Difference between Bookshelves & Satellite Speakers

[neeraj.panday]

All,

I am just few days old in this forum and trying to learn Home Theatre requisites & pre-requisites before i could set up a 5.1 Home Theatre in my living room.

I have already left few posts, which i am waiting for response, and here is another one that i seek inputs from experts which i could not get by googling..

What are differences between a Bookshelves speakers & Satellite Speakers. What is better to opt for and under which ciscumstances.. I have seen JAMO satellite speakers but no sure if i should go for satellite or Bookshelves.

Please suggest.

 

[ShaQ.Blogs]

sats literally have no bass, you will need a sub

Either way, I recommend bookshelves with a sub

 

[spirovious]

Satellites are very small & mostly need to hang on walls.They can be < 6' in height with bass cut off as said above.BS can be more in heights & kept on shelf,stands.The can output some Bass.

 

[mpw]

satellites are more used in 5.1 HTIB types.

Bookshelves can double up as fronts for a 2 channel stereo as well as do front duties for 5.1 systems.

Bookshelves ( as the name implies ) are larger than satellites.

satellites are generally wall mountable.

mpw

 

[vj_box]

All,

I am just few days old in this forum and trying to learn Home Theatre requisites & pre-requisites before i could set up a 5.1 Home Theatre in my living room.

I have already left few posts, which i am waiting for response, and here is another one that i seek inputs from experts which i could not get by googling..

What are differences between a Bookshelves speakers & Satellite Speakers. What is better to opt for and under which ciscumstances.. I have seen JAMO satellite speakers but no sure if i should go for satellite or Bookshelves.

Please suggest.

You can choose the system based on the room size and hearing preferences.

A Bookshelf speaker will offer greater range and produces more punch with out a sub and will do justice when it comes to music. If your room size is quite small and you are able to wallmount the speakers, Sat system will do just fine !

 

[vij]

With my recent experiences I am of the opinion that for an area around 100 sqft or less, satellites are a sensible option.

 

[balajeem]

With my recent experiences I am of the opinion that for an area around 100 sqft or less, satellites are a sensible option.

BS will not be a bad choice either, they can give better soundstage compared to sats in my view. Given between sats and BS, I would always prefer BS.

 

[ROBIN LANDANSON]

Usually satellite speaker starts at 100hz and upwards, no bass , but we can hear light mid bass. These speakers must connect along with a subwoofer, otherwise don't get full musicality. Hence you can't enjoy music/movies without a sub.
Bookshelf speakers mainly designed for music purpose (someone is for movies). If your speaker frequency covers 60 Hz upwards, you can enjoy music .... Normal bookshelf speakers designed from 50hz to 20khz... so not necessary to add a sub, and very easy to enjoy music without add a dedicated sub.

Other difference - Satellite speakers are designed mainly for surround sound effects, so it is more suitable for movies.

 

[ghatgepatil]

In case you are settling for satellites, try selecting those having mid-woofer size @ 4" and above, if possible. Above might be tough, as unavailable. Better mids is the result. If not procuring sub-woofer along with the satellites immediately (better decision), you can opt for a hi-end one later.

 

[sunilkm]

It will be great if someone can explain the meaning of below specification for a BS speaker.

Bass Extension ( -6db ) : 45 Hz

Does this mean that it can go lowest at 45Hz in normal usage?
What is -6db indicates.?

The frequency response starts from 56Hz
Frequency response (+/-3dB) : 56Hz - 20kHz

I do see generally all talk about frequency response only. Is bass extension very relevant?

 

[ROBIN LANDANSON]

It will be great if someone can explain the meaning of below specification for a BS speaker.

Bass Extension ( -6db ) : 45 Hz

Does this mean that it can go lowest at 45Hz in normal usage?
What is -6db indicates.?

The frequency response starts from 56Hz
Frequency response (+/-3dB) : 56Hz - 20kHz

I do see generally all talk about frequency response only. Is bass extension very relevant?

This is another thread for discussion, so please start a new thread , will try to explain....

 

[NautankiBaaz]

Hey -- are you guys suggesting that Bookshelves are best for music and Sats for movies.?

 

[vij]

Hey -- are you guys suggesting that Bookshelves are best for music and Sats for movies.?

I think the suggestion is you can "make-do" (not better) with satellites for movies in a small space.

 

[ROBIN LANDANSON]

Hey -- are you guys suggesting that Bookshelves are best for music and Sats for movies.?

Normal musical frequency is 35-40 hz to 16khz, some times to may go to 20khz, a bookshelf speaker covering 70% of low end and 100% high frequencies. But satellite sprs not covering low end, hence you must add a sub. So your purpose is music go to BS or FS