AV Setup - start from scratch
AV Setup - start from scratch
Author
Discussion

nickd01

Original Poster:

636 posts

239 months

Wednesday 25th July 2018
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We've just had the front room decorated so it's an excuse for new toys.

We've got a 10yr old 32" Sony LCD TV, Cambrigde Audio Minx 5.1 speakers and sub with an Onkyo TX-404 (or something like that)

The room is approx 10ft x 15ft - we'd be viewing the TV from around 8ft away. Just watch freeview, Amazon Prime and some Netflix.

I always found voices / dialogue poor in the existing setup.

I'd like:
- Slightly bigger TV, up to a 47" or so. Nice and thin, as it'd be wall mounted
- A "larger" sound - so whilst I'd need to keep speakers small I realise they need to be slightly bigger than the current ones.
- A more moden amp that will integrate easier into Alexa, Spotify etc etc I've got an old Arcam 2ch FMJ Power Amp hanging around if I can use that somehow
- Budget around £2.5k

Can anyone start me off?

Thanks

tenohfive

6,276 posts

206 months

Thursday 26th July 2018
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Why so small on the TV front? I currently have 5 feet between me and my 65" TV, and it really doesn't seem overwhelming. And that's despite changing rooms - previously it was about 9ft away.
I'd be looking squarely at a 55" set in your position - it's where the decent TV's start to come in.

If I totally ignore what you've actually asked for:

TV: LG B7 55" OLED. It's the go-to OLED, everyone seems to love them. I've seen them on sale for around the £1300 mark now.
AVR: Denon AVR-X2400H would be the simple answer. I don't really use the Alexa integration (as I've got a Harmony which is a better go-between for me) but it's a really solid unit and well reviewed.
Speakers: plenty of options - a 5.1 setup based around Monitor Bronze 1's should be within budget (albeit going for a different sub) but if you were looking for a smaller/less obtrusive setup I'd be sorely tempted to look at the Focal Sib Evo 5.1.2 Atmos setup:
https://www.avforums.com/review/focal-sib-evo-dolb...
Richer Sounds have them in a package with the X2400H for £1200 - to me it looks like a well rounded package. Netflix seem to be bringing out more Atmos content so having the option seems like it can only be a good thing.


kennydies

201 posts

142 months

Thursday 26th July 2018
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If you are starting from scratch may be worth considering the Atmos option if your room allows it.

I bought a Denon AVR-X3300W a couple of month ago to upgrade my 10 year old amp and is far superior.


B17NNS

18,506 posts

271 months

Saturday 28th July 2018
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tenohfive said:
TV: LG B7 55" OLED. It's the go-to OLED, everyone seems to love them. I've seen them on sale for around the £1300 mark now.
AVR: Denon AVR-X2400H would be the simple answer. I don't really use the Alexa integration (as I've got a Harmony which is a better go-between for me) but it's a really solid unit and well reviewed.
What he said. Run a 5.1.2 speaker system system if you can.

This is a cracking system for the money. Just add 2 ceiling speakers.

https://creative-audio.co.uk/HD.php?_DEN_X2400H_QA...

anonymous-user

78 months

Saturday 28th July 2018
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A wall mounted TV always looks much smaller than one on a stand, so I agree with going to at least 55”.