Ideas for a new home cinema setup

[PeterM140]

Hi all,

I'm interested to know if anyone has downsized from a full-size home cinema setup to something smaller / simpler and still enjoyed the results for movies and music.

My current setup is as follows, everything is about 15 years old (except the Switch of course)

Denon AVR-2310
KEF Q500 floor standers
KEF Q400 Sub
KEF Q350 Centre
KEF Q350 Bookshelfs
Sony BluRay
Nintendo Switch

Things I love about my setup - the stereo imaging across the floorstanders & centre, the atmosphere/impact when playing True HD content from BluRay, convenience of routing everything through the AMP.

Things I'm looking to improve - eArc would be useful to simplify wiring to the TV, Spotify integration, better bass (I've never been able to get the right balance with the sub, most of the time I leave it turned off), picking up the latest formats like Dolby Atmos (appreciate the need for extra speakers)

Option 1

Upgrade to a Denon X2800H or X1800H - solves several issues, but doesn't reduce the size of the kit.

Option 2

Move to a soundbar option - Sonus Arc Ultra or KEF XIO - big kit reduction, but do I still get 95% of the quality of the separates?

Option 3

Add a streamer - WiiM Pro Plys - quick and easy upgrade to get Spotify


Thanks in advance

 

[abacus]

Never been keen on mainstream Denon AVs, as to me they just sound flat and boring, (And not very good with music) however as you are happy with it an upgrade to a later Denon will be a good move so as to get the latest sound technology's.
Adding a Wim pro is certainly an option, however it only updates the streaming features, not the sound technology's.
A full separates system will always be better than a soundbar, however only you can decide if the difference is small enough by going and listening to them.
No need to change the speakers unless you want to spend a lot more money to get an improvement. (And I mean spend a lot more money)

Bill