Need help with my first 5.1 setup

Lucky02

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Hi All,

It's a great forum and lot of discussions happening around home cinema..

Gathered my most of the basics around home cinema setup from existing threads and it really helped. Thanks to all members and admins for their great effort and valuable time in sharing their experience and thoughts in detail.

I'm looking for advice on my first 5.1 setup. Please see atached home plan.. where sofa is closer to wall,

Based on my budget, I'm considering Dali or MA, not sure whether i should go for:

Dali Oberon 5 Floor standing/center with on wall speakers as surrond speakers or
MA bronze 5.1 with FX as surround speakers or
Can i mix up Dali Oberon 5 Floor standing/center with MA FX as surronds?

Went for Demo at RS and i'm leaning more towards Dali Oberon 5, but not sure whether on wall speakers is the right option considering my sitting area closer to the wall.

AV: Denon AVR X2700
Subwoofer: Please advice suitable subwoofer based on my room size.. is BK P12-300SB-PR or SVS PB1000 too big for my room size? .. Not looking to spend more than £600 for subwoofer, mostly for watching movies..

Cables: Please suggest which brand cables should i go for, again within a budget range, is it ok to consider the cables which will included as promotional offer from the online sellers?



Please suggest the best option for me, Thanks in advance.
 

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Go with the one you like more, take another demo if you have to. Oberon 5 vs. Bronze 200. They are similar sized and can work fine in smaller room.

You definitely can mix surrounds. The rear wall shapes are bit tricky, ideally the surrounds would go to side walls, but you can`t have that in the left side so rear wall is more likely, but no worry as we have tons of members doing that and no one is complaining. Just leave them about 1 feet from the side walls as they shoot each direction. The can create more convincing "bubble" as they aren´t as directional which is good as so close to listeners. Bipole/dipole switch at back.

Notice that you can also buy full Monitor Audio Silver serie as the 6G is on sale now, not much more than Bronzes/Oberons and this is step up from both, similar to Dali Opticon. Won`t be available long.





For subwoofer both subs would work great, definitely not too much. I would also strongly consider Monoprice 10" THX. It`s one of the best product in this price range!

As for wires/cables unless you need specific colour then these below.

Speaker wire oxygen free copper 30meter roll, 2,5mm2 thickness:
Amazon product ASIN B01C79Z1FU
Subwoofer cable in required length that gives you few options for the placement of sub which can make night and day difference, so don´t go too short.
Amazon product ASIN B01D5H8G3W
HDMI cables:
Amazon product ASIN B08225D9GX
 
thanks @Gasp3621 for your response. Much appreciated.

RS suggested Rel T/5x subwoofer.. do you think it's a good match as my usage will be mostly for watching movies? or should i consider BK P12-300SB-PR / P12-300SB-FF or SVS SB-1000 pro. I'm based in UK and i can see white option from this subwoofers.

In the latest screeshot.. do you think it's ideal position to place oberon 5 wall speakers marked in red or if i choose MA FX (position marked in blue) is the right place?

Petertyson offering cables bundle as part of speaker package QED brand .. should i go for it? or should i choose audio quest brand one?

Any other members here who have setup of Dali oberon 5 with any of above subwoofers? Please advice your inputs.




 

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Can't tell you about the speakers but in terms of a sub SVS are very good. Have a look on avonline - they have some good warehouse deals. Don't cheap out on a sub - a good one underpins the sound of your system. If it's mainly for movies I'd suggest a ported sub for more low-end output. Mine is sealed (SVS SB-3000) and as good as it is in my 5x3.5m room I think I should have gone ported. Still might!

The speaker cable Gasp mentioned would be fine. A lot on here is Vanne Damme speaker cable. I do and it works great. Good quality pure copper and 2.5mm all round would be my recommendation. No need to spend much on cables. If the ones bundled are cheap enough as part of the deal go for them, if not have a look at Gasps recommendation or the Van Damme.
 
I can't comment on the Monitor speakers, but I have the Oberon 5s up front, Zensor as my surrounds and a pb2000 Pro subwoofer. I also use a Denon Amp

I'm honestly delighted with the set up.

For your rears, I'd get speaker stands and then you can move them as you see fit. Or if they need to be wall mounted, just have a look at the dolby 5.1 set up and base it as close as you can to that.

Nice room to start with. Will be a great movie room!
 
Can't tell you about the speakers but in terms of a sub SVS are very good. Have a look on avonline - they have some good warehouse deals. Don't cheap out on a sub - a good one underpins the sound of your system. If it's mainly for movies I'd suggest a ported sub for more low-end output. Mine is sealed (SVS SB-3000) and as good as it is in my 5x3.5m room I think I should have gone ported. Still might!

The speaker cable Gasp mentioned would be fine. A lot on here is Vanne Damme speaker cable. I do and it works great. Good quality pure copper and 2.5mm all round would be my recommendation. No need to spend much on cables. If the ones bundled are cheap enough as part of the deal go for them, if not have a look at Gasps recommendation or the Van Damme.

Agree with this. The subwoofer adds so much to the sound, my system sounds so much fuller and richer since I upgraded to the SVS. personally I'd go pb1000 Pro if you can
 
thanks @Gasp3621 for your response. Much appreciated.

RS suggested Rel T/5x subwoofer.. do you think it's a good match as my usage will be mostly for watching movies? or should i consider BK P12-300SB-PR / P12-300SB-FF or SVS SB-1000 pro. I'm based in UK and i can see white option from this subwoofers.

In the latest screeshot.. do you think it's ideal position to place oberon 5 wall speakers marked in red or if i choose MA FX (position marked in blue) is the right place?

Petertyson offering cables bundle as part of speaker package QED brand .. should i go for it? or should i choose audio quest brand one?

Any other members here who have setup of Dali oberon 5 with any of above subwoofers? Please advice your inputs.

Ok so you require white subwoofer? If that is the case then i would go with the SB1000 Pro and try to haggle the price down, if you buy it from RS you will 100% get discount if you ask. Say that other dealers gives 10% discount and they should price match. The BK P12-PR would be great choice too, but the continuos amp buzzing issues seem frustrating, although the company does swap some psu parts and give some shielded cable if it happens. The REL T5x is not a sub i would buy with movies in mind, you will regret it.

If you do not require white subwoofer then buy the Monoprice. It won´t be that much behind of SVS PB1000 Pro which costs like 850£ so for 499£ 10 THX is one of the best deals in UK. It wipes the floors with most 12" ported subs in it`s price range.

I already listed the cables/wires you should buy! No need to buy any fancy brand with space technology and false promises. You will never hear any difference to those i linked. Cable business is full of snake oil. Do you require white speaker cables? Only QED speaker wire i would buy is the 79strand which is near the max i would pay for speaker cable.
 
Thanks @JustinT350 @Gasp3621 for all your responses.. Apologies for long delay, as there was delay in my decision due to other commitments.. Now I have purchased Dali Oberon 5, Vocal center and Silver FX as surrounds with Denon x3700 H. Not yet installed, now keen to buy Monolith subwoofer as i can see some discounts at the moment.. Not sure whether i should go for 10" or 12" based on my lounge area 4 X 3.8 m.. Thanks in Advance.
 
Thanks @JustinT350 @Gasp3621 for all your responses.. Apologies for long delay, as there was delay in my decision due to other commitments.. Now I have purchased Dali Oberon 5, Vocal center and Silver FX as surrounds with Denon x3700 H. Not yet installed, now keen to buy Monolith subwoofer as i can see some discounts at the moment.. Not sure whether i should go for 10" or 12" based on my lounge area 4 X 3.8 m.. Thanks in Advance.

Good to hear you finally got the order in! Yeah the Monoprice V1 prices are absolutely ridiculous atm so i would order the 12" THX v1 IF you won`t be adding 2nd sub as i can imagine two of these could be too large in your room and can fit it so the size isn`t limiting you location wise. Check the dimensions carefully as it´s quite deep beast!

640£ is amazing price as comparable product SVS PB2000 Pro costs 1169£. However if you feel the 10" model suits you better then email Monoprice UK and ask about 15% discount code for the 10" THX V1 model you have seen people talking about. It will then cost little over 400£. The price difference is very small and there could be always the buyers remorse with sleepless nights thinking "what if.." . With subwoofers if in doubt and not limited by size the 12" would make most sense in long term. It will shook the room big time, but you also have XT32 on the Denon (sub eq).
 
Can't comment on the Dali, but I like that they have a range on wall speakers. I have monitor audio silver and like them. Monitor audio now do the atmos / height speakers for bronze and you could potentially use them as surrounds on wall slightly above seating to point down to listening position.

I would never pay full price for MA speakers though, seem to bring out new generations fairly regular for the bronze and silver ranges. Previous gen can be bought for good discounts as mentioned above for the silvers.

Subwoofer, would also consider the REL HT1003 or HT1205 both available from RS, PeterTyson and REL have a discount on them at the moment. I have HT1205

Cables, no need to go crazy. I use Chord leyline
 
Thanks @Gasp3621 @smashmouse for your response. Managed to purchase the last stock of V1 Monolith subwoofer with 15% discount before it went out of stock. Now installing speakers and looking for advice on best position for my fx speakers. Please see attached picture where the height from our seating position to bottom edge of the speaker was 55 cm and either sides 35 cm. Would it be a decent height? If not can you please suggest how high or low should i go? Is plaster board screws should be enough or should i look anything specific for wall mount. Thanks in Advance for all your time.
 

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For 5.1 system with the FX speakers Monitor Audio recommends 2 feet higher from seated ear height if you check the manual, but it`s your call. SVS recommends similar : In a 5-channel system, the side surround speakers should be located 90-110 degrees off-axis. For the best sense of spaciousness, the tweeter height should be about 2 feet above ear level.

Have you considered putting the speakers in the blue places (sides) rather than rear wall as your couch is pushed forward if i see correct? The other wall is in odd angle but the other side is straight so you would leave that 1feet to rear wall on that side. Would be so much easier if you would have something to put the speakers on close to wall and do couple Audussey runs to see which sounds best.


@Jester1066 is wall mounting specialist so he knows what you should use. 😄
 
For 5.1 system with the FX speakers Monitor Audio recommends 2 feet higher from seated ear height if you check the manual, but it`s your call. SVS recommends similar : In a 5-channel system, the side surround speakers should be located 90-110 degrees off-axis. For the best sense of spaciousness, the tweeter height should be about 2 feet above ear level.

Have you considered putting the speakers in the blue places (sides) rather than rear wall as your couch is pushed forward if i see correct? The other wall is in odd angle but the other side is straight so you would leave that 1feet to rear wall on that side. Would be so much easier if you would have something to put the speakers on close to wall and do couple Audussey runs to see which sounds best.


@Jester1066 is wall mounting specialist so he knows what you should use. 😄
Cheers @Gasp3621 for the compliment 😂👍🏼..

@Lucky02:

As mentioned it would be easier if you had a way of temporarily supporting the speakers (without actually wall mounting them) to test both positions. Do you have a couple of camera tripods? You could then fix some scrap wood to the top of each of them, to place the FX's in each position. As they're adjustable, you can also trial different heights for them.

Is your system remaining as a 5.1 (ie no Atmos speakers)? If you ever plan - or think you might want to add atmos speakers - I'd look to lower the FX's an inch or so. Unless you very tall!

Providing you have sufficient space on the sidewall (door side) to mount the speakers so they are exactly opposite each other. I'd be tempted to go with this option, as they look a little close on the rear wall.

Finally. You could build a shallow frame to fix to the left side wall (as you face the sofa), that mimics and matches the angle of the wall the door is on. Then mount the FX's on the side walls. This will ensure that the drivers of both speakers will be at identical angles. Not only will it look better, but it will most likely sound better too!.... I guess it depends on how good you are at DIY! This would be what I'd do (although I'd get someone to build the box etc) 😂....

PS: I'd get a tripod regardless, as the cardboard one supplied is not fit for purpose imo.

Any further Q's let me know

@Gasp3621 - Is that a sufficiently "specialist" reply? 😂😉

Edit: I got the tag notification late last night, but used the time between then and replying to come up with the 'idea" in the last paragraph!
 
Last edited:
thanks @GaS
For 5.1 system with the FX speakers Monitor Audio recommends 2 feet higher from seated ear height if you check the manual, but it`s your call. SVS recommends similar : In a 5-channel system, the side surround speakers should be located 90-110 degrees off-axis. For the best sense of spaciousness, the tweeter height should be about 2 feet above ear level.

Have you considered putting the speakers in the blue places (sides) rather than rear wall as your couch is pushed forward if i see correct? The other wall is in odd angle but the other side is straight so you would leave that 1feet to rear wall on that side. Would be so much easier if you would have something to put the speakers on close to wall and do couple Audussey runs to see which sounds best.


@Jester1066 is wall mounting specialist so he knows what you should use. 😄
thanks @Gasp3621 a lot for you suggestions.
 
Cheers @Gasp3621 for the compliment 😂👍🏼..

@Lucky02:

As mentioned it would be easier if you had a way of temporarily supporting the speakers (without actually wall mounting them) to test both positions. Do you have a couple of camera tripods? You could then fix some scrap wood to the top of each of them, to place the FX's in each position. As they're adjustable, you can also trial different heights for them.

Is your system remaining as a 5.1 (ie no Atmos speakers)? If you ever plan - or think you might want to add atmos speakers - I'd look to lower the FX's an inch or so. Unless you very tall!

Providing you have sufficient space on the sidewall (door side) to mount the speakers so they are exactly opposite each other. I'd be tempted to go with this option, as they look a little close on the rear wall.

Finally. You could build a shallow frame to fix to the left side wall (as you face the sofa), that mimics and matches the angle of the wall the door is on. Then mount the FX's on the side walls. This will ensure that the drivers of both speakers will be at identical angles. Not only will it look better, but it will most likely sound better too!.... I guess it depends on how good you are at DIY! This would be what I'd do (although I'd get someone to build the box etc) 😂....

PS: I'd get a tripod regardless, as the cardboard one supplied is not fit for purpose imo.

Any further Q's let me know

@Gasp3621 - Is that a sufficiently "specialist" reply? 😂😉

Edit: I got the tag notification late last night, but used the time between then and replying to come up with the 'idea" in the last paragraph!
Thanks @Jester1066 for your detailed ideas. very helpful will play around. I would more prefer to put the speakers on rear wall only.. Do you think @ 50 cm high should be good enough? As of now i don't have plans to add atmos . Also on rear wall, gap between 2 speakers will be 110 cm.. not sure if this is too close.
 
Thanks @Jester1066 for your detailed ideas. very helpful will play around. I would more prefer to put the speakers on rear wall only.. Do you think @ 50 cm high should be good enough? As of now i don't have plans to add atmos . Also on rear wall, gap between 2 speakers will be 110 cm.. not sure if this is too close.
50cm will be fine imo. Is the 110cm gap measured from the inside edge of each FX speaker? If so that should also be fine. I'd also set the switch on them to "bi-pole" (although you can experiment with it either).

I'd still try both side wall **and rear wall positions though 🙂
 
I would more prefer to put the speakers on rear wall only.. Do you think @ 50 cm high should be good enough? As of now i don't have plans to add atmos . Also on rear wall, gap between 2 speakers will be 110 cm.. not sure if this is too close.

50cm from seated ear height? MA recommends the 2feet higher from ears which is ~60cm so that is quite in the ball park. Especially as you aren´t going with atmos and you have them so darn close the higher position should work better to get little extra distance.

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