HT 3.1 setup

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aerir

61 posts

Master Geek

#261617 6-Dec-2019 13:53

Hi geeks, moving to a new home soon and planning for a 3.1 setup.

With limited budget <2k for AVR and speakers, do you think following setup is a good pick?

1. AVR - Denon AVR-X550BT or Sony DH790

2. L/R/C - Q Acoustics 3020i and 3090i

3. Sub - No idea yet, thinking Yamaha SW300

It is an open plan home, not sure how to get the rear speaker works without the cable mess.

Dunnersfella

4086 posts

Uber Geek

#2369597 6-Dec-2019 14:07

If you simply CAN'T run cables to the back of the room, then Yamaha AVR's allow you to connect wireless rear speakers (MusicCast 20's or 50's) that can decode all sound formats / even be EQ'd by Yamaha's room correction.

So that's fairly easy to solve - you can add them on later in the piece too.

The RXV485 is the cheapest AVR in the range that will allow you to do so.

I'd certainly go down that path than a soundbar...

aerir

61 posts

Master Geek

#2369648 6-Dec-2019 15:09

Will explore at this route. I can get a rug and run the cable underneath if reallllly needed.

Either way I will start out with 2.1/3.0 > 3.1 route

ShinyChrome

1575 posts

Uber Geek

ID Verified

Trusted

#2369650 6-Dec-2019 15:15

Having gone through this journey in the last year and no idea of how far you are along yours, let me give you some of my thoughts.

For $2k, I would focus on getting a good set of bookshelves (or floorstanders if you chance on a good special) plus a decent AVR. Then get a matching center next; then save up for a decent sub (for HT, I would invest in a decent ported sub like an SVS PB1000 at minimum or a SVS PB12-nsd if they are still running, most other stuff below that is most likely gonna be junk not worth it's price tag). Then if you got bookshelves originally, buy some floorstanders and rotate the bookshelves to the rear; otherwise get the surrounds dead last.

Buying quality is definitely better than quantity, as it is cheaper to buy quantity than quality later AKA add more good speakers VS replace crappy speakers with better ones.

AVR wise for the price of that Denon, I would suggest looking at a Marantz 5013 for $999. I feel like nothing else comes close for the features/price. That Denon is from their entry-level line, its pretty basic.

Speakers: have you listened to the Q Acoustics stuff? I have heard generally good things about it, but never listened myself. Might be worth considering that the non-i range is also a little bit less than the i range, but I don't know enough about them whether the difference is worth it though. If you are happy with Q Acoustics, get a nice AVR like the Marantz, plus a 3090 + 3020 (or 3090i + 3020i) combo and you would have a great little 3.0 setup. Save the rest towards a decent sub.

For what its worth, you need to let your ears pick for you. Do your research to narrow down to a few options based on measurements/specs etc to weed out the crap stuff, then find some local stores to go for a listen. Easier said than done here I know, since a lot of stuff is only available online. Get out there and listen to everything you can to figure out the sound you like: Klipsch, KEF, Paradigm, Wharfedale etc.

Which end of the country are you located?

Edit: Another brand to check out is the Polk Signature range, I really enjoyed them for the same reasons people say the enjoy the Q Acoustics. Harvey Normans do them, but they aren't listed on their website, so may be on their way out. Some S15 bookshelves + S30 center, or s55 floorstanders if they are on special, would be another a great start if you like the sound. And can still get them. Plus they actually look good, which is a bonus for speakers.

robbon44

252 posts

Ultimate Geek

#2369925 7-Dec-2019 07:07

Can you use ceiling mounted speakers for rears ? Loft run the cabling or look at wireless surrounds.

B&W ccm 665 are what I have but not cheap. Maybe a future upgrade ?

driller2000

935 posts

Ultimate Geek

ID Verified

#2369935 7-Dec-2019 08:03

Are you dead set on new?

I ask as I recently purchased an older Wharfedale Diamond 9 series 5.1 set up (9.5 Fronts, 9.1 Rears, Powered Sub) + Yamaha amp for $350.

Bargain in my book :)