5.1 Setup in small half of long room (1 Viewer)

[Whitty21]

Looking to do a 5.1 set up at the end of my basement.

Please don't tell me to move the entertainment center, or set up somewhere else. This is where it is happening.

I have speaker wire run in the ceiling for either the rears or height. Couch has to be up against the wall.

I have speaker wire run to the second level of each side shelf beside the TV. It's just a hair over ear level.

My thoughts are bookshelf's on their side or slightly tilted down. Center channel under the speaker. Sub in the cabinet in the middle right bottom cubby. And ceilings for rears (Red dots in photo is where the wire is).

I am not an audiophile. Just looking for a decent surround feel.

Room dimensions:

10ft from back wall to front of TV Entertainment unit is 12ft long

The whole basement is 35 ft long and 14ft at its widest

 

[Whitty21]

 

[JohnRice]

Would you please provide dimensions of the areas where the L&R speakers and sub will go? I don't think you'll need to put them on their side. There appears to be plenty of vertical space for decent bookshelf models standing up.

I'm guessing you mean the center under the TV. You said "Center channel under the speaker."

The sub space looks fairly small. You'll probably need to go with a sealed model, which is fine. Don't let anyone convince you that sealed subs aren't good for movies. Also, since it's enclosed, I recommend one that can be configured using a mobile device and an app. Otherwise, the adjustments will be on the back of the sub, which will be a monumental pain. Hopefully something like an SVS SB-1000 Pro or SB-2000 Pro. Those are just under 15" on each side. Hopefully that fits.

 

[Whitty21]

Would you please provide dimensions of the areas where the L&R speakers and sub will go? I don't think you'll need to put them on their side. There appears to be plenty of vertical space for decent bookshelf models standing up.

I'm guessing you mean the center under the TV. You said "Center channel under the speaker."

The sub space looks fairly small. You'll probably need to go with a sealed model, which is fine. Don't let anyone convince you that sealed subs aren't good for movies. Also, since it's enclosed, I recommend one that can be configured using a mobile device and an app. Otherwise, the adjustments will be on the back of the sub, which will be a monumental pain. Hopefully something like an SVS SB-1000 Pro or SB-2000 Pro. Those are just under 15" on each side. Hopefully that fits.

Thanks for the reply.

The shelves are 16h 29w 14d. I was thinking on their side may help with the shelf being slightly too high, but it is likely close enough not to matter.

Sub cubby is 17h 19w 17h

For the ceiling speakers, should I spring for aimable tweeters? maybe bounce off the wall behind?

SVS is way above my price range at the moment. Thanks for the rec on the sealed sub though, I am looking to keep this under 1500 canadian. I am aware I can blow all that budget on individual components, but I am just looking to improve on the sound bar.

Currently best buy has all the sony stuff on a pretty steep discount.

I was planning on running basically all sony, with Polk RC60I ceiling speakers

would this sub be OK in the cubby?

https://tinyurl.com/Sbwfr

I know its budget stuff, but thems the ropes at this point

 

[JohnRice]

When it comes to managing a budget, I recommend quality over quantity. In other words, start with better, but maybe less of it, rather than getting more stuff, that will might be a regret in the long run.

Instead of a Sony receiver, you'll be better off in the long run with a Denon.

I recommend even more against Sony speakers. Just consider these ELAC Debut v2 bookshelves and center.

That leaves room for a sub. I'll look a bit more to see what I find. You want to avoid one with a rear port, which that Sony has. Since it's in such a constricted space, it really needs to either be sealed, or have a front port. That is fairly important.

Then, maybe you start with some really cheap speakers for surrounds, or maybe try to scrounge up a but more. It's just better to get something of quality to start off, so you're not wasting money in the long run. Those ELACs are exceptional for the price.

 

[Whitty21]

When it comes to managing a budget, I recommend quality over quantity. In other words, start with better, but maybe less of it, rather than getting more stuff, that will might be a regret in the long run.

Instead of a Sony receiver, you'll be better off in the long run with a Denon.

I recommend even more against Sony speakers. Just consider these ELAC Debut v2 bookshelves and center.

That leaves room for a sub. I'll look a bit more to see what I find. You want to avoid one with a rear port, which that Sony has. Since it's in such a constricted space, it really needs to either be sealed, or have a front port. That is fairly important.

Then, maybe you start with some really cheap speakers for surrounds, or maybe try to scrounge up a but more. It's just better to get something of quality to start off, so you're not wasting money in the long run. Those ELACs are exceptional for the price.

That Denon actually does look like the better deal.

I will see if I can swing the Elacs

In my quick research, I see the kanto sub8 come up a fair amount for a entry level sealed sub.
Kanto Sub8

 

[JohnRice]

That Denon actually does look like the better deal.

I will see if I can swing the Elacs

In my quick research, I see the kanto sub8 come up a fair amount for a entry level sealed sub.
Kanto Sub8

Receivers have tended to be a bit glitchy the last few years. Denon and Marantz (they're the same company) are just about the only brands I currently feel entirely confident to recommend.

That Kanto sub looks like a decent option. And seriously, give the ELACs a real consideration. They are on sale, and they've been replaced with the new v3, so they're an especially good deal right now.

 

[Whitty21]

Going to go to a local AV store I have had success with this weekend to talk subs. I see there is an open box KEF sub at another place. Wife may kill me for spending as much as I would though

Kef 10"

 

[Dave Moritz]

My suggestion unless the speakers will fit in the bottom shelf on either side. Is the TV on a mount that allows it to be moved away from the back wall?

I would place inwall speakers for the surrounds and place them just above the sofa. When sound pans around the room you really do not want it going from close to ear level to above your head. You can also paint the grill on many of the inwall speakers to match your room helping them blend into the room. I am guessing the best place for the subwoofer for you may be next to the sofa where it will not stand out visually.

 

[Whitty21]

On the subwoofer front. If I went with a wireless kit. Would putting it beside the couch (to the left while sitting on it) work?

 

[JohnRice]

On the subwoofer front. If I went with a wireless kit. Would putting it beside the couch (to the left while sitting on it) work?

If you go with one, I'd probably keep it where you originally planned. If you add a second one, that would be a good place for it.