I have been reading and watching videos here for years and recently joined the forum. Thanks for all the information.
I am planning for upgrades to my HT(really a multipurpose(MP) room with many flaws) and wanted some input from the forum. So, the MP room is 14 x 17 x 10 high. It opens at the back behind the MLP to the kitchen and to the left of the MLP to the rest of the house. I am running a 7.1 system currently. Sound components are...
Pioneer Elite SC-85(9 channel amplifier with Dolby Atmos decoder)
B&W 603S2 Mains
LCR600 S3 Center
Surrounds are in wall B&W CWM6160
Surround backs are in ceiling B&W CCM65
SVS PB-2000 sub
The L/R speakers I have had for 20 years and still enjoy them. But, I was thinking of upgrading the mains and center. My general budget is $2000 for mains and $800-1000 for center. I have my eye on the Paradigm 800F with 500C center(among others in the price range SVS, Revel, RBH). I am also considering a dedicated 3 channel amp for the LCR speakers. I really don't have a way to run wires in the ceiling(the speakers currently in the ceiling and wall were wired during construction). With my current A/V receiver I have 2 open height channels which I am thinking of adding speakers for Atmos consideration(if relevant) on top of the furniture that houses my TV(see pictures).
1) With the current 7.1 setup I have now, what will I gain by changing(again if possible and relevant) to a 5.1.4 system by utilizing the 2 surround back in ceiling speakers and adding to height channel speakers(on top of the furniture)? Or could I make it a 7.1.2 and use the height channels on top of the tv furniture? What height channel speakers should I use? What about something like Canton GLE AR-400 angled speakers on top of the TV furniture?
2) Will Paradigm speakers as the mains and center blend in with the B&W surrounds for HT?
Any feedback is much appreciated!
