Total novice questions!

Thecochranes

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Hello. I am a complete newbie looking for peoples advice and opinions please.

So.....i have build an extension and we have decided to make the most out of it and install a cinema system in the new lounge.

We have no experience in this!!! Mainly watch films via streaming. PS4 gaming. I have done research and am considering a 5.1.2 system.

Questions

Is the additional cost of ceiling speakers worth it for what we will use it for?
Would i be better off buying a complete system or shopping aroind for separate components? Seen a set of q acoustic 7000i second hand that the wife likes as they are discreet.

Any advice is hugely appreciated. Forgot to add - don't want to spend ££££££s and not bothered about the latest and greatest etc - happy with a solid second hand set up.

Thanks in advance.
 
In ceiling speakers, correctly placed, are better than any other speaker placement. That's the big plus. Perhaps the negative aspect is that it is pretty permanent. The best option can then be upfiring modues and depending on how much you are prepared to spend as it can greatly effect the overall performance, KEF R50s at £600 a pair are widely considered to be the best.

However which ever way you decide on a 5.1.2 is far more immersive than a base 5.1 and is well worth the added expense and work. You can certainly go for a 5.1 system and add different speakers for Atmos. The downside to entry level systems is that the sub is often the weakest link so it is worth budgeting for a third party sub.
 
If your a complete novice, please take some time out to visit the dolby atmos setup page linked below. This will show you where to place them for the best results.

5.1.2 Overhead Speakers

Here are a selection of Atmos Amplifiers for you to get your heard round, there are quite a few of them now.
AV Receivers - AudioVisual Online - UK Home Cinema and Hifi Specialists

With Speakers, I would say try and have an audition of a few brands and don't let the reviews sway you other than using them as a guide. Also go with your gut feeling as you will already have an idea what you want, looks and sound wise.

Below we have a vast selection of 5.1 speaker configurations which should help you find narrow your selection Sadly we don't have every brand of speaker available which should give you a idea how many are available when viewing our list
Speakers - AudioVisual Online - UK Home Cinema and Hifi Specialists

For the CI speakers (to be for Atmos & DTS:X), here is a list below. I would say that whatever speaker brand you purchase, try to follow the same path for custom installation speakers. Try to look at the dB within the specs to find the nearest match to your chosen 5.1 speaker. All this means is it you will give your amplifier an easier life.
In Ceiling Speakers - AudioVisual Online - UK Home Cinema and Hifi Specialists

If you are placing HDMI cables into the wall, please make sure you can retrieve them at a later date as they do fail from time to time. Also have a read about HDCP 2.2 below so you know what is important for the latest video and audio requirements
HDCP 2.2 HDMI's

Following these little bits will ensure you will start on the right path and shouldn't make to many mistakes. Also remember, don't wait for the next technology around the corner as it will be replaced by another up and coming technology round another corner :D
 
Thank you for your advice - will get reading!! I might have the opportunity to get a second hand set of q acoustic 7000i 5.1 speakers. Any good? They are wife proof as small and white!!
 
So long as your room isn't to large, the Q7000i's are a great compact speaker combination

As they are a little harder to drive than some larger speakers, the CI speakers will be much easier to drive, so don't worry to much about that. Just ensure you don't by the cheapest you can find as this speaker package still costs around £700 today brand new and once cost £1100.

So ideally you'll want to look towards £125 - £200 per CI speakers as at some point you will upgrade the 5.1 speaker package and you want the CI Speakers to match that system too.

Amplifier, take a look at what we have bundled with the Q7000i's to give you an idea of what we feel is a nice pairing
Q Acoustics 7000i Plus White 5.1 Speaker Package - Q Acoustics - AudioVisual Online - UK Home Cinema and Hifi Specialists
 

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