Please help me spec a Home Theatre system for up to 2.5k

DanH84 · 23 May 2021 at 00:18

Hi all,

I'd like to upgrade from my LG SK9Y soundbar (for reference this is the most I had ever previously spent on home audio, and in general I've been pretty happy with the sound), but I'd like to get my first ever system with separate speakers, and an AVR.

My girlfriend and I have quite a lot to pay for at the moment (setting up new house), so 2.5k is about the maximum I'd like to spend.

My front room is of medium size, and has a rectangular shape, but it isn't too much longer than it is wide. The TV (LG C9) sits against one of the shorter walls.

I have been looking at a 5.1 system powered by something like the Denon X3700H. I'd also like an atmos effect - if there would be any installation costs I could cover them as long as reasonable

What kind of thing would you recommend? I've mainly been looking at Richer Sounds, as I've liked dealing with them in the past.

The usage will mainly be for movies and gaming, with some (but substantially less) music. I'll be hooking up a next gen console (as soon as I can get my hands on one), not sure if that will make any difference to your recomendations.

I'd like to go new this time, rather than looking at anything used.

Thanks!

chaparral · 23 May 2021 at 09:48

I myself is hoping to buy the Kef T series speakers one day to replace my Kef KHT 5005.2 speaker setup
T Series | KEF UK

DanH84 · 23 May 2021 at 13:30

Thank you. I'll take a look at those.

hornetstinger · 23 May 2021 at 19:38

Q acoustics.

I'd avoid going full Atmos concentrate on fewer, higher quality speakers rather than millions of speakers and low quality.

Get a good sub also.

dfour · 27 May 2021 at 14:22

If you can house a full size speaker package look at the dali spektor 6 package at richersounds for £1200.
Then add the Denon X3700h for £1099 and some money for speaker cable.

Then you can add the Dali alteco c1 atmos speakers to it for £339 (im not adding links just incase OC classes them as competition) at a later date when you have the spare cash. Some on the bay for under £300 new.

barmyllama · 27 May 2021 at 14:40

You can pick up those Dali Alteco C1 brand new on eBay via Hi-FI Madness for as little as £231, if you wait for a 20% of selected seller code. They pop up at least once a month.

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/233892413820

Troezar · 27 May 2021 at 15:35

I bought a pair of Wharfdale Evo 4.2, PB1000 sub and Denon X2700H for under £1,400. Expanding on that as I go.

Please with the Denon and the PB1000 is great for the money. The Wharfdales sound great but I picked them up as ex demos for £350 and might be a bit big for some.

I'd do some research on subs as they vary a lot but make a huge difference for films. I went with SVS as that's what they specialise in and are well priced.

MrRockliffe · 27 May 2021 at 15:46

I’d definitely be looking at used, and I think you’d be happy with any of the latest stuff from the top brands speaker wise.

I’d spend good money on an AVR with decent room correction - for me it transformed the listening experience. Anthem or anything with Dirac.

A good sub is worth the cash too, but depending on your room size, a single BK P12-300SB-PR might do the job.

A decent set of speakers would cost £1200, you can get a good AVR second hand for £600-800, and a sub will cost £500.

That’s where I would spend the money.