It’s time for an upgrade! I need your help.

[cshunka]

Hello Everyone,

I bought my first home theater system back in college in 2009. It’s been faithfully serving me for the past 10 years other than my hdmi ports on my original AVR going out. I upgraded my AVR in 2013. I’m to the point where I want more from my system. My wife and I love to watch movies so I would say I’m a 80/20 HT/Music user.

My current system consists of the following:
TV- Sony A8F 65” OLED
Receiver- Yamaha RX-A730
Fronts- Klipsch RF-62
Center- Klipsch RC-52 II
Surrounds- Klipsch RS-42 II
4K Player - Xbox One S

I have tried a sub before but I didn’t know much about the optimal position and it sounded very boomy. It did not sound like an extension of the system if that makes sense but rather just something to thump in the corner and give me a headache. I’m open to trying it again with a better quality sub or 2 and will spend more time on the placement.

A 5 channel system is all that I have room for. I was thinking of putting in-ceiling speakers for the Dolby Atmos experience. I have a 7.1 receiver and my fronts are bi-amped with the last 2 channels.

Overall I feel like my system is basically a 3 channel system with my front stage doing all of the noticeable work and seemingly nothing coming from my surrounds. I have tried to boost the channel level for those speakers well above the YPAO setup levels to get them to standout more but it doesn’t make much difference. The sound feels a little flat too. I want a more emersive and dynamic experience.

My initial thoughts are to go with the SVS Ultra Tower system. With an Outlaw 5000 for the power and upgrading my receiver. I plan on adding 2 SVS PB-4000’s and up to 4 ceiling speakers later on.

I’m struggling deciding between going with bookshelves instead of the towers since I will be adding what I consider to be 2 very capable subs to handle the base. I’ll spend the extra money for the towers if I know it will make the experience that much better. If not and I can save $1000 by going the bookshelf route and not compromising much from the overall experience then I will do that. I do like the idea of smaller and more descrete speakers.

What do you think of my receiver? I know it doesn’t support Atmos so if I decide to keep it I will have to pass on the ceiling speakers.

If I will be getting all of my power from an amp my receiver is just providing the processing and features right? Is it worth the extra money to upgrade or if I go the separate route what are some good processors to look into? If I stick with a receiver can I basically bi-amp any speakers that have the ability by using the outlaw and 5 of the channels from the AVR?

 

[everettT]

If the bookshelves can reach the spl levels at your seat, go that route. Subs take time to integrate properly and it's worth the time invested and impacts home theater as much as dialogue.

If you have the time, get a measurement mic and REW software so you can understand what going on in your room, especially below 200hz.

If you can take care of those room issues with AVRs eq or the subs, great. If not I'd look to add dsp eq at least for the subs.

Good luck and enjoy. The Ultras will be definitely be more refined for music than the Klipsch and Klipsch are probably more dynamic. Fun hobby