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Help needed with mixed use media/listening room

Hello Everyone-

I am starting to build out a new mix use room in my basement.  The basics are:

  1. 32x15 blank slate
  2. All four walls are closed in via windows or 36” barn doors (2 doors on equal opposite sides of the room at front wall, not negotiable)
  3. Thick carper on floors
  4. Ceiling will be painted as seen in commercial spaces.
  5. NO room treatment until hardware is installed and dialed in.

2 Applications as follows:

1. I am also building a 7.2.4 Atmos theatre.

  1. 100” 4K projector
  2. In wall LCRs for front wall (3)
  3. In walls for rear and side surround (4)
  4. In ceiling for the Atmos (4)
  5. Powered subs below the side surround in line with seating (this to minimize space used on the front wall.

 

2. I would also like to build a dedicated 2.1/2.2 for music only in the same space.  As mentioned, the room is totally open to whatever I choose to do within budget.

I need some suggestions for these speakers

 The sound I am looking for needs to be dynamic, larger stage with depth.  Speaker placement, angle, separation is flexible.  Seating is flexible based on the needs of the speakers. Nothing will be on the floor from the theatre in the front wall.  Looking to spread the preamp amp(s), sub(s) and DAC across a low-profile plinth.

Assume that the amp will be purchased based on the speaker selected.  Assume streaming only and not really interested in vinyl or discs for this set up.

So, here are the two asks keeping in mind no amps will be selected until the speaker for theater and the 2.1/2.2 are identified:

  1. Recommendation for the 7.1.4 setup.  I will be starting with 2 REL t5 subs but only temporary.  Budget 3000 USD
  2. Recommendation for the 2.1 set up.  Floor standing.  Subs to com elater based on what is selected. Budget 4000 UDS

Thanks for reading, I am I look forward to the replies.

Warm regards-

 

sholladay
soix
9,756 posts
 

Of the speakers I mentioned I’ve only heard the Ushers, and if you’re looking for musicality and excellent imaging and 3D soundstage they are excellent and a huge value for the build quality and performance on offer (and also great looking if that matters), but the others all are also very highly regarded. If it’s me I’d definitely go for the Revivals or Ushers as they both have great pedigrees, and I’m highly confident they’d deliver excellent 2-channel performance that won’t disappoint on any level.

Incidentally it appears the Ascend ELX is well above your price target so the Sierra Tower may be more appropriate.  Not sure I’d worry too much about efficiency as any 100Wpc amp with a decent power supply should be able to easily drive any of these speakers.  As an aside, not sure what you’re planning but you should be looking at a good stereo integrated or separates for 2-channel duties that you can incorporate seamlessly into your HT setup if you’re at all serious about stereo performance. 

deep_333
1,549 posts
 

2.1

Tekton Epic 15 speakers, price $2200/pair.

https://tektondesign.com/product/full-range-speakers/full-towers/epic-15/#color

 

7.2.4

$3000 is a miniature compromised budget for multichannel unless you fished around for used and got lucky.

Inwalls sound bad and price will skyrocket above your budget to make them sound ok/stomachable. Hence, cheaper to go with regular bookshelfs and crossover dual subs, 100hz and under.

Andrew Jones Elac Debut 2.0 bookshelf, $230/pair on sale, approx $700 to 800 for 7 bed layer speakers.

https://www.crutchfield.com/p_970DB52/ELAC-Debut-2-0-B5-2.html

Andrew Jones Elac atmos speakers, mount on ceiling at locations per dolby guidelines (or more compromised, use as upfiring modules on top of bookselfs). $230/pair, $500 or so for quantity of 4

https://www.crutchfield.com/p_970DA42/ELAC-Debut-2-0-A4-2.html

AV receivers are a big compromise. Go with a separate AV prepro and multichannel amp/amps.

Above mentioned would be the highest bang 4 buck you came across.

 

 

 

 

kennyc
1,616 posts
 

My list of notable surround speaker systems:

  • 3.3 KEF Q Series 5.1.2 
  • 6.5 KEF R Series 5.1.2
  • 15.5 Paradigm Founder 70LCR/40B 7.1
  • 9.0 Monitor Audio Gold 5.1
  • 22.0 Perlisten R 5.1
  • Goldenear
  • Revel Be 
  • 35.0 Perlisten Audio S Series 7.1
  • 38.0 KEF The Reference 7.2 

I’m settling for the wireless Nakamichi Dragon 11.4.6 Surrounds - so don’t have to run wiring.  My 2channel system is separate.

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