Home theater setup

[zx10guy]

I would argue a sub is required for anything audio whether it be movies or music. Most speakers don't have the bass driver/design to properly reproduce deep low frequency audio. In addition, you get benefits from introducing a sub with the rest of the audio range. People can view the use of a sub integrated into the mains where the mains are crossed over with a high pass filter typically around 80Hz as at a minimum bi-amping their system. Because the amp driving the main speakers doesn't have to spend energy driving the deep low frequencies, the amp isn't taxed as much and can more efficiently drive the upper frequencies without distortion.

[c1pher]

I went the lazy route and got a 75” NU8000 and a HW-N950. Very happy with my route and didn’t have to do much to set it all up.

[dsad1]

Originally Posted by MGM135is

I went the lazy route and got a 75” NU8000 and a HW-N950. Very happy with my route and didn’t have to do much to set it all up.

This is the difference between an average Joe and the avs forum members. I am with you, I really can't tell much of a difference between a certain quality of sound and video. But when I am reading avs forum I sometimes feel like I might be legally blind and deaf. I would probably be happy with stuff that is half the price as long as I don't read the comments about them on avs forum.

[c1pher]

Originally Posted by djsaad1

This is the difference between an average Joe and the avs forum members. I am with you, I really can't tell much of a difference between a certain quality of sound and video. But when I am reading avs forum I sometimes feel like I might be legally blind and deaf. I would probably be happy with stuff that is half the price as long as I don't read the comments about them on avs forum.

The mid range stuff isn’t exactly cheap. The TV cost $1800 and the sound bar was $1200 and I had to really shop around to get the price down. So for $3k I got a tidy arrangement with UHD HDR and Atmos.

[zx10guy]

Originally Posted by djsaad1

This is the difference between an average Joe and the avs forum members. I am with you, I really can't tell much of a difference between a certain quality of sound and video. But when I am reading avs forum I sometimes feel like I might be legally blind and deaf. I would probably be happy with stuff that is half the price as long as I don't read the comments about them on avs forum.

This is the rule of them I follow with matters such as this. Doesn't matter what others think. If what you have satisfies you, who gives an F' about what others think. Whether this be the favorite whipping boy called Bose or some other brand. I have specific criteria which others may find too picky or too loose.

The ones I did hold to task are those that clearly buy a name brand and spend a ton of money to just show off how much money they can spend. I laugh when I see a $20,000/pair speaker shoved into some entertainment center or some corner of a room not set up properly. I got into some debates where I said, you would get better performance than that $20k speaker set up that way if you bought speakers at a 1/4 of the price set up properly in the same room.

[dsad1]

Originally Posted by MGM135is

The mid range stuff isn’t exactly cheap. The TV cost $1800 and the sound bar was $1200 and I had to really shop around to get the price down. So for $3k I got a tidy arrangement with UHD HDR and Atmos.

Sorry, didn't mean for it to come off as a cheap set up, that wasn't my intention, it wasn't a well worded post. My point was that there is a pretty big difference between what a typical person would be happy with and the avid avs forum member would be happy with. If you are just reading comments there and not able to actually test things out it, you usually end up with more equipment than necessary.

[c1pher]

Originally Posted by djsaad1

Sorry, didn't mean for it to come off as a cheap set up, that wasn't my intention, it wasn't a well worded post. My point was that there is a pretty big difference between what a typical person would be happy with and the avid avs forum member would be happy with. If you are just reading comments there and not able to actually test things out it, you usually end up with more equipment than necessary.

I didn’t take anything negatively at all. Just sharing what I have and my satisfaction with it. So much so, I did the same thing in my weekend house.

[Emilime75]

Originally Posted by Flying Ace

Hey, so I've finally decided to invest into a semi-serious home theater room.

I have 500 sq ft of space and I have so far sourced or about to source:

Audio:
1x Klipsch 5502-w-ii center in-wall
4x Klipsch 3650-w-ii front front and rear in-wall
2x Klipsch 1800-c ceiling
Sony 1080 AVR

Video:
EPSON 1060 projector
Elite Screen 100 inch 1.1 gain motorized screen with recessed mount


Any thoughts?

I'd avoid retractable screens unless it's a tensioned model. A fixed screen is a much better option, if your room allows for it. Generally speaking, Elite is good for the price and you'd have to spend considerably more to get better. Silver Ticket is another option you should look into.

I'd also try to find a way to expand my budget on the projector. Check out what Epson has on clearance/refurb, a lot of times you can find fantastic deals and they come with the same 2 year warranty as new. I bought my 5020UB there for $900 a year and a half ago. I use it almost daily, no issues and image is fantastic.

I won't comment too much on the speakers as I haven't heard any of them, but from past experience with Klipsch, I wouldn't consider them if it was my build. Sub/s are also a major necessity for HT. For music...depends on you and what you listen to, but with a frequency response that starts at -3db at 60Hz, I think you'll find yourself wanting a sub.

Your thoughts on using the Sony AVR for now is fine. The biggest "upgrades" come from projectors and speakers.

[Flying Ace]

Originally Posted by Emilime75

I'd avoid retractable screens unless it's a tensioned model. A fixed screen is a much better option, if your room allows for it. Generally speaking, Elite is good for the price and you'd have to spend considerably more to get better. Silver Ticket is another option you should look into.

I'd also try to find a way to expand my budget on the projector. Check out what Epson has on clearance/refurb, a lot of times you can find fantastic deals and they come with the same 2 year warranty as new. I bought my 5020UB there for $900 a year and a half ago. I use it almost daily, no issues and image is fantastic.

I won't comment too much on the speakers as I haven't heard any of them, but from past experience with Klipsch, I wouldn't consider them if it was my build. Sub/s are also a major necessity for HT. For music...depends on you and what you listen to, but with a frequency response that starts at -3db at 60Hz, I think you'll find yourself wanting a sub.

Your thoughts on using the Sony AVR for now is fine. The biggest "upgrades" come from projectors and speakers.

Thanks for the suggestion on the Projector, but the Epson UB is just not what will work for my room. They range around 2500 lumens, and I'll have a room with quite a bit of ambient light. Further, I don't have any 4k content to watch.

I did a lot of research on projectors, and I learned there's no such thing as a perfect projector. What works for one person's room would be terrible or overkill for another. The 1060 is the best bang for the buck and replacement lamps are a measly $25.

[Flying Ace]

Originally Posted by lsturbointeg

there's better options out there than Klipsch as they are very bright! I'm very active on the AVSforums I would look there for options and opinions. No subs? that's one of the biggest components in a Home Theater setup. also, the 2x for the ceiling I would look into doing .4 if you're looking for a complete Atmos experience.

I do have a sub. My father in law is giving it to me. It's actually an in-wall, but I cannot recall the model and brand right now.

I'm starting to think if I should just go straight to the 4 speaker Atmos at this point. The ceiling ones are the cheapest to buy anyways. I'll think about it.

[Emilime75]

Originally Posted by Flying Ace

Thanks for the suggestion on the Projector, but the Epson UB is just not what will work for my room. They range around 2500 lumens, and I'll have a room with quite a bit of ambient light. Further, I don't have any 4k content to watch.

I did a lot of research on projectors, and I learned there's no such thing as a perfect projector. What works for one person's room would be terrible or overkill for another. The 1060 is the best bang for the buck and replacement lamps are a measly $25.

I was giving an example of the savings, not suggesting any particular model.

[TurboSid]

I'm not an audiphile in any way shape or form. What do you guys think of using a soundbar + subwoofer combo for home theater?

[Emilime75]

Originally Posted by TurboSid

I'm not an audiphile in any way shape or form. What do you guys think of using a soundbar + subwoofer combo for home theater?

That's not a home theater. That's a TV with better than TV sound.

[OkieSnuffBox]

Originally Posted by dsad1

This is the difference between an average Joe and the avs forum members. I am with you, I really can't tell much of a difference between a certain quality of sound and video. But when I am reading avs forum I sometimes feel like I might be legally blind and deaf. I would probably be happy with stuff that is half the price as long as I don't read the comments about them on avs forum.

I wouldn't worry about it. These are the same guys that pontificate on $15/ft hermetically sealed, oxygen free speaker wire.............then can't tell the difference between it and a used coat hanger.

[c1pher]

Originally Posted by TurboSid

I'm not an audiphile in any way shape or form. What do you guys think of using a soundbar + subwoofer combo for home theater?

That’s essentially what I got. Check out Samsung HW-N950.

[adolfneedham]

Originally Posted by zx10guy

One of the reasons it's going to be very hard for me to sell my house. The room I built out was a long time in planning and building. Dedicated power feeds with balanced power transformers. Acoustical treatments.

I wanted to stretch and get a set of N802s. But couldn't swing it. I think I have a balanced system with the N804s and HTM1. Helps to have two Velodyne subs (HGS15II and DD18).

And beefy amps....Got a Bryston 6B-ST driving the front 3 channels (bench tested at 300W RMS all channels driven) and a Emotiva XPA-2 (225W per channel RMS) driving the two rears.

I can understand