Surround Sound in Tight Spaces, OLED TVs Are Still Heavy | You Asked Ep. 47

Welcome back to another episode of You Asked! Today, we're tackling some great questions from our community. We'll explore how to achieve surround sound with your seating against the wall, why reference monitors are so expensive, and whether or not OLED TV's should be as heavy as they are.
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VIDEO CHAPTERS
00:00 Intro
00:41 Why are Reference Monitors So Expensive?
03:11 Aren't OLED TVs Supposed to be Lighter?
05:45 How to Achieve Surround Sound with Your Back Against the Wall
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[@neil_down_south]

My back is against the wall... Asked this question on forums and always get told "move your seating".

[@garyausten5939]

I have my single lounge chair against the back wall in my bedroom with a 7.2.4 setup. My surround speakers (Polk satellites), um, surround me in my chair - rear surrounds are angled towards my head and the regular front surrounds slightly in front. I have Klipsch RP-600M2s for my mains and an RP-504C2 for my center channel. My Atmos are RP-500SAs and are on the front wall and back wall roughly in line with my mains. I also have an SPL-120 and an RP-1200SW to round out the system (I run it through a Denon receiver and slaved to an 11-channel Tonewinner amp. Sometimes I watch a movie against the wall and sometimes I move my chair about 4 ft closer to the TV near the foot of my bed) and it helps a little, but the chair's pretty heavy. Eventually I hope to put the whole deal in a larger room where I can put the rear surrounds in a better spot. so far I'm happy with what I have, though. :) With 2 12-inch subwoofers in a 13x16 room (equipment is on the long walls) I really feel the rumble!!

[@mrn234]

@@garyausten5939 Dont forget some room treatment.

[@neil_down_south]

@@garyausten5939 thankyou, it gives me hope. How high are the bed layer surrounds from the ground, and how high are the atmos speakers? Mine are 5ft and 7ft approx, I worry there is not enough distance vertically between bed layer and atmos

[@garyausten5939]

@@neil_down_south Your question is a little confusing. My rear heights are about 4 ft above my head and 3 ft to each side. Unless i move my chair forward, they're only about a foot behind me, My surrounds are about 20" each from my head and about 6" higher. The fronts are just forward a bit. basically, the surrounds are on each corner of my chair. My main front speakers and subs are about 7 or 8 ft in front of my listening position and the front heights (due to furniture placement) are on the wall about 2 ft farther away.

[@neil_down_south]

@@garyausten5939 sorry I didn't notice predictive text had kicked in. I will edit it!

[@jaimepontes3236]

There's no refference tool in the world to measure how much I love "You Asked" and this guy who came straight from the gym to host it. 😂

[@CallardAndBowser]

This is the first time I've heard of the Sony Quad Theatre system ! Thanks Caleb !!!!

[@iraqlobster7508]

This was very useful and informative. Generally I think AVRs and 5.1 (etc.) sound systems are quite underrepresented at this channel.

[@bobwood63]

I live in a condo, and have setup a TV room in the den. So, small space with a couch against the wall. I have the Sony A9 without the subwoofer, and it is pretty amazing the effect that it gets in the room. I do have it paired with a Sony TV, and use the TV as the center channel. Pretty amazing, and I like the Center synch feature to be honest! So the only draw back to the setup is the lacking bass response. It is not tinny, but doesn't have the boom. Obviously I am trying to keep from annoying the units above and below me, so for that reason I am in love with my A9 setup.

[@davidvincent3853]

I am in the same situation. Thank for your comment.

[@Steve-Stoytchev]

Thank you for the high high quality reviews and these Q&As Great content, I look forward to a video from you every time I open the app. Keep it up

[@fozzyrinker313]

Sony STR-an1000 is the cheapest receiver from Sony with the 360 audio, it works amazingly well.

[@paulh6517]

Thanks for the info. I have thought about ditching my Yamaha for the STR-AN1000. Currently I have a 5.1 system and wondered if the Sony receiver could do much with that without the up firing speakers. Is it an absolute necessity with all the sound processing wizardry?

[@fozzyrinker313]

@@paulh6517 i would say go for it. I was using a Yamaha receiver that died on me and made me make the jump and I am glad that I did. I can't speak to how well it would do with a 5.1 setup but I imagine it would do a stellar job and more importantly I don't believe you would have buyers remorse. My setup is different now so I am using a Klipsch Flexus Core 200 setup for convenience and I get why Caleb isn't all that excited about it, it's honestly underwhelming for the names involved. For 300 bucks the company Ultimea makes a compelling soundbar offer.

[@fozzyrinker313]

@@paulh6517 I would think that it would do a great job for you, I upgraded from a Yamaha receiver that decided to retire. I currently am using the Klipsch Flexus core 200 due to space restraints and I get why Caleb hasn't been overly excited about doing the review. I have been pretty underwhelmed with it. The wizardry that Sony pulls off is pretty amazing though, I thoroughly enjoyed using it and look forward to more Sony wizardry in my future. For 300 bucks Ultimea has a soundbar that is possibly comparable to the Klipsch in sound quality.

[@MattyDaddy14]

The rear speakers and atmos question def hits home here!! 🎉. I have the Q990C and have the rear speakers on stands up against the back wall then angle them in about 35 degrees. 🎉 I’m thinking of moving the speakers to the sides with the rear side speakers facing forward. However, for the bedroom I’m planning on adding a narrow and wide “behind sofa” table to push the headboard out another 5-7” but still have the rear speakers against the wall. 🎉.

[@LeezahB]

Great episode!

[@movie_av_impulse]

Nice blooper I can't tell you how many times I froze in the middle of train of thought 😂.. Great questions and for anybody out there reading this comment I myself. I have a 5.1.2 setup for Dolby Atmos and I couldn't be happier. Caleb is right on that one. Also, I always wondered about reference monitors and you just answered that perfectly so thank you Caleb..

[@alxking1901]

HT-A9 is well worth the experience for ATMOS in this situation. The phantom center and rear phantom isn’t the best but it does definitely work. You’ll hear heights RIGHT above your listening position without having to have the speakers directly next to you.

[@zze130]

A follow-up question to the surround sound question, would be placement of rear speakers on a house that has open floor plans. Where the couch it's not facing the wall, with the dining and kitchen area behind it. How to have those surround speakers up without a house full of kids running into it.

[@Marc.Google]

I’d love to see an in-house TV shootout comparing the TV’s to a reference monitor @Celeb_Denison

[@richarda3764]

I have a situation like this in my downstairs living room. Since I have a dedicated theater upstairs, I just gave up on doing any surrounds and went with a high-end soundbar and wireless sub combo. It works well enough, but I do wish I could somehow get that surround effect that I can get in the theater room.

[@infiniteaditya]

Sick Chuck Mangione album you got there

[@richroggio]

that was excellent Caleb, so much good info as always. thank you 👍👍

[@matthewweflen]

Can confirm, my couch is against the wall and my HT-A9 system creates a very convincing dome of sound and rear sound effects.

[@nfugitt89]

My "TV room" is a small room in my apartment with the couch against a wall. I use a Polk mini sound bar with wireless surround speakers to the left and right of the couch. It works pretty well for what it is

[@shdowhunt60]

OLED's are heavy? Lmao, my 27 inch CRT is like 80lbs.

[@TheLemps2012]

🤣😂🤣 I remember loaded my 32” in the car to take it to a friends for LAN Halo. 4272lbs 😂

[@Bonjour-World]

Three decades ago I regularly moved 27 inch CRTs for CAD stations around. Now I am senile old fart and I am very hesitant before trying to manhandle a nearly 4 foot wide 40 pound flat screen display.

[@frommatorav1]

@@Bonjour-World Easy solution. Get a spouse or another person to help with it. Flat screen TVs aren't as robust as the 27" CRTs that weigh 60-100lbs. The LCD/OLEDs aren't too heavy but I don't want to break any part of the screen by gripping too hard.

[@JoseHerrera-me8xc]

My backs against the wall in my apartment and i use the bose surround speakers 700 mounted on ceiling matched with the 900 soundbar and it feels the room with sound that still blows me away. It too has that spatial sound technology

[@comerbuck]

Caleb, thanks for your insights..in general, with the listening couch against a wall, how would you recommend placing the rear speakers of the Sony Theater Quad system?? Would you mount them on the wall on either side of the couch? Thanks!

[@amitavraja3385]

That’s also what I wanted to know. Because Sony diagrams show the rear speakers that are placed behind the couch?

[@Marc.Google]

Caleb is going to KILL an in-house reference TV shootout if he does it!! @digitaltrends

[@morrigansraven61]

Another great video!!

[@woodydawg77]

My room has the exact same issue. Couch is against a back wall. I recently purchased a complete Bose system. Consisting of a 900 soundbar, 2x 500 subs and the 700 rear surrounds. With the rear 700s placed to the left and right of the couch right against the wall, run the calibration app and the sound is truly amazing! The 700s have drivers all around it front, back, sides, so the sound is not "directional". Sounds very natural. To my ears anyway!

[@njshore2239]

Used to love Chuck M. - brings me back

[@rufdymond]

Talking about weight of TVs - my partner recently bought a Samsung S95C which is now heavily discounted here in the U.K. The things that struck me was that it was quite light, but worse was that the build quality was shockingly bad. I’m a Panasonic guy and my current TV the LZ2000 is light years ahead of the Samsung in terms of build quality……she loves the TV, but I’ve got to say, I’d be pissed to pay for any TV that poorly put together.

[@jb7753]

My movie room is about 3m x 3m, 8ft ceilings, rear seats right up against the wall, running Sonos Arc, gen 3 sub, and 2 x era 300's wall mounted about 2 ft below the ceilings, very happy with it. I'm not looking for loudness either but clarity and quality. The era 300s made all the difference with the rear surround sound when I upgraded from the One's . Basically, from the explanation of the "bi-pole/di-pole" speaker's, they did exactly that, took aeay the localisation of the rear speakers, and filled in the sound stage.

[@anubhavgoyal04]

My back is against the wall and I use Sony SA-RS3S, they work phenomenal.

[@Marc.Google]

Great explanation of proper 7-channel surround speaker format and placement! 👌🏼

[@zonegamma8197]

good video thanks

[@totalplonker824]

I lived with a 5.1 surround sound setup, and after a short while, I then graduated to a 5.1.2. Great fun However, it was only after I took the punt and purchased a separate poweramp that I was able to experience exactly what extra height channels can bring. I didn't realise half of the height effects which was previously coming from above was actually virtual! It was only when I went with 4 height channels that things actually became apparent. Now it's a true bubble of sound. Takes it to the next level, and that's not just for Dolby Atmos setup either. That also includes other object-based formats like auro 3D and dts-x too. The idea of height speaker placement, imo is to try and incorporate them so one can try and take advantage of all three sound modes (dolby Atmos, auro 3D, DTS x)

[@dfizzbom]

I have a Vizio 5.1 soundbar and my rear speakers are right behind either side of my couch which is about 1' off the wall. It's good but I wonder how high I should have them. They're on height adjustable stands and I have them above the back of the couch so that they're at a sitting adult ear height. Should they be raised higher or will you feel under the sound rather than in it? I guess I'll just try them higher and see but is there a general rule of thumb for rear speaker height?

[@erichouston1268]

I'm starting to wonder if the Bravia 9 review will ever come 😂

[@bigmoviefreak]

Totally regretting not waiting for the Sony Quad. I have a similar situation (sofa against the wall) and I have a Q990C.

[@ScottDabson]

Just to offer my 2 cents. I've had several high-end receivers and soround sound speaker systems..... super finicky for little return. If I kicked the bucket tomorrow, my wife wouldn't be able to fix it or adjust it without me being there..... I replaced my not so old system with a Sony soundbar and back speakers. The back speakers are on the end tables, right along side of us. I'm telling you, the sound is fantastic for everything I've thrown at it. My living room is 12x18. I have the A3000 bar and the back speakers that are compatible.

[@celioguim]

Great content Caleb! I have a question ... I own a Samsung Q990B and I would like to use it in my living room. However, what would be your suggestion as for how to mount the rear speakers since the sofa is against the wall, no space at all behind the sofa.? The rear speaker has 3 woofers in each one., as you know. I wonder if leaving them set up in the front would be more beneficial! Thanks!

[@amitavraja3385]

Great video and information. Wanted to go back to rear speakers, with Sony quad you said they’re okay if it’s placed near you as opposed to back of the couch but diagrams and photos of the quad always show the rear speakers placed behind you?

[@TechWithKG]

On the topic of weight LG has one of the lightest mid range TVs with the C series OLED TVs since they changed the design from that awful big giant metal stand they used to have.

[@danielunderwood5217]

Question. I have denon AVR-S730H, capable of 7.2 or 5.2.2 surround sound, which is the best setup? I would think 5.2.2 for the atmos content on streaming and 4k discs, but I also have a lot of blu-rays that have 5.1 or 7.1 and obviously no atmos. Bonus question: if I have all the surround and ceiling speakers in place, is there a way to quickly switch between the 5.2.2 and 7.2 without needing to rebalance the sound of the system?

[@mr.y.mysterious.video1]

thinking back to my 90kg 32 inch loewe aconda, yes tvs are a lot lighter

[@cgott42]

re: Atmos - why not put the additional 2 (i.e. x.x.4) overhead ceiling Atmos on the sides - thus 2 in ceiling front, and 2 on ceiling sides?

[@JorgeGarcia-kd8yz]

Bravia 7 review 👀

[@totalplonker824]

The bass will always sound better if one gets the couch off the back wall. Even though corners are most prevalent, those extra long low frequencies waves also tend to stack up on rear walls too, besides moving the couch forward by a couple of feet is giving one a fully enveloping surround sound experience. It's a win-win situation 🥳

[@TS-ex4dl]

Sony quad speakers are active have bluetooth and wireless-solves lots of problems for £2k ---- mains connections ---supports Apple TV+ ? good video.

[@jjdub35]

Recently bought a 65" Panasonic VT plasma. Had to carry it out of a basement. Took 3 people. 125 lbs.

[@nancybrown9706]

I have a oled c3 and a lg 9.5.1 sound bar and everything is excellent and I mean excellent

[@jivebunny3765]

My 55" LG C3 is, at the very least, the same weight as my old 50" LG Plasma. I was very surprised how much the C3 weighs.

[@TheMainCal]

So with situations where by back is to a wall the Sony quad 360 do you still need a center channel and a sub, or just a sub ?

[@Kaniac47]

I feel like I'm one of the lucky ones who aren't having any issues with the Sonos app/system *knock on wood*

[@jb7753]

Nor am I, we mustn't be using it to it's full capacity.

[@serdaryilmaz3947]

I don't quite understand what you mean. Using Sony Center Sync with Quad is not recommended?

[@JS-gt5bh]

Costco has a new Hisense 65 inch QLED for just $399. It was $349 until today. It looks superb in the store compared to all the other models. Sure, not as good as the OLEDS but as good as the others! Caleb?

[@mgaming7]

Magnepan Speakers are incredible dipoles.

[@SteveMuller1976]

But how can we add a center speaker when using the Sony quad speakers on a LG TV?

[@Pallidus_Rider]

Consultation would be an interesting format for another KZbin channel ...

[@r3vivalkicks620]

Vizio dropped a 5.1 & 2.1 soundbar se👀😅please review it🙏

[@gregbartley2475]

I’ve heard a few setups with upfiring Atmos speakers. I was not impressed.

[@fonkenful]

At the risk of beating a dead horse, my two adult children are heavily ensconced in the Sonos ecosystem, and each have systems with ARC/Sub and ceiling mounted surrounds powered by the Sonos amp. Both rooms have horrific acoustics; asymmetrical large open plan reflective - all y’all must have something like that in your family?😂 Vocals are almost unintelligible and the overhead moving effects for which Atmos is renowned are almost absent.

[@aleksanderaleksandrov168]

I'm in the same position and i want to buy a Samsung q990d,is someone using the Samsung in a situation where the rear are right next to the couch?

[@EastAngliaUK]

the speakers in my tiny bedroom I think I have are way to big I think satellite speakers would be better for this small room. and 2 subs 10 inch but these would be poor for music but fine for tv.

[@ricarmig]

I would like a shootout between under 750€ soundbars with Atmos and latest HDMI. I heard very little about it.

[@de1mos211]

Previous Sony a/v receivers have clinical non-musical sound imo. I will have to give the latest line a try

[@dawgdaes]

Is this where you’re supposed to ask question for “you asked”? When I watch football on Fox on my LG G2 I notice a lot of “pixilation” when the shot changes. It’s most noticeable in the field surface when after a play Fox shows a replay. The field surface appears pixelated and then comes into focus. I watch using cable tv connected to a TiVo dvr. Is this cable company compressing the signal? It is some sort of motion smoothing setting on the tv that needs to be adjusted. I find it incredibly distracting. Please help

[@SUPERMAN.1985]

BRAVIA 9 !!!

[@Upracefan]

The only led/lcd tvs that are lighter than OLED, are cheap low quality models. Any of premium models weigh just as much or more than OLEDs.

[@CaptainScorpio24]

exactly

[@jorge69696]

Weight doesn't guarantee quality. It's why a bunch of crappy products have lead or rocks in them to artificially increase the weight.

[@CaptainScorpio24]

@@jorge69696what... lead or rocks in them??? how

[@Upracefan]

@@jorge69696 Name one example of your theory!

[@robertt9342]

@@Upracefan. There are electronics developed with steel weights in them for this purpose. I don’t have an example off hand, but they do exist. For TVs, probably not.

[@jackleonard2088]

Nooner thinking oled is heavy needs to pickup a plasma. 😂

[@AntonioCunningham]

Wait, there are people who want flimsy light TVs??? I want them to become *more* durable, not less. I find it much harder to move the thin and light design so many people push for over a more rugged design. I don't want to spend so much money on something that looks like it's thinner than five sheets of paper

[@afireinside909]

Sup fam 😂

[@user-hf8ie8mf3n]

I like that Chucky is still in the background. 🎺🎉. Good choice. 👍🤪🏳️‍🌈

[@lacrossewacker]

Losing some weight it appears. Good for you! Stay healthy

[@gulraizkhan3881]

Hi Everyone !

[@ShortVersion1]

Theater quad cost about four times what I'd expect. Honestly, surround sound is overrated, and people would be way better off with nicer quality bookshelf speakers and a sub.

[@Mustafa_9628]

OLEDs are heavy so none of the kids or cats in the house can make it meet its maker with one simple push… that’s my theory and I stand by it 😂

[@chrisbullock6477]

OLED Tv's are now where as heavy as Mini LED TV's. Must be Gen-Z'rs complaining about how heavy OLED's are🤣

[@SpidermanandJeny]

Caleb, can you please stop showing serpents in video test footage? I know I have a very extreme aversion to them and I don't see anything changing that, but they are a very, very common phobia many ppl have. I can't imagine they like seeing them in your videos. There are so very many things and animals you could show that almost no one is afraid of instead of showing something that is most ppls number one fear (presuming their fear is physical).

[@diesel6916]

coming from someone theat has "Spider" in his name LOL

[@SpidermanandJeny]

@@diesel6916 um do you have a problem? Why don't you put your fear into the video and then watch it? I'm sure that would be fun.

[@MunKeeButt67]

My speakers are about 4' behind me, but a out 4' apart and titled slightly outwards to the seating area. They are slightly above ear level and sound great especially with dtsX audio. Samsung q600b with swa9200 rears. Some great topics here 🙃

[@MarkasTZM]

Just got my q990c. DO NOT BUY. I was hoping it might be okay but it is still a soundbar and it sucks. I only paid $655 new from Samsung EPP/EDU program and it is overpriced at that level. I'd be happy if it was $399 but anything more for this plastic toy is a rip off. No space or sound stage at all. Audio sounds like it is coming from the small slim box that it is coming from. Less stereo separation than in the 85 inch TV above it. Lame and disappointed. Shame on me for thinking a well reviewed sound bar might actually sound passable.

[@CaptainScorpio24]

getan lg bro

[@georgeforeman9366]

You're right, im quite disappointed too but it will have to do as it sounds ok and clear but defo not the best dolby experience