Wireless might be just fine for a sub -- not the most demanding kind of signals.
The tower vs. bookshelf+sub depends on a lot of things. If your AVR has good room EQ, you might be better off using the bookshelves. Audyessey, for example, recommends you set all speakers to "small" if you've got a sub. Also, if you do more movies than music, the bookshelf approach might be better for you. Finally, if you go with bookshelves, don't forget to budget for some stands.
Ah yes, well I happen to have an Audeessy receiver and bookshelves on stands already.. so perhaps I will stick with that setup and get a quality sub. I do more music than movies.
My only issue with Audyessey is I can't seem to get it out of my head that is shaping the sound and removing what the recording engineer had in mind for the album i'm listening to. The thing is, when I bypass it, I find things a little muddy and lifeless in comparison.
Sounds like Audyssey is doing its job, then. Really some of the biggest improvements Audyssy makes is to the bass. Actually, the goal of Audyssey to to more accurately reproduce what the engineer heard -- by removing your room's artifacts. Check out the Audyssey blog for some good info.
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Steve- any chance you will get one of these to review??
Seems to me wireless is a hopeless cause for anyone who really enjoys hi-fi but I'm curious to see if this has any potential.
Also, if it's between a mid-level subwoofer + bookshelves or 2 full range towers, which would you choose for a medium sized living room?
Hadn't planned on trying to get one for review. The same post got put on Engadget, you might be able to get some impressions there:
http://www.engadget.com/2009/09/24/kef-lands-its-wireless-htb2se-w-subwoofer/
Wireless might be just fine for a sub -- not the most demanding kind of signals.
The tower vs. bookshelf+sub depends on a lot of things. If your AVR has good room EQ, you might be better off using the bookshelves. Audyessey, for example, recommends you set all speakers to "small" if you've got a sub. Also, if you do more movies than music, the bookshelf approach might be better for you. Finally, if you go with bookshelves, don't forget to budget for some stands.
Ah yes, well I happen to have an Audeessy receiver and bookshelves on stands already.. so perhaps I will stick with that setup and get a quality sub. I do more music than movies.
My only issue with Audyessey is I can't seem to get it out of my head that is shaping the sound and removing what the recording engineer had in mind for the album i'm listening to. The thing is, when I bypass it, I find things a little muddy and lifeless in comparison.
Sounds like Audyssey is doing its job, then. Really some of the biggest improvements Audyssy makes is to the bass. Actually, the goal of Audyssey to to more accurately reproduce what the engineer heard -- by removing your room's artifacts. Check out the Audyssey blog for some good info.