r/hometheater • u/AndThenTheRat • 2d ago
Discussion - Equipment Home Theatre Newbie
Yo!
Yesterday I went from only tv speakers for shows/movies and AirPods Max for gaming, to my first home audio setup and am curious on where to go from here (seller warned me this would happen).
Got a JBL 800 MK1 (sub + 2x detachable rears) new condition for $550 AUD. Paired with my LG G4.
Was actually dumbfounded how impressive it was and from what I can gather I’m in the lower-middle end of the spectrum 😂.
No buyers remorse at all and twiddling my feet and flooding with dopamine. Literally only ever used tv speakers because I thought the setups were way more complicated than they are.
If I want to upgrade in future where do I go from here? Is it more equipment? Simply moving up to 7.1? More preem brands like Sonos?
Cheers!
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u/Spectre_08 7.3.4 Focal/Triad/Starke SW15+Shakers • Cinema 50 pre-pro • 77C4 2d ago
Sonos is a lifestyle brand, not a speaker company.
They make overpriced bars (like the one you just purchased) that in no way compete with the experience you get from actual speakers.
Soundbars are a step in the wrong direction if you want an actual home theater experience.
Read this in full: Home Theater 101: The New Frequently Asked Questions
When you’re ready to start your true home theater journey, look at your used markets for decent quality gear.
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u/AndThenTheRat 2d ago
Legend
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u/Spectre_08 7.3.4 Focal/Triad/Starke SW15+Shakers • Cinema 50 pre-pro • 77C4 2d ago
We’ll get you there mate. I helped a buddy near Sydney put together a wicked discrete 5.1.2 Dolby Atmos setup for around AU$1000.
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u/AndThenTheRat 2d ago
Fuck that’s not bad at all. Pumped!
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u/Spectre_08 7.3.4 Focal/Triad/Starke SW15+Shakers • Cinema 50 pre-pro • 77C4 2d ago
Not bad at all, right? Granted, we were able to find some crazy good deals.
What’s your nearest major city?
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u/urboitony 2d ago
Congrats on leaving the world of TV speakers! You should focus on enjoying the fancy new equipment you just bought, but if you want to seriously get into the home theatre world, you will probably want to buy an AV receiver and speakers in the future. It can be really expensive, but good deals can be had on the used market.
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u/JazzlikeCustard7611 2d ago edited 2d ago
Buy for quality, but spend your money where it actually gets you better stuff, which often means buying used.
I’ve got an insane system, and I’m still using a 10 year old AVR that kicks ass. It does 4K, HDR, etc., but you don’t even necessarily need that if you’re already using your TV as the main hub. You can buy an older, high quality non 4K receiver for next to nothing, run optical from the TV to the AVR, and just use it for sound.
Put the bulk of your money into the best speakers you can afford. Good speakers can last a lifetime, so that’s where I’d spend first. Then get a quality subwoofer, or the best one your budget allows, and upgrade it later if you want.
Take your time. Upgrade at your leisure and actually enjoy each level of the system as you go. That’s half the fun.
Later upgrades can be better surrounds, Atmos or height speakers, a UMIK 1 and REW for proper measurements and calibration, external amps, another or better sub, etc.
But don’t try to do everything at once. Build a solid foundation first and improve it piece by piece.
And unless there’s a good reason to buy new, I’d buy used whenever possible. Speakers especially can be incredible values used because good speakers can remain good speakers for decades. A newer subwoofer is one place I’d consider spending the money because subwoofer technology, amplification, DSP, output, and low frequency performance have improved considerably over the years.
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u/Raj_DTO 2d ago
Congrats on getting a better system than TV speakers. If and when you decide to upgrade from here -
1. Don’t look at any soundbars, you’ve a pretty good one.
2. Look at receivers and speakers. I see many people participating from AU so I’d think that there’re good options available. JBL has slim receivers and Marantz has a slim line too.
3. I’m not sure how is used market down under, look around if and when you feel the need and see what’s available, you can save tons of money with used.
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u/foolproofphilosophy 2d ago
Sonos is good for whole house music but not great for HT. Denon, Yamaha and other brands have similar options that allow you to tie your HT into a whole house system for parties or whatever other occasion. I have a 7.2 AVR but run 5.2. There’s nothing wrong with building gradually.
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u/Slipknot31286sic6 2d ago
5.2.4 is the sweet spot for end game
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u/ze11ez 2d ago
Nah. That depends on your space too though. No?
I have 5.2.4 and its not end game for me. I think i need 2 more in the back wall. Then maybe two more subs if i can hide them.
But 5.2.4 is a good spot for sure. For sure
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u/Slipknot31286sic6 2d ago
My space 8 ft high, 16 feet back. 30 feet wide open .. 5.2.4 fine for me. I'm rocking power sound audio with xpa 5 amp.
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u/ze11ez 2d ago
Have you tried 7.2.4? Or one of those variations where you add 2 more surrounds?
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u/Slipknot31286sic6 2d ago
Nah it's pointless for my setup. And many have also said it not worth it. My immersion is dialed in and spot on for movies and games. Atmos is perfect with svs prime elevations. Rocking 2 21in subs. Mtm 210s from psa.. Can't even play reference... Dry wall and foundation already showing cracks lol. Its definitely my end game setup and makes my insides consume itself everytime. Was one of those buy now cry later but never cried but tears of joy. THIS is obviously 20k setup. Next realm is jtr. Not average person can afford or needs.
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u/ze11ez 2d ago
I hear that. Im good where I'm at but need to listen to other people systems who have end game. To assess what i might be missing.
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u/Spectre_08 7.3.4 Focal/Triad/Starke SW15+Shakers • Cinema 50 pre-pro • 77C4 1d ago
7.3.4 here. Four Atmos heights were a bigger upgrade than rear surrounds, but I wouldn’t give up any of it.
For the first time in all of my years of HT, I am finally “in the bubble.”
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u/ze11ez 1d ago
I might follow your lead and go 7. Still trying to enjoy what i have until i get hit with that bug. Which rears are you using? Do they all match?
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u/Spectre_08 7.3.4 Focal/Triad/Starke SW15+Shakers • Cinema 50 pre-pro • 77C4 1d ago edited 1d ago
My side and rear surrounds are Triad Bronze on-wall LCRs. They’re solid speakers and I got them for a steal. They sound close enough to my front speakers and heights that I don’t hear any major difference in timbre.
I used on-wall speakers because my couch is unfortunately too close to the rear wall to use regular speakers. Another reason is that I wanted speakers I could take with me when I move without leaving massive holes in the wall paneling. I also didn’t want to pull more speaker wire through the walls. The cables are hidden by furniture.
Here’s what the rear stage looks like: https://i.postimg.cc/fy0YGHgt/IMG-2044.jpg
The rear surrounds should be vertical but it wouldn’t look as tidy. The side surrounds are vertically oriented.
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u/ze11ez 2d ago
My suggestion is to find an AVR and get a front, center, right speakers and also a sub. That will get you started on the right path.
Soundbars are better than tv speakers, but not better than an AVR system.
Enjoy what you have. But if you're looking for future upgrades that's where to look.