Advice and options for soundsystem please!

cormacn

Hi there,

I am looking for some advice and options on sound systems for my living room.

Right now just have sound coming out of the TV - a Sony KD-55XF8096, and the sound is pretty flat and awful.

Would like to have a system that I can expand in the future to include a vinyl turntable. Willing to spend about €700.

Is there a case for/against free standing speakers or bookshelf? There is a sideboard beneath the TV so could sit speakers atop that, or have them freestanding off to the side.

Am I overcomplicating - is there a case for just getting a soundbar?

Would appreciate your advice and whatever options you have that you think could work for us,

Many thanks in advance,

Richersounds.ie: Kenny

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/2058250348/advice-and-options-for-soundsystem-please

Hi Cormacn.

Thanks for the post.

The main difference between bookshelf and floorstanding speakers will be the extra drivers which in turn can produce more range and lower bass tones.

You could look at the Yamaha HTR2071 priced at 329 Euro

https://euro.richersounds.ie/p-203764-yamaha-htr2071-black-av-receiver.aspx

Paid this up with the Wharfedale DX2 pack priced at 399 Euro

https://euro.richersounds.ie/p-203096-wharfedale-dx2-black-5-1-speaker-package-3-year-guarantee.aspx

This would be a great little 5.1 system and has audio inputs to connect a turntable in future.

Next amp up would be the Sony STRDH790 priced at 499 Euro

https://euro.richersounds.ie/p-203340-sony-strdh790-atmos-av-receiver.aspx

This could also be paired with the DX2 speakers.

The likes of the above systems will also require speaker cables and a sublink as they are not supplied with the speakers.

Onkyo offer an all in one system the HTS3910 which is an amp and 5.1 speaker pack priced at 549 Euro

https://euro.richersounds.ie/p-206055-onkyo-hts3910-black-av-receiver-5-1-speaker-package.aspx

The Starting point for floorstanding speakers would be the Q Acoustics 3050 coming in at 399 Euro and you could then add in rears, centre and sub to make up the 5.1 but it would be over 700 Euro by the time you add in one of the above amps too.

https://euro.richersounds.ie/p-201184-q-acoustics-3050-graphite-matte-graphite-speakers-per-pair.aspx

You will always get a better sound from a 5.1 setup over a soundbar.

However there are some decent soundbars out there.

The Sonos Beam does a good job priced at 499 Euro (I have one of these at home myself)

https://euro.richersounds.ie/p-205768-sonos-beam-gen-2-black-compact-smart-soundbar.aspx

The Denon DHTS516 priced at 599 Euro also performs very well and adds in a wireless subwoofer for more bass.

https://euro.richersounds.ie/p-204593-denon-dhts516h-black-soundbar-subwoofer.aspx

Let me know your thoughts.

cormacn

Thanks for that Kenny - you have given me a bit to think about for sure.

I had been expecting to go 2 speakers rather than 5.1. I would be a little concerned about running wires back to rear speakers, would have to go along the ground etc.

I know it is a subjective call - but would you be a big advocate for 5.1 ahead of decent amp and 2 speakers?

Are there wireless sets for rear speakers that could be considered maybe?

Thanks again

Richersounds.ie: Kenny

Hi Cormacn

Thanks for the post Kenny is off today I hope you don't mind me replying on his behalf. I personaly would be a massive fan of a 5.1 set up over two channel audio for AV.

If you didn't want wire running to the rear speakers you could check out the Sonos 5.1 set up

https://www.richersounds.com/sonos-arc-one-gen-2-x2-sub-gen-3-black.html

This is wireless so there are no speaker cables at all, however you will require power sockets to power the speakers.

Let me know what you think