3.1 or 5.1 for basic setup? [Total novice]

[eyc]

Hi. I am a true novice when it comes to audio. I've been using an Onkyo HT-SR700 5.1 all-in-one system (Amazon link) with my primary TV for five years.

I don't often watch movies and I didn't use the receiver for TV watching. So, I found myself just bunching up the front and rear speakers on either side of the TV, and using them only when I watched movies.

With a new home and TV, I need to upgrade; Budget: $750. My new home has two per-existing 8" speakers mounted flush in the ceiling at seating distance from the TV and what appears to be a wall-plate behind the TV that has four audio ports (not sure why there are four when I only see two speakers).

What more do I need for basic TV and movie watching? Can I just get a large center speaker, and then, use that with the preexisting ceiling speakers, sub, and receiver? I guess that's 3.1. Is that sufficient for basic audio? Is there even such a thing? Do you recommend that I use front speakers? (Some of my concern is that I don't have much lateral space around the TV.)

Some things to consider:

TV: Panasonic 65ST50
Cable: DirecTV HR34
Other: PS3 and XBOX and HTPC
TV Stand: BDI Avion 8929 (has a speaker drawer that is 34.5 inches wide, but I could put a larger center speaker on top of the stand).

 

[markw]

You may, correction, WILL, find the right/left sound coming from the ceiling disconcerting, particularly with the center at near face level.

Try to keep the R/L at about the same level as the center.

 

[j_garcia]

The speakers above are most likely surrounds. You don't see the other speakers because they aren't there and were for two additional surrounds. It is also possible they were for two of the front three speakers, but I doubt it.

I am currently running a 3.1 setup and I am quite pleased with it, but there are some times when I do miss having at least 5.1. Since you already have two of the speakers, you should be able to focus on just adding the 3.1

 

[zieglj01]

See if you can fit the EMP speakers around your TV
EMP Tek EW25 On-wall Speakers

And, stretch for the Energy sub S10.3
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16882269026

It can go down low
http://www.soundandvisionmag.com/article/energy-take-series-home-theater-speaker-system?page=0,2

 

[eyc]

See if you can fit the EMP speakers around your TV
EMP Tek EW25 On-wall Speakers

And, stretch for the Energy sub S10.3
Newegg.com - Energy S10.3 Subwoofer Each

It can go down low
Energy Take Series Home Theater Speaker System | Sound and Vision Magazine

Thank you so much for the insight. Do you think I will need a new receiver?

 

[zieglj01]

Thank you so much for the insight. Do you think I will need a new receiver?

That is one of the lower end Onkyo receivers. You can start
with it for now. However, I would consider a more powerful
one > and for HDMI hook-up, in the future.
There are refurbish receivers at AC4L
http://www.accessories4less.com/make-a-store/category/AVReceiver/Home-Audio/Home-Theater-Receivers/1.html

 

[eyc]

That is one of the lower end Onkyo receivers. You can start
with it for now. However, I would consider a more powerful
one > and for HDMI hook-up, in the future.
There are refurbish receivers at AC4L

What are your thoughts on soundbar systems? CNET has a link under "Home Audio" that rates the best soundbar systems that are currently available. (I can't post link yet.)

The soundbars typically have a 2 (or more) HDMI switcher, one long center speaker, and a sub. Do you think this will satisfy my needs for casual audio?

 

[zieglj01]

What are your thoughts on soundbar systems? CNET has a link under "Home Audio" that rates the best soundbar systems that are currently available. (I can't post link yet.)

The soundbars typically have a 2 (or more) HDMI switcher, one long center speaker, and a sub. Do you think this will satisfy my needs for casual audio?

Not a fan of SoundBars - a regular 3.1 system is better.
You can get a better front-stage and dimensional sound,
with a nice 3.1 system.
However, if sound is not that big a deal for you, then a
Soundbar will beat the TV speakers.

 

[markw]

IMNSHO, a sound bar will be more satisfying than using those two ceiling speakers, but not as good as using three speakers placed about ear level.