Samsung 74 Series DLP Form Factor - Center Channel Shelf!

Mike328 · 11-29-2004, 12:14 AM

Hi guys,

I've been very heavily researching the new 75 series Samsung DLP HDTVs.

HL-P5674W [56" set]:
http://www.samsungusa.com/cgi-bin/na...LP5674WX%2fXAA

HL-P4674W [46" set]:
http://www.samsungusa.com/cgi-bin/na...LP4674WX%2fXAA

People have been offering insightful comparisons between the 63, 74, and 85 series, but, to my knowledge, have missed a very important point. The shape / form factor of the 63 and 84 are NOT the same. Of course, we know that the 85 is a very different for factor, but the 64 and 74 series are different.

Specfically, the 74 series appears to have a center channel "shelf" on top. For me, this is HUGE! I'm that guy with a big B&W center channel with no clue where to put it except in from of the TV on the floor (blocking the receiver etc. - not good) or on top of the TV. With the 63 and 85, I couldnt' really do this without fabricating a special mount.

However, the both the 46" and 56" 74 series sets have a special, fairly large shelf for this purpose. Both can accomodate by 10" x 20" (or so) base-area B&W HTM7 center channel.

Check out the Technical Drawings for these sets:

56" Tech Drawings:
http://www.samsungusa.com/pdf/hlp5674_drawing.pdf

46" Tech Drawings:http://www.samsungusa.com/pdf/hlp4674_drawing.pdf

So, this set solves a major problem for me--where to put my center channel. Plus, I can re-use my current stand for my 27" CRT (a nice, wide black stand).

Thought I would share--this may be an important consideration for some when looking at the 63 vs 75 vs 85 series Sammy sets.

By the way, people have been looking for the 74 series. Vanns has them (www.vanns.com, no affiliation). 56", in stock, $3800; 46", out of stock, $3,000; no tax, no shipping. These are pretty reasonable introductory price points. I would expect BB and CC to be a bit higher (and then there's tax to deal with). I also expect these prices to come down a bit. Finally, unless Samsung uprates some of the specs (color wheel etc.) vs the 63 series, I might expect to see the prices come down significantly as people fail to see a huge difference in the 74 vs 63 series, at least by the numbers. And if you know the computer biz, plenty of people shop on numbers and specs (how many megs/gigs/ports/inches/etc.).

Great forum, guys! Looking forward to reading and contributing more.

--Mike in Albuquerque

HerbL · 11-30-2004, 07:24 AM

Mike,

Your point is well-made.

Although I have not yet seen the 5674 Set, I would expect the actual real-world performance to be similar to the 5685 "Kirk" Model as they both employ the same basic generational technology.

The 5674 has a smaller footprint similar to a 50" Set which will afford many viewers greater placement options within their rooms.

I am interested in the 5674 as well, however, I may opt to wait for the next generation "9" series due for release sometime in early 2005.

As for the placement of a Center Channel Speaker, yes it appears one could place a relatively large Center Enclosure on top of this Set, however, I will be placing mine on a Custom Built "TV Stand" slightly below the Set. Here is my thinking on this for what its worth.

Ideally, one should have their Front Center, Front Left, and Front Right Speaker Enlcosures properly positioned that permit the Tweeters to all be on the same verticle and horizontal planes to preserve the spatial imaging qualities of your system speakers. For those of us who have large speaker enclosures, this arrangement is not typcially possible.

I have a large and weighty Center Channel Enclosure that is both "acoustically matched" in timbre and low level bass output to my Main L-R Enclosures whcih are relatively tall floor-standing type enclosures. If I place my Center Channel above or below these, I still cannot achieve the "ideal" placement postion.

So then, if I have to choose the lesser of two evils, I personally opt for placing my Center on a rigid TV Stand Shelf just below the viewing screen.

Selecting this placement, gives me a better look esthetically, and also better acoustically couples the Center Channel (with its extended bass output) to both the rigid stand and floor.

This placement option works better for me in my environment and causes less low end coupled resonance from the TV Chassis and helps preserve the clean extended bass output for the Center Enslosure.

I have tested this arrangment and it makes a difference in my listening and viewing environment.

HerbL

11-30-2004, 07:24 AM	#2
HerbL High Definition is the definition of life. Join Date: Nov 2004 Posts: 38	Samsung "74" Series Specs Mike, Your point is well-made. Although I have not yet seen the 5674 Set, I would expect the actual real-world performance to be similar to the 5685 "Kirk" Model as they both employ the same basic generational technology. The 5674 has a smaller footprint similar to a 50" Set which will afford many viewers greater placement options within their rooms. I am interested in the 5674 as well, however, I may opt to wait for the next generation "9" series due for release sometime in early 2005. As for the placement of a Center Channel Speaker, yes it appears one could place a relatively large Center Enclosure on top of this Set, however, I will be placing mine on a Custom Built "TV Stand" slightly below the Set. Here is my thinking on this for what its worth. Ideally, one should have their Front Center, Front Left, and Front Right Speaker Enlcosures properly positioned that permit the Tweeters to all be on the same verticle and horizontal planes to preserve the spatial imaging qualities of your system speakers. For those of us who have large speaker enclosures, this arrangement is not typcially possible. I have a large and weighty Center Channel Enclosure that is both "acoustically matched" in timbre and low level bass output to my Main L-R Enclosures whcih are relatively tall floor-standing type enclosures. If I place my Center Channel above or below these, I still cannot achieve the "ideal" placement postion. So then, if I have to choose the lesser of two evils, I personally opt for placing my Center on a rigid TV Stand Shelf just below the viewing screen. Selecting this placement, gives me a better look esthetically, and also better acoustically couples the Center Channel (with its extended bass output) to both the rigid stand and floor. This placement option works better for me in my environment and causes less low end coupled resonance from the TV Chassis and helps preserve the clean extended bass output for the Center Enslosure. I have tested this arrangment and it makes a difference in my listening and viewing environment. HerbL