I build out 3 hypothetical Dolby Atmos home theater setups. I saw a post from a guy asking for advice on how to build out a home theater. I imagine 3 different scenarios at different budget levels.
There's also something to be said about doing things piece by piece when on a budget. You may be able to afford better equipment by spreading the cost over time. I picked up a Denon AVR-2400H and a pair of Elac Debut 2.0 bookshelves to start. I then added a PB-2000 pro and already at that point I was having a ton of fun with my set up. Next were a pair of SVS ultra bookshelves to replace the Elacs as the two front channels (used the Elacs as surround). Grabbed the SVS ultra center after and at this point everyone that came over for movie night was already super impressed. Next upgrade were a pair of SVS elevations for my heights. I eventually plan to replace the fronts with SVS ultra towers and then use the ultra bookshelves as surrounds, then finish it off by grabbing another PB-2000 pro. If I could go back in time I would've started with a receiver that could support at least 4 height channels though. In my case I'll need to pick up a new receiver to accommodate additional Atmos speakers.
Good suggestions for all three levels. For your "high end" tier, I would suggest keeping the Cinema 50 and adding a seperate amplifier to drive the two main channels (stereo amp or Integrated amp) rated at at least 150 amps two channel driven. Additionally, I would choose the R3 meta instead of the R7 and add a second svs PB3000. The imagined owner would save around $2k and have more bass impact, while keeping the same sound signature. Likely, my suggestions would ensure that all channels are driven to max spl levels without the the Receiver or amp overheating or sound being distorted (both very common issues when a receiver powering all channels driven above 95 decibels). One last suggestion is to do the crossover of the main channels at 110hz, not 80hz. This crossover point is great to reduce the impedance load on the amplifier and having the two subs handle the load with their built in amps. Thanks for your contribution to the hobby.
I think option nr. 2 - the middlevel should be a 5.2.4 , and the upperlevel , option nr. 3 should be 7.2.4 , with good speakers. I think that dual subs is a must if you afford to spend more money. And also a budget projector and screen is a significant step up in the whole experience.
Anyone wanting to do this, don't settle for quantity over quality because you rush to get a full system asap. Just buy little chunks over time and within a few years your system will be shocking. Plan it out for the long game and have fun in the meanwhile.
It’s true. I didn’t cover the video aspect because there was already a TV in the space. Maybe I should do another video discussing the projector/tv topic. Thanks for watching!
Got a new construction build with a dedicated theater room 14'5" x 23'5" x 9' thinking 7.2.4 but no clue how to budget % wise - we will see how the contractor comes back but right now hoping to have roughly $100K for the entire theater build
Just got a refurbished denon x6700h: $1000. 7 channels of Jamo s803's: $800, 4 sony heights channels for front and rear: $350. Silver ticket 150" screen: $700. Benq x500i projector. 2x klipsch 12" subs: $500.Room size 16x14. Love the budget setup so far and way better than going to the theater. Working on building accoustic treatments
Nice speaker recommendation - but why not the Kef Q50a's for all surrounds? Wow, this entire system sounds like mine, but using a SVS SB1000 and kube 12. Receiver I am using is the Pioneer Vsx-lx305. With Dirac built in! I like your videos - thank you!
I personally prefer the bookshelf style speaker over the “elevation” style. But that’s my preference. Other people may have a different preference. I’ve heard good things about Dirac. Thanks, glad you enjoy the videos!
Different question, different thread. Prior to having the real estate which can house a dedicated home theater, have you tried home theater solutions for in the living room? Any experience and/or advice on that?
That is a great question. I made a video about my attempt at a living room setup. 10 Home Theater Mistakes: What To Avoid ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-xiiylaBdt9k.html
@@ufarkingicehole it was a Cambridge amp but I didn't see which model , I gotta say that the detail was awesome (not bright) but I'm more movie driven and felt that something was missing that with my Klipsch don't. Maybe goin up with the Rmetas would be different, but to get to hear speakers here in Mexico is hard.
@JCOTV I auditioned those speakers on a dozen different amps. The best was a mcintosh. The second (and what I would have bought for them) was a Rotel. I was not impressed and had already passed on them prior to hearing the prementioned amps. The synergy was fantastic. I like horned speakers as well for movies. The JBL Studio 570s with the matching center, a decent sub, and a HK avr was my "budget" go-to for HT.
Thanks for that suggestion. Of Rocket Man, I'm listening to it now and it's the best I've heard in Atmos music. My go to was the Doors Riders of the Storm and Fleetwood Mac The Chain
I had never considered used gear until I set out to build a 5.1.2 setup for under $700. I was shocked at the price discounts I found and the quality of the sound. I made a video about it. ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-pdNzQCOq3SU.html
@@GeorgeTheaterAtHome It’s amazing what you can get on the used market place. You just have to be patient and to know what you’re looking for. It also allowed me to spend an additional grand on B stock room treatments from GIK. I have a well treated room with a thx select certified audio setup that just makes me smile.
Excellent question. I feel like the additional benefit of two rear speakers is slightly more than adding a second set of Height speakers. Ideally you should add both 😁 but if you have to choose, I personally would add the Rears. This is based on how I’ve experienced the sound in my own HT. Others may have a different experience. Thanks for watching!
I upgraded my whole Kef q to the r series meta I did look at the q series but was advised to go r series and you can get some real good refurbs or 2nd hand r series that will cost as much as a new set of q. And I know what I would have Miles ahead of the q series, all I can say save. Also looking at arendal subs as I don’t like the design of the svs subs which is a shame.
how did you choose the center's? Based on use, or reviews or reading the marketing material? I'm not sure but I don't think using the 150s as a guide will tell you anything about the center. As far as avr's I think Marantz is pricer than denon and denon and not enough better that thses levels would notice. Also onkyo/pioneer are even cheeaper and pretty darn good. The new Sony's have the 360 Sound Spatial Mapping that it quite good, maybe better than Auromatic 3D and those upmixer's might be appealing to this group. I'd say get a cheaper avr as they are all pretty good at this point, Marantz is a bit premium priced. Same for the subs as with the center, how did you choose, based on use, reviews or reading the website? I'd imagine at this level the listner's would be impressed with half that about of sub in that room. You could prob cut the sub price down by half getting less and still impress certainly at the first 2 levels.
SVS subs typically review well. And anecdotally I see a lot of positive comments from SVS owners. I would like to someday test them out in my own theater. The Kef Centers are priced comparable to the speakers I selected in the various categories and are timbre matched to the speakers. But at the end of the day, the most important factor is your own ears. Regardless of what all the reviews or measurements say, it’s our own ears that determine whether something sounds good. I would love to hear a full Kef speaker setup. Based on what I’ve heard from the 150’s I suspect they would sound good to me. Thanks for watching!
If you are on a tight budget for really good subwoofers, RSL Speakers' SpeedWoofer 10S ($400) and 12S ($800) cannot be beat. I've owned Polk, Paradigm, and Hsu subs and RSL can match or beat most of those brands' subs. (Although Hsu flagship models cannot be beat if your budget allows for $1000-$1500 subs.) I have two 1st-gen (MK1) RSL 10S subs in my basement setup and I only have their volume knobs turned to 20% because the bass output is almost too much for my space! And the bass quality is just as good as anything I've ever heard above 20Hz. (You need the 12S to hit hard below 20Hz, if you can afford it and if you have the space for it.)
Two subs would be preferable. One amazing sub or two lower level subs? It’s an interesting discussion. The TV was already installed in the room so the guy was asking for advice on the sound system only. I may have to do another video about tv/projectors. Thanks for watching!
For the high end system and maybe even the middle level you need 2 subs not just 1 to balance out the dead spots. Also the middle level system most people have a 7.1.4 not just 2 heights since it's not really ATMOS without a minimum of 4 heights (2 fronts and 2 rear or 2 fronts and 2 side heights). High end system needs 6 heights to fill all the holes and have proper seamless transitioning between height zones
You will lose a lot of performance using horizontal center speakers. If you're curious you can look at Erin Audio's video "Why Center Channel Speakers Suck". I think the focus should be on acoustic treatment, room configuration and speaker placement rather than just dumping money into speakers. If the acoustics or layout of the room sucks then all the extra money you put into the speakers will get lost.
I'm just learning but if the most room treatment the wife will ever allow might be some special curtains I can pull when being used then what? Maybe just keep my expectations low and buy cheap speakers and don't worry about it? I might be able to use some of those pictures on the wall that are made out of cloth, would that help? I have lots of drywall, windows and a nutjob wife, hahahhaa
@@trauma50disaster1 It just depends on your room and the problems you're having. But yeah most of the time acoustic treatment in a shared room (living room) is a no go. The solution is to use another room that's like a game room or a lounge room etc. You can sell this to your wife as a "chill room". Trust me, soundproofing from outside noise + acoustic treatment makes a room very calm and relaxing. And it doesn't take much treatment. Just maybe $1000 worth of it will get you most of the way there.
@GeorgeTheaterAtHome agreed! I have speakers from the 70s (IMF) and amps from the 90s that still sound fantastic. People would be surprised at some of the values on the used market. I am going to watch your other videos.
