Front speakers for wall mounting in a corner?

firetrap

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Hi Guys,

Long story short... My 18yr old Sony AVR has died and I want to replace it and upgrade my budget, unmatched front speakers with a decent F/C/R set at the same time.

Here's a quick layout of my existing speaker positions:
av layout.jpg

After reading lots of posts I was going to go for a front set of Monitor Audio Bronze 2's and matching centre. My reason being that they are at the top end of my budget and are front ported rather than my existing Eltax speakers which have rear ports. They are also pretty much the same size. I was going to add a BK P12-300 sub and keep my Mission 70DS speakers for the time being to complete the 5.1 setup.

A bit more reading and I discovered that even the Bronze 2's aren't recommended for wall mounting close to a wall, let alone in a corner! I don't really have any much other choice of speaker positions and there is a large fireplace to the right of the TV and floorstanding speakers aren't an option due to having kids around.

I'm thinking I might have to scrap my ideas and look into 'lifestyle' satellites and a matching sub to improve my current system.

Can any of you suggest any options that I haven't stumbled across yet? Any advice would be appreciated.

Si.
 
It would sound horrible having B2s in corners where the low frequencies would be boosted and you also sitting against rear wall which does the same. Also you would listen the center channel from off-axis most of time. Unless you sit on left side of couch which would put you almost in corner. Waste of money!

I would think about wall mounting tv on 3,3m wall, MLP couch would be against tv (where the other is now) and pushed closer to tv/speakers if possible. As you have door there some wall mounted speakers (MA Apex, XTZ Spirit 2&6, Dali Oberon On-Wall etc.) could work then. 3.1 system or put surrounds to both side walls, meaning one on the wall where they are now in picture and other where the center channel/tv is. In 5.1 system the surrounds would be about sides of listener or slightly backwards and getting them more far away is better than having them like in picture very close.
 
Thanks for the detailed reply Gasp.

Your response confirms what I feared, at least i'm not going to waste my money.

I'd love to re-arrange the room as you suggest, I can see how that would be the optimum layout. Unfortunately it's my parents house, so I can't see me getting away with that.

It's really strange having to go back to poor tv speakers, even though i've obviously had my current setup in a horrible state ever since I bought it years ago. Looks like I might have to resort to getting a decent soundbar. There doesn't seem any point replacing my AVR at this point just to utilise the existing speakers setup.
 
Thanks for the detailed reply Gasp.

Your response confirms what I feared, at least i'm not going to waste my money.

I'd love to re-arrange the room as you suggest, I can see how that would be the optimum layout. Unfortunately it's my parents house, so I can't see me getting away with that.

It's really strange having to go back to poor tv speakers, even though i've obviously had my current setup in a horrible state ever since I bought it years ago. Looks like I might have to resort to getting a decent soundbar. There doesn't seem any point replacing my AVR at this point just to utilise the existing speakers setup.

The fireplace is always at the wrong place. Shame. Maybe there is still some trick that wiser members will point out. :) What is the main problem with the route i mentioned on 3,3m wall? You could have the tv on av-cabinet there and i guess there is some speakers which you could keep against walls on speaker stands (using blutack under them and sturdy stands so they won´t be knocked by kids). This way you wouldn`t have to wall mount (make holes) if that is the problem.

Ahh the soundbars. I would try to figure out some way to get 2.0/2.1 system over that if possible somehow. Only one i could think about (for bedroom :laugh:) would be passive soundbar. AVO has 60% off from MA Radius One white soundbar (500£ normally, now 200£). But you will need receiver to run it and subwoofer. Basically it has three tweeters and three mid-bass drivers inside within 1meter width in a slim cabinet. These are fine quality and size, but of course it won`t sound same as full sized dedicated speakers which you can place freely.
Monitor Audio Radius One Gloss White Passive Soundbar Speaker - Sound Bars - AudioVisual Online - UK Home Cinema and Hifi Specialists
 
The fireplace is always at the wrong place. Shame. Maybe there is still some trick that wiser members will point out. :) What is the main problem with the route i mentioned on 3,3m wall? You could have the tv on av-cabinet there and i guess there is some speakers which you could keep against walls on speaker stands (using blutack under them and sturdy stands so they won´t be knocked by kids). This way you wouldn`t have to wall mount (make holes) if that is the problem.

Ahh the soundbars. I would try to figure out some way to get 2.0/2.1 system over that if possible somehow. Only one i could think about (for bedroom :laugh:) would be passive soundbar. AVO has 60% off from MA Radius One white soundbar (500£ normally, now 200£). But you will need receiver to run it and subwoofer. Basically it has three tweeters and three mid-bass drivers inside within 1meter width in a slim cabinet. These are fine quality and size, but of course it won`t sound same as full sized dedicated speakers which you can place freely.
Monitor Audio Radius One Gloss White Passive Soundbar Speaker - Sound Bars - AudioVisual Online - UK Home Cinema and Hifi Specialists

Thanks again for the feeback Gasp.

The main problems with the 3,3m wall is really power. I have 6 double sockets on the wall behind the TV where it is. Those are the closest to the 3,3m wall on that side of the room. The closest on the other side of the room is a double socket behind the MLP sofa. I couldn't really put an AV cabinet along the suggested wall due to there being a radiator spanning most of it. I've attached a quick photo of the current gear which is due for replacement. I've also got an Ethernet cable behind the TV which runs under the floor from my PC setup which is in the space between the smaller sofa and main windows.

Holes in walls aren't really too much of an issue, it's more the practicality of keeping the space as a family room. If the fireplace wasn't so damn tall i'd move the TV onto the chimney breast (you can just make out the top of the mantlepiece in that photo).

I really have a dislike for soundbars. I got a half decent Sony one with the TV, but that went straight into the bedroom (where imo they belong!) along with the previous TV.
 

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Just thinking outside of the box...

Would something like these be feasible (probably modified slightly) to get the speakers further away from the wall and into a better position?

https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B003W5R...d_r=fb2b1809-21c5-11e9-a615-a37df77ba4ec&th=1

I remember years ago people used to have these things hanging off the wall and supporting old CRT tv's which weighed a fair few kilos.

Si.

I have mostly seen these B-tech type of wall brackets.
https://www.amazon.co.uk/B-Tech-BT7...48590117&sr=1-5&keywords=speaker+wall+bracket

Also with the brackets installed quite low on walls, imagine the speakers tweeter would be around seated ear height. How would it look? I assume these larger wall brackets look better if placed higher for surround speakers. But question more of taste...

I would just think about some sturdy enough speaker stands + blutack under speakers. Then place those next to fireplace and other to left side of tv (more left to get similar angle). Other members with kids won`t feel the stands + blutack problematic. Hell you can fill the stands and buy something like Atacama SL ones which definitely won`t be knocked out easily especially if filled. They are built like tank! And the blutack trick keeps the speakers stuck on stands. Of course one needs to talk with kids that they are off-limits. Angle the speakers towards MLP and i think you could get away without center channel. You could buy better standmount speakers and run 4.1 setup with the surrounds placed where they are now in picture. Just put center channel off from receiver and information is re-directed to main speakers. So you would only need subwoofer, pair of good standmount speakers, pair of heavy sturdy stands and receiver. The speakers would be good amount from front walls and closer to you aswell.
 
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I have mostly seen these B-tech type of wall brackets.
https://www.amazon.co.uk/B-Tech-BT7...48590117&sr=1-5&keywords=speaker+wall+bracket

Also with the brackets installed quite low on walls, imagine the speakers tweeter would be around seated ear height. How would it look? I assume these larger wall brackets look better if placed higher for surround speakers. But question more of taste...

I would just think about some sturdy enough speaker stands + blutack under speakers. Then place those next to fireplace and other to left side of tv (more left to get similar angle). Other members with kids won`t feel the stands + blutack problematic. Hell you can fill the stands and buy something like Atacama SL ones which definitely won`t be knocked out easily especially if filled. They are built like tank! And the blutack trick keeps the speakers stuck on stands. Of course one needs to talk with kids that they are off-limits. Angle the speakers towards MLP and i think you could get away without center channel. You could buy better standmount speakers and run 4.1 setup with the surrounds placed where they are now in picture. Just put center channel off from receiver and information is re-directed to main speakers. So you would only need subwoofer, pair of good standmount speakers, pair of heavy sturdy stands and receiver. The speakers would be good amount from front walls and closer to you aswell.

Yup, those B-tech type brackets are what i'm using at the moment (although now I realise they are higher than they should be).

I figured using the folding brackets would allow the speakers to be out from the wall by about half a metre, but pushed back out of the way against the wall when not in use.

I may potentially be able to have a speaker on a stand on the right-hand side of the fireplace and another where my sub is at the moment. However, they would both have to be pretty close to the walls as the room is quite narrow and would otherwise obstruct the current furniture.

I know it's always a compromise when it's a family room. At least the house is detached so I can crank the volume up without any fear of complaints. I'm thinking I might have to bite the bullet and go for a passive soundbar that I can mount above the TV. At least that will tide me over while i'm still living at home, I can then concentrate on buying a decent sub/amp combo which can be used in a future setup as well.

Attached are a couple of other photos which show the other speakers (excuse the mess!)

Si.
 

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In your scenario, a Bose type sub/sat system might well work better for you. So called "bookshelf" speakers really need more space to work well, but they don't sound terrible stuck on shelves or in corners, just not as good as they could!

The main issue is that speakers in a corner get a bass lift, which makes the LF quite lumpy and unpredictable. Removing that bass component will help, so I guess you could stick with larger speakers and use the bass management to roll off the bass below 200Hz or so, but that's essentially a sub/sat setup...

Speaker floor stands work better than wall brackets, as they are more rigid and you can also play with the positioning a little more.
 
In your scenario, a Bose type sub/sat system might well work better for you. So called "bookshelf" speakers really need more space to work well, but they don't sound terrible stuck on shelves or in corners, just not as good as they could!

The main issue is that speakers in a corner get a bass lift, which makes the LF quite lumpy and unpredictable. Removing that bass component will help, so I guess you could stick with larger speakers and use the bass management to roll off the bass below 200Hz or so, but that's essentially a sub/sat setup...

Speaker floor stands work better than wall brackets, as they are more rigid and you can also play with the positioning a little more.

Thanks Noise,

I've been looking at sub/sat options. The centre speaker isn't going to be a problem, so i'm wondering if I can get away with a couple of smaller speakers for R/L duties to widen the front stage rather than going for a passive soundbar. This might give me more flexibility with placement. With a decent sub then I may be able to change the crossover frequencies on the R/L speakers to avoid too much 'muddiness'.

I've got to get a new AVR anyway, and i'm new to all this Audessey and room EQ software they all have. I am learning a fair bit though spending hours researching! I'm holding fire on choosing an AVR until i've decided on speakers in case that has an influence.

I've looked at reviews of the Dali Pico's (rear port and with wall mounting holes?), the MA Radius 45's (90's are too pricey for me), and also the B&W M1's.

If I go for smaller sats with a large centre and 12" sub, will I be able to balance sound or is it going to sound strange even with bass management and fancy AVR correction software?

Si.
 
Could you move the sub just to the right of the fireplace so it is more central to the three front speakers? Or, put a small second sub there to take the bass from the LCR speakers. This means you could have the crossover quite high for those speakers and use on wall designs that don't go very low.

With the AVR, get one that has decent room correction. So a Denon AVRX3x00 or better to get the better version of Audyssey. Or, even better, a Nad or Arcam AVR with Dirac.

Your room design is far from perfect, but not impossible to get something sounding decent in that space. Most of us have to compromise when we use family living rooms for our systems, unfortunately!
 
Look at the Cornered Audio speaker range.
Designed for corner mounting.

Regards

Rich@SeriouslyCinema

Thanks Rich.

I did have a quick look at those, I stumbled upon them while googling for options. I didn't find much info about them tbh. They appear to be more suited to more commercial environments, although I may be wrong.

Could you move the sub just to the right of the fireplace so it is more central to the three front speakers? Or, put a small second sub there to take the bass from the LCR speakers. This means you could have the crossover quite high for those speakers and use on wall designs that don't go very low.

With the AVR, get one that has decent room correction. So a Denon AVRX3x00 or better to get the better version of Audyssey. Or, even better, a Nad or Arcam AVR with Dirac.

Your room design is far from perfect, but not impossible to get something sounding decent in that space. Most of us have to compromise when we use family living rooms for our systems, unfortunately!

Thanks for your input Rambles.

I don't really have space for a sub to the right of the fireplace unfortunately. I might be able to squeeze a small satellite speaker on a stand there, but really don't have much floor space available.
I've ordered a BK XLS400-DF to replace the existing cheap sub, I can just fit that in the space where the old one is. At least that's one thing ticked off the list!

With regards to the AVR, I've been swaying back and forth between lots of options. I'm going to be moving out of home in the next few years, so i'll probably leave the AVR with my parents and hook the existing speakers back up to that so that they can still use the system. I'll take the speakers with me and get a new, better AVR.
Setting my budget at £500, originally I was pretty set on a Denon, either a 2500 or the 3400 if I could find one (no luck there). As I like my music, I looked into Marantz options as i'm lead to believe they are better in that department, but nothing in my price range. Not a fan of the porthole display anyway tbh. This has left me back where I started with the Sony 1080. It seems to get high praise as a budget AVR for movies and music. Even though it has it's quirks I think I can get around most of them using my Harmony remote.

Anyway, back to speakers.. I'm still looking, but i'm wondering whether I can get a new LCR setup with a good centre that can provide good mid-range with a couple of smaller satellites for L/R (crossed to higher frequencies as you suggested) which can then be used as rear surrounds in the future?
Failing that, Is it feasible to run a 1.1 setup (centre+LFE) or run a 2.1 setup with small L/R speakers where the Centre is (as opposed to a passive soundbar)?
Once I have a new AVR I intend to play with the existing speakers in different positions just for testing purposes to see what differences I notice anyway.

Thanks again for all the suggestions guys, it's really helpful.

Si.
 
Corned Audio are used in residential rooms too with great results.

Also consider MK Sound Loudspeakers, in particular the M7’s.

If you require any advice feel free to get in touch.

Rich
 
Hmm. Looking at the pictures you shared and the diagram, and the fact that you are on a low budget. I think stick to a 2.1. At least then you can amend the levels of the speakers to try and get the stereo imaging as good as possible in the main listening area. The BKXLS400 is a great sub, so if your current speakers don't sound so good, you just need a new pair of stereo speakers that work well on walls and / or in corners, and a decent stereo amp.

What amp are you using now?
 
Corned Audio are used in residential rooms too with great results.

Also consider MK Sound Loudspeakers, in particular the M7’s.

If you require any advice feel free to get in touch.

Rich

Thanks Rich, i'll take a look.
Hmm. Looking at the pictures you shared and the diagram, and the fact that you are on a low budget. I think stick to a 2.1. At least then you can amend the levels of the speakers to try and get the stereo imaging as good as possible in the main listening area. The BKXLS400 is a great sub, so if your current speakers don't sound so good, you just need a new pair of stereo speakers that work well on walls and / or in corners, and a decent stereo amp.

What amp are you using now?

My current amp (which has decided to blow the front right channel) is an old Sony STR-DB940 QS Series which cost me about £600 18 years ago.

My current speakers aren't great, but sound okay to my ears (ignorance is bliss lol). I just figured it was time for an upgrade and that if I invested in decent speakers i'd get more enjoyment from the system as a whole. The general consensus seems to be that your speakers should be two to three times the price of your amp or your not making the most out of it. If that's true then I only need to spend about £50 on a amp lol.

My original thread with current setup is here : Looking for advice on reviving my old 5.1 setup.

Funds aren't an issue, I could, in theory, buy loads of kit to try side-by-side and return what I don't decide to keep. I don't want to mess retailers around though so i'm avoiding doing that. I'm just trying to avoid the 'buy cheap, buy twice' scenario as speakers at least should last me a fair few years imo.

Si.
 
In terms of amps, the AVR's that you are looking at are budget level. They may well be adequate, but for not much more money you could get something better than adequate. Maybe this Marantz SR6012, which is currently nearly half price:

Marantz SR6012

However, if you go for a 2.1 system, which might be easier to manage in your awkward space, as the BK sub can be connected via high level, you can pretty much use any stereo amplifier, and then you have a myriad of options.
 
In terms of amps, the AVR's that you are looking at are budget level. They may well be adequate, but for not much more money you could get something better than adequate. Maybe this Marantz SR6012, which is currently nearly half price:

Marantz SR6012

However, if you go for a 2.1 system, which might be easier to manage in your awkward space, as the BK sub can be connected via high level, you can pretty much use any stereo amplifier, and then you have a myriad of options.

Thanks bud. After another weekend of research i've pretty much discounted the Sony. Mainly due to having really bad / non-existant DRC for listening at low volumes. I understand your point about going for a 2.1 system with a stereo amp. However, with the current front speaker positions it's horrible trying to watch anything without sound from the centre speaker as the speakers are just too far apart. Also, even with the bad layout, DTS soundtracks still impress me too much to go back to stereo.

It's now looking like a toss up between the S6012, or one of the Denons. If the Marantz didn't have the useless display then i'd jump at it, even though it's way higher spec'd than I need. I think i'd rather pay an extra £40 and go for the lower spec'd X3500h to get the more detailed display. Then again, is it worth paying nearly twice as much for that than the X2500h? Is Audessey XT32 really going to make that much difference to my awkward room? These are the things going round in my brain at the moment, at some point i'm just going to have to bite the bullet and find out.

With regards to speakers, i've had a look at second hand options over the weekend and there seems to be quite a lot available.
There's a Radius One passive soundbar for about £150. A set of 3x M&K M7's for about £400 and a set of L/C/R MA Apex going for about £600. Also there are quite a few Monitor Audio Mass speakers and MA Radius 45's and 90's.
As much as I hate soundbars, the Radius One might be worth a punt as Gasp suggested earlier. At least it's not a major investment if it's a disappointment.

Si.
 
@firetrap
X3500H was just moment ago 599£, so don`t pay the 699£ price if you go with it. There is always room for negotiation. You are shopping new receiver at worst time. You missed the sales of X3400H and new models are just around the corner. June/July we start seeing price drops. X3500H will drop to 499£ at some point, but won`t help you if you`re in hurry.

SR6012 is 5.1.4 ready out of the box and has 11.2 processing, Denon is stuck on 5.1.2.
Never say never as when you move to own flat who knows you might prefer to build some kick ass atmos system.

MultEQ XT can be hit or miss. Have seen some measurements on other board and one guy posted one here moment ago. XT32 is ahead comfortably and something which most people have noticed. Correction for subwoofer channel should be superior and similar level than Antimode. I believe it can tackle some problem areas better for speakers aswell. Don´t forget you would lose preouts with X2500H. Another helpful feature which might be keep you upgrading receiver in future as you can add poweramp/stereoamp to system. Also don`t forget that X3500H/SR6012 has stable measured performance for even tougher loads, depending which speakers you will buy in future..

AudysseyComparison.jpg
 
@firetrap
X3500H was just moment ago 599£, so don`t pay the 699£ price if you go with it. There is always room for negotiation. You are shopping new receiver at worst time. You missed the sales of X3400H and new models are just around the corner. June/July we start seeing price drops. X3500H will drop to 499£ at some point, but won`t help you if you`re in hurry.

SR6012 is 5.1.4 ready out of the box and has 11.2 processing, Denon is stuck on 5.1.2.
Never say never as when you move to own flat who knows you might prefer to build some kick ass atmos system.

MultEQ XT can be hit or miss. Have seen some measurements on other board and one guy posted one here moment ago. XT32 is ahead comfortably and something which most people have noticed. Correction for subwoofer channel should be superior and similar level than Antimode. I believe it can tackle some problem areas better for speakers aswell. Don´t forget you would lose preouts with X2500H. Another helpful feature which might be keep you upgrading receiver in future as you can add poweramp/stereoamp to system. Also don`t forget that X3500H/SR6012 has stable measured performance for even tougher loads, depending which speakers you will buy in future..

AudysseyComparison.jpg
Thanks again Gasp, your input is always appreciated.

I realise this is probably the worst time to buy a new AVR, but it's gotta be done unfortunately.

I think I can get the X3500h from RS for £649 at the moment as they have a £50 off £500 spend (VIP offer). The 3500h is tempting me as it has the pre-outs and the better display. I haven't seen it as low as £599, must have missed that. RS is my closest retailer, just a shame they don't have the Marantz so I can hear the difference. I can see me having to buy both at this point so that I can test at home.

My XXLS400-DF should be here in the next day or so. I've bought a couple of 400mm x 400mm x 12mm granite tiles cheaply to put it on just in case it needs some isolation from the laminate floor. I've also bought an AC Infinity T8 to put on top of the AVR as i've read both the Denons and Marantz run quite hot.
I also picked up a master/slave power adapter to switch the sub and fan unit on and off with the AVR. It's slowly coming together!

Looks like i've just got to decide between the two AVR options and whether to go with a passive soundbar or smaller LCR speakers.

Si.
 
Remember you only get 2year warranty for receiver from RS unless they give you free that 6year Supercare! PT offers 5year warranty atm which is amazing! With todays receivers you just can`t be too careful. Leave good space for air ventilation even with that T8.

You can call or march to speak with shop manager (can give best deals) and say you missed the 599£ deal which was going on moment ago. Can you offer me same deal if i take one now?! If he says no, then say you ask from other shop as they give you longer warranty anyway.. At this point he should negotiate you better deal. I would never agree to pay list price. :) Give them a little push, the prices are going up and down, there is always some air!

The speaker decision is tough with the room.. The passive soundbar option is there and Radius has a "sparkling brighter tone" which is loved by many for AV use. 150£ isn´t bad as you mentioned, though you can get new for 199£ (AVO) which would be easier to sell forward for good price if you aren´t happy. And this would be only for the moment until you get your own place. I won`t recommend buying anything without listening, so if you have local MA dealer try to get demo. Won´t cost you anything other than time.

Have you also thought of keeping Eltaxes for while, put a bungs in the ports and see how they sound after running XT32. While it can´t do miracles, it should be better afterwards than with the old Sony.
 
A quick look through the thread.
Not sure of your budget
An AVR around the £1000 and up is a way better prospect than one half the price
How about Q acoustics speakers? Concept 20’s are superb along with your new sub
 
Remember you only get 2year warranty for receiver from RS unless they give you free that 6year Supercare! PT offers 5year warranty atm which is amazing! With todays receivers you just can`t be too careful. Leave good space for air ventilation even with that T8.

You can call or march to speak with shop manager (can give best deals) and say you missed the 599£ deal which was going on moment ago. Can you offer me same deal if i take one now?! If he says no, then say you ask from other shop as they give you longer warranty anyway.. At this point he should negotiate you better deal. I would never agree to pay list price. :) Give them a little push, the prices are going up and down, there is always some air!

The speaker decision is tough with the room.. The passive soundbar option is there and Radius has a "sparkling brighter tone" which is loved by many for AV use. 150£ isn´t bad as you mentioned, though you can get new for 199£ (AVO) which would be easier to sell forward for good price if you aren´t happy. And this would be only for the moment until you get your own place. I won`t recommend buying anything without listening, so if you have local MA dealer try to get demo. Won´t cost you anything other than time.

Have you also thought of keeping Eltaxes for while, put a bungs in the ports and see how they sound after running XT32. While it can´t do miracles, it should be better afterwards than with the old Sony.

Very useful info Gasp, thanks! These new AVR's don't seem as well built as the ones from 20 years ago so i'd be looking at a good warranty. I've fixed my old Sony a couple of times by re-soldering joints on the boards, this time the right channel isn't coming back to life even with that. It seems like one of the chips has blown.

I will try my luck with the AVR prices and see how much 'wiggle room' they have. If you don't ask then you don't get I suppose. PT is knocking an additional £20 off the X3500h today, so prices do seem to be fluctuating a bit.

My current AV plinth under the TV has a pretty tight space for the AVR (see attachment in post #5). I'm planning on modifying it to raise it 2 inches, that should give room for the T8 (1.5" depth with rear exhaust) with about an inch of free air above it. Hopefully ECO mode will help too for normal TV viewing. If I need more ventilation then I can always put an Airplate on the side of the plinth, but i'd rather not.

Thanks for your opinion on the Radius range. I've read comments that the Denon has a brighter sound than the Marantz, so they might be too bright if paired with a Denon?
I will be setting things up with the Eltax's initially, if only to see the difference from the old Sony. Now that you mention it i'll also try putting bungs in the ports too, it'll be interesting to hear the difference and also see if it makes a difference to the Audyssey calibration.

A quick look through the thread.
Not sure of your budget
An AVR around the £1000 and up is a way better prospect than one half the price
How about Q acoustics speakers? Concept 20’s are superb along with your new sub
I agree, that's why i'm looking seriously at the previous model Marantz which is nearly half price at the moment.
Yeah, i've looked at the QA range. The older models seem to be a bargain at the moment. It is something i'm researching as i'm limited regarding speaker positions and can't have an optimal layout.
 
Very useful info Gasp, thanks! These new AVR's don't seem as well built as the ones from 20 years ago so i'd be looking at a good warranty. I've fixed my old Sony a couple of times by re-soldering joints on the boards, this time the right channel isn't coming back to life even with that. It seems like one of the chips has blown.

I will try my luck with the AVR prices and see how much 'wiggle room' they have. If you don't ask then you don't get I suppose. PT is knocking an additional £20 off the X3500h today, so prices do seem to be fluctuating a bit.

My current AV plinth under the TV has a pretty tight space for the AVR (see attachment in post #5). I'm planning on modifying it to raise it 2 inches, that should give room for the T8 (1.5" depth with rear exhaust) with about an inch of free air above it. Hopefully ECO mode will help too for normal TV viewing. If I need more ventilation then I can always put an Airplate on the side of the plinth, but i'd rather not.

Thanks for your opinion on the Radius range. I've read comments that the Denon has a brighter sound than the Marantz, so they might be too bright if paired with a Denon?
I will be setting things up with the Eltax's initially, if only to see the difference from the old Sony. Now that you mention it i'll also try putting bungs in the ports too, it'll be interesting to hear the difference and also see if it makes a difference to the Audyssey calibration.

For a VIP member they should give good price and i would ask the 6year super care free as many members have got it too. You can say that PT has 5year warranty without extra cost. If they don´t want to sell it for good price around 599£ say you will push other dealers then.. See what happens. :laugh: At this point the guy would be losing good bonuses, not sure will he turn that down. You can contact them later again. Many times when one is leaving the guy puts some great deal on table. Mention the 599£ price which was moment ago.

I don´t believe they`re too bright as in harsh. There is plenty of Denon & Radius owners, that line isn´t newest and it still sells good. I know Eltax is cheap brand, not sure how they sounds. If one has been getting used to darker/warmer laid back sounding speakers for years and then jump to tad brighter more forward sounding, it can be good or bad thing depending of taste. Radius is suppose to have slightly different tone to more traditional hifi lines (Bronze & Silver) as they are more of lifestyle speakers and used with tv/movies/gaming mostly where "sparkly" sound is many times prefered.


But start with the Eltaxes as "sealed". See can you live with them for the time you can move out from there. M&K M7s you mentioned are sealed by design, but you still got the right corner messing things up. Well soon you can test with Eltaxes & XT32 on and off what kind of difference there is.
 

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