adacey
Standard Member
I've posted a couple of threads seeking advice on what options would work for my small lounge. The lounge is about 3.3m x 3.5m with a bay window and part of an open plan downstairs (current layout image attached). The ceiling is about 2.75m high.
I'm starting to get a bit of analysis paralysis with so many different options. I had been considering the M&K M series wall-mounted speakers for their compact size, but the more I'm thinking about it, I do have enough space in each alcove for a small floor-standing speaker. The significant advantage of that approach would be that the chimney has an existing shelf of roughly 82cm W x 23.5cm H x 33cm D. It comes to just below the screen height of my TV's current position on the TV stand. I'm already planning to get a new TV and mount that to the chimney, and this shelf space seems perfect for the centre channel speaker. I'd love to use the remaining fireplace space for the AVR and other components, but unfortunately, I don't think it's deep enough for any AVR. However, I could bump the shelves out a bit further to get the depth I'd need, which would make for a tidy look.
I'm still considering several different options for speakers. I'd like to build a 5.2.4 system if possible (I'm planning to pull the sofa off the back wall once I remove the TV stand). I'm thinking probably a floor-standing speaker and a small sub in each alcove. However, I'm quite fortunate that both alcoves and sides of the sofa have available outlets, so subwoofer placement will not be a problem.
So far, my candidate list has me looking at the Arendal 1961 series as a serious contender based on everything I've heard about their value for money. However, I'm a bit concerned about not being able to listen to them first and that I'd likely have to set everything up myself, as I don't imagine many vendors appreciate you just buying the AVR from them and then asking them to do an install with a bunch of new speakers you bought via mail order.
The Monitor Audio Silver series also looks tempting, probably the 200's for the front pair rather than the 300.
The other dark horse candidate would be the Sonus Faber Lumina series, using a pair of Lumina III's for the front. The downside is that they don't make a dipole/tripole surround, so I imagine I'd be using a pair of Lumina I's instead. But, the photos of these do look stunning, and the reviews for stereo listening have me interested, but I've not heard much about using them in a home cinema setup. I'm also unsure what I'd use for Atmos speakers if I went this route.
I've not yet decided on what subs I'll use. The rest of the system will somewhat dictate whether I stay within the brand or look at something like SVS. The SVS 300 micro is very high on my list in size and performance.
I know that I'm just overthinking this too much and need to start listening to some setups to get more of a feel for what I like. But I'd certainly appreciate any further advice on if I'm going down the wrong path or am overlooking some other obvious candidates.
I'm starting to get a bit of analysis paralysis with so many different options. I had been considering the M&K M series wall-mounted speakers for their compact size, but the more I'm thinking about it, I do have enough space in each alcove for a small floor-standing speaker. The significant advantage of that approach would be that the chimney has an existing shelf of roughly 82cm W x 23.5cm H x 33cm D. It comes to just below the screen height of my TV's current position on the TV stand. I'm already planning to get a new TV and mount that to the chimney, and this shelf space seems perfect for the centre channel speaker. I'd love to use the remaining fireplace space for the AVR and other components, but unfortunately, I don't think it's deep enough for any AVR. However, I could bump the shelves out a bit further to get the depth I'd need, which would make for a tidy look.
I'm still considering several different options for speakers. I'd like to build a 5.2.4 system if possible (I'm planning to pull the sofa off the back wall once I remove the TV stand). I'm thinking probably a floor-standing speaker and a small sub in each alcove. However, I'm quite fortunate that both alcoves and sides of the sofa have available outlets, so subwoofer placement will not be a problem.
So far, my candidate list has me looking at the Arendal 1961 series as a serious contender based on everything I've heard about their value for money. However, I'm a bit concerned about not being able to listen to them first and that I'd likely have to set everything up myself, as I don't imagine many vendors appreciate you just buying the AVR from them and then asking them to do an install with a bunch of new speakers you bought via mail order.
The Monitor Audio Silver series also looks tempting, probably the 200's for the front pair rather than the 300.
The other dark horse candidate would be the Sonus Faber Lumina series, using a pair of Lumina III's for the front. The downside is that they don't make a dipole/tripole surround, so I imagine I'd be using a pair of Lumina I's instead. But, the photos of these do look stunning, and the reviews for stereo listening have me interested, but I've not heard much about using them in a home cinema setup. I'm also unsure what I'd use for Atmos speakers if I went this route.
I've not yet decided on what subs I'll use. The rest of the system will somewhat dictate whether I stay within the brand or look at something like SVS. The SVS 300 micro is very high on my list in size and performance.
I know that I'm just overthinking this too much and need to start listening to some setups to get more of a feel for what I like. But I'd certainly appreciate any further advice on if I'm going down the wrong path or am overlooking some other obvious candidates.