Need Perfect Speakers for Acoustically Hostile Placement


Seeking speaker recommendation. Here is the situation:

 

Cabinetry in our kitchen has two cabinets for speakers. (See photo.) This is next to the ceiling,...about 7-8' off the ground. For the last 8 years, these have had a pair of B&W 705 speakers, wired to a multi-channel amp pushing about 60w. And it has sounded terrible.

 

There are several issues which, I believe, make this an especially "hostile" environment for speakers:

  • No fixed listening position. It is a kitchen. We are all over the place.
  • Next to ceiling...I imagine this creates unhealthy reflections
  • Inside a box. Ugh. It is what it is. Should this disqualify any rear-ported designs?

 

New system:

  • New amp will deliver 140wpc of class A/B power
  • Rebuilt "grills" to allow much more open space
  • I may treat the inside of the cabinetry with absorptive material (should I?)
  • Bookshelf speakers will lay on their side, likely on dampening foam like Auralex Mopads that will reduce vibration and allow some downward tilt

 

Now I need to choose speakers. Any suggestions...?

 

 

 

Thanks in advance.  


temporal_dissident

Showing 2 responses by andy2

The most perfect speaker is Ms. Kate Upton but you probably can't afford her :-)  But seriously, I don't think there is anything perfect.  In general, speakers with well behaved bass usually are easier to place.  If a speakers too bright then it will be sensitive to tile floor.  I guess what I am saying is speakers with a good frequency responds - preferably a neutral frequency response - will be easier to place regardless of room.  
Then it hit me—center speakers are designed for horizontal placement.
Actually center speakers are often designed with horizontal orientation is purely for cosmetic reason NOT for acoustic reason.