Sound System Recommendations for the X

OneBadMutha

OneBadMutha

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Sep 12, 2013
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To compliment our official TV thread, I thought we needed a good place to discuss the other important factor in immersive gaming...sound. The X has Atmos support. Recently Netflix began to support Atmos. Has this factored into your sound system?

I recently bought a LG SJ9 Atmos soundbar to pair with my B7. It's said to simulate surround sound. While the sound is solid overall, I don't hear cars coming behind me in Forza the way you would with a true surround setup. Maybe I'll feel different if I could pair this soundbar with rear speakers. Still within the exchange policy so considering all options.

Does the extra cost of Atmos make sense if you aren't implementing ceiling speakers? Without ceiling speakers, should a person just go with a higher quality traditional surround setup?

Does anyone think Sonos is worth the cost?

All opinions appreciated including feedback on headphones and traditional surround setups.
 
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simulate surround is always crap. Go for real surround..... 5.1 is enough imho

Sonos isn't worth the cost, it isn't hifi speakers, it's lifestyle speakers.. Like Bose.

I got 20 years old JBL control 1 satelite speakers + Elac 2x8" active woofer, and believe me, these old studio monitors stil sounds better than most modern satellite speakers.. And beats all soundbars
 
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Been using the Panasonic SC-HTB8EB for a couple years now and ours really good and only costs about £60.
 
My brother bought a relatively cheap/inexpensive sound bar for his bedroom. It was rather convincing for simulated surround sound, sans Atmos support. Heck it fooled my niece and her dog a few times, anyways, it was lacking some punch so I gave him a subwoofer and it hit the spot just fine...his PS4s fan is still louder in high pitched piercing wine sadly.

Sonos and Bose are neat but, to me, those are like speakers you’d find at Disneyland, they’re just there to fill in the background with a distinct mood or theme music in each environment.

5.1-7.1 will always sound/feel best in a proper environment and layout.

It all depends on where your setting it up. Get a sound bar if it’s just for you. But if you go with a receiver and satellite route there’s plenty of really good options out there that won’t break the bank. May want to check out monoprice or elac.
 
VaLLiancE said:
Pioneer,Yamaha and Denon as my main choices for 7.+ Channel AVR Receivers.

What's your price point?
Click to expand...

I don’t have a hard cap but ideally would like to be 1200 or under. What I have now cost me 700 so that would be 500 more.

What I have now is good sound and it fills up the room it’s just not true surround. The simulation Atmos doesn’t make it feel like Forza cars are ever behind me. It does sound better than a mid range 2.1. If I’m unable to get a good 7.1 for the price range mentioned, I’ll prob stick with what I have.
 
Strongly recommend the following setup if funds allow.

Buy three pairs for an amazing 5.1 setup

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B004...s=kef+q100&dpPl=1&dpID=41stoqDRqGL&ref=plSrch

Excellent subs to compliment the kefs. A quality sub should really dig down to the low 20hz range...

https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&sou...NAPwQFgglMAA&usg=AOvVaw05zx4tj-EGDlTkrFs435yz

or

https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&sou...ZCP0QFghpMAw&usg=AOvVaw0I-gDjp9fOfFTCimvEl7NW

Receiver

https://www.accessories4less.com/ma...-ch-x-95-watts-networking-a/v-receiver/1.html

Edit: Sorry, over your budget but still an amazing value!
 
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scrubsr1 said:
Strongly recommend the following setup if funds allow.

Buy three pairs for an amazing 5.1 setup

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B004...s=kef+q100&dpPl=1&dpID=41stoqDRqGL&ref=plSrch

Excellent subs to compliment the kefs. A quality sub should really dig down to the low 20hz range...

https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&sou...NAPwQFgglMAA&usg=AOvVaw05zx4tj-EGDlTkrFs435yz

or

https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&sou...ZCP0QFghpMAw&usg=AOvVaw0I-gDjp9fOfFTCimvEl7NW

Receiver

https://www.accessories4less.com/ma...-ch-x-95-watts-networking-a/v-receiver/1.html

Edit: Sorry, over your budget but still an amazing value!
Click to expand...

KEF is way too overpriced, and not that good sounding. Dali speakers, believe me even Dali's cheap line, sounds better than KEF

https://www.hifiklubben.dk/hojttalere/kompakthojttalere/dali-zensor-pico-kompakthojttaler/
 
Blandina said:
KEF is way too overpriced, and not that good sounding. Dali speakers, believe me even Dali's cheap line, sounds better than KEF

https://www.hifiklubben.dk/hojttalere/kompakthojttalere/dali-zensor-pico-kompakthojttaler/
Click to expand...

Both speakers are reference grade but the current pricing on kef q100 is unmatched. For years they had a list price of $550 and can now be had for $225 with the link i provided. In addition, the q100 is actually preferred over it's more expensive brother the q300. Dali makes a fine speaker but contrary to your statement, DALI IS THE OVERPRICED SPEAKER. In regards to which speaker sounds better it's a matter of preference(equipment, room size/configurations all play a factor) , google it people...
 
I've had the luck of owning/auditioning a few brands of speakers. The only thing I recommend is not paying a ton of money for bose when you can get a excellent line of speakers from anywhere else.

Brands to check out below....

NHT
Paradigm
Energy
Goldenear
Mirage
Definitve technology

And check out HTD

Also I can respect folks like Klipsh but I'm not a big fan of the brightness of them.
 
I’m now thinking of going the distance on this Atmos stuff even if it means not getting everything up front. Maybe I’ll focus on a good receiver and 2.1 and build out to a full Atmos setup throughout the year.

Anyone use ceiling speakers for a full Atmos effect? I just discovered that it might not be that hard for me to cut out a spot for ceiling speakers. My living room is only 12x14 with 8 foot ceilings. Is going for a full setup overkill in a room that size?
 
OneBadMutha said:
I’m now thinking of going the distance on this Atmos stuff even if it means not getting everything up front. Maybe I’ll focus on a good receiver and 2.1 and build out to a full Atmos setup throughout the year.

Anyone use ceiling speakers for a full Atmos effect? I just discovered that it might not be that hard for me to cut out a spot for ceiling speakers. My living room is only 12x14 with 8 foot ceilings. Is going for a full setup overkill in a room that size?
Click to expand...

The greatest jump will be from 2.1 to 5.1.
Going to eg 9.1.2 Dolby Atmos from 5.1 in such a little room won't be that great a jump

You get better results if you get your 5.1 set up calibrated with a good reciever + microphone and calibration software
 
OneBadMutha said:
I’m now thinking of going the distance on this Atmos stuff even if it means not getting everything up front. Maybe I’ll focus on a good receiver and 2.1 and build out to a full Atmos setup throughout the year.

Anyone use ceiling speakers for a full Atmos effect? I just discovered that it might not be that hard for me to cut out a spot for ceiling speakers. My living room is only 12x14 with 8 foot ceilings. Is going for a full setup overkill in a room that size?
Click to expand...

I just bought a pair of SVS Prime Elevation speakers and ceiling mounted them behind my listening position. Holy hell they are amazing, I watched American Made 4K UHD last night which has a DTS X track and the overhead effects were amazing, sounded like planes were flying over my head.

And with those you don’t have to cut into your ceiling.
 
Jay Mammoth said:
I just bought a pair of SVS Prime Elevation speakers and ceiling mounted them behind my listening position. Holy hell they are amazing, I watched American Made 4K UHD last night which has a DTS X track and the overhead effects were amazing, sounded like planes were flying over my head.

And with those you don’t have to cut into your ceiling.
Click to expand...

Those would stick out pretty bad on an 8 foot ceiling if they were just mounted rather than cut in though...wouldn’t they? Or would I just stick them on the wall behind me?
 
OneBadMutha said:
Those would stick out pretty bad on an 8 foot ceiling if they were just mounted rather than cut in though...wouldn’t they? Or would I just stick them on the wall behind me?
Click to expand...

Behind high on the wall would work as well. Atmos/DTS X is amazing, I tried upfiring modules as well but those didn’t work to good, so I put the klipsch modules high on the front wall near the ceiling and the SVS mounted on the ceiling slightly behind , huge improvement. Can’t wait for IT in 4K next Tuesday.
 
Jay Mammoth said:
Behind high on the wall would work as well. Atmos/DTS X is amazing, I tried upfiring modules as well but those didn’t work to good, so I put the klipsch modules high on the front wall near the ceiling and the SVS mounted on the ceiling slightly behind , huge improvement. Can’t wait for IT in 4K next Tuesday.
Click to expand...

I looked at pictures of those speakers mounted where the wall and ceiling meet and they actually didn’t look bad astetically. Will the effect be similar to having ceiling speakers directly above? My sofa is already close to the back wall so it’s probably splitting hairs. For Atmos you have high speakers on both front and back? So it’s 5.1.4?
 
I’ve been told to give some space between the satellites and the wall instead of just mounting them as close to the wall as possible...is this true, does it help create a better sound stage?
 
OneBadMutha said:
I looked at pictures of those speakers mounted where the wall and ceiling meet and they actually didn’t look bad astetically. Will the effect be similar to having ceiling speakers directly above? My sofa is already close to the back wall so it’s probably splitting hairs. For Atmos you have high speakers on both front and back? So it’s 5.1.4?
Click to expand...

Correct, well I have 2 subs. But if your couch is very near the wall than I’m sure these speakers will sound great high up on the wall.
 
scrubsr1 said:
Strongly recommend the following setup if funds allow.

Buy three pairs for an amazing 5.1 setup

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B004...s=kef+q100&dpPl=1&dpID=41stoqDRqGL&ref=plSrch

Excellent subs to compliment the kefs. A quality sub should really dig down to the low 20hz range...

https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&sou...NAPwQFgglMAA&usg=AOvVaw05zx4tj-EGDlTkrFs435yz

or

https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&sou...ZCP0QFghpMAw&usg=AOvVaw0I-gDjp9fOfFTCimvEl7NW

Receiver

https://www.accessories4less.com/ma...-ch-x-95-watts-networking-a/v-receiver/1.html

Edit: Sorry, over your budget but still an amazing value!
Click to expand...

Thanks for the suggestion and links. After doing more research, it seems like this is one of the best sweet spots for the 5.1 portion of my setup. Clarification: are you using one pair in place of a center channel? Is there a true center channel that you would recommend more? I've now upped my budget so it's easily within the price point.

The SVS speakers Mammoth recommended seem to be highly rated...but would tack on another 1K for 4 of them. Any other ceiling recommendations for a small room. Ceiling cutouts are possible.

Jay Mammoth said:
Correct, well I have 2 subs. But if your couch is very near the wall than I’m sure these speakers will sound great high up on the wall.
Click to expand...

If I mounted on the wall behind me, would I avoid pinning it at the 45 angle where the ceiling and wall meet to avoid reflections....or does the angle of these speakers already avoid reflections?
 
OneBadMutha said:
Thanks for the suggestion and links. After doing more research, it seems like this is one of the best sweet spots for the 5.1 portion of my setup. Clarification: are you using one pair in place of a center channel? Is there a true center channel that you would recommend more? I've now upped my budget so it's easily within the price point.

The SVS speakers Mammoth recommended seem to be highly rated...but would tack on another 1K for 4 of them. Any other ceiling recommendations for a small room. Ceiling cutouts are possible.



If I mounted on the wall behind me, would I avoid pinning it at the 45 angle where the ceiling and wall meet to avoid reflections....or does the angle of these speakers already avoid reflections?
Click to expand...

Yeah the mount is awesome they allow you to have the slant of the speaker aimed at your posistion.
This video is great at explains how versatile these speakers are
 
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OneBadMutha said:
Thanks for the suggestion and links. After doing more research, it seems like this is one of the best sweet spots for the 5.1 portion of my setup. Clarification: are you using one pair in place of a center channel? Is there a true center channel that you would recommend more? I've now upped my budget so it's easily within the price point.
Click to expand...

The kef Q200c is the matching center speaker but it's unnecessary. Use a SINGLE q100 for your center... one nice perk with these bookshelves is that they use a concentric driver which allows you to lay the speaker on its side(if needed) without negatively impacting the sound. Bottom line, using the same speaker for your mains is the ideal configuration/soundstage.

Keep in mind that if you're going with an atmos setup in the 5.1.4 configuration you'll need to to bump your receiver up to the x4300 which isn't cheap.
https://www.accessories4less.com/ma...5-watts-networking-a/v-receiver-w/heos/1.html

At the same time you're gaining Audyssey MultEQ XT32, the finest room and speaker calibration software available at any price point.
 
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scrubsr1 said:
The kef Q200c is the matching center speaker but it's unnecessary. .
Click to expand...
I agree, don't believe the sales hype, a spc made center speaker isn't necessary, any good sounding bookshelf speaker will do

scrubsr1 said:
. one nice perk with these bookshelves is that they use a concentric driver which allows you to lay the speaker on its side(if needed) without negatively impacting the sound..
Click to expand...

You can do that with nearly any other small 2 way speaker. I use the same speaker for all 5 channels, JBL. Control 1 (and I've just tested the one I use for center speaker, I use it sideways, but I've just tested it upside down and vice versa. There's no difference or negative impact. (That goes for most small speakers)
Btw; Many shops will try to convince ppl that they need spc "surround" speakers to get the perfect "surround" experience. That's bull, the JBL speakers I use are 20+ years old studio monitors,
91HFfGXq%2BCL._SL1500_.jpg

and they still hold up to many brand new satellite speakers.

The sub I use is brand new though.
 
Blandina said:
You can do that with nearly any other small 2 way speaker. I use the same speaker for all 5 channels, JBL. Control 1 (and I've just tested the one I use for center speaker, I use it sideways, but I've just tested it upside down and vice versa. There's no difference or negative impact. (That goes for most small speakers)
Btw; Many shops will try to convince ppl that they need spc "surround" speakers to get the perfect "surround" experience. That's bull, the JBL speakers I use are 20+ years old studio monitors,
91HFfGXq%2BCL._SL1500_.jpg

and they still hold up to many brand new satellite speakers.

The sub I use is brand new though.
Click to expand...

I'll tr derail this thread but will simply point out that you're using a traditional bookshelf speaker with a dome tweeter separate from the main driver. The sound points are coming from TWO locations in a vertical array. Have a look at the point source Uni-Q driver array in the kefs and it's coaxial arrangement(wide dispersion single point).

For more information regarding vertical vs horizontal speakers configurations read here:
http://www.audioholics.com/loudspeaker-design/vertical-vs-horizontal-speaker-designs
 
scrubsr1 said:
I'll tr derail this thread but will simply point out that you're using a traditional bookshelf speaker with a dome tweeter separate from the main driver. The sound points are coming from TWO locations in a vertical array. Have a look at the point source Uni-Q driver array in the kefs and it's coaxial arrangement(wide dispersion single point).

For more information regarding vertical vs horizontal speakers configurations read here:
http://www.audioholics.com/loudspeaker-design/vertical-vs-horizontal-speaker-designs
Click to expand...

There's even more problems with Coaxial speakers, like KEF, Problem is the tweeter is not moving but the waveguide that loads it is moving, causing the shape of the waveguide to be modulated all the time. This cause some amplitude modulation distortion.

( google 'problems with coaxial speakers' this discussion goes many years back, there's lots of test been done proving the probs, and still there's ppl loving coax speakers.. Same with traditionelle speaker designs, they aren't perfect either.
All speakers have some issues. The question comes down to which compromises are acceptable to you as the listener.

KEF and all other manufactors are oc praising their speakers, that doesn't matter, let your own ears be the judge.
Don't be afraid of buying old second hand speakers, a lot of 20+ years speakers are still extremely good sounding, eg Dynaudio, Jamo, Bang and Olufsen (B&O), Dali, Scan Speak etc etc.
 
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