I recently got the Velo CHT-10R. Do you think I should now upgrade my speakers to a higher-end model na bookshelf, since I don't need the fronts for the bass anymore?
It depends on the character of the sound you're looking for.
If you think you don't need the fronts for bass, then upgrading to a higher end bookshelf would be a good idea, if your objective is to improve the quality of your high and mid frequencies.
However, with a bookshelf + subwoofer setup, most of the mid-bass is produced by the subwoofer. As a result, the mid-bass you get is usually the softer "boom" of the sub rather than the harder "thump" of the floorstander.
With floorstander + subwoofer setups, the floorstanders will produce a more authoritative mid-bass, while the subwoofer covers the lower bass and low frequency extensions (with some overlapping with the floorstanders in the mid-bass region). This setup will produce a bigger, more full-bodied sound.
On the other hand, some people prefer bookshelves because they are looking for the clarity, presence and detail that small speakers offer, which are important for critical listening in music applications.
My personal preference is the floorstander + sub setup (I recommend a floorstander with 2 bass drivers). That way, I get the big sound and forward mid-bass that I want for movies. For music, I use only 2-channel, with subwoofer off.
It really depends on your own preferences.
