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Question

Advise for home audio needed

Feb 9, 2015 5:20AM PST

Hi all,

I am renovating my flat and need advise about audio speakers setup in my living room. I am not much into home cinema so I prefer 2 stereo speakers(in wall mountable) + 1 subwoofer.
Honestly I have NO any knowledge in audio systems and all I can do is checking reviews on products, but I will rather take advice from here
My budget is $1000-1200.

There are few points I need advise on:

1. Correct positioning of components audio wise. Please check the drawing of my flat(consider height of floor to ceiling if needed is 8'3''). If possible I want to install 2 speakers on the sides of the TV set and prefer to put the subwoofer in position A rather than B. At what height I should install the wall mountable speakers and what distance apart?

2. I believe probably it's a silly question, but apart from cables, in wall speakers and subwoofer do I need amplifier as well or there are subwoofers that are amplifiers as well? Do I need anything else to complete the system?

3. I need advise on exact models and brands that could be a good value for my budget.
I was looking for Bose, Harman Kardon and JBL, but eventually after reading reviews here and there liked these Klipsch speakers:

-Klipsch R-3650-W II In-Wall Speaker


-Klipsch R-10SW Subwoofer


Let me know if it's a good value and if it's suitable for the size of my living room. I am in Europe so prices are a bit higher compared to USA.
All suggestions on setups according to my budget will be highly appreciated!!!
Here is a layout of my flat:
https://www.flickr.com/photos/32992113@N08/16298486340/

Thanks in advance and have a good day Happy

Discussion is locked

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Answer
Mount the right/left as wide as possible
Feb 10, 2015 1:06AM PST

Separating the right/left speakers usually helps improve sound quality, even when you are only dealing with a stereo sound field and not surround right/left. And don't forget to *not* mount the HDTV too high. Ideally, it should be located across from where you are seated, and your eyes, when looking straight ahead, are focused on the top third of the display.

Subs really produce omni-directional sound, so you could choose where you want to place it in the room (mostly an issue of taste). Test out both spots and see what items in the room the sub vibrates, so you can tweak as desired. Sometimes there are more dead spots/reflections in the room than you first realize. I suggest you buy a traditional powered sub, something alon the lines of the Klipsch you mentioned above. More info for you to understand the difference here:
http://hometheater.about.com/od/loudspeakerssubwoofers/qt/Passive-Subwoofers-Vs-Powered-Subwoofers.htm

FWIW, I also like Hsu Research subs. Great value(!) Not sure if you can get them across the pond though. See here:
http://www.hsuresearch.com/products/stf-2.html

You will need an AV receiver too, one with proper sub pre-out connection. Nothing fancy is needed- most 5.1 rigs could suffice. Your budget should be able to accommodate the whole shebang (AV receiver, wall speakers & sub.) That way you can properly drive the speakers and future proof your system when the kids/wife ask for 5.1 surround sound & other types of connectivity. Adding rear speakers (& a center channel) is easy enough and might be something you want later on. Been there, done that.

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Is 7 feet wide enough?
Feb 10, 2015 5:05AM PST

Thanks much for your helpful answer Happy The wall is 7 feet wide and I should leave some distance at both ends - do you think it is wide enough for decent sound?
I want to plan everything in advance(hidden cables in walls and subwoofer integrated in the furniture and design of room), so I can't do the test - I don't have the components either. On the other hand electricians are starting work next week so I need to take decision.
I think we will stay with this setup and will not add rear and central speakers due to no one in my family is really into movies. I would use the system mainly for listening music, but I want to connect the TV set as well.
Considering that and your explanation I need 5.1 AV receiver, wall speakers and powered sub?
How it should be connected:
1.Cables from AV receiver to wall speakers and subwoofer?
2.Cables from AV receiver to subwoofer and from there to wall speakers?
^I apologies if it is a silly question but need to know all this due to cables hidden in the walls.
Can you recommend some decent AV receivers that would do the job without being too fancy and expensive?

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'Decent sound' is subjective
Feb 10, 2015 6:02AM PST

Only you can be the judge of what works for your AV space/needs/tastes Wink You are essentially constrained by the shorter wall unfortunately.

#1 is how it is connected.

Like I said- most 5.1 AV receivers would suffice. There's no mystery- you don't have to spend much. Since I don't know where you live and what products are available, why don't you post two or three models that you like/see so we can comment? My value based preferences range from various low-mid models made by Onkyo & Denon, but other brands such as Harmon Kardon, Sony & Marantz I like too. See what fits your budget first.

I will repeat though- don't rule out the additional speakers for 5.1 sound. It would be a huge mistake to not at least think about your rear speaker points now since they can add it for little extra money. Just cap the access points with a color that matches the wall paint/decor and add surround later on, same goes for a center speaker. It's more of a hassle to have to deal with adding the wiring later on. [thinking of a few 'select' <ahem> clients I have worked with in this regard....]

cheers

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Sony STR-DN850
Feb 10, 2015 2:13PM PST

I live in Bulgaria, but mostly shop online from eBay and amazon in UK or Germany(when I get chance someone to bring the goods - from USA), so more or less I have pretty decent choice.
What do you think of Sony STR-DN850? I like some extra features on this one as AirPlay, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and NFC? I can get it for around $450 shipped and it's like 30% off MSRP for Europe - everything here is more expensive compared to USA.

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I completely understand
Feb 10, 2015 11:24PM PST

My wife's extended family is from/living in Europe, and I have Bulgarian friends as well Wink Your prices stink(!)
8-)

There's no reason why you shouldn't grab that Sony if it meets your needs. Seems very feature driven, which is nice.

Have fun(!)

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Thinking of 5.1 option
Feb 11, 2015 5:57AM PST

Hi, I think maybe it's not a bad option having the ability to add center and rear speakers in the future as you suggested Happy Can you take a look at this layout and give an opinion - I also changed position for front speakers.
https://www.flickr.com/photos/32992113@N08/16504746425/

Cheers Happy

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That could work
Feb 11, 2015 11:45PM PST

You would just have to live with any potential reflective issues regarding the rear left speaker being somewhat hemmed into the corner. The front right speaker won't really be pointing to the listener at an ideal angle, but it still should work fine if you balance the audio from the AV receiver a little bit.

I would probably also install a swivel/articulating HDTV mount so the people watching from the 'L' shaped furniture can enjoy a proper viewing angle. Of course that could be added later on, but why not do it now(?)

Enjoy

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Is KLIPSCH RS-42 II suitable for front speaker?
Feb 12, 2015 4:46AM PST

Pepe 7,

Thanks much for your input. I will definitely use such TV swivel to optimize viewing angle(it will be possible to watch nicely from dining area as well).
I am still in doubt if I want to make 5.1 system or stick with 2.1...
On the other hand I was advised by many people to get wall mountable or bookshelf speakers for better performance compared to in wall ones.
So now I am really thinking about getting these for front speakers:

KLIPSCH RS-42 II REFERENCE SURROUND
http://www.klipsch.com/rs-42-ii-surround-speaker

Design is great and should have outstanding performance according to all reviews I read on the web.
The only question is are these suitable for FRONT speakers due to listed as surround ones?!?
The other thing is to decide where to put the subwoofer - I wanted to be position A in order to integrate it within some shelves and furniture(not drawn on layout), but again reading audio setup guides it doesn't look a good idea audio wise.

Cheers Happy

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Correct
Feb 12, 2015 5:00AM PST

In-wall speakers won't be nearly as good as wall mounted types that you can properly orient toward the listener, etc. Night and day difference Wink

These however would be intended for using @ rear surrounds by Klipsch. See their lineup on the site you just posted. You can see what they employ for fronts/center/rears.

If wall mounting the bookshelf speakers is an option, you could do just that. Wall mounts that tilt slightly would be ideal for your space.

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Confused about KLIPSCH RS-42 II
Feb 12, 2015 12:37PM PST

Pepe 7,

Thanks much again for your reply. I am getting confused because in another forum I was told I can use KLIPSCH RS-42 II REFERENCE SURROUND speakers as front ones without any problems.
Anyway I want to be sure, because as you pointed out these are intended as rear speakers in 5.1 or bigger system.
Can you explain why these are not suitable as front speakers, because I read around the web, that excluding the subwoofer and central speaker, other ones are interchangeable?
I checked all bookshelf and floor standing Klipsch models and didn't like the look and design compared to these...

Cheers Happy

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Look at the design
Feb 12, 2015 11:16PM PST

The design is different since they serve a different purpose than the fronts do for music.

See the following thread for more specifics-
http://forum.blu-ray.com/showthread.php?t=172804

Also, look at one of the complete Klipsch systems for reference-
http://www.klipsch.com/rb-81-ii-home-theater-system/details

If the <larger?> aesthetics of the bookshelf type speakers don't appeal to you, you might simply move to another brand with smaller/satellite speakers. Paradigm is a decent alternative for folks not wanting the Klipsch look in the HT space. There are other brands w/ slightly smaller bookshelf type speakers that could be mounted next to your HDTV. You just need to look around a little more.</larger?>

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New choice, opinions?
Feb 13, 2015 8:56AM PST

After considering all opinions here, other forums and info on the web, I think to go with bookshelf speakers mounted on the wall, so I can tilt them towards the sofa if I am there and a subwoofer in a 2.1 system.

I found pretty good deals on the speakers and subwoofer - total price will be around $500 shipped to my country - Bulgaria (from Netherlands).

Speakers KLIPSCH RB-51 Black (older version not Klipsch RB-51 II):
http://www.ebay.com/itm/191495329666...%3AMEBIDX%3AIT

Subwoofer KLIPSCH R-10SW
http://www.ebay.com/itm/271774641027...%3AMEBIDX%3AIT

Wall mounts:
http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B...=A186AO9HIA45J

I will make more research on AV receiver, but it looks I will have wide choice with the rest of my budget.

Let me know what you think of this setup so far?

Cheers

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Answer
Setup chosen, opinions?
Feb 13, 2015 11:35AM PST

After considering all opinions here, other forums and info on the web, I think to go with bookshelf speakers mounted on the wall, so I can tilt them towards the sofa if I am there and a subwoofer in a 2.1 system.

I found pretty good deals on the speakers and subwoofer - total price will be around $500 shipped to my country - Bulgaria (from Netherlands).

Speakers KLIPSCH RB-51 Black (older version not Klipsch RB-51 II):
http://www.ebay.com/itm/191495329666...%3AMEBIDX%3AIT

Subwoofer KLIPSCH R-10SW
http://www.ebay.com/itm/271774641027...%3AMEBIDX%3AIT

Wall mounts:
http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B...=A186AO9HIA45J

For the AV receiver I am thinking of RXV577 Yamaha shipped for $ 450 to my place - I don't really need 7.2 channels, but like WIFI, Airplay, Internet Radio features not available on most low end models. Do you think it is sufficient to run the speakers properly through it?

http://www.amazon.de/gp/product/B00I...A3JWKAKR8XB7XF

Let me know what you think of this setup so far?

Cheers

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Sounds great
Feb 14, 2015 5:49AM PST

Enjoy Wink