Looking for opinions on new home theatre recommendations

[ggriffin]

I just bought my first home and I’m looking to get my AV situation figured out while I can take advantage of some of the lingering Christmas/Boxing Day deals. I went to an audio store and told him what I wanted and what I was working with and he gave me recommendations which I’ll outline below. I’m looking for opinions on those and also comparable components that will reduce the cost a little bit if possible. I want good audio obviously but I’m not a total audioholic (yet).

What I’m working with: existing 5.1 system which was removed leaving speaker wire routed behind drywall to 4 points around my living room, all near the ceiling and at the width of the room. 8’10” ceiling, 14Wx19L fairly open room, sitting ~12’ from the tv. You can see the speaker placement in the listing picture here

http://imgur.com/a/YaFH430

They took everything, but my couch is in a similar spot.

I want an atmos setup so I went in asking about upfiring speakers but he said adding two front channels on the shelves beside the tv would let the two existing front speakers up high act as the atmos speakers.

Store recommendations and prices (in CAD):
1. The ideal setup
Receiver - Yamaha RXV1085, $999 (from $1599)
L/R Fronts - totem kin mini flex, $349 x2 (from $400)
Rear/atmos - B&W M1, $250 x4 (from $300)
Sub - JL Audio Dominion D110ASH 10“ subwoofer w/ 700W amp, $1259 (from $1350?)
For a grand total before tax of $3956.99

2. Cheaper option
No atmos speakers, so x2 instead of x4
Sub - Bowers & Wilkins ASW610, Active, closed-box subwoofer, $719
All else the same, for a grand total before tax of $2916.99

My questions:
1. Do I need the RXV1085 or is there something similar that will cost a bit less? I understand the calibration is very good on this, but if I’m not super picky about the sound, how much will I suffer with a ~$500 receiver?

2. Will the smaller sub still fill the room? Again, not too picky but I would like to be able to feel it a bit. Thinking of placing it front left corner of the room.

3. Any other speaker options that may be cheaper? I’m thinking these are good choices and the prices seem reasonable, especially if I can add the 2 atmos speakers in a couple months when I feel like dropping the extra cash, but if there’s a comparable options I would like to explore them. $2,500 would be a better number to try and convince the fiancé of getting behind.

4. Any concerns with the atmos speakers being at the front of the room, even if they are high/wide? Will I get a similar effect to true ceiling speakers?

Mostly trying to justify the price or find something reasonable I’ll still be happy with as someone who isn’t terribly picky but still wants some quality.

Thanks in advance for any and all help/advice, it is greatly appreciated!

GG

 

[snakeeyes]

Maybe go with a Denon 3500 if you can find it on sale. Think they are less than $600 USD on sale.

 

[Leemix]

I just bought my first home and I’m looking to get my AV situation figured out while I can take advantage of some of the lingering Christmas/Boxing Day deals. I went to an audio store and told him what I wanted and what I was working with and he gave me recommendations which I’ll outline below. I’m looking for opinions on those and also comparable components that will reduce the cost a little bit if possible. I want good audio obviously but I’m not a total audioholic (yet).

What I’m working with: existing 5.1 system which was removed leaving speaker wire routed behind drywall to 4 points around my living room, all near the ceiling and at the width of the room. 8’10” ceiling, 14Wx19L fairly open room, sitting ~12’ from the tv. You can see the speaker placement in the listing picture here

http://imgur.com/a/YaFH430

They took everything, but my couch is in a similar spot.

I want an atmos setup so I went in asking about upfiring speakers but he said adding two front channels on the shelves beside the tv would let the two existing front speakers up high act as the atmos speakers.

Store recommendations and prices (in CAD):
1. The ideal setup
Receiver - Yamaha RXV1085, $999 (from $1599)
L/R Fronts - totem kin mini flex, $349 x2 (from $400)
Rear/atmos - B&W M1, $250 x4 (from $300)
Sub - JL Audio Dominion D110ASH 10“ subwoofer w/ 700W amp, $1259 (from $1350?)
For a grand total before tax of $3956.99

2. Cheaper option
No atmos speakers, so x2 instead of x4
Sub - Bowers & Wilkins ASW610, Active, closed-box subwoofer, $719
All else the same, for a grand total before tax of $2916.99

My questions:
1. Do I need the RXV1085 or is there something similar that will cost a bit less? I understand the calibration is very good on this, but if I’m not super picky about the sound, how much will I suffer with a ~$500 receiver?

2. Will the smaller sub still fill the room? Again, not too picky but I would like to be able to feel it a bit. Thinking of placing it front left corner of the room.

3. Any other speaker options that may be cheaper? I’m thinking these are good choices and the prices seem reasonable, especially if I can add the 2 atmos speakers in a couple months when I feel like dropping the extra cash, but if there’s a comparable options I would like to explore them. $2,500 would be a better number to try and convince the fiancé of getting behind.

4. Any concerns with the atmos speakers being at the front of the room, even if they are high/wide? Will I get a similar effect to true ceiling speakers?

Mostly trying to justify the price or find something reasonable I’ll still be happy with as someone who isn’t terribly picky but still wants some quality.

Thanks in advance for any and all help/advice, it is greatly appreciated!

GG

A denon 3500/3600 might be better for the cost.

You cant do atmos with base layer speakers high up, they need to be down at ear height so you can have the atmos speakers high up or on/in the ceiling. Atmos bounce speakers may work ok but its not the same as on the ceiling or maybe even high up on the wall, they are also very sensitive to angles, so you need to know if they will work for where you couch is located relative to the bounce speakers.

Havent looked at the speakers but those subs seem very pricy for what you get. Good brands per dollar are usually sub focused companies like svs, hsu, psa, monolith and rythmik. I have probably forgotten one or 2. You also want a ported sub not sealed since it will be mostly movies/tv. ...or 2 subs.
There is no reason other than looks to go with same brand sub as the rest of the speakers.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

 

[ggriffin]

A denon 3500/3600 might be better for the cost.

You cant do atmos with base layer speakers high up, they need to be down at ear height so you can have the atmos speakers high up or on/in the ceiling. Atmos bounce speakers may work ok but its not the same as on the ceiling or maybe even high up on the wall, they are also very sensitive to angles, so you need to know if they will work for where you couch is located relative to the bounce speakers.

Havent looked at the speakers but those subs seem very pricy for what you get. Good brands per dollar are usually sub focused companies like svs, hsu, psa, monolith and rythmik. I have probably forgotten one or 2. You also want a ported sub not sealed since it will be mostly movies/tv. ...or 2 subs.
There is no reason other than looks to go with same brand sub as the rest of the speakers.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

I’ll look at the denon’s Since you both suggested them.

And I won’t be using any upfiring with this layout, the two speakers up high will point straight at me and act as the atmos channels. Audio guy said the fact that they are at the front of the room won’t affect it too much, but the reality of that was one of my questions. Front channels will be on the shelves beside the tv.

Also note the prices are Canadian dollars so everything might seem more expensive.

 

[CajunLB]

I’d rec one of the Denon units also.

 

[ggriffin]

Alright, so after looking at a comparison I don’t see a reason not to get the 3600H instead of the RXV1085. It’s $200 cheaper right now and the advantages of the Yamaha aren’t anything that I think I’ll notice. Features are essentially the same.

Speakers are the next big question. Opinions or possible alternates to the ones listed? And will the smaller sub be alright in my room?

 

[snakeeyes]

You should look at 12in ported subs. SVS PB2000 or HSU VTF2 or Monoprice Monolith 12. Not sure in Canada which of those would be cheaper.

 

[mtrycrafts]

Welcome to AH.

I am presuming the picture posted is how the previous owners had it set up?
Is the better half all in with a good HT setup there?
Boy, that TV is high. How large is it?
What is behind the couch? Can you add rear surround speakers back there?
Can you drop the side surround down a few feet?
Those high left and right speakers are bin the wrong location and would not recommend using it as Atmos after setting up L/R speakers besides TV.
Is there an attic above that space to wire Atmos properly?

 

[ggriffin]

Welcome to AH.

I am presuming the picture posted is how the previous owners had it set up?
Is the better half all in with a good HT setup there?
Boy, that TV is high. How large is it?
What is behind the couch? Can you add rear surround speakers back there?
Can you drop the side surround down a few feet?
Those high left and right speakers are bin the wrong location and would not recommend using it as Atmos after setting up L/R speakers besides TV.
Is there an attic above that space to wire Atmos properly?

Thanks!

That is the previous setup but ours is similar as far as couch position and TV size. It's a 55" TV. Not really an option to put anything behind the couch since there's stairs back there.

Speaker wires are pretty much stuck where they are, so my only option would be splicing in a couple extra feet and maybe painting to match the walls. Are you thinking the rears are too high? No attic above to accommodate any of this unfortunately, and I don't feel like messing with any of the drywall.

From 1-10, 10 being ideal atmos, how bad is that front high speaker set up? I only ask because at the audio store I went to, which has good reviews, the guy said it wouldn't be a problem with them placed there. But I'm skeptical...

 

[ggriffin]

You should look at 12in ported subs. SVS PB2000 or HSU VTF2 or Monoprice Monolith 12. Not sure in Canada which of those would be cheaper.

Thanks for the input. I'll keep an eye out since the concern is filing the room hence some pricey options from the store, and I might be able to get away with a cheaper ported sub it looks like.

 

[mtrycrafts]

Thanks!

That is the previous setup but ours is similar as far as couch position and TV size. It's a 55" TV. Not really an option to put anything behind the couch since there's stairs back there.

Speaker wires are pretty much stuck where they are, so my only option would be splicing in a couple extra feet and maybe painting to match the walls. Are you thinking the rears are too high? No attic above to accommodate any of this unfortunately, and I don't feel like messing with any of the drywall.

From 1-10, 10 being ideal atmos, how bad is that front high speaker set up? I only ask because at the audio store I went to, which has good reviews, the guy said it wouldn't be a problem with them placed there. But I'm skeptical...

As far as dropping the speaker wires for the sides, it may not be that hard to use a retrofit outlet below existing location at the lower height and fishing wire up or down and using a blank plate over the upper box. Much better than painting wire on wall surface.

Don't have 1st hand experience with Atmos but there is a good reason why Dolby positioned where they did on their drawings.
Would this be only a 2 speaker Atmos or 4? The only way to know for sure is to try what you have and see if it gives acceptable results.

 

[ggriffin]

As far as dropping the speaker wires for the sides, it may not be that hard to use a retrofit outlet below existing location at the lower height and fishing wire up or down and using a blank plate over the upper box. Much better than painting wire on wall surface.

Don't have 1st hand experience with Atmos but there is a good reason why Dolby positioned where they did on their drawings.
Would this be only a 2 speaker Atmos or 4? The only way to know for sure is to try what you have and see if it gives acceptable results.

True, I've got options for getting wire where I need it to go, just not in the ceiling.

And it would only be 2 because my 2 rear/2 atmos would use up the existing 4 speaker locations, and I would add the new fronts on the shelves.

But it's really throwing me off how those front speakers would be a useful atmos setup, but I haven't found anything similar to that online. As long as there's a decent return policy maybe my best bet is to just try it out...

 

[RedCharles]

Read this:

https://www.dolby.com/us/en/technologies/dolby-atmos/dolby-atmos-home-theater-installation-guidelines.pdf

Your TV height makes atmos difficult. You should be focused on how to solve your center channel problem.

Definitive Technology 600 satellites. They're attractive and put out ok sound. I would look on Ebay. Shouldn't cost more than 50 bucks a speaker shipped.

Polk OMW3. They're less attractive and put out better sound.

Pioneer has some damn cheap 9.2 receivers at 400 bucks. Not the best, but it is the cheapest path to 9.2.

There are some cheap 7.2 receivers out there too. I would get the cheapest you can find because there are new standards on the horizon in 2020.

You might get some subs off Amazon warehouse for cheap.

Get your Left, Center, Right figured out first. That's where most of the movie is.

Bipolar surrounds might be a very good option for that room.

I would do 7.1 with that room, but you could try out atmos too. Just figure it all out before the return window ends.

 

[RedCharles]

And Atmos is pretty sick, but if you're gonna do it, do 5.2.4.
5.2.2. doesn't do overhead pans.