Bass Management: TRS - Recommendations

In my opinion, I feel that one of the best speaker configuration for the typical large living room is as follows:

* assuming bass capable speakers are utilized.

The reason why I champion this type of speaker implementation is that in most cases, due to Wife Acceptance Factor (WAF) or other cosmetic reasons, you are not going to be able to implement large bass capable speakers for the rear channels. Even if you were able, it would be difficult to distance yourself from the rear speakers, given the proximity of the rear wall to your couch, if the speakers were at ear level from the listening position, without being able to localize them. The same applies for the center channel. Most people don't have the shelf space to implement a large center channel speaker. In addition, even if you were to utilize a large center channel speaker, placing it above the TV will surely reduce the bass capability of the speaker and thus undermine what you were trying to accomplish. That being said, I believe it is best for the Main speakers (assuming large bass capable ones), or the subwoofer (if optioned) to produce the bass from the rear and center channels. In addition, I really feel that in a large room, such as your living room, the ultimate combination for critical two-channel audio is large bass capable speakers with a musical subwoofer. Large speakers tend to blend better with a subwoofer in larger rooms, assuming proper phasing, which can result in a seemliness transition of bass between the speakers and subwoofer.

Choosing the Right Receiver / Processor

When you venture out on the market in search for your new Receiver or Processor, make mental note of how the unit handles bass management. If the unit does not have the bass management features that suite your speakers and/or application, don't buy it. Make the retailer aware of your concerns as they will surely get back to the manufacturer and will hopefully lead to design improvements in future models. Most importantly, make sure you get the right stuff for your hard earned dollars!

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