Spec me a Home Cinema system please
Discussion
I've decided to sell my Cyrus hifi gear, I don't use it very often and would use a surround sound setup more. It's not worth me adding to it as I don't really want to be shelling out extra for a Cyrus AV Master 8.0 (to add the rear/centre channels to what I have) plus speakers to match my Dynaudios + subwoofer.
So instead I intend to buy an Amp/Receiver plus a set of 5.1 speakers. My budget is a comfortable £1500 or more if necessary. I've seen one setup which will cost me just over £2k, which if it wasn't so far over my budget I'd audition immediately (I'll keep this to myself for now so I don't influence your recommendations
).
So, in the interests of keeping it nearer to my budget then what would you guys recommend?
It's in a open plan room (21'1 x 12'11)with the speakers firing widthways so I'm not trying to fill a large area. I'm thinking more about 'lifestyle' type speakers rather than traditional hifi speakers, but that's purely because I need to attach the rears to the wall/ceiling above the sofa.
Editted to add that I'd like it to have a reasonable ability with music. I'm not expecting the same levels as what I have, which is
Cyrus CD6SE
Cyrus PreVS2
Cyrus X Power
Dynaudio Audience 42
So instead I intend to buy an Amp/Receiver plus a set of 5.1 speakers. My budget is a comfortable £1500 or more if necessary. I've seen one setup which will cost me just over £2k, which if it wasn't so far over my budget I'd audition immediately (I'll keep this to myself for now so I don't influence your recommendations
).So, in the interests of keeping it nearer to my budget then what would you guys recommend?
It's in a open plan room (21'1 x 12'11)with the speakers firing widthways so I'm not trying to fill a large area. I'm thinking more about 'lifestyle' type speakers rather than traditional hifi speakers, but that's purely because I need to attach the rears to the wall/ceiling above the sofa.
Editted to add that I'd like it to have a reasonable ability with music. I'm not expecting the same levels as what I have, which is
Cyrus CD6SE
Cyrus PreVS2
Cyrus X Power
Dynaudio Audience 42
Edited by MagicalTrevor on Wednesday 22 August 12:57
My Thoughts are Use what you have and plumb in a DVD player. I think the extra use will do your system good and to be honest I don't think the sound will be worse. I have heard more expensive 5.1 and 7.1 systems but they don't float my boat whereas a "Good" music setup can easily handle movies.
telecat said:
My Thoughts are Use what you have and plumb in a DVD player. I think the extra use will do your system good and to be honest I don't think the sound will be worse. I have heard more expensive 5.1 and 7.1 systems but they don't float my boat whereas a "Good" music setup can easily handle movies.
Thanks, I only use an AppleTV for movies so I'd need to buy a DAC to connect it to the hifi. Whilst I appreciate where you're coming from I'm pretty sure that I'd get more use from surround sound, I'm pretty set on this idea.Thanks though
I think I need to stick to £2k max, that's pushing the budget to the boundaries. That's makes the MT60 speakers beyond reach unfortunately. Whilst 'proper' speakers are fine for the front and maybe the centre, unfortunately they won't suit the rear as the isn't the room.
Ideally, I'd get a Dynaudio Audience 42 centre and some Dynaudio ceiling integrated speakers but that's WAY over budget... Plus I'd need a subwoofer!
I've shown my Wife the Focals and they're the favourite so far
Ideally, I'd get a Dynaudio Audience 42 centre and some Dynaudio ceiling integrated speakers but that's WAY over budget... Plus I'd need a subwoofer!
I've shown my Wife the Focals and they're the favourite so far
I guess I probably do, it was the advice and alternatives that I was seeking and you've given great advice just there
I'll get in touch with my local dealer and arrange a demo, unfortunately the main locals don't stock both the speakers AND the AVR but they do have the various speakers.
I'll get in touch with my local dealer and arrange a demo, unfortunately the main locals don't stock both the speakers AND the AVR but they do have the various speakers.
Monitor Audio Apex a10 sats x4, Monitor Audio Apex a40 centre: £1400
BK XLS200 Sub @ £319
Onkyo tx515 £400
£119 over budget, but hey ho. I have this package with an 809 amp. It is simply stunning. Even music sounds special with it.
I had a demo of a hell of alot of speakers, and none came close. Ok the 515 maybe be a bit weak if you have a big room and deaf neighbours, but it can be upgraded at a later date.
(Just have a nose around the net for the MA Apex reviews & forum comments. You will not read a bad thing about them, with good reason too)
BK XLS200 Sub @ £319
Onkyo tx515 £400
£119 over budget, but hey ho. I have this package with an 809 amp. It is simply stunning. Even music sounds special with it.
I had a demo of a hell of alot of speakers, and none came close. Ok the 515 maybe be a bit weak if you have a big room and deaf neighbours, but it can be upgraded at a later date.
(Just have a nose around the net for the MA Apex reviews & forum comments. You will not read a bad thing about them, with good reason too)
Edited by GhostDriver on Saturday 25th August 01:06
GhostDriver said:
Monitor Audio Apex a10 sats x4, Monitor Audio Apex a40 centre: £1400
BK XLS200 Sub @ £319
Onkyo tx515 £400
£119 over budget, but hey ho. I have this package with an 809 amp. It is simply stunning. Even music sounds special with it.
I had a demo of a hell of alot of speakers, and none came close. Ok the 515 maybe be a bit weak if you have a big room and deaf neighbours, but it can be upgraded at a later date.
(Just have a nose around the net for the MA Apex reviews & forum comments. You will not read a bad thing about them, with good reason too)
That puts an interesting slant of things, thanks. Just reading up on themBK XLS200 Sub @ £319
Onkyo tx515 £400
£119 over budget, but hey ho. I have this package with an 809 amp. It is simply stunning. Even music sounds special with it.
I had a demo of a hell of alot of speakers, and none came close. Ok the 515 maybe be a bit weak if you have a big room and deaf neighbours, but it can be upgraded at a later date.
(Just have a nose around the net for the MA Apex reviews & forum comments. You will not read a bad thing about them, with good reason too)
Edited by GhostDriver on Saturday 25th August 01:06
Ok, I've had a rethink and changed my mind!
I don't think they exist anymore but I need a AV receiver with just the rear and centre channels... But with all the latest technology! That way I can continue using my Cyrus gear and not have to compromise at all.
Alternatively, a receiver with Pre-outs for the front (which loads do) but for a much lower budget as I'm now seeking a Dynaudio Centre speaker plus ceiling integrated speakers (Dynaudios IC17s are £550)
I don't think they exist anymore but I need a AV receiver with just the rear and centre channels... But with all the latest technology! That way I can continue using my Cyrus gear and not have to compromise at all.
Alternatively, a receiver with Pre-outs for the front (which loads do) but for a much lower budget as I'm now seeking a Dynaudio Centre speaker plus ceiling integrated speakers (Dynaudios IC17s are £550)
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