New home theater advice

[Bman484]

I’m in the process of designing a new home theater. The space is 14ftx12ft (lxw). The ceiling height is 8ft and the floor is hardwood. The space is enclosed on 3 sides and the rear 4th wall opens up into a finished basement.

I’m considering the following.
4 x in ceiling Monitor Audio CP-380IDC
1 x Monitor Audio c350 silver center
Pair of Monitor Audio Silver 100 for right and left

First, I wanted to get advice on this setup. Any opinions on the choice in speakers? Second, I wanted to get advice on what home theater receiver to pair it with.

I’m mostly watching movies with some music (maybe 20% of the time).

Thanks!


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[lovinthehd]

Why in-ceiling as a primary choice for surround speaker placement? Do you want a 7.1 format or 5.1.2? Or? Atmos, if that's an interest, won't work well with both your surrounds and height speakers in the ceiling (the bed layer of mains/surrounds should be separate from the Atmos layer). In-wall speaker placement is not an option (assuming more box speakers are not)?

AVR choice is more about features/connectivity you want for your particular use, with an appropriate amp section (or a full set of pre-outs for a more powerful external amp option), but many will work well enough for a simple 7ch setup in a small room. Maybe even consider a pre-pro and power amp option. What's the budget?

No subwoofer(s)?

I've heard very nice things said about the MA Silvers you plan on using for mains. I glanced at the spec for the MA CP-380IDC (and the MA in no idea about their in-ceiling stuff myself, tho these seem reasonably capable but kinda pricey, could be overkill somewhat for surrounds.

 

[Bman484]

Why in-ceiling as a primary choice for surround speaker placement? Do you want a 7.1 format or 5.1.2? Or? Atmos, if that's an interest, won't work well with both your surrounds and height speakers in the ceiling (the bed layer of mains/surrounds should be separate from the Atmos layer). In-wall speaker placement is not an option (assuming more box speakers are not)?

AVR choice is more about features/connectivity you want for your particular use, with an appropriate amp section (or a full set of pre-outs for a more powerful external amp option), but many will work well enough for a simple 7ch setup in a small room. Maybe even consider a pre-pro and power amp option. What's the budget?

No subwoofer(s)?

I've heard very nice things said about the MA Silvers you plan on using for mains. I glanced at the spec for the MA CP-380IDC (and the MA in no idea about their in-ceiling stuff myself, tho these seem reasonably capable but kinda pricey, could be overkill somewhat for surrounds.

I forgot to add the sub. I haven’t chosen that yet, but open to suggestions. I currently have hsu sub in a different room and have been happy with it.

I would like 7.1 and the reason for the in ceiling is because the open 4th wall and issues with sound travel. It was recommended by a local audio store to go in ceiling versus bookshelf. As for atmos, I don’t really need it, but would be a nice to have. Any suggestions to my layout to incorporate atmos?

Budget is 10-15k but hopefully lower end of it.


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[Bman484]

I forgot to add the sub. I haven’t chosen that yet, but open to suggestions. I currently have hsu sub in a different room and have been happy with it.

I would like 7.1 and the reason for the in ceiling is because the open 4th wall and issues with sound travel. It was recommended by a local audio store to go in ceiling versus bookshelf. As for atmos, I don’t really need it, but would be a nice to have. Any suggestions to my layout to incorporate atmos?

Budget is 10-15k but hopefully lower end of it.


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Here is the space

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[Bman484]

Why in-ceiling as a primary choice for surround speaker placement? Do you want a 7.1 format or 5.1.2? Or? Atmos, if that's an interest, won't work well with both your surrounds and height speakers in the ceiling (the bed layer of mains/surrounds should be separate from the Atmos layer). In-wall speaker placement is not an option (assuming more box speakers are not)?

AVR choice is more about features/connectivity you want for your particular use, with an appropriate amp section (or a full set of pre-outs for a more powerful external amp option), but many will work well enough for a simple 7ch setup in a small room. Maybe even consider a pre-pro and power amp option. What's the budget?

No subwoofer(s)?

I've heard very nice things said about the MA Silvers you plan on using for mains. I glanced at the spec for the MA CP-380IDC (and the MA in no idea about their in-ceiling stuff myself, tho these seem reasonably capable but kinda pricey, could be overkill somewhat for surrounds.

Would an amp like this work?

Monolith by Monoprice 7x200 Watts Per Channel Multi-Channel Home Theater Power Amplifier with XLR Inputs - Monoprice.com

The Monolith™ 7X is a state‑of‑the‑art, high‑performance, audiophile‑grade multichannel home theater amplifier. Rated at a full 200 watts per

www.monoprice.com

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[lovinthehd]

You'd still need an avr with a full set of pre-outs, or just a pre-pro, to go along with such a power amp. It's a good amp and decently priced.

 

[CajunLB]

Would an amp like this work?

Monolith by Monoprice 7x200 Watts Per Channel Multi-Channel Home Theater Power Amplifier with XLR Inputs - Monoprice.com

The Monolith™ 7X is a state‑of‑the‑art, high‑performance, audiophile‑grade multichannel home theater amplifier. Rated at a full 200 watts per

www.monoprice.com

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You would need a receiver with pre-outs or a pre/pro in order to use an exter power amp. You have chosen a good amp that gets recommended often.

 

[Bman484]

You'd still need an avr with a full set of pre-outs, or just a pre-pro, to go along with such a power amp. It's a good amp and decently priced.

Sorry, yes, I was assuming an avr as well. I will look into the pre-pro. Thanks.


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[Bman484]

You'd still need an avr with a full set of pre-outs, or just a pre-pro, to go along with such a power amp. It's a good amp and decently priced.

What pre/pro would you recommend for a 7.2 setup?


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[lovinthehd]

What pre/pro would you recommend for a 7.2 setup?


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The usual culprits without getting too much money sunk into one these days are Marantz or Yamaha models, maybe even the Monolith HTP-1. Personally I'd just use an avr with a full set of pre-outs, personally I like Denon the most but Marantz and Yamaha would be considerations.

 

[Cos]

Based on your room side, I would start out with a AVR with pre-outs (Yamaha / Denon / Marantz)

• You have a relatively small space 14x12x8, you will not need a lot of power. The Denon AVR X-3700 might fit the bill and save you money on amps. If not, you have the pre outs to grow. Audiosciencereview.com gives it high marks.
• Are you going to game on it (i.e. Xbox Series X or PS5 and looking for 4k/120) then look elswhere, otherwise its a solid reciever.

 

[Bman484]

Based on your room side, I would start out with a AVR with pre-outs (Yamaha / Denon / Marantz)

• You have a relatively small space 14x12x8, you will not need a lot of power. The Denon AVR X-3700 might fit the bill and save you money on amps. If not, you have the pre outs to grow. Audiosciencereview.com gives it high marks.
• Are you going to game on it (i.e. Xbox Series X or PS5 and looking for 4k/120) then look elswhere, otherwise its a solid reciever.

Great advice. Yes, my son will be gaming on it with an Xbox. What would be the alternative?


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