7.2.2 or 7.2.4 in a 13x20 room

[Blarmit]

I am finishing a basement and have an area 13x20 with 9ft ceiling that i am turning into a theater area/room. The rear right corner is open to the rest of the basement but does have somewhat of a rear wall (or half of a rear wall anyway). Doing one row of 3 theater seats with a counter top bar behind, also with three seats. Contemplating B&W 703 S2 front L&R and HTM71 S2 center. Sides and rear speakers will be in wall at ear level and have unfinished ceiling so options are wide open. Have heard multiple opinions as to which is more immersive, 2 Atmos in ceiling speaker or 4? Best Buy in home analysis said 2 would have more separation and sound more immersive yet a more local dealer said 4 would be better. Please help.

Also Kef R7's are in the running if anyone has an opinion or knowledge of those vs B&W i would love to hear

 

[William Lemmerhirt]

Well I believe the R7 is a better speaker than B&W’s 703. The 800 series I think might be bette than the kef but you’d have listen for yourself. Personally I would look at Revel first and then kef or Canton.
Should also find out your budget. That’s a big space and you’ll want to spend some good money on subwoofers. Rythmik, HSU, SVS, PSA, monolith all make excellent performing subs and will be better than “speaker” builders such as kef or revel, klipsch etc.

Lastly, whoever at BB said that .2 Atmos is better than .4 should be fired, or at least have their HT sales privileges revoked and made to sell vacuum cleaner bags. Or HDD’s, or maybe urinal pucks. Yeah, that last one.
That’s ridiculous. Can I ask what logic that person gave you? I’d honestly love to hear.

I’m with your local shop on this one.
So, what’s the budget?

 

[Blarmit]

The BB rep stated that there would be greater separation distance between fronts, ceiling, rears and make stuff that goes overhead sound more realistic.

I have heard the Kef's and BW's here locally and for my budget they are the best i can demo to in my area. I'm happy with both but, I seem to like the BW for movies and the Kef for music. The BW almost sound too "bright" with music but i like that clarity with movies. Also looking at REL H/T 1003 or 1205 subs.
Thanks for your input.

 

[William Lemmerhirt]

The BB rep stated that there would be greater separation distance between fronts, ceiling, rears and make stuff that goes overhead sound more realistic.

I have heard the Kef's and BW's here locally and for my budget they are the best i can demo to in my area. I'm happy with both but, I seem to like the BW for movies and the Kef for music. The BW almost sound too "bright" with music but i like that clarity with movies. Also looking at REL H/T 1003 or 1205 subs.
Thanks for your input.

Interesting. While there might be arguably greater separation between the base layer and height layer, .2 leaves a hole above you in the back of the room and overhead panning is incomplete. There’s more to it than the height differential. What your looking(listening?)for a is a complete bubble of sound that objects can move freely around in. So I disagree with his points wholly. Sorry if i trashed him but it’s frustrating to me. I’m sure he’s just trying to do his job.

As the REL HT line is still kinda new, I haven’t been able to draw many conclusions on them but from what I have seen, there is still better value out there. As for the bed layer, I wish I could help further. That’s gonna come down to your own preference. It’s likely that audyssey, or whatever RC you use will tame the brightness of the B&W’s some. Seems like maybe you’ve decided, and just don’t know it yet? Lol

 

[Blarmit]

My gut tells me .4 is better but i'm no expert and I appreciate your input that's what i'm here for!

 

[nbk13nw]

My gut tells me .4 is better but i'm no expert and I appreciate your input that's what i'm here for!

Absolutely. I was running .2 and moved to .4. If you have the room. And it sounds like you do. Then .4. At least pre-wire while installing the first set and have it ready for when you decide to take the plunge for the second set.

Sent from my SM-G988U using Tapatalk

 

[AcuDefTechGuy]

If you can do 4 Atmos speakers, I would do 4.

But at the same time, I think going from Non-Atmos to Atmos .2 is a lot more significant than going from Atmos .2 to Atmos .4.

 

[William Lemmerhirt]

If you can do 4 Atmos speakers, I would do 4.

But at the same time, I think going from Non-Atmos to Atmos .2 is a lot more significant than going from Atmos .2 to Atmos .4.

Of course it is, but why not go all in?