Home cinema speaker system for large room?

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We currently have on Onkyo 606 and KEF 3005SE speaker system in our 'cinema room'. In the main lounge we would like to create a surround sound effect without going over the top on spending. The room is a large (8m x 5m) vaulted ceiling room, but we don't really want large imposing speakers as it's primarily a lounge. After reading reviews on this site we were considering the Jamo A102 speaker system (using 6 speakers plus subwoofer) with the same Onkyo receiver, but are a little concerned the speakers would not be good enough to sound decent in a room of this size - someone we spoke to mentioned it could sound like little transistor radios in the corner of the room. We've also heard we will need a good subwoofer in this size of room?

Any advice regarding which system (both receiver and speakers/subwoofer) would produce a decent sound for this size of room, at a reasonable price would be gratefully rec'd. Also do we need a 7.1 system, rather than 5.1? Pricewise, we're thinking about £1000 - £1500 all in, but are slightly flexible on this.

Thanks, Simon

 

[Frank Harvey]

You suspect and have been advised correctly. Small sub sat packages just aren't going to fill a room that big properly, unless you look at the likes of M&K which can take a bit more punishment. I think you may be pushing your nudget a little, but take a look at the Monitor Audio Bronze speaker packages. Even though they're floorstanders, they should still look pretty discreet in a room that big, but they'll fill the room much better than the majority of satellite speakers will. If they do push your budget, you could always buy the front L/C/R and buy the rears later, and the same with the sub. And yes, get the best sub you can!

For a room that size I'd recommend something a little more powerful than a 606, maybe an 806 or 876, or Yamaha RXV1900, otherwise you could find the amp running out of steam, which in that case it doesn't matter how good your speakers are, they're not going to impress you!