Really very Neat, Discrete and Still High Performing Atmos Cinema system

[ellisdj]

I saw this yesterday and thought I would share it - this is from the company Seriously Cinema I know the owner well and this is home system, also a demo system if anyone is interested in a demo

I havent see the room in the flesh since he made these changes to it but I was really impressed with how this all looks and I thought it might give inspiration to people to have similar in their own home. Its very nice.

Its super discrete as you can see, hardly see the speakers at all - its an MK In wall 950 5.2.2 System with 2 x X10 subwoofers that you can see integrated into the cabinet.

I am looking forward to hearing it and see how it sounds, certainly looks the part for a domestic setup. I am sure he will be covering the holes where you can see the black subs with white acoustic transparent cloth.

Certainly keep the wife happy with this setup

 

[SeriouslyCinema]

Hi Ellis,

Just saw your post. Thanks.

It is actually a 5.2.4 Atmos system.

9 x MK Sound IW950's

2 x MK Sound X10 subwoofers

1 x Anthem AVM60 processor

5 x Lyngdorf Audio SDA2400 power amps

Panasonic 4K UHD player

Sony Bravia KDZ9 65"

Control4 automation

Yes we will be fitting white acoustic cloth to the subwoofer doors.

We put this room together to show folk that it is possible to install a no compromise high performance Atmos system in a typical UK front room.

Regards

SeriouslyCinema

 

[ellisdj]

Hi Ellis,

It is actually a 5.2.4 Atmos system.

Regards

SeriouslyCinema

Sorry Dude typo - I am still in the dinosaur age of 5 speakers so easy mistake for a neanderthal lol

 

[Benedict_Arnold]

I like the idea of the "built in" subs. We have what is optimistically described as a "hidden room" (more like a cupboard with a door disguised as a bookcase in reality) at the screen-end of our media room, and I quite fancy the idea of punching holes through the plasterboard wall from the media room into that space for subs. I can also do the same on the back wall as that goes into an attic space.

Care to share more details?

I'm in the USA so sorry, won't be asking you to come round and give me an estimate

 

[FunkyMonkey]

Although I prefer traditional wooden speakers, I qabsolutely love this.

I have a question, please. Do you think 4 overhead speakers are beneficial in a small room like this? This is not a test, I am only asking as mine is maybe 50% deeper and I have prewired for 4 overhead speakers, but have been contemplating only having 2 overhead speakers as 11 channel amps are hard to find.

Once again, amazing job.

 

[SeriouslyCinema]

Thank you for the kind words.

Yes having 4 overhead speakers in a room this size is worthwhile. Or gives great front to back pans.

We always recommend 4 in ceiling/height speakers if the room allows

The listening space is 3 x 4m

 

[SeriouslyCinema]

I like the idea of the "built in" subs. We have what is optimistically described as a "hidden room" (more like a cupboard with a door disguised as a bookcase in reality) at the screen-end of our media room, and I quite fancy the idea of punching holes through the plasterboard wall from the media room into that space for subs. I can also do the same on the back wall as that goes into an attic space.

Care to share more details?

I'm in the USA so sorry, won't be asking you to come round and give me an estimate

Yes this would work if the front of the driver is flush with the wall and any gaps around the sub are filled. I would also recommend that you run some form of room correction on the subs.

 

[Benedict_Arnold]

How deep are those units? I have a 3.5 inch cavity, but could "box in" the backs if needed.

Also, do theyhave integral power amps or would I need to add one or two separate subwoofer amp(s)?

 

[macdiddy]

see this link for full specs:

http://www.mksound.com/x-series/x10

*music2*

 

[Benedict_Arnold]

Thought they were going to be "flatter". Never mind, the search continues..

 

[ellisdj]

SlimLine In Wall Subwoofer

 

[manix]

It is quite discrete but I think the TV position is all wrong - basically too high with regard to the seating postion and distance to tv

My other question would be in reality the speakers would be a comprise over traditional boxes in sound quality. At what point does atmos out benefit shear sound quality of a say a 5.1 system? It there a point at which this happens? I suppose it really depends what you are listening to.

 

[ellisdj]

There are technical benefits to having speakers in wall such as no sbir so you actually get a better bass response from them.

 

[ellisdj]

Also factor in that's a domestic setup there where is always compromises.

A high tv is better than a low tv in my opinion then factor in how much kit is in there all hidden it's a pre and multiple power amp setup with other kit and dual subs with 11 speakers for atmos.

 

[manix]

There are technical benefits to having speakers in wall such as no sbir so you actually get a better bass response from them.

Bear in mind now days that speaker design is done at CAD level using advanced simulation and analysis to obtain the best from the stucture / driver / crossover and then will go on to prototyping to further prove the design. Not with a in wall speaker you have all the surrounding stucture be it good or bad that comes into play.

So an example would be in a modern home you may have a relatively light weight non structural wall which is totally devoid of any constant. It may have loose bits and then you mount a speaker in it.

 

[bigboss]

The setup looks really neat! I agree that even smaller rooms can benefit from a 7.1.4 Atmos system. I looked into in-wall subwoofers to make it a completely discreet system in my house. But I wasn't sure if vibrations would travel upstairs through the wall. Lack of demo is another risk, and obviously, you cannot change easily.

 

[manix]

Also factor in that's a domestic setup there where is always compromises.

A high tv is better than a low tv in my opinion then factor in how much kit is in there all hidden it's a pre and multiple power amp setup with other kit and dual subs with 11 speakers for atmos.

All it gives you is neck ache. Unfortunatly so many people mount tv's on walls too high with regards to the seating postion. Can't really see a real arguement that there is too much pre-amps / power amps that a tv has to mounted high. The fundimental first step is to get a comfortable viewing position for the tv and then work around that.

 

[bigboss]

Also factor in that's a domestic setup there where is always compromises.

A high tv is better than a low tv in my opinion then factor in how much kit is in there all hidden it's a pre and multiple power amp setup with other kit and dual subs with 11 speakers for atmos.

All it gives you is neck ache. Unfortunatly so many people mount tv's on walls too high with regards to the seating postion. Can't really see a real arguement that there is too much pre-amps / power amps that a tv has to mounted high. The fundimental first step is to get a comfortable viewing position for the tv and then work around that.

In my previous house, the TV was placed above the fireplace. But the design of the sofa back was such that you would naturally face upwards. No neck aches despite 5 years of extensive viewing.

 

[bigboss]

as 11 channel amps are hard to find. 

Denon, Onkyo and Anthem make them. I'm sure others will jump in next year. Denon is keenly priced.

 

[bigboss]

My other question would be in reality the speakers would be a comprise over traditional boxes in sound quality. At what point does atmos out benefit shear sound quality of a say a 5.1 system? It there a point at which this happens? I suppose it really depends what you are listening to.

I moved from a 5.1 Monitor Audio Radius HD speakers and MA Apex subwoofer to a 7.1.4 system comprising of Monitor Audio Trimless 200 in-wall and in-ceiling speakers, and KK DXD808 subwoofer. The amp changed from Yamaha RX-V1900 to Marantz SR7009 + Marantz PM6005. The sound quality is a distinct improvement, and Atmos is a huge plus point.

 

[ellisdj]

Now days that speaker design is done at CAD level using advanced simulation and analysis to obtain the best from the stucture / driver / crossover and then will go on to prototyping to further prove the design. Not with a in wall speaker you have all the surrounding stucture be it good or bad that comes into play.

So an example would be in a modern home you may have a relatively light weight non structural wall which is totally devoid of any constant. It may have loose bits and then you mount a speaker in it.

No speaker design counteracts SBIR - Speaker Boundary Interaction - by having the speaker in the wall it prevents the bass that would normally radiate from the speaker to the back wall and back again generally causing bass cancelations

Hence on wall and in wall get a bass increase and generally better bass response.

I am not saying in walls are for everyone, I prefer speakers in the room for music presentation but there are actual technical benefits to using in walls

 

[Benedict_Arnold]

as 11 channel amps are hard to find. 

Denon, Onkyo and Anthem make them. I'm sure others will jump in next year. Denon is keenly priced.

Plus a few other nine channel amplified, eleven channels decoded, like my Marantz 7010, that can be extended to eleven channels by adding a modest stereo power amp for surround or front channels or by routing your front left and right through your "proper stereo".

 

[SeriouslyCinema]

It is quite discrete but I think the TV position is all wrong - basically too high with regard to the seating postion and distance to tv

My other question would be in reality the speakers would be a comprise over traditional boxes in sound quality. At what point does atmos out benefit shear sound quality of a say a 5.1 system? It there a point at which this happens? I suppose it really depends what you are listening to.

TV isn't too high and you can only work with the space you have.

In wall speaker are not a compromise over in room speakers. The opposite actually.

This system will not only outperform many high end 2 channel systems but delivers stunning movie performance too.

 

[Benedict_Arnold]

It is quite discrete but I think the TV position is all wrong - basically too high with regard to the seating postion and distance to tv

My other question would be in reality the speakers would be a comprise over traditional boxes in sound quality. At what point does atmos out benefit shear sound quality of a say a 5.1 system? It there a point at which this happens? I suppose it really depends what you are listening to.

TV isn't too high and you can only work with the space you have.

In wall speaker are not a compromise over in room speakers. The opposite actually.

This system will not only outperform many high end 2 channel systems but delivers stunning movie performance too.

Could you recommend some in-wall speakers please?

Right now planning (praying) for a pair of ProAc Studio 148s but the Memsahib would probably prefer in-walls as she could thenhave a "built-in" component cabinet along the bottom of the wall. They would be driven using a "proper stereo" pre / power amp combo (still thinking Cyrus Signature series), with the HT FL & FR fed into them as the "AV" or "Aux" inputs.

Wall is plasterboard and studs, 16 inch centers. Cavity depth (inside of plasterboard to inside of plasterboard is about 3 1/2 inches and US plasterboard is 1/2 inch thick.

 

[buzz_lightclick]

as 11 channel amps are hard to find.

Denon, Onkyo and Anthem make them. I'm sure others will jump in next year. Denon is keenly priced.

Dont forget the Pioneer SC-LX901. Still waiting for What Hi-Fi to review this (hint hint!).