5.1 Speaker Package Advice...(was 7.1 but decided to reuse 2 old speakers)

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simplepinoi177

Enthusiast
So, based off of a couple of forums and various suggestions, this is what I'm considering so far…ordered from greatest considered to least…

But some preliminary thoughts before getting to the list……


For information to be based on, I've decided on a Denon AVR-3400H receiver and HSU VTF-2 mk5 subwoofer. Also, this entertainment system is for high-definition movies and HD-television.

What keeps in my mind is that all of these totals are on top of the $1.2k the above will already cost…Originally, the max I wanted -- on top of the $1.2k – was to be as close to the lowest 4 figures as possible…
At this point, I'm pondering and expending considerable amount of brain power in going with the ones that just blow the budget and attempting to justify it with these totals. Input (on this and these selections) from you, the more knowledgeable, is what I'm looking for…

One last thing, some of my numbers may confuse you; while researching, I wasn't sure on some of these if they were priced per pair or not and also, I rounded up the estimate on many of these. You might also get confused because I was uncertain whether to get certain speakers as both L/R channel and surrounds, or not.




Chane A speakers
$440(A5.4 floors) * 2 = $880; + $280(A2.4 center) + $339(A1.4 pair) = $1500

HSU Hybrid 2.0 mk5 package
$160(HB-1 Mk2) * 4 = $640; + $250(HC-1 mk2) = $890; + $30 + $30 (s/h) = $950
or the full package -> $1299 + $225(s/h) = $1525

ELAC Debut 2.0
$300(F6.2) * 2 = $600; + $280(C6.2) + $300(B6.2) = $1100

Ascend CMT
$500(CMT-340m) + $300(CMT-340c) + $300(CBM-170); + $32 + $40 + $26 (s/h) = $1200

RBH
$165(R-515) * 5 = $825
or $415 (R-55 [towers]) * 2 = $830; + $165 (R-515) * 3 = $1325

Polk
$330(S55) * 4 = 1320; + $230(S30) = $1550

JBL
$300(Studio 230) + $250(235C[enter]) + $80(B15) = $630

Philharmonic AA
$290 (per pair) * 2 = $580; + $200 (middle channel) = $780

RSL
$200(CG23) * 3(for LCR) = $600; + 135(CG3 bookshelf) * 2 = $270; = $870
- negative point for smaller than usual 4 inch woofers
 
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Leemix

Audioholic General
Its very easy to go from 5.1 to 5.1.2 later if you dont want to start off with atmos at once due to time/money/future upgrade to look forward to etc. (If you get an atmos capable reciever)


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shadyJ

Speaker of the House
Staff member
All of the speaker sets you listed look to be good. I don't think there is a wrong choice between them. One thing to consider that might help you narrow your choice down is, if you are interested in an Atmos system eventually, you will want speakers that you can install in your ceiling. Atmos wants all speakers to be matched as close as possible including ceiling speakers, and some of the speaker series you listed do not have corresponding speakers that can be used in-ceiling. The ones that do are RBH, Hsu, RSL, Polk, and JBL.
 
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snakeeyes

Audioholic Ninja
If you are over your budget, you don’t have to match the surrounds if you aren’t doing Atmos. For example the JBL cheap surrounds could be used in any of these.
 
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simplepinoi177

Enthusiast
Its very easy to go from 5.1 to 5.1.2 later if you dont want to start off with atmos at once due to time/money/future upgrade to look forward to etc. (If you get an atmos capable reciever)
Thank you again, Leemix, for your continued input. As I recall from my research, I believe the 3400H falls under that category, correct?

All of the speaker sets you listed look to be good. I don't think there is a wrong choice between them. One thing to consider that might help you narrow your choice down is, if you are interested in an Atmos system eventually, you will want speakers that you can install in your ceiling. Atmos wants all speakers to be matched as close as possible including ceiling speakers, and some of the speaker series you listed do not have corresponding speakers that can be used in-ceiling. The ones that do are RBH, Hsu, RSL, Polk, and JBL.
You don't know how refreshing it is to hear that I researched and chose correctly...so thank you for that. I saw the pretty awesome looking C34E's (I didn't know such a speakers existed); so I believe I know what you're talking about. But, at the very least, I may be interested in that in the future and not presently.

If you are over your budget, you don’t have to match the surrounds if you aren’t doing Atmos. For example the JBL cheap surrounds could be used in any of these.
Yes, I've realized this. That's why I've changed my original search of 7 channels to the more primary 5; I can just re-use speakers I still have from my older system for the 2 surrounds...


Also, it's been suggested that I wouldn't need "towers" for my needs and that the R-515's and JBL set up would be the best bang for buck. Quick calculation would put it under $1k at around $880, so it really is great for the budget...I wonder...


Again, my thanks (I can't thank enough),and good input and suggestions is what I'm seeking...Keep 'em coming!
 
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Leemix

Audioholic General
The 3400h and up are atmos capable yes


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simplepinoi177

Enthusiast
So, I have been attempting to research, compare, and consider all of the speakers I've listed. Not knowing much and not being an expert, it seems very complicated to narrow down the specific intricacies between them and to value and prioritize the information. Being the "audio simpleton" I am, I ended up attempting to compare certain statistics in the specifications that they all had/showed in common that seemed important to try and organize and compare. I've listed (what I believe are) "pros" on each unit. I also only researched and included the LCR channels as those are the main 3 channels that put out the most, best, and complete sound (supposedly). This is what I was able to "scrounge" up…
P.S. Just as before, this list is ordered from highest/greatest considered to least; especially now considering certain statistics -- you can see it has been re-ordered because of this…
Also, I included my sources in which I obtained said statistics at the bottom of the added statistics following "*"

And, also, as I already said, I am rather an "audio simpleton" and I don't know what "tweeters", "drivers", and "transducers" are. Also, I know I may be focusing too much or not enough on some aspects and/or have not included certain details (i.e. materials and elements); but, then again, I don't know or understand any more than the general bare-minimum and hence would not know what is key and important in those matters. So, please, keep that in mind; and/or inform me of what added statistic I might/should include and the reason to do so, maybe.
edit: it was suggested that considering impedance is just as important as well...

Right now, where I stand is that although the Chane's are considered rather "the cream of the crop" (so-to-say) and what I had considered highest in my previous considerations, it seems that ELAC has the best statistics with the triple woofers for the floors and the most range in "frequency response." I might even consider Emotiva higher than the Chane's if basing solely on statistics, but I have heard better endorsement on the Chane's than Emotiva's. And, considering how rather "late" in the threads I created the Polk's were suggested, I would have thought they were on the lesser capable side; and yet, they seem to beat out many on the list simply in terms of statistics…

So what do you have to say about my pros… i.e. what should be more or less considered…


ELAC Debut 2.0
$300(F6.2) * 2 = $600; + $280(C6.2) + $300(B6.2) = $1100
_____________________________________________________________________________________
F6.2: 6 Ohms normal impedance; 39Hz – 35kHz; triple 6.5" woofers; 1" tweeter
C6.2: 8 Ohms normal impedance; 55Hz – 35kHz; dual 6.5" woofers; 1" "cloth dome"** tweeter
*https://www.elac.com/product/f6-2/?r=us
**https://www.elac.com/product/c6-2/?r=us

Chane A speakers
$440(A5.4 floors) * 2 = $880; + $280(A2.4 center) + $339(A1.4 pair) = $1500
__________________________________________________________________________________________________
A5.4: 6 Ohms nominal impedance; 47Hz-25kHz (+/- 3dB); triple 5.25" woofers; 135mm driver; 2.8" tweeter ("1.25" x 2.25" flat panel leaf tweeter"*; 1.25*2.25= 2.8125)
A2.4: 8 Ohms nominal impedance; 48Hz-31.5kHz (+/- 3dB); dual 5.25" woofers; 2.8" tweeter ("1.25" x 2.25" flat panel leaf tweeter"**; 1.25*2.25= 2.8125)
*https://www.chanemusiccinema.com/A5.4
**https://www.chanemusiccinema.com/A2.4

Emotiva
$80(BasX) * 2 = $160; + $250(Airmotiv C1) = $410; + $270(Airmotiv E1) = $680
or $350(Airmotiv T1) * 2 = $700; + $250(Airmotiv C1) = $950; + $270(Airmotiv E1) = $1220
_____________________________________________________________________________________________
T1: 4 Ohms nominal impedance; 37 Hz – 28 kHz (+/-3 dB); 133mm driver ("Midrange driver: 5-1/4” "*; 5.25" = 133mm); 800mm/1.26" high frequency driver/tweeter ("High frequency driver: 25×32 mm"*; 25mm ≅ 1"; 32mm ≅ 1.259"; 1"x1.259"≅ 1.26"); dual "6” woven fiber cones"* ("low-frequency driver"*)
C1: 4 Ohms nominal impedance; 50 Hz – 28 kHz (+/-3 dB); 76.2mm driver (" Midrange drivers: 3” "**; 3" = 76.2mm); 800mm/1.26" high frequency driver/tweeter ("High frequency driver: 25×32 mm"**; 25mm ≅ 1"; 32mm ≅ 1.259"; 1"x1.259"≅ 1.26"); dual " 5-1/4” woven fiber cones"** ("low-frequency drivers"**)
*https://emotiva.com/collections/loudspeakers/products/airmotiv-t1
**https://emotiva.com/collections/loudspeakers/products/airmotiv-c1

Polk
$330(S55) * 2 = 660; + $230(S30) * 3 = $690; = $1350
______________________________________________________________________________
S55: 8 Ohms "nominal impedance"* 32 Hz - 40 kHz; dual 6.5" [(16.51 cm) d*] mid-woofers; 1" [(2.54 cm) d*] tweeter
S30: 8 Ohms "nominal impedance"**; 42 Hz - 40 kHz; dual 5.25" [(13.34 cm) d**] "midrange"** woofers; 1" [(2.54 cm) d**] tweeter
*https://www.polkaudio.com/products/s55
**https://www.polkaudio.com/products/s30

RBH
$165(R-515) * 5 = $825
or $415 (R-55 [towers]) * 2 = $830; + $165 (R-515) * 3 = $1325
____________________________________________________________________________________________________
R-55: 6 Ohms impedance; 37Hz - 25kHz (±3dB); triple 6.5" (165mm) woofers; dual 5.25" (133mm) additional woofers; 1" (25mm) tweeters
R-515: 6 Ohms impedance; 57Hz - 25kHz (±3dB); dual 5.25" (133mm) woofers; 1" (25mm) tweeters
*https://rbhsound.com/r55.php
**https://rbhsound.com/r515.php

Ascend CMT
$500(CMT-340m) + $300(CMT-340c) + $300(CBM-170); + $32 + $40 + $26 (s/h) = $1200
_______________________________________________________________________________________________
CMT-340m: 8 Ohms "average impedance"*; 45Hz - 20kHz (+/-3 dB); dual 6.5" woofers; 1.06" tweeters ("(1) High-definition 27mm soft dome tweeter"*; 27mm=1.06299)
CMT-340c: 8 Ohms "average impedance"*; 45Hz - 20kHz (+/-3 dB); ); dual 6.5" woofers; 1.06" tweeters ("(1) High-definition 27mm soft dome tweeter"**; 27mm=1.06299)
*http://www.ascendacoustics.com/pages/products/speakers/cmt340m/cmt340mspecs.html
**http://www.ascendacoustics.com/pages/products/speakers/cmt340c/cmt340cspecs.html

HSU Hybrid 2.0 mk5 package
$160(HB-1 Mk2) * 4 = $640; + $250(HC-1 mk2) = $890; + $30 + $30 (s/h) = $950
or the full package -> $1299 + $225(s/h) = $1525
_________________________________________________________________________________________
HB-1 MK2: 8 ohms recommended impedance; 60Hz – 20kHz (+/-2 dB); 6.5" woofer; same company as the VTF-2 mk5 subwoofer
HC-1 MK2: 8 ohms recommended impedance; 60Hz – 20kHz (+/-2 dB); dual 6.5" woofer
*http://www.hsuresearch.com/products/hb-1.html
**http://www.hsuresearch.com/products/hc-1.html

RSL
$200(CG23) * 3(for LCR) = $600; + 135(CG3 bookshelf) * 2 = $270; = $870
- negative point for smaller than usual 4 inch woofers
________________________________________________________________________________________
CG23: 8 Ohms "nominal impedance"*; 85 Hz - 20 kHz (± 3db); dual 4" woofers; 1" tweeter ("Ferrite Magnet"*)
CG3: 8 Ohms "nominal impedance"*; 100 Hz - 20 kHz (± 3db); 4" woofer; 1" tweeter ("Ferrite Magnet"**)
*https://rslspeakers.com/products/cg23-monitor-center-channel/
**https://rslspeakers.com/products/cg3-bookshelf-speaker/

Philharmonic AA
$290 (per pair) * 2 = $580; + $200 (middle channel) = $780
________________________________________________________________________________________________
non-middle: 6 Ohms impedance; 48 Hz - 20kHz (+/- 3db) Anechoic; "Parts Express 6.5" treated paper cone with rubber surround"*; " Morel MDT32S 1" "*
middle: 6 Ohms impedance; 70Hz - 20kHz (+/- 3db); dual "4" Treated Paper"*; "1" Fabric Dome"*
*http://philharmonicaudio.com/aa.html

JBL+RBH
$300(Studio 230) + $250(235C[enter]) + 165 (R-515) * 2 = $880
 
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Leemix

Audioholic General
Choosing a speaker is always difficult unfortunatly, but luckily most decent speakers today give a lot for the money. I dont really know any of these speakers personally but if going with the x3400 then (or somewhat always) efficiency and to some extent impedance would be the most important ‘stats’. Frequency range doesnt really say much, especially since with a decent sub most of these would have a crossover set at about 80hz.
It would be very good if you had the opportunity to go out and listen to one or more in stores, even if isnt like at home, it can give an indication of what you like or if there is something you dislike.


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shadyJ

Speaker of the House
Staff member
You are giving far too much weight to manufacturer specs. All of those systems look decent. You can't really know how they will compare in terms of sound quality unless you listened to them all back-to-back. Since you are using a sub, their low-frequency extension hardly makes a difference. You might as well flip a coin.
 
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simplepinoi177

Enthusiast
So, I'm still in the process of comparing and deciding. It seems that it's coming down to my top 3 (ELAC, Chane, or Emotiva), but I am still carefully considering my options...

Speaking of which, I'm actually back here to request/ask for thoughts on the RBH R-55's; has anyone demo'd/tested/reviewed it?
 
William Lemmerhirt

William Lemmerhirt

Audioholic Overlord
So, I'm still in the process of comparing and deciding. It seems that it's coming down to my top 3 (ELAC, Chane, or Emotiva), but I am still carefully considering my options...

Speaking of which, I'm actually back here to request/ask for thoughts on the RBH R-55's; has anyone demo'd/tested/reviewed it?
If I’m not mistaken, @2channel lover has a pair currently in surround duty but tried them in front iirc. From what I know they’re pretty fantastic.
 
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shadyJ

Speaker of the House
Staff member
So, I'm still in the process of comparing and deciding. It seems that it's coming down to my top 3 (ELAC, Chane, or Emotiva), but I am still carefully considering my options...

Speaking of which, I'm actually back here to request/ask for thoughts on the RBH R-55's; has anyone demo'd/tested/reviewed it?
R-55E review, R-5/R-515 review
 
KEW

KEW

Audioholic Overlord
I haven't heard these, but have heard good things about the Boston Acoustics A-series and they include the atmos speakers and meet your budget nicely!

@zieglj01 may be able to comment on how they rank against some of the others.

https://www.accessories4less.com/make-a-store/item/bosbundle2/boston-acoustics-a-series-5.1.2-home-theater-speaker-package/1.html

https://www.accessories4less.com/make-a-store/item/bosbundle3/boston-acoustics-a-series-5.1.2-advanced-home-theater-speaker-package/1.html

Honestly, I'd bet the new generation (Morel tweeter) Philharmonic Audio AA's will beat all others for "sound quality per $". I'd go with them and use the $80/pr JBL B15's for surrounds. I don't know if @Dennis Murphy has identified atmos speakers to mate with his AA's or not!
 
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simplepinoi177

Enthusiast
If I’m not mistaken, @2channel lover has a pair currently in surround duty but tried them in front iirc. From what I know they’re pretty fantastic.
Thanks for letting me know this. I appreciate it.

Thanks shadyJ! I actually have come across these articles in my research as well. But it seems -- at least it seems to me that -- that the R-55E is far superior (as well as far more expensive; which is a good indicator of this) than the regular ol' R-55. That's why, after not being able to find more information, I decided to ask for personal experiences here...

I haven't heard these, but have heard good things about the Boston Acoustics A-series and they include the atmos speakers and meet your budget nicely!

@zieglj01 may be able to comment on how they rank against some of the others.

https://www.accessories4less.com/make-a-store/item/bosbundle2/boston-acoustics-a-series-5.1.2-home-theater-speaker-package/1.html

https://www.accessories4less.com/make-a-store/item/bosbundle3/boston-acoustics-a-series-5.1.2-advanced-home-theater-speaker-package/1.html

Honestly, I'd bet the new generation (Morel tweeter) Philharmonic Audio AA's will beat all others for "sound quality per $". I'd go with them and use the $80/pr JBL B15's for surrounds. I don't know if @Dennis Murphy has identified atmos speakers to mate with his AA's or not!
Thank you @KEW . I'll seriously look into these. I have heard much anticipation and great things on the "new generation" of the Philharmonic AA's...(I believe they might be referred to as AA+), so I appreciate your thoughts. I will look into the Boston Acoustic A-series... I really very much appreciate your insight and suggestions KEW. Thank you again!
 
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simplepinoi177

Enthusiast
Okay. So I've narrowed it down to two of the possibilities; the Chane's or the ELAC's... Has anyone have personal experience with either/both of these? Can you hear the superiority of the Chane's tweeters (being 2+ inches)? Is it apparent that the ELAC has superior range (according to its stated "frequency response")?
I've chosen these two in good part because of their "triple woofers." For those who have had experience with either/both, does this fact come out when listening to them?

I acknowledge the fact that there are more aspects -- and most likely more important aspects -- that I should be considering rather than these (most likely) rather simple & basic aspects... but if I could just be forgiven my amateur-ish state and allowed to be "humored" as well as simply hearing anyone's personal experience with the F6.2's and/or A5.4's (as well as the centers if possible), I would very much appreciate it still. Thank you.
 
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simplepinoi177

Enthusiast
Hello all! After taking the last couple of weeks for deliveries, cleaning/clearing/preparing the room up, and setting things up and tweaking, I'm finally finished with my set up!

First of all, I want to thank all of you who made suggestions…I would not have the awesome "dream" set up I do today without all of you! When starting, I didn't have any basis on where to look or where to begin…

So, in the end, I chose the ELAC speaker set up (2x F6.2, 2x B6.2, 1x C6.2) to go with the HSU VTF-2 mk5 subwoofer and Denon AVR-X3400H receiver. What I also ended up doing is using my old Onkyo sub (SKW-750X) and 2 old surrounds as Atmos speakers (SKB-750X L/R) to fill out my 5.2.2 setup. After a very careful and long consideration, I couldn't refute the superior specs of ELAC speakers – I acknowledge that the actual best way to go about deciding is personally experiencing all the different prospective speakers and not the way I went about it, but I just can't commit the resources, effort, and time to that at this period in time.

And now for my impressions…
I have seen the light (or sound as it were; and also not "seen" as it were…you know what I mean…)! I never knew how much I was missing out! The crisp "cling" and "clash" of glass breaking; the "creak" and "snap" of wood breaking! The "crash"-ing and "crush"-ing of thrown objects! It must be those real rich/elaborate tweeters. And to be able to hear and discern those minute (audio) details in actual proper position; hear those sound "fx" even though it's "out in front" of view or "back behind" the camera/point of view – obviously due to the excellent calibration done by the Denon receiver. And I never knew what real bass was until now; that a real subwoofer and proper low frequency is should actually be more described as "tight" and more of a sharp "thud" than just a big deep "boom" (so to say). I had always thought that a simple "booming" in one's ears, even if it was from dialogue or background humming (I found that Star Trek: TNG background "engine" noise always did this), or how long after an explosion it took to dissipate and fade was supposed to indicate how good a sub is. With the proper receiver and subwoofer, I now find (and realize) that's not how the director (sound) and developers are aiming for (necessarily). I am especially impressed by the Denon (receiver) and its capabilities – specifically its Audyssey LFC and "Containment" capabilities. To not bother my wife/guests in the next room (as much) and/or close neighbors is nice, but to see how this is achieved is so very impressive. Also, seeing regular HD detail (1080p) upconverted – although it can be miniscule – is still noticeable and remarkable as well. Although, I must say (but you can chalk it up to my amateur status) that these "bookshelf" speakers…those would have to be HUGE books and shelves! Coming from speaker sizes of the SK-750's – which is what I consider bookshelf-size – these threw me for a loop! I can only now see why many of you had suggested various "bookshelf" speakers as more than good enough and/or can deliver what's great enough. (BTW, rather off-topic, but does anyone know of any speaker stands that can go with these?! I use to keep my surround R/L on speaker stands, but ones that hold the SKB-750's could never suffice for these gargantuan whopper) I had wondered (and doubted a bit) why suggestions such as that was "thrown" about rather so casually (haha, now I know). Also, I thought most receivers were a standard, rather uniformed height, but my tv stand had to be reconfigured to fit the Denon. Some notes for new users of the Denon X-H's; I didn't appreciate how convoluted it was to set up the ohm settings – I'm very glad I read the whole manual first – you have to do/hold down a button combination to get to its settings, and also Audyssey doesn't really detect Atmos speakers properly when doing the initial auto-setup/calibration – so you most likely will have to do the initial set up and calibration (with the mic), change the "Dolby Speaker setup" to Atmos or DTS:X, and then re-do the setup/calibration once more.

Speaking of drawbacks of the Denon receiver (at least the 3400, but I have researched and seen it in other X-H's), apparently many Denon AVRX's and Samsung Q TVs DO NOT MIX! They really really REALLY do not like "talking" and communicating to each other! I have had multiple issues with my Samsung Q6F and the X3400H; especially concerning resolutions! Either I enabled the "Enhanced" 4K "Signal Format" but not Samsung's UHD HDR gaining 60p for the 4K signal but losing the exceptional color from my precious quantum dot tv, or set it to a "Standard" 4K "Signal Format" and enable the UHD HDR but lose the 60p and lower quality 4K signal. Also, I had issues with upconverting analog/standard resolution to 4K at 50/60 similar in this way. Moreso, when I would check the info displayed in my PS4 Pro, it would say that half of the HDR capabilities was not "available" or capable on my Q6F (which cannot be the case!). In anticipation for this TV and receiver, I purchased these in hopes that it would "cover" all of my "bases" (note: (at least with these "Active High Speed" HDMI cords) one side is set for the "source" and the other is set for the output or "TV" as it were; not the usual "reciprocal" identical-on-each-side way it's always been.) After researching the issue, and finding many others having the same issue with these two (at least Samsung Q's and Denon X-H's), it seems the best solution (after updating the firmware to both) is to use the HDMI cord that comes with the PS4! You can use the special "certified rated" HDMI cords ("…only cables to be tested and certified by HDMI Authorized Test Centers…") to the receiver, but these two devices and even this "official" cable will not get along (as it were)! But, for some/whatever reason, the HDMI cable that comes with the PS4 Pro (my guess is the length, maybe?) will allow both devices to "mesh" well enough together that you can enable everything ("Enhanced" 4K signal format, UHD HDR, upconverting, etc.) and have that "special" status on the PS4 that displays it can use HDR on all "24,25,30,50,60" p's! But even on the next day, I've had to actually reset the TV (I thought I might have to reset the receiver as well – which was a very frustrating annoying thought) because it stopped displaying the upconverting the receiver was putting out – limited to 1080p vs. 2160p! (smh)

In any case, I wanted to come back and conclude this thread with the results and my initial impressions. I also hope that the data and some of my research can/might help others in consideration as well. Most importantly, though, is to give my thanks to all of you who gave their input as I wouldn't have been able to enjoy, relish, and savor this "awesome-ness" – especially considering how awesome it currently is over (exceptionally over, at that) a HTiB (for those who might not know, "Home Theater in a Box") – and exceedingly broaden my horizons, understanding, and appreciation (of course) of sound effects now and from here on out! I can't say thanks enough to each of you. But every time I enjoy my home theater and its outstanding sound, I will recall and think of all the help you guys have given to make this happen for me. Again, thank you.
 

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