Will my Denon AVRX4500H be able to handle this set up

[tenerifepaul]

2 x Klipsch RF7 111 Walnut floor standing speakers
1x Klipsch RC -65 111 centre speaker
2 x Klipsch R 100SW sub-woofer
2 x Kef Cil60QR ceiling speakers for Atmos,
4x TBA Back and Surround ceiling

6 x ceiling as floorspace not practical for free standing and no walls for wall mounting

Two questions
1. Final four directional ceiling speakers?
2. Do I need a power amp

This is simply for Home Theatre run through Apple tv. No turntable, blue ray etc.

 

[William Lemmerhirt]

Unless you’re trying to hit reference level, the 4500 should be fine. You can also omit the “atmos” speakers since they will be useless for the application as all the surround speakers will be in the ceiling. That will lighten the load even though it’s light. Maybe use the money from the Atmos speakers to upgrade the subwoofer.

 

[Eppie]

I concur. A proper ATMOS setup needs the bed layer (fronts and side / back surrounds) at ear level. Having everything in ceiling will not yield proper results for ATMOS so those two speakers can be skipped. If this is a new install, maybe run some wires to the ATMOS location in case things change down the road.

People often underestimate the difference that good subwoofers can make. The R-100SW may still be available but the latest iteration is the R-101SW. The spec sheet rates that sub only down to 30Hz. The RF 7-III is rated down to 32Hz so those little subwoofers add almost nothing! If you run the front speakers full range the subwoofers are literally a waste of money.

If this is for home theatre you want to target a sub that gets closer to 20Hz in the frequency response. As suggested above, add the cost of the ATMOS to your budget and look for better subs that will dig deeper than your tower speakers. Two are preferred to give you smoother bass response throughout the room, but those towers go pretty deep already and I would lean towards one really good sub over two weaker performers. If budget doesn't allow two better subs you can always add a second one in the future.

 

[lovinthehd]

The 4500 has 9 ch of amp so can do what you want, but as mentioned for Atmos by the others for bed layer not being in ceiling. Whether the amps are sufficient for your spl levels and distance from the speakers could be another matter. How far away from speakers will you be and what spl levels? I'd also want better subs fwiw.

 

[-Jim-]

I'll join the choir here and say there's no point in 6 in-ceiling speakers without at least 2 rear /surround speakers at ear level. You are wasting your money. Just go to 3.2 up front and add a pair or 2 of Atmos in-ceiling.

I don't understand why "Decorators" take precedence over sound when a Home Theater System is in play. Build your system to as close to Dolby Spec as possible for best results. Too much WAF I suspect...

 

[tenerifepaul]

I have no problem with replacing the sub(s)...any suggestions? I'm no expert but what I cant work out is how just two ceiling atmos, the towers and centre will provide an immersive feel. Surely effective directional ceiling backs and surrounds can't detract from the experience? We curently have a blank canvas as the space is being completely renovated, decorators are not taking any preference. The living room is a about 40m² (5.5x7), with just a couple of pillars to the dining 17m² and kitchen 20m²...We are a good 3.5 m from the towers and maybe 3m to the centre speaker. Its a pretty minimal space, with a lot of hard surfaces, no carpets, drapes etc...so its bassy. I am up for anything and I know I won't get better advice than here, so everything is welcome.

 

[Eppie]

I have used both in-ceiing and ear level surrounds in my space and the ear level surrounds are more immersive, but I am with those that feel that in-ceiling surrounds are better than no surrounds at all. It did add to the experience for me, but that's a personal opinion. Others will recommend no surrounds when they can not be placed properly.

I would disagree, though, on going 3.2 and adding a pair or two of ATMOS speakers. That would give you the proper positioning for the ATMOS speakers, which should be overhead, but there is much more content in the surround channels than the ATMOS channels. That could depend, though, on the content you are watching. The Dolby upmixer also adds to the equation as that will feed some content to the ceiling speakers. Directional speakers, as you mentioned, will help, so if you decide on in-ceiling surrounds using speakers aimed at the main seating position will work better than down firing unless they are close by.

Some people post floor plans or photos and that can aid in members recommending placement options.

Lots of options for subwoofers. If you want to stick with Klipsch, I would recommend stepping up to the Reference Premier line with a quick take here. Even the 10" RP-1000SW will go down to 20Hz although my recommendation would be the 12" RP-1200SW. These have slotted ports which make the cabinets a little smaller than typical ported subs. (Ported will perform better than sealed.) You mention kitchen and dining areas so if this is an open concept space then you will likely need more from the subwoofer than you anticipate as the volume of the space is a factor. Placing the sub closer to the seating position can help make up for that.

SVS and Arendal have free returns on their speakers and both make capable subs that are well rated on this site. For something more cost effective, the RSL Speedwoofer 12S reviewed well, and Monoprice's Monolith subwoofers are price/performance leaders.