childproofing rear speakers

These are some good ideas so far. Thanks to all. I have tried floorstanding rears in the past, and didn't like them b/c the it seemed like the sound was just going into the back of the couch (which it was). I like the idea of mounting to the rear wall, which is only a couple feet behind where they are now. Less optimal positioning, but who cares in the name of safety.

BTW, I too have a great dane! Don't worry KT, she will calm down in a year or so as all danes do. Mine used to knock the sliding glass door off the track in his laps around the house. In those days, I only had the two speakers, and they were kept right at the wall b/c of him (ick).

Are there ways to mount to the back wall that do not involve screwing into the speakers? Also, there is a radiator in one corner. How high above a radiator do you think a speaker ought to be mounted? -Dave

Kj,

I in no way was trying to rile you, I agree with your ideas, though even to me my initial post didn't seem to enthusiastically reflect that, sorry. I was refferring to 'better sound' as if you go to floor standers further up the line of the same speakers you will have better bass response from the surrounds which I find is a concept most people don't seem to appreciate, I should have expanded on that to be clearer.

You are correct, he does have the monitors now and I do agree your solution is a good one, you have yourself pointed out the downsides, my option isn't without downsides either. I personally would go the floorstander route, but that is me, I have had my dog knock some speakers off the stands, granted mine aren't filled with all that shot, but I think her body height actually contacts the speakers so it might not help unless I did bolt them down, which I am not willing to do.

I used to own the Snell K.5's, you won't need to worry about the grill, it's perforated metal and pretty solidly held in place.

Kj, I run Meridian in my reference system as well, though not the full digital setup, it's amazing gear! Sorry if I seemed antagonistic, it wasn't intended, it was more a reflection of my strong beleif in full sized speakers for surrounds. I feel this is a concept sorely missing in most HT and MCA set ups.

KT

1-I would put something on top of the radiator or under the speaker to block the heat if you are that close. Veneer will delaminate over time.
2-Velcro is a great invention. It may discolor a patch either on the rear or underneath the speaker but should be sufficient in strenth to hold a small strap. You may even be able to put it where the speaker terminals are. However, you could even tie to the speaker terminals? They are usually quite well mounted and shouldn't have any problems as long as the speaker wire isn't interferred with.

Get yourself some of the largest Niles In-walls like I have and then you don't have cables or speakers in the room, plus the extra distance behind the couch adds to the steering dynamics of movies.

Hey Kenny! Likewise. . .wan't trying to antagonize , but rather offer some clarity regaring my post. As for the Meridian gear, that stuff is simply amazing, isn't it? I have to say there's nothing I've yet heard that is as uncontrived for home theater. It doesn't sound like anything, except what it's supposed to. And I do agree that running five full range speakers, especially in the era of Dolby Digital and DTS has a lot of merit. Throw in the processing that Meridian can do on music surround, and the case grows even stronger!

DBW1, there are some mounts out there that are designed to hold small televisions that use an "arm and tray" to hold the TV. I have an old 13" tv sitting on one of these. The tray can be tilted downward and has a nice lip on the front edge to keep the tv from sliding off. You could even add a fabric strap if necessary. The nice thing about the arm is that it will hold you speaker a reasonable distance off the wall. And the tray might suffice to protect the speaker from the radiator. These can be found in most home improvement stores these days.