Suggestions on AV setup

[Eppie]

The op already mentioned that they tried using a 2-channel setup (for a phantom center) but the dialogue levels were too low. My first thought was that they really need a capable center. The center channel carries most of the dialogue in video content and will be adjustable with the Cinema 30. Agree about the aesthetics. You get used to those things over time. With the speakers like the 803 for mains, the TV speakers will likely be a very poor option for center channel duty. The op should give serious consideration to a good center. The Cinema 30 speaker out should be able to handle that.

Here's a link to the Philharmonic Audio HT Center mentioned. Small but well known company that make great speakers and the finish quality is very good as well.

Matching center would be the HTM2D if I have the year of your 803 correct so you may need to search for a used center or consider the HTM82 D4 or HTM71D4. Rather expensive compared to what else is out there. There is the HTM71 S3 which is much more affordable if you want to stick to B&W. Judging the room from the photo it looks like you will need a speaker stand and a way to hide the cables. You will want to check the total height of the speaker with stand to see that it fits below the fireplace. Something lower to the floor should be angled up towards your ears.

It's a beautiful room but what I see are a lot of hard surfaces. Have you tried the clap test to see how the room echos? An area rug in front of the main speakers can help reduce reflections from the floor. I don't think you are about to hang sound absorbing panels all over the room, but hopefully you have some heavy shades or curtains to cover all of that glass. Also, having the speakers tucked away into those recesses may have the best visual appearance but it is one of the first things people will recommend against for good audio. Consider experimenting with moving the speakers out into the room more if possible. I know that's not always an option with small children.

 

[everettT]

My statements were generalized about a specific pair of mains and agree with the majority of your post.

I think the Philharmonic HT center is the best available under $3k easily. It has been driving me nuts, lol.

 

[katkoss]

I completely understand your perspective. Unfortunately, sitting closer than 10 feet isn’t going to work out. Attached is a picture showing the current setup with a 50-inch screen. To improve the viewing experience, I plan to upgrade to a 98-inch G4 or whatever newer model is available. For now, I’ve purchased a 77-inch TV as a temporary replacement for the Pioneer.

I’m also considering settling for a 2.1 system and adding an SVS subwoofer. However, if I need a center channel, I’m not sure what to choose—I’d prefer something wall-mounted under the TV.

So far, we haven’t been able to fully enjoy movie audio. The current setup—using the PS4’s optical output into the preamp to feed the amp connected to the B&W 803s—has been great for music, but not ideal for movies. The biggest issue is that when the volume is adjusted for vocal clarity, action scenes become overwhelmingly loud, forcing us to constantly adjust the volume.

I don’t currently have an AV receiver in the setup, so I ordered a Marantz Cinema 30 to enhance the surround sound. However, I’m wondering if it might be overkill for what I need—something smaller might suffice to improve surround sound and audio clarity.

In there, a lot is happening. Very lovely space. Fantastic!