Help with audio setup for movies (soundbar/standalone) in a peculiar-shaped room

[iBuzz]

Hello all,

I would like some help regarding the audio setup for watching HD movies in a peculiar-shaped room. A complete 7.1 / 5.1 cinematic setup is not required (budget around £500), but would like to expand in the future possibly.

Here's the room:

Red= TV: 40 inch Samsung UE40B8000.
Blue = Seating.
Attached to the TV is a Sony Blu-ray BDP-S760 and a Virgin media Tivo box.

I was considering a soundbar because of the simplicity of connecting it, but I'm not sure if that would work due to the room layout. If need be the TV could be moved against the top wall, but even then the lack of a wall to the right might not help the effect. But the surround nature is not a must for me (damn budget) so long as the room structure doesn't end up degrading the sound experienced, this is what I'm unsure of.

Another option was getting a centre, left and right speaker with a sub. (I should point out I have limited knowledge of audio configurations, so would that be possible?) I assume I would also have to get a receiver with this option. If I want decent quality then I feel this option might be more expensive.

From what I've read I like Yamaha. If there's more information required just say. I appreciate any insights and any help offered.

 

[BlueWizard]

On the issue of sound bars, there are two main types.

One I will call an Active Sound Bar, in this case, you have an complete AV system in a single sound bar - Amps, Speakers, HDMI connections, etc...

Examples:

SuperFi.co.uk - Yamaha YAS101 Sound Bar with Integrated Subwoofer

SuperFi.co.uk - Yamaha YSP2200 Digital Sound Projector

SuperFi.co.uk - Yamaha YRS1000 AV Rack with Digital Sound Projector

Again, these are complete audio solutions. Just plug them in, and they are ready to go. However, what you get is what you get, there is no room of expansion or change should the need arise in the future.

These Sound Bars, especially those call "Digital Sound Projectors" do their best to simulate the 5.1 or 7. 1 experience, and they do a fair job of creating a Surround Sound feel.

The second type I will call an Passive Sound Bar, this is simply speakers in a box, you need an external amp to drive them -

Example -

SuperFi.co.uk - Wharfedale Diamond 10.LCR Speaker Bar

Obviously, this is a Diamond 10.0 left/right and a Diamond 10.CC center merged into a single unit, and it requires a separate AV amp to drive it. And, it would also require a Subwoofer it you expect deep window rattling bass.

I'm not specifically encouraging or discouraging any of the systems listed above, for the moment, they simply serve to illustrate the possibilities. Though Yamaha is noted for making Sound Bars, and the Diamond Series speakers are well regarded in their price range. That said, neither is the only choice to consider.

But, as you can see, in either case, it is going to be difficult, though not impossible to do for £500.

Though you can get AV Recievers for about £200, I'm not inclined to recommend anything less than about £300.

Examples:

£250 = Sony STRDH620, 3D ready, 7.2 channel
£270 = Denon AVR1312, 3D ready, 5.1 channel
£300 = Onkyo RXNR509, streaming capability, 3D ready, 5.1 channel
£300 = Yamaha RXV471, 3D ready, 5.1 channel

If we assume the Diamond 10.LCR speaker, then we have at minimum -

£220 = Diamond 10.LCR
£150 = Wharfedale SW150 Subwoofer

As you can see that is closer to £650 to £700 with an amp, but it does give you greater flexibility and room for expansion. From above, the Yamaha Digital Sound Projector that simulates 5.1 is about £799.

Personally, I listen to movies over a larger than average stereo system and am completely satisfied. In your case, the Wharfedale Sound Bar plus Sub would be very satisfying even if it isn't Surround Sound. But, with another pair of Diamond 10.0 speakers (£99/pr) is could easily be full and real Surround Sound.

Someone in the group recently bought this speaker system and was very pleased with the result -

Superfi - WHARFEDALE DIAMOND 10.MT 5.1 HOME CINEMA PACKAGE

The Front Diamond 10.MT are only £200/pr on their own and are very slim speakers that won't visually dominate the room. For even more flexibility, you could start with a pair of these, plus the Diamond 10.CC center, and an Wharfedale SW150 Subwoofer, and the price would break down like this -

£200 = Diamond 10.MT pair
£100 = Diamond 10.CC Center
£150 = Wharfedale SW150 Sub
-----------------
£450 = Total

Add to that about £300 for an amp, and we are back up to £750 total.

That should at least give you some sense of the possibilities.

Personally, and this is just me, I would always choose a component or separates based system for future expandability and flexibility in your choice of equipment. When you feel the urge to upgrade or expand, you can upgrade the component you feel is the weakest link, and continue using the rest. But again, that is just my personal preference.

Steve/bluewizard

 

[iBuzz]

Thank you so much for such a quick and in-depth reply, I can only apologise for my slow response but I was in hospital.

I have decided that if I go soundbar then I will get the Yamaha YHT-S401. I was thinking would it be better to connect it to the TV via the optical out instead of HDMI as I don't want multiple layers of video processing occurring?

If I go Receiver + separate speakers then I'll get either get the Yamaha RX-V671 or the Sony STR-DN1020. I'm not quite sure which of these is the better? At a glance I think the Yamaha is, but I'm leaning towards the Sony because if I'm going to run my video sources through it then I have from experience confidence in Sony's video processing.
And on a more superficial note does the Wharfedale LCR speaker have a front cover?

I really do appreciate your help.