Surround Setup advice (Speaker + Receiver)

[alrha]

Hi everyone! this is my first post here (i've been looking around the past few weeks). I do not know much about audio and as such highly value the advice of those more experienced that I.

I purchased a PS3 recently and as a result came to the realization that the time has come to upgrade from my all-in-one sony system from 5 years ago to a good quality surround sound system. (in the meanwhile i have the ps3 going to the TV via HDMI and audio out of the TV via optical to my sony system). I would estimate my living room to be about 15'x20'.

At first i was planning on bose as that is generally what one thinks of as a high quality sound system (was deciding between the v30 or am16). after reading threads on this site, i came to the realization that there are better alternatives which i never heard of before.

i went into a BB magnolia theater so see what my options would be. Also considering that i am putting in a new system i might as well go with the 7.1 and be up to date with the latest trends.

The recommendation of the BB sales rep is to get in Definitive Technology 5x ProMonitor 1000 5 1/4" Bookshelf speakers, the ProCenter 1000 4 1/2" Center-Channel speaker, and the Super Cube III 7 1/2" 650W powered subwoofer. For the receiver he recommends the Denon 770W 7.1ch Receiver.

I want the have everything wall mounted (will let them do the installation and run the wires in my walls - requesting 12 gauge speaker wire.) They are sending a consultant over today to see the room and mention any special considerations.

Considering that my sectional couch is against the back wall, i would set two speakers on the side walls on either side of the couch, and another two speakers about a third of the way forward on the side walls with three of course on the front wall by the TV.

Sorry for the long post (especially for my first one) but i wanted to provide as much information as possible and hear your feedback and suggestions.

Thanks in advance!

[alrha]

i posted an update to this last night but havent seen it come up here yet.

[Big Daddy]

If you are going to attach the speakers to the wall, get the Definitive Technology Mythos speakers.

http://www.definitivetech.com/loudsp...os/mythos.html

If you can afford it, upgrade you receiver to Denon 2308 or higher.

http://usa.denon.com/ProductDetails/AVReceivers.asp

[alrha]

i dont have room on the sides of my TV as I have windows there.
In any event, after the BB consultant came, he suggested I go with the Mirage omnipolar speakers. He suggested the nanosats, but i think i may go for the larger omnisatV2s.
As far as the receiver, i have hear that the pioneer elite 92 is simpler to use and has 3 hdmi inputs rather than the 2 on the denon.

[Big Daddy]

Originally Posted by alrha

i dont have room on the sides of my TV as I have windows there.
In any event, after the BB consultant came, he suggested I go with the Mirage omnipolar speakers. He suggested the nanosats, but i think i may go for the larger omnisatV2s.
As far as the receiver, i have hear that the pioneer elite 92 is simpler to use and has 3 hdmi inputs rather than the 2 on the denon.

Mirage speakers are excellent Canadian speakers. Pioneer Elite receivers are good receivers.

You have to decide what works best for you and how much money you want to spend. If money is not a problem, go with the higher quality speakers and a better receiver.

[Kratos3]

You can't go wrong with the Def Techs. I would go with those. Supercubes are amazing! Mirage is nice too, but if it was me, I would get the Def Techs.

[alrha]

what would a better receiver offer that the pioneer elite 92 wouldnt?
I am new to audio (only know what i've read over the past few days) and the simpler the better. as far as ports, i dont forsee myself using anything more than the HDMI.

my concern with the def tech speakers is that i would have a limited 'sweet spot' on my couch (which is an L shape sectional and has perhaps 10 seating spots).

would you suggest the supercube III over the martin logan dynamo? the bb magnolia reps seem to like the dynamo best, especially due to its downward firing capabilities.

[MacDaddyOJack]

Simpler may seem better now, but wait until you want to customize your sound to match your own ears, then you will want all the bells and whistles. I have looked at lots of audio stuff as that is my favorite part of home theater and I would personally go with the Denon. That's just me though, its pretty hard to recommend speakers to a person as most people's ears and listening tastes/ habits are different. Choose what you like and don't look back!

Edit: That supercube III is too small, get a larger supercube or get the Martin Logan. You will want something better once you hear the low end you would be missing with a supercube III.

[alrha]

it's funny because i actually wonder if i would even notice the difference sometimes between speakers. i just want to sit down and watch a movie and be blown away by the audio feeling like i'm really there (the way it sounds at the in store demonstrations).
I guess i will stick with the ML Dynamo rather than the supercube.

the nanosats prestige and the nanoCC only go down to 100Hz compared to the 70Hz of the Omnisats. is this a big difference that would be noticeable? or would the ML Dynamo make up for it? Also, considering that I am going for a 7.1, would that make the nanosat prestige sufficient as the additional speakers will make up for their smaller size? or would the two additional speakers only really work for effects and as such the sound may still not be enough?

Sorry for all the questions - but i guess that is the best way to learn.

[MacDaddyOJack]

Originally Posted by alrha

the nanosats prestige and the nanoCC only go down to 100Hz compared to the 70Hz of the Omnisats. is this a big difference that would be noticeable? or would the ML Dynamo make up for it? Also, considering that I am going for a 7.1, would that make the nanosat prestige sufficient as the additional speakers will make up for their smaller size? or would the two additional speakers only really work for effects and as such the sound may still not be enough?

Thats a big difference, in my opinion, the best spot for a crossover from your speakers to your sub is 80 Hz. The nanosats will not give you that option. If it makes any difference to you, THX recommends that you set your crossover point at 80 Hz as well.

[alrha]

ok, then the Omnisats it is then (paired with the ML Dynamo).
the center channel i guess would be best mounted above the TV rather than below since it points upwards and I wouldnt want the TV itself to block any sound.

Thinking of going for the white speakers - they will probably look smaller in white than in black (they will also be mounted upside down up by the crown molding which is a cream color - walls are a mustard-yellow paint). i'll owe you guys some pictures after all this.

[alrha]

ok, looks like i am going to settle on the Mirage speakers (6 OmnisatV2's, 1 OmnisatV2 CC), the Martin Logan Dynamo subwoofer, along with the Pioneer Elite VSX-92THX. I will also stick with the standard 16 gauge speaker wire.

now to negotiate the best price......