lucas122478
Member
Intro Rant
Hi guys, I'm new to the forums and I am completely ignorant to all of this. Searching the web for definitive and honest information is getting harder and harder as there is so many bull**** articles put up simply to generate AdSense revenue that was written by some random guy living in a cave in eastern Pakistan that was paid $5 to write the article. With the case in AVRs and speakers, it's literally the same articles written and then copied and re-written by a hundred different people and none really go into "why". You've got articles claiming AVR and home theater setups are dead and soundbars are all you need. Then you've got articles claiming all soundbars are garbage. When you look up the specs of AVRs there literally a hundred different specs and the average "Joe" like me doesn't have a clue what most of it means. Nor do the majority of reviews even go into explaining (Yes, I know because the people writing them don't have a clue either. so it's useless reading these top blah blahs.)
Why I am Here
I figure this would be one of the best places to get definitive answers for AVRs, speakers, and audio; considering I am sure a good majority of the members here have been audiophiles for decades.
A little About me
I've never owned an AVR even though I've window shopped them for a good 20 years. I used to live near Atlanta, Georgia in the mid-2000s and I'd go to the local Fry's and hang out listening to the systems there. I was close to purchasing a setup but then I made a huge jump and decided to throw everything away and move to the Philippines (With no savings). Well, that didn't work out so well. The good news is I eventually adapted and I'm looking to get a "decent" setup going over the next year (or two depending on how much it costs).
As I'm sure you are all aware of how scarce PS5's are. Well, over here, it's 100x worse. I managed to score a unit this past Friday. At the same time, local retailers marked the LG OLED CX series MSRP price down 50% to make room for the 2021 models. I couldn't resist and I bought the "55 LG OLED CX. I also had to buy all the necessary extras I would need such as an extra PS5 controller, a few games, chargers, cables, surge protector, and a few other odds and ends. This wiped me out for the next couple of months. For a temporary solution to sound, I bought a Samsung Hw-A450 soundbar. Yes, I know soundbars are considered blasphemy to audiophiles. I apologize in advance If I offend anyone for purchasing this. I needed a cheap, temp solution for now and RTINGs gave an okay review on this soundbar.
I also need to point out that buying electronics over here is much different than in the states. Pretty much everything over here sells at MSRP, sure stuff goes on sale sometimes but when it does go on sale once in a blue moon. Electronics, depending on the type, can range on average of being anywhere between 20 - 50% higher over than stateside. For example, as I said earlier I scored the LG 55" OLED CX for 1/2 off. With shipping, taxes, and conversion from USD to PHP that still came out to $1600 USD which is more than the $1200 USD that it appears to be selling for currently in the states.
Okay, now that cost differences are out of the way, comes the space I have to work with. This will all be going into my bedroom. The room is not very big and comes out at around 12'x13' or so. It's also already pretty crowded. I've got my computer desk and displays (figures, statues, etc) in the SW corner. My dog's bed, pads, and junk is in the SE corner. The bed is in the middle of the room facing against the E/W wall with just enough space to walk around it from the end. That leaves the NW, N, and NE corners which currently the NW and NE corners each have their own large shelf stuffed full of more collectibles. In the north area (the only available space) is where the window is for the room which measures out at around 4' x 4'. I have around 6' width and 4' length to work with and I've already moved an old 48" ET center into the room to put the TV on. I've also put down a rug (read this helps with bass?) that covers almost the entirety of the northern end of the room but doesn't go under the bed or the other side of the room.
Okay, that WAS more than a Little
Okay, sorry. I type fast, and I am very detailed and I know I probably gave way too many details but I thought maybe if you guys can visualize the setup it would help determine the best setup to use. If you're still with me now we can get to the meat of the topic. Like I said in the beginning, I have no clue what I am looking for or what I need. I could make it a bit simpler and just state the inner animal in me wants all the bells and whistles but the fiscal part of me is a cheap bastard and doesn't want to burn through thousands of dollars on something that I won't benefit from. So I'll try and give at least what I "think" I should want.
World Record Holder for Procrastination
As you are already aware, I've procrastinated for damn near two decades. Chances are I will procrastinate another decade at least if I want to upgrade again. So future-proofing probably should be at the top of the list. I like s*** being connected. So next would be lots of HDMI, PS5, Xbox, Nintendo, PC, HTPC, etc. Then, speaker setup. The room as explained above is not that big. Would I benefit from a 9.1 atmos setup? Or is it pointless in such a small room? 7.1? 5.1? Or just 3.1 for such a small area? When I'm gaming on the PS5 / watching movies, it will be on my bed which will be around 3 1/2 - 4' away.
Bulletpoints - Because everyone likes that and I could have probably summed all this up with bulletpoints instead of writing a novel....
1. Future-proof (8K)
2. Best setup for PS5 / XBOX Series X
3. Crisp, clear sound
4. Bass : Enough to make my balls vibrate
5. Setup for gaming, movies and music.
6. Reminder 3.5' / 4' viewing distance - 12' x 13' room 9.5' walls to ceiling.
Questions
1. Optimal Speaker Configuration?
2. Would I benefit from Surround Sound? 5.1 setup? Or 3.1 is fine?
3. Would I benefit from Back surround sound? 7.1 setup? Or 5.1 is fine?
4. Would I benefit from atmos ceiling speakers? 9.1 Setup (1 in each corner of room x4 total) or 7.1 is fine?
5. Best bang for the buck AVR to meet my needs?
6. Best bang for the buck bookshelf speakers for this bedroom?
7. Best bang for the buck subwoofer for this bedroom?
8. If needed best bang for the buck surround sound speakers?
9. If needed best bang for the buck (back) surround sound speakers?
10. If needed best bang for the buck Atmos ceiling speakers?
Okay, If you read this, you're my hero. Once again, I apologize for being so long-winded. I'm looking forward to hearing back your recommendations and putting me on the right road. If you have recommendations, a few of each type would be helpful. Very likely possibility what you recommend may not even be available over here. To give you an example I'll list the brands that I could find with a quick search and the prices of the most expensive offerings from those manufacturers. Thanks guys!
Brands - Model - Prices
Definitive Technology - Demand Series D11 Bookshelf Speakers - $1,400
Klipsch - Reference Premiere RP-502S - $1,100
Bowers & Wilkins - 606 S2 Anniversary Edition BS speakers - $800
Polk - Audio Reserve R200 BS speakers - $750
Canton - GLE 436 BS speakers - $750
Edifier - A80 (Airpulse) BS speakers - $700
Wharfdale - EVO 4.2 BS speakers - $650
Bose - Virtually Invisible 891 In-wall Speakers - $600
Presonus Eris - E5XT High-Definition Active Studio Monitor (pair) - $500
PSB - Imagine XB BS Speakers - $400
ELAC Debut - 2.0 B6.2 BS speakers - $400
Monitor Audio bronze BS speakers - $350
Diamond - 11.1 BS Speakers - $325
Behringer Eurolive B210 Speaker - $250
Kevler 15" passive speaker EON-15 $200
Tannoy - Revolution DC4 4" Dual Concentric HIFI BS speakers - $200
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