Beginner: Choose between a ready-made home theater or more custom solution

[gmarkoma81]

Hi everybody,

I am new here. In a few months' time, I am moving to my own house and I am thinking of improving the audio, currently, we have 2 x Apple HomePods. My current Sony TV has eARC HDMI. I am thinking or the Sony Bravia Theater Quad with an additional subwoofer. or to buy AV receiver, speakers, etc., separately (5.1 probably). The living room is not that huge, I would say 20-25 square meters. I am wondering if the ready solution is not good for the future and the custom solution will stay more years. Although as I am not expert, I would have to get some knowledge about the custom solution. Also, I do not want huge speakers because of space availability. Behind the couch, there is a wall, so I should leave some space for the back speakers there. I would appreciate any feedback regarding the solutions. I would like to give up to around 2500 euros, I could go a bit more for something exciting maybe but I have other important stuff to do also. Of course, any good solution that supports remote back speakers would be great. Thanks!

 

[daytona600]

AV receiver from Denon , Marantz , Yamaha etc .
5.1 Elipson Planet & if funds allow use the extra channels & add matching speakers for Atmos
add extra speakers on wall/ceiling or ( in-ceiling per below )
5.4.2 Atmos Below ( 5 .1 + 4 Ceiling Speakers + extra Sub )

 

[Messiah]

Personally I would go the AV receiver route. Whilst you would need to wire the rear speakers I feel this would sound far better and offer more flexibility in the long run.

You can start at 5.1 and build from there. Personally I use a Denon Receiver and Monitor Audio Radius speakers which are quite small as speakers go. My space is much smaller than yours but it still works well.

 

[abacus]

Separates are best, (However the Sony Quds get great reviews) and will allow easier upgrades in the future.
Best to go to a dealer and listen to a few combinations to see what suits you best.

Bill

 

[Shrek]

Personally I would go the AV receiver route. Whilst you would need to wire the rear speakers I feel this would sound far better and offer more flexibility in the long run.

You can start at 5.1 and build from there. Personally I use a Denon Receiver and Monitor Audio Radius speakers which are quite small as speakers go. My space is much smaller than yours but it still works well.

View attachment 10047

View attachment 10048

just ordered some wall brackets for my rear sound bar speakers after seeing this are they better at this height Messiah ?

 

[Messiah]

just ordered some wall brackets for my rear sound bar speakers after seeing this are they better at this height Messiah ?

If I had the option, I would use them lower down (using the dedicated stands) so that they are at a similar height to the fronts. (This is how I used them when the system was in the loft). This is not practical in this space as it’s a walkway and they would get in the way.

However, the decision for ideally wanting them lower is not solely down to them sounding better in that position (as the auto calibration takes care of where they are placed). I would like them lower down to take advantage of Atmos but having rear speakers at that height is not ideal.

 

[Shrek]

If I had the option, I would use them lower down (using the dedicated stands) so that they are at a similar height to the fronts. (This is how I used them when the system was in the loft). This is not practical in this space as it’s a walkway and they would get in the way.

However, the decision for ideally wanting them lower is not solely down to them sounding better in that position (as the auto calibration takes care of where they are placed). I would like them lower down to take advantage of Atmos but having rear speakers at that height is not ideal.

I will mount mine at ear level thank you for your help.

 

[Shrek]

After seeing your post Messiah I moved my rear speakers to this poistion sound much better already . They were sitting lower on the arm rest of the sofa.

 

[gmarkoma81]

Thank you guys for the information. I know more about the known brands, and you shared here some brands that I need to check further. Honestly, I liked the yamaha rx-a4a but this is up to 7.2, not sure though that I need more for now. I live in France and I am not sure for now where I could go to hear some of the speakers.