netpez
Novice Member
Hey all... so I really need some advice and am literally at the hair tearing out stage trying to figure out a good solution. I am NOT a Audio and Video guru, I don't really keep on top of the latest trends, as a matter of fact the items being replaced are about 12 years old (ancient... I know). This is my main room I entertain in, and I do love to put on big booming movies and sports in this room (and yes I love to kick up the volume till the house shakes)
I could be wrong, but based upon a lot of stuff I am reading we are kind of in a "in-between" spot in terms of receiver technology. 8K seems to be around the corner, but they still haven't resolved 4k issues yet... heck not all receivers seem to come with HDMI 2.1 yet... Because of that and my budget scenario, I was looking at either the Sony STR-DN1080 or the Yamaha RX-V6A. The Sony seems to (according to reviews) be a pretty solid receiver but with few bells and whistles. It also has no HDMI 2.1 capability. The Yamaha seems to have some favorable reviews, and comes with HDMI 2.1 capability (although many features of that seem to be unavailable until future updates. The thing that bothers me about the Yamaha (correct me if I am wrong) is that I heard something about it switching power between sets of speakers. This leads me to believe it is not as powerful as some other receivers including the Sony? I like the fact that while both are rated for 7.2, they both come with an additional 2 connections (I run 7.2 inside my family room, but have 2 outside speakers on my adjacent deck that I like to power on as well). Any input on these 2 receivers (or any other recommendations) is highly appreciated!!!
The set includes:
Because of couch placement height of speakers and the other issues, I have been racking my brain on what surround and rear surround speakers to get. I believe the R-41Ms in that costco deal are too deep (front to back) at a little over 11" to get a good angle to my listening positions (without being close to 90°). My old surrounds (Motion 4's) were much shallower at 5" making it easier to get a desired angle. I looked at other Klipsch speakers including the R-41SA which seems to have almost a upside down right triangle look, but it had a max amperage of 100W (50 RMS) which had me concerned about potentially damaging them at higher volume). The R-500SA has a better power rating, but again, I am not sure I am using the right speaker for the right purpose.
Another Klipsch option I was looking at because of the incorrect placement of my surround speakers was the R-402S or R-502S. I don't know much about these type of speakers. Someone mentioned at first they were bi-polar meaning same sound went out both drivers which sounded good, but then someone said they were di-polar and did some sort of noise cancellation and there was mention of null spots and other things.
I can't be the only person who has run into this type of situation, and I figure there is a lot of knowledge here that could help me with this speaker setup dilemma. I can't believe the choice of 4 speakers could cause so much headache.
As a side note, I already know because of high ceilings and open walls and other things that I most likely will NOT be able to experience Dolby Atmos in this room, at this point all I am looking for is SOLID surround sound experience that I can crank and put a smile on my face... oh and without my wife looking at the bill and planning my demise.
Background
While do a major remodel in the home, we went ahead and upgraded our almost dead Pioneer Elite Plasma TV (The finest TV I have ever owned) in our Family Room. As you can tell by this statement, its has been a long time since we have upgraded our Home Theater Equipment. We got a LG OLED 65" CX (looks great!). and realized our receiver doesn't do 4k. Then while doing research, we realized the newer receivers would blow out my current speakers (4 ohm), because they are usually rated 8 ohm (6 at the lowest). So now I have to identify a new receiver and new speakers. Before we go about naming off the most expensive brands, please note, that this is taking place AFTER a VERY costly set of home remodeling (new wood floors, new kitchen tile, fixed up and repainted walls, new granite countertops, new kitchen equipment (washer, cooktop, oven and hood), new basement carpet and other items as well. That being said, money is now TIGHT. You will see based upon some items I am leaning towards that they are budget friendly to put stuff in place, and then later rebuild piece by piece.The Receiver
I could be wrong, but based upon a lot of stuff I am reading we are kind of in a "in-between" spot in terms of receiver technology. 8K seems to be around the corner, but they still haven't resolved 4k issues yet... heck not all receivers seem to come with HDMI 2.1 yet... Because of that and my budget scenario, I was looking at either the Sony STR-DN1080 or the Yamaha RX-V6A. The Sony seems to (according to reviews) be a pretty solid receiver but with few bells and whistles. It also has no HDMI 2.1 capability. The Yamaha seems to have some favorable reviews, and comes with HDMI 2.1 capability (although many features of that seem to be unavailable until future updates. The thing that bothers me about the Yamaha (correct me if I am wrong) is that I heard something about it switching power between sets of speakers. This leads me to believe it is not as powerful as some other receivers including the Sony? I like the fact that while both are rated for 7.2, they both come with an additional 2 connections (I run 7.2 inside my family room, but have 2 outside speakers on my adjacent deck that I like to power on as well). Any input on these 2 receivers (or any other recommendations) is highly appreciated!!!
The Speakers
Mentioning (again) our current budget restrictions, my wife recommended a set of Klipsh speakers from Costco (a 5.1 channel set set) This set falls under $1K which according to some folks is quite a deal.The set includes:
- Klipsch R-52C Center Speaker
- Klipsch R-625FA Tower Speaker (x2)
- Klipsch R-41M Bookshelf Speaker (x2)
- Klipsch R-12SW Subwoofer
My Speaker setup issues
If you take a look at the diagrams I have included in this post you will see a couple things. One item is that the couches are close to the wall. I have no way of resolving this issue. The other issue is that because of oddball openings in my walls (the only downfall of an open designed house) limits where I can place the speakers. Because of these issues, my surround and rear surround speakers are placed anywhere from 8-9 feet above the floor. I have tried to remediate the best I can by using mounts that point the speakers downward anywhere from 30°-40°. The other issue cause by open walls is something probably a lot more glaring to most of you, and that is that my surround speakers are NOT where they should be placed (at ear level or slightly behind). As a matter of fact, they are placed about 2 feet in front of of secondary listening position and about 6 feet in front of primary listening position. This room already had wires in place (through the walls) and the wife has put her foot down on any damage to the walls since they have just been redone. I don't know how bad this situation is, and if there are any recommendations on how to resolve it. Also, I am not sure if it something I should be concerned about, but I believe the speaker wires running through the wall are 16 gauge and not 14 gauge.Because of couch placement height of speakers and the other issues, I have been racking my brain on what surround and rear surround speakers to get. I believe the R-41Ms in that costco deal are too deep (front to back) at a little over 11" to get a good angle to my listening positions (without being close to 90°). My old surrounds (Motion 4's) were much shallower at 5" making it easier to get a desired angle. I looked at other Klipsch speakers including the R-41SA which seems to have almost a upside down right triangle look, but it had a max amperage of 100W (50 RMS) which had me concerned about potentially damaging them at higher volume). The R-500SA has a better power rating, but again, I am not sure I am using the right speaker for the right purpose.
Another Klipsch option I was looking at because of the incorrect placement of my surround speakers was the R-402S or R-502S. I don't know much about these type of speakers. Someone mentioned at first they were bi-polar meaning same sound went out both drivers which sounded good, but then someone said they were di-polar and did some sort of noise cancellation and there was mention of null spots and other things.
I can't be the only person who has run into this type of situation, and I figure there is a lot of knowledge here that could help me with this speaker setup dilemma. I can't believe the choice of 4 speakers could cause so much headache.
As a side note, I already know because of high ceilings and open walls and other things that I most likely will NOT be able to experience Dolby Atmos in this room, at this point all I am looking for is SOLID surround sound experience that I can crank and put a smile on my face... oh and without my wife looking at the bill and planning my demise.
Old outgoing Equipment:
- Center Speaker: Martin Logan Motion 8
- Front Speakers: Martin Logan Motion 12
- Side Speakers: Martin Logan Motion 4
- Rear Speakers: Martin Logan Motion 4
- Subwoofer: Martin Logan Dynamo 500
- Receiver: Pioneer Elite VSX-82TXS