. 125 apiece at madisound.

His ZA5.2 design also has a reduced BSC option for your placement, and is within your size specs.

[joeybutts]

Thanks for the recommendation djg. The ZA5.2, should I go with the ported or sealed version? That's a perfect pricepoint and size, either sealed or ported.....definitely in contention for the build.....

Any other rec's?

[djg]

I'd say sealed with a sub. I'm going to build a pair for my office, sealed. I have two passive subs/ speaker stands.

[joeybutts]

Thanks DJG!

[Mayhem13]

Given the height on the wall and the distance to a sub, the high F3 of the 5.2 will require a higher X0 to the sub......and given the distance to the sub....easy locatability and smear of stereo seperation......especially without a center channel. Also the tweeter in ANY design will be waaay above the seated ear height. I'd go with an array of smaller full range drivers. As a new design it wouldn't require much in the way of XO components....a little BSC and something to tame down the top end. I'd build it symmetrical to the height of the TV as well, not calling too much attention to itself. Maybe 4 of the Fountrk FR88's per side or four RS100's.