Best Dolby Atmos receivers under $600?

[Pogre]

I was looking at the speedwoofer, but now that you mention the movie part maybe it’s not the best choice since that’s primarily what I use my setup for. The room is also totally closed off from any other rooms when the
speakers are being used

Well, one thing about smaller rooms is that you do get some significant room gain because physics. I'm not well versed enough to go into detail, but it's worth looking into. I think @lovinthehd knows a bit more than I do about that so maybe he can chime in there. If the RSL gains from those benefits of your small-ish room it might work out fine.

 

[urtoast84]

I own all SVS Ultra speakers. 2 towers and 3 bookshelf speakers for my surrounds and center channel. Love them. I kept an eye on their outlet and got great deals on the whole set. Most have some kind of imperfection, but some are so lightly or barely nicked that you'll have trouble finding the mark. Just make sure to check the images they include on the page with the speaker(s).

I started with a stereo pair of Ultra bookshelves (fell in love immediately) I got for 399 apiece, then a third for the center, then eventually the towers all over the course of 6 or 8 months or so. In total I saved about 500 bucks going that route and don't regret it one bit. The same return policy and warranties as new apply too so there's really no risk either.

Using a sub in a small room like that I'd go with the bookshelf speakers. Even in my big room the towers are a little superfluous with subs, but I really wanted them, lol.

yeah i was thinking maybe even the satellites for surround and the bookshelves for front left and center, the two height atmos speakers, with one of the SVS subs as well. Or would you still just recommend the bookshelves for surround as well? Theyll all probably be purchased at differnt times of course, so what do you think of me selling the onkoyo setup as a whole since i have the denon AVR coming, and then using that money to buy the two bookshelves from SVS and working my way back up to a 5.1.2 overtime?

PS: using the bookshelf as a center channel would it be mounted vertically? Above the TV? How would that work since its not a horizontal speaker? Or does orientation not matter in this case?

 

[everettT]

yeah i was thinking maybe even the satellites for surround and the bookshelves for front left and center, the two height atmos speakers, with one of the SVS subs as well. Or would you still just recommend the bookshelves for surround as well? Theyll all probably be purchased at differnt times of course, so what do you think of me selling the onkoyo setup as a whole since i have the denon AVR coming, and then using that money to buy the two bookshelves from SVS and working my way back up to a 5.1.2 overtime?

PS: using the bookshelf as a center channel would it be mounted vertically? Above the TV? How would that work since its not a horizontal speaker? Or does orientation not matter in this case?

Vertical is preferred when possible, ie bookshelve or tower.

 

[urtoast84]

Vertical is preferred when possible, ie bookshelve or tower.

Awesome thank you for that I had no idea orientation made a difference but I saw that the SVS systems contained vertical center channels so.

 

[urtoast84]

Well, one thing about smaller rooms is that you do get some significant room gain because physics. I'm not well versed enough to go into detail, but it's worth looking into. I think @lovinthehd knows a bit more than I do about that so maybe he can chime in there. If the RSL gains from those benefits of your small-ish room it might work out fine.

ohh okay i see, ive never heard of that before ill have to look into it thanks for the info!

 

[lovinthehd]

Awesome thank you for that I had no idea orientation made a difference but I saw that the SVS systems contained vertical center channels so.

The typical horizontal center is a compromise, it enables it to fit underneath tvs/screens easier, not for acoustic reasons.

 

[lovinthehd]

ohh okay i see, ive never heard of that before ill have to look into it thanks for the info!

That's what I was referring to in an earlier post by cabin gain. The room size article I linked is somewhat about that. Here's a thread discussing it https://forums.audioholics.com/forums/threads/room-gain.82320/

 

[urtoast84]

That's what I was referring to in an earlier post by cabin gain. The room size article I linked is somewhat about that. Here's a thread discussing it https://forums.audioholics.com/forums/threads/room-gain.82320/

gothca okay, i misunderstood then, ill check that out now. Thanks again for everything.

 

[urtoast84]

That's what I was referring to in an earlier post by cabin gain. The room size article I linked is somewhat about that. Here's a thread discussing it https://forums.audioholics.com/forums/threads/room-gain.82320/

So if i understood that correctly, i would experience room gain around 34hz? 767 / 11*2 correct? sorry for all the questions, just genuinely curious lol.

 

[William Lemmerhirt]

I own all SVS Ultra speakers.

Don’t lie poges, those ultras own YOU!!!!!

 

[William Lemmerhirt]

If you can move the budget a bit, a pair of speedwoofers would be a great upgrade. They’re also small enough that you can probably have some latitude with placement since a square room is notoriously evil for eating bass, as HD said, this would help. 800 bucks for 20hz performance is awesome. They won’t boil your skin off, but a pair will be nice in that size room.

 

[lovinthehd]

So if i understood that correctly, i would experience room gain around 34hz? 767 / 11*2 correct? sorry for all the questions, just genuinely curious lol.

I didn't check your math but 767? Think its 1120 or so? Anyways, you've probably experienced it already to an extent and keep in mind boundary gain as that's also a factor so placement is involved as well. You might also like looking around at the articles and tests done here as well.

 

[urtoast84]

If you can move the budget a bit, a pair of speedwoofers would be a great upgrade. They’re also small enough that you can probably have some latitude with placement since a square room is notoriously evil for eating bass, as HD said, this would help. 800 bucks for 20hz performance is awesome. They won’t boil your skin off, but a pair will be nice in that size room.

ya know, I didn't ask for help on how to spend ALL my money! But that's a good idea! I guess just one final question then, and @lovinthehd can chime in here as well, but there won't be any issues running some Onkoyo speakers and some SVS (for example, if i got the SVS prime satellites to replace my rear surround speakers that came with my Onkoyo HTIB, but left everything else the way it came in the box except for my new AVR) at the same time? I know i sort of asked this with the sub but i wasnt sure if its different for each speaker.

 

[lovinthehd]

Your speakers are fine to use, including mixing with newer speakers, many do at least use the surrounds from such a set to save some bucks. Most important to match speakers IMO are the front three, altho having the same speaker, or at least the same series, all around for multich audio is nice, too; if buying speakers I'd concentrate on the fronts to start. One sub for your own seat in a room that size is doable, two could make for better room mode smoothing and for multiple seats, tho. We do like spending OPM, tho.

 

[urtoast84]

Your speakers are fine to use, including mixing with newer speakers, many do at least use the surrounds from such a set to save some bucks. Most important to match speakers IMO are the front three, altho having the same speaker, or at least the same series, all around for multich audio is nice, too; if buying speakers I'd concentrate on the fronts to start. One sub for your own seat in a room that size is doable, two could make for better room mode smoothing and for multiple seats, tho. We do like spending OPM, tho.

Awesome thanks again man! And for sure i would focus on my front speakers first, probably going to do as @Pogre suggested and go with the 3 bookshelf speakers from SVS as the first upgrade after the receiver, then probably the RSL and then maybe 2 more bookshelf speakers for surround? I would love to keep it atmos and get SVS' height speakers too someday, but college unfortunately means it'll probably be a while until im fully up and running a 5.1.2 again. *sigh* Thank you all again so much for the help, i wouldve been so lost!

** also i misread @Pogre setup, you have the ultras!! not the primes! damn dude those look really nice.

 

[William Lemmerhirt]

Yeah I’ll agree with HD about mixing speakers. I prefer them to match if they can, but it definitely isn’t a deal breaker. I’ve had a few Frankenstein systems, it’s just how you have to do it sometimes.
Wanted to mention, RSL does makes some very nice speakers as well as their subs. They do have some packages but I don’t know what’s currently on sale. FWIW, I have four c34e’s in my ceiling for Atmos. L. O. V. E.

Rogersound Labs

RSL Speakers - A division of Rogersound Labs - is a factory direct loudspeaker manufacturer, since 1970, based in Los Angeles, California. Family owned and operated.

rslspeakers.com

 

[urtoast84]

Yeah I’ll agree with HD about mixing speakers. I prefer them to match if they can, but it definitely isn’t a deal breaker. I’ve had a few Frankenstein systems, it’s just how you have to do it sometimes.
Wanted to mention, RSL does makes some very nice speakers as well as their subs. They do have some packages but I don’t know what’s currently on sale. FWIW, I have four c34e’s in my ceiling for Atmos. L. O. V. E.

Rogersound Labs

RSL Speakers - A division of Rogersound Labs - is a factory direct loudspeaker manufacturer, since 1970, based in Los Angeles, California. Family owned and operated.

rslspeakers.com

appreciate the input man! glad i'm not committing some audio sin by doing so lol, or at the least i'm not the only one doing so! Man, ceiling speakers are the dream for me, I would love to have them some day. I heard in some video I watched that ceiling speakers can be problematic acoustically? Is that true? Or would there be a reason someone might say that? To be honest Atmos was what got me into all this (shocking I know, considering the post title), and i know height speakers will never a perfect match for actual speakers above your head, so I am interested in that route in the distant future.

PS: im going to take a look into RSLs other speakers now, thanks for the tip!

 

[William Lemmerhirt]

appreciate the input man! glad i'm not committing some audio sin by doing so lol, or at the least i'm not the only one doing so! Man, ceiling speakers are the dream for me, I would love to have them some day. I heard in some video I watched that ceiling speakers can be problematic acoustically? Is that true? Or would there be a reason someone might say that? To be honest Atmos was what got me into all this (shocking I know, considering the post title), and i know height speakers will never a perfect match for actual speakers above your head, so I am interested in that route in the distant future.

PS: im going to take a look into RSLs other speakers now, thanks for the tip!

Lol, you are definitely not the only one mixing. Just think of it as gaining more hands on, ears on? experience.
IMO, ceiling speakers or any in wall speakers are a compromise for sure, but many do sound very good. For Atmos content, the same considerations don’t necessarily apply as the LCR, so the biggest consideration is that they have wide dispersion. In my case the only ones in the ceiling are my Atmos tops. I agree that ideally they’re the way to go, but you can definitely have a good experience with height locations so if you find that in the future that you can’t go IC, don’t feel bad. My side surrounds are also NOW IW as part of my compromise to install my Atmos system, from 7.3 to 7.3.4, but are JBL, and sound very similar to my mains and rear surrounds.

 

[Pogre]

Awesome thanks again man! And for sure i would focus on my front speakers first, probably going to do as @Pogre suggested and go with the 3 bookshelf speakers from SVS as the first upgrade after the receiver, then probably the RSL and then maybe 2 more bookshelf speakers for surround? I would love to keep it atmos and get SVS' height speakers too someday, but college unfortunately means it'll probably be a while until im fully up and running a 5.1.2 again. *sigh* Thank you all again so much for the help, i wouldve been so lost!

** also i misread @Pogre setup, you have the ultras!! not the primes! damn dude those look really nice.

Yes, I have the Ultras and thank you!

I've not heard any of the Prime series speakers outside of a crowded demo room but I know SVS voices all of their speakers to work together. If I were you I'd focus on the front 3 first, before looking at surrounds. And yes, 3 bookshelf speakers up front and prime satellites for surrounds would work very well.

I'd recommend going with the Ultra bookshelf speakers for your front 3. It's wiped out right now because of a recent sale, but keep an eye on their outlet and the Ultra BS do pop up for $399 apiece and that's where you get into a fantastic value. It's worth the extra for the Ultra line at that price, even if it means just getting a stereo pair to start and go without a center for a while. You can also keep using your current surround speakers and funnel that money into your fronts. Matching surrounds are nice, but not nearly as important as the front 3.

 

[urtoast84]

Yes, I have the Ultras and thank you!

I've not heard any of the Prime series speakers outside of a crowded demo room but I know SVS voices all of their speakers to work together. If I were you I'd focus on the front 3 first, before looking at surrounds. And yes, 3 bookshelf speakers up front and prime satellites for surrounds would work very well.

I'd recommend going with the Ultra bookshelf speakers for your front 3. It's wiped out right now because of a recent sale, but keep an eye on their outlet and the Ultra BS do pop up for $399 apiece and that's where you get into a fantastic value. It's worth the extra for the Ultra line at that price, even if it means just getting a stereo pair to start and go without a center for a while. You can also keep using your current surround speakers and funnel that money into your fronts. Matching surrounds are nice, but not nearly as important as the front 3.

okay interesting, I personally do not mind minor scuffs or dings, so outlet shopping is right up my alley. And i know im kicking myself for not making this post before black friday. But if you think that the ultras are worth the extra money thats fine, as you said i can go piece by piece until i have everything, i agree that it would be worth the wait. Do you feel the same about the ultra surrounds? or do you think the primes would suffice for my 12x12 room?I measured it for real this time lol