Advice on New Home Theater

[Automatican]

Hello,

I'm looking to build a new home theater setup, and am looking for some advice as to whether the set-up I am thinking about buying has any major drawbacks, and makes any sense. Or for example, if I am going to spend this amount of money, if there aren't "better alternatives" that I am unaware of. I am basically adapting from the recommended $6,500 7.x system on the main site. Also, looking to see if anyone knows where I can get this all as a large package with some sort of a discount, and quick shipping (pre-Thanksgiving is possible). In getting advice, performance is most important, but I do get cost conscience when I feel that I would be hitting significant diminishing returns. So I am willing to pay incrementally more when there are sizeable gains in performance, but not 50% more dollars for 5-10% better that I might not hear given the limits of my actual room etc. I think the setup below is coming in around $5,500 in components with today's list prices on Amazon, but I'd love to get a discount on that. I'd also probably be willing to spend $1,000-1,500 more if it was "future proof", and never left me wondering "what if".

The room is a large basement with effectively no internal walls. I am looking to have both a great home theater experience and music. I am interested in having a great Atmos / DTS X system, but am not sure if it is important to have 5.2.4 vs 7.2.2 if I had to make the trade-off, or if I am already this far in, should I just go to 7.2.4, and the components that could support that many channels it (Maybe making me move to an Amp, and not just a receiver).

The pieces I am considering right now in bullets (with my hesitations below them):

• Receiver = Yamaha RX-A2060
  • Any good reason to spend the extra $400 and get the A3060?
  • If I want to support 7.2.4 do I need the A3060 and also an AMP?
  • If I need an AMP, should I just get an AMP that can power everything?
  • If I need an AMP that can do everything, then is the Outlaw Model 7700 form teh unconstrained recommendation the right way to go?
• L/R Speakers = Definitive Technology’s StudioMonitor 65
• Center = Thinking why not buy another StudioMonitor 65
  • Is there any advantage in getting the CS-80xxHD version that is recommended over the SM65 besides I might have to put the SM65 on its side?
• Side & Rear = StudioMonitor 45
  • Any reason to get the recommended SR-8080BP over SM45 for the sides?
  • If the SR-8080BP is somehow important, any idea where to get them or is there a newer model that would work with the rest, as they seem to be the old version and sold out.
• 4x Ceiling Mounted for Atmos = ??? Any ideas what would go well here
  • Perhaps more StudioMonitor 45s
• 2x Subwoofers = ??? Need some advice
  • I'd like to have some really great base, but $1,600 x 2 seems like a lot.

Thanks for any advice!!

 

[shadyJ]

To answer some of your questions,
If you want 7.2.4, you will need the 3060 and you will need to add an amplifier. I think separate amps for all channels would help take some strain off of the AVR, and that would help it last longer, so, for the sake of long-term reliability, separate amplification does help future proof your system.

I think the StudioMinitor 65 are fine speakers, but they are not my first choice at that price point. For that same price I would be looking at some Ascend CMT-340s, which can be used as a horizontal center speaker as well. For a bookshelf speaker that can be used on its side just fine, look at the Revel M16 or the KEF Q100s or Q300s (good deal at the moment). Ascend CBM-170s would do well for side and back speakers for a CMT340 font stage, and the Q100s would do well for the surround channels for a KEF front stage speaker set.

For in-ceiling speakers for the Atmos height channels, I would be looking at some KEF in-ceiling speakers with a 6" woofer. If you have a high ceiling, look at some Hsu in-wall speakers. If you don't want to cut holes in your ceiling, look at some JBL 8320s, and if those are too large for you, look at some SVS Prime Elevation speakers. The JBLs would be a lot more powerful though.

For subwoofers, I would be looking at a pair of Hsu VTF3 mk5s, and I would not wait to order them, they are at a very good deal at the moment. You won't do better for the money.

 

[Automatican]

Thanks for the input. Being new to this, I'm not familiar with those "non-retail" brands, but they are interesting.

It looks like the Hsu VTF3 mk5s is quite nice. The basement is ~30' x ~55', and I will have the video screen and viewing area at one end of the rectangle. Do you think I will get decent bass with 2 of these in this environment, and conversely do you think 2 are of use? Do you think I should be considering any other brands/types that might be "better"?

Can you elaborate a bit on the benefits of the Ascend CMT-340's vs the SM65's. Trying to learn here.

If I am now looking at a pre and an AMP for all, should I still be looking at the Yamaha RX-A3060? It appears to have all the features that I am looking for in a 4k HDR receiver with good power, and I suppose I could set-up 7.2.2 now, and then spring for an AMP and 2 additional ceiling speakers at a later date. Any recommendations on an AMP with this set-up for now or future?

Appreciate the input.

 

[cel4145]

The basement is ~30' x ~55', and I will have the video screen and viewing area at one end of the rectangle. Do you think I will get decent bass with 2 of these in this environment, and conversely do you think 2 are of use? Do you think I should be considering any other brands/types that might be "better"?

That space is giant. The subs don't care where you put the theater area; they see the whole room. If you want to know if you should buy more powerful subwoofers for that space, then yes. You would benefit from it with a room that large.

Alternatively you could locate subs nearfield, within 3 feet of sitting positions, to overcome the room size.

 

[Automatican]

Unfortunately, the space is large and open. Do you have any recommendations on actual subwoofers that might make a big difference, maybe the VTF-15H MK2 (but they look similar to me). Or Given the limitations on the room, and practicality sake, should I just stick with the 2 recommended Hsu VTF3 mk5s and keep them close to the seating area? I'd rather not double the cost of the subs to get a marginal improvement in actual sound.

Still looking to get a little info on the Ascend CMT-340's vs the SM65's, and on the Receiver and Amp situation.

Thanks,

 

[cel4145]

Maybe two PSA V1800s?
https://www.powersoundaudio.com/products/v1800

121 lbs each of sub

 

[shadyJ]

Thanks for the input. Being new to this, I'm not familiar with those "non-retail" brands, but they are interesting.

It looks like the Hsu VTF3 mk5s is quite nice. The basement is ~30' x ~55', and I will have the video screen and viewing area at one end of the rectangle. Do you think I will get decent bass with 2 of these in this environment, and conversely do you think 2 are of use? Do you think I should be considering any other brands/types that might be "better"?

Can you elaborate a bit on the benefits of the Ascend CMT-340's vs the SM65's. Trying to learn here.

If I am now looking at a pre and an AMP for all, should I still be looking at the Yamaha RX-A3060? It appears to have all the features that I am looking for in a 4k HDR receiver with good power, and I suppose I could set-up 7.2.2 now, and then spring for an AMP and 2 additional ceiling speakers at a later date. Any recommendations on an AMP with this set-up for now or future?

Appreciate the input.

I recommend the VTF3s because that is the best you can do in your stated budget. There are better subs, but the VTF3s won't be beat on performance for the price, especially for the present deal. You need as much performance as you can get for the dollar with a room that large. The VTF15h mk2 is a very good subwoofer too, but its a bit more pricey, and it will only get you cleaner deep bass, but doesn't have much of a performance advantage outside of that. The VTF3 will get you more bang for the buck.

As for the CMT340s, they will have a greater dynamic range than the SM65s, and probably more neutrality (accuracy). They will be able to stay cleaner at louder level.

For amps, I would be looking at the Outlaw Audio or Emotiva. The Yamaha used as a preamp will be sufficient. You could use it to run a few channels and use an outboard amplifier to run other channels. You have flexibility here.

 

[Automatican]

Thanks for the advice. Those are some good suggestions. My desire to tonally match (maybe too much of a fear) and time to receive the items so they could be installed prior to Thanksgiving became important factors. Amazon was offering decent deals with quick shipping which sealed the deal, and I pulled the trigger.

I also think that what was suggested for the main 7 speakers might be better, but pretty close to what I was thinking, at least for my ears and the overarching room constraints. So I am fairly content with the package, and I'm thinking this system is going to sound pretty great. But just in case, does anyone see any big mistakes that I made where I should just return without opening the box?

Here is what I ordered:

• Receiver = Yamaha RX-A3060
  • Gives me the option to buy an Amp later to get to 7.2.4 from 5.2.4
• L/C/R Speakers = Definitive Technology StudioMonitor 65
• Sides & Rears = Definitive Technology StudioMonitor 45
• 2x Subwoofers = Hsu VTF3 mk5 (might not get before Thanksgiving)
  
• 4x Ceiling Mounted for Atmos = Definitive Technology DI 6.5R

Thanks again for the advice, it was helpful!!

 

[zieglj01]

Thanks for the advice. Those are some good suggestions. My desire to tonally match (maybe too much of a fear) and time to receive the items so they could be installed prior to Thanksgiving became important factors. Amazon was offering decent deals with quick shipping which sealed the deal, and I pulled the trigger.


Here is what I ordered:

• Receiver = Yamaha RX-A3060
  • Gives me the option to buy an Amp later to get to 7.2.4 from 5.2.4
• L/C/R Speakers = Definitive Technology StudioMonitor 65
• Sides & Rears = Definitive Technology StudioMonitor 45
• 2x Subwoofers = Hsu VTF3 mk5 (might not get before Thanksgiving)
  
• 4x Ceiling Mounted for Atmos = Definitive Technology DI 6.5R

Really not a bad choice - Definitive is still nice - enjoy your system

 

[shadyJ]

Thanks for the advice. Those are some good suggestions. My desire to tonally match (maybe too much of a fear) and time to receive the items so they could be installed prior to Thanksgiving became important factors. Amazon was offering decent deals with quick shipping which sealed the deal, and I pulled the trigger.

I also think that what was suggested for the main 7 speakers might be better, but pretty close to what I was thinking, at least for my ears and the overarching room constraints. So I am fairly content with the package, and I'm thinking this system is going to sound pretty great. But just in case, does anyone see any big mistakes that I made where I should just return without opening the box?

Here is what I ordered:

• Receiver = Yamaha RX-A3060
  • Gives me the option to buy an Amp later to get to 7.2.4 from 5.2.4
• L/C/R Speakers = Definitive Technology StudioMonitor 65
• Sides & Rears = Definitive Technology StudioMonitor 45
• 2x Subwoofers = Hsu VTF3 mk5 (might not get before Thanksgiving)
  
• 4x Ceiling Mounted for Atmos = Definitive Technology DI 6.5R

Thanks again for the advice, it was helpful!!

Like I said, I don't think the Deftechs are bad, and if you got a good discount on them, so much the better. Make sure you set up the speakers correctly for the best results. I strongly recommend you go through this guide on Atmos.