Excellent sound quality in a system is enough for most people without a dedicated room

[Snooker]

I just thought I would give you my thoughts on hi-fi and cinema surround systems, yes you can buy a Naim Atom with some Kef LS50 speakers and have an outstanding system along with a proper cinema surround sound system with wired speakers, but you would really need a separate dedicated room

But if you want an excellent sounding system for both hi-fi and cinema sound and live in a small flat, then the Denon Ceol N9 (Newer N12) with Kef Q150 (Newer Q1) speakers and the all in one Yamaha SRC20A soundbar both fit the bill, there is apparently a rule roughly 80/20 you can get 80% odd of sound quality for only 20% of the cost, this applies to any product (80% odd quality for 20% the price)

At the end of the day for most people who do not have a dedicated room, systems like mine are all you need, and the most important thing to go along with a decent system is a very good source recording for both music and films, that's it and then be happy with what you have, you don't have to spend loads of money to get an excellent sounding system

 

[Witterings]

I don't think you need a separate dedicated room and I'm pretty sure 95% + of people don't have one ... I personally like having a surround sound system and a separate amplifier with HT Bypass for HiFi though.

With reduced cost of modern day competition, as you say, you don't need to spend a lot of money to achieve a good overall sound .... especially if you don't mind buying 2nd hand.

I have a budget setup in my work area with some old / pre China made Wharfedale 9.1's and at one stage was using an old, old .... cheapish Yamaha surround amp that the rear channel had failed and it sounded amazing.
I did change the amp in the end for an SMSL AO200 just to free up space .... the Yamaha amp sounded better though and definitely had more control.