7.1 surround versus 5.1 with 4 m80s
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Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 612
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OP
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I understand the qs8s are quite highly regarded, however, after auditioning the m80s the obvious occurred to me: how would a 5.1 system with 4 m80s (2 m80 fronts and 2 m80 surrounds) stack up against a 7.1 system with 2 m80s and 4 qs8s (negligible difference in price between the 2 systems). For SACD or DVD-A playback, or HT (most important).
I'm overthinking this, I know, but would appreciate any feedback from anyone who may have tried this or have relevant knowledge.
thanks, SK
"If you try to turn toward it, you go against it."
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Re: 7.1 surround versus 5.1 with 4 m80s
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Joined: Dec 2003
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IMO, not much comparison for music, the 4 M80s are the way to go. I think it is mostly a personal preference as to which way to go for HT. I think the QS's enveloping sound is better, at least for side surrounds. I would still try to run M80s as the dual rear center channels, especially in large rooms.
Jason M80 v2 VP160 v3 QS8 v2 PB13 Ultra Denon 3808 Samsung 85" Q70
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Re: 7.1 surround versus 5.1 with 4 m80s
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Joined: Dec 2006
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SK, I found this article helpful in resolving what to buy initially (QS8s) though I haven’t completely given up the M80 surround idea. http://www.soundstage.com/surrounded/surrounded200307.htmJason, do you have M80 surrounds or have heard home systems with towers all around. At first I thought this would be the way to go but the more multi-channel audio I get the more I find that most of the information coming out of the surround channels seems to be ambient sound. Only exceptions I have right now are a Dark Side of the Moon SACD and Quaudiophiliac. Also do you have any suggestions on good multi-channel recordings with more than ambient sounds coming from the surrounds? Dean
3M80 2M22 6QS8 2M2 1EP500 Sony BDP-S590 Panny-7000 Onkyo-3007 Carada-134 Xbox Buttkicker AS-EQ1
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Re: 7.1 surround versus 5.1 with 4 m80s
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Joined: Feb 2008
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My feeling is that M80s as surrounds would be overkill for most processor modes and listening situations. There just isn't enough full-range sound that is sent through those speakers to take advantage of what they're capable of.
The exception would be if you primarily listen to 2-channel music in 7-channel stereo mode (which I do from time to time). In this mode, all speakers get a full-range L or R (or L+R mix) signal pumped through them. In this case, surrounding yourself with M80s would be nothing short of awesome.
For most home theater listening situations though, I would prefer the QS8s because of the enveloping surround they provide. I'm not sure you'd get the same feeling from the 80s alone.
Epic 80-800: HG Cherry
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Re: 7.1 surround versus 5.1 with 4 m80s
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Joined: Jun 2007
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Although not M80's, for quite a while I did use towers all around when I upgraded to my M80's (fronts)from Paradigm Monitor 9's. I had my Paradigm Monitor 9's for sides and rears and I VERY much prefer Qs8's in place of the towers as they give a much more enveloping sound for movies. For music it was a treat but overkill in my 20 x 24 foot room.
Cam
The only reasonable argument for owning a gun is to protect yourself from the police.
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Re: 7.1 surround versus 5.1 with 4 m80s
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Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 10,420
shareholder in the making
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I did try the M60s as surrounds with the M80s when I had them all together and I did find them to be superior with music, but I also had a weak sub at the time so that might have colored the outcome a little. I only have concert DVDs for use as I have never bought SACDs nor DVD-A discs.
Jason M80 v2 VP160 v3 QS8 v2 PB13 Ultra Denon 3808 Samsung 85" Q70
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Re: 7.1 surround versus 5.1 with 4 m80s
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Joined: Feb 2008
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I use 4 M80's in my set-up and don't feel the need to change anything. The sound is awesome. Mel N.
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Re: 7.1 surround versus 5.1 with 4 m80s
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Qs8's do great for music as well, in my opinion. You could get 2 Qs8's for the side surrounds, and bookshelfs for the rears for multi music.
M80s VP180 4xM22ow 4xM3ic EP600 2xEP350 AnthemAVM60 Outlaw7700 EmoA500 Epson5040UB FluanceRT85
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Re: 7.1 surround versus 5.1 with 4 m80s
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Joined: Jun 2007
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Just so there's no ambiguities, I have no complaints with the Qs8's and music here. I will say that I find them more aesthetically appealing than towers (looks and size), for surrounds. That being said I am envious of your setup Onn.
The only reasonable argument for owning a gun is to protect yourself from the police.
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Re: 7.1 surround versus 5.1 with 4 m80s
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Joined: Feb 2008
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I use 4 M80's in my set-up and don't feel the need to change anything. The sound is awesome. Braggart.
Last edited by myrison; 09/27/08 04:50 AM.
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