1st HT Setup - Recommendations

[1dwn5up]

I recently moved into a house and I'm looking to install a Home Theater System in the Living Room. It is already pre-wired for 5 speakers, unfortunately, the locations are 12.5 feet high. From my research, it is recommended that they are at approximately ear level. I have access to the attic, so I can run new wires or move them around. I will be mainly using this setup for TV/Sports/Movies/Gaming. Occassional music, but that's not my main concern.

I have a 55" Samsung that I've mounted to the wall using the slim profile mounts (similar to hanging a picture). I may upgrade in the future to a large 4K TV, but I'm not in a rush for that.

Room Size: 15'6" front to back x 19'5" width x 20' height. Hardwood floors w/ an 8 x 10 area rug.

Receiver: I was looking to spend around $500, I'm ok with a refurbished unit depending on the vendor where I can return it if it arrives DOA (amazon, etc.). I was looking at the Sony STRDN 1060. I like some of the features such as 4K, Bluetooth, # of HDMI inputs, etc. It doesn't have ATMOS or Audyssey, is it necessary?

Speakers: I'm looking for In-Wall Speakers. I don't want it to look cluttered with floor or bookshelf, I understand the sound quality won't be as great as those, but I think the overall sound will be better than my TV. I'm not really sure what to go with. I've seen the following online: Polk, Klipsch, Boston Acoustics, Bose. I think I've narrowed it down to one of the two, but I'm not sure the difference between manufacturer.

• Klipsch:
  • L&R: R-3650
    • http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0074V7Q6Y?keywords=R-3650&qid=1444269159&ref_=sr_1_1&sr=8-1
  • Center: R-5502
    • http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...sch in wall&qid=1444268856&ref_=sr_1_6&sr=8-6

• Boston Acoustics:
  • L&R: VSI-585
    • http://www.accessories4less.com/mak...s-vsi-585-2-way-8-in-wall-speaker-each/1.html
  • Center: VSI-555
    • http://www.accessories4less.com/mak...-way-dual-5.5-in-wall-lcr-speaker-each/1.html

Rears:
What would you recommend for the rears, also do they NEED to be at the sides or can they be behind you? I have two pillars that separate the living room from the kitchen and was thinking about adding them inside there.

Sub: I haven't researched this yet, so any recommendations would be great.

Wiring: What size gauge would you recommend?

Thanks for your time, any comment would be appreciated.

Brown = TV console
Gray = Couch
Green = Rug
Purple = Windows (on right)
Corner = Fireplace (top right)
Blue = Hallway (top left)
Blue Boxes = Pillars behind couch
1 Box = 1 sq. foot

 

[3db]

That's a huge area to pressurize which requires serious amplification. Given your situation, I would go with the Klipsch because of their sensitivity if your primary objective is HT like you say. I would also not look at any AVR rated under 100Watts per channel.

 

[Seth=L]

Would this fit the bill?

http://www.accessories4less.com/mak...-7.2-networking-a/v-receiver-w/airplay/1.html

or

http://www.accessories4less.com/mak...pc-4k-receiver-wi-fi/bluetooth/airplay/1.html

The runner up to the Marantz has more power and features, but Onkyo's had a murky past in terms of reliability.

http://www.accessories4less.com/mak...nkyo-tx-nr809-7.2-network-a/v-receiver/1.html

And if you are willing to forgo 4K capability you can have stellar power and reliability.

http://www.accessories4less.com/mak...a2000-7.2-network-aventage-av-receiver/1.html

 

[1dwn5up]

3db - yea, I was looking at 100 watts per channel as my minimum. I'll keep digging.

Thanks Seth, I'm checking those out now. The receiver may be the one thing I don't want to get from AC4L because of a difficult return policy based on some review. And I agree with reading up on Onkyo's, lots of duds and run hot.

 

[Seth=L]

3db - yea, I was looking at 100 watts per channel as my minimum. I'll keep digging.

Thanks Seth, I'm checking those out now. The receiver may be the one thing I don't want to get from AC4L because of a difficult return policy based on some review. And I agree with reading up on Onkyo's, lots of duds and run hot.

I have done a return to a4l, it was relatively hassle free. I would buy from them again. Their prices are among the best.