Advice to improve the sound of my Home Theater system

[stardust]

Hello all,

Some years ago I bought my first home theater system and it has been working just fine so far. I studied the market with the budget I had available at the time and I read in many forums and specialised sites, so this is what I finally bought:

• AVR: Denon AVR-X1400H
• Front speakers: Mission LX-2
• Surround speakers: Mission LX-1
• Central speaker: Mission LX-C
• Subwoofer: Klipsch R-10SW

I understand is not a superb set, but coming from nothing it was an astonishing improvement. I'm delighted with the Denon AVR, I have an HTPC attached to it and I can play 4k at 60Hz smoothly.
The thing is I have decided to upgrade the system and I'm in a sea of doubts since there are too many options, and yet even more opinions, and I'd like to know what do you think about it.
I need neither anything super powerful nor sophisticated, but I thought to buy some floor standing speakers to improve mostly the music experience.
My initial idea was to keep the AVR, and the subwoofer, since I'm very pleased with their performance and it's powerful enough. I have neighbours and a living room not that big.
My budget would be around 1000€, but without needing an AVR nor a subwoofer, or do you think I should change this one?
The usage is both for movies and music, but for music, I would like to improve, that's my idea about buying the floor standing.
On the other hand, the experience with the movies (blu-ray)/SAT (live sports) has been just grand so far.
In any case, I have seen way too much and I'm overwhelmed, for example:

• Dali Spektor 6 Cinema Pack 5.0
• Monitor Audio Monitor 300 Pack 5.0
• Dali Oberon 1 Cinema Pack
• Monitor Audio Bronze 100
• Klipsch R-610F 5.0
• Monitor Audio Bronze 200
• Dali Oberon 3 Pack 5.0
• Klipsch R-620F 5.0
• Wharfedale D300
• Q-Acoustics QA3050
• etc.

Thank you so much in advance for your help.

 

[Barun7]

While all the choices you have made are good in their own right. However, having listened to Dali sound for an year an half, I'd suggest you the Oberon 3 package. A few forum members already own Oberons and they are very happy. Dali doesn't have inclination towards any specific sound signature(ymmv) and that's a boon for listening to music.

 

[Nitin K]

Hello all,

Some years ago I bought my first home theater system and it has been working just fine so far. I studied the market with the budget I had available at the time and I read in many forums and specialised sites, so this is what I finally bought:

• AVR: Denon AVR-X1400H
• Front speakers: Mission LX-2
• Surround speakers: Mission LX-1
• Central speaker: Mission LX-C
• Subwoofer: Klipsch R-10SW

I understand is not a superb set, but coming from nothing it was an astonishing improvement. I'm delighted with the Denon AVR, I have an HTPC attached to it and I can play 4k at 60Hz smoothly.
The thing is I have decided to upgrade the system and I'm in a sea of doubts since there are too many options, and yet even more opinions, and I'd like to know what do you think about it.
I need neither anything super powerful nor sophisticated, but I thought to buy some floor standing speakers to improve mostly the music experience.
My initial idea was to keep the AVR, and the subwoofer, since I'm very pleased with their performance and it's powerful enough. I have neighbours and a living room not that big.
My budget would be around 1000€, but without needing an AVR nor a subwoofer, or do you think I should change this one?
The usage is both for movies and music, but for music, I would like to improve, that's my idea about buying the floor standing.
On the other hand, the experience with the movies (blu-ray)/SAT (live sports) has been just grand so far.
In any case, I have seen way too much and I'm overwhelmed, for example:

• Dali Spektor 6 Cinema Pack 5.0
• Monitor Audio Monitor 300 Pack 5.0
• Dali Oberon 1 Cinema Pack
• Monitor Audio Bronze 100
• Klipsch R-610F 5.0
• Monitor Audio Bronze 200
• Dali Oberon 3 Pack 5.0
• Klipsch R-620F 5.0
• Wharfedale D300
• Q-Acoustics QA3050
• etc.

Thank you so much in advance for your help.

Hi Stardust,

All the brands you have mentioned above are good in their own way. I am using the Oberon1's as 5.1 & for stereo listening. They are good & the a good part about them is that they don't need to be angled to the listener. Though I would suggest of having the Oberon 3 for the fronts. As a center speaker the Oberon Vokal is quite good too. I am assuming that you will be using the Klipsch subwoofer with them.

Regards.

 

[stardust]

Hello!

Thanks so much for your prompt replies. My plan is to keep using the Klipsch unless it's a terrible idea.

I've heard nothing but great reviews about the Dali as well. So, the package consists of the following:

• 2 x Dali Oberon 3
• 2 x Dali Oberon 1
• Dali Oberon Vokal

However, I found a place where they sell a package with the Oberon 5 instead of the 3, for just 100 quid more. Do you think it's worth it?

 

[Nitin K]

Most welcome Stardust.
A subwoofer would be required with the Oberon 3 as well especially for movies. I have not heard the Oberon 5, but it seems to be a well-reviewed speaker, with decent bass & compact too. It depends upon your listening area size . I would sure be tempted to go for the Oberon 5 if it does not burn a deep hole in the pocket. Please try to audition both and go for the one you like.
You can have the Oberon 1 as the rear surrounds.

 

[stardust]

Thanks for your feedback Nitin. I'm definitely planning to go for an audition on both.

 

[Nitin K]

Thanks for your feedback Nitin. I'm definitely planning to go for an audition on both.

You are most welcome. You can also audition the Qacoustics & Monitor Audio as those are also well-reviewed.

 

[stardust]

You are most welcome. You can also audition the Qacoustics & Monitor Audio as those are also well-reviewed.

Will do as soon as I get the chance.

 

[musiz_craze]

Hello all,

Some years ago I bought my first home theater system and it has been working just fine so far. I studied the market with the budget I had available at the time and I read in many forums and specialised sites, so this is what I finally bought:

• AVR: Denon AVR-X1400H
• Front speakers: Mission LX-2
• Surround speakers: Mission LX-1
• Central speaker: Mission LX-C
• Subwoofer: Klipsch R-10SW

I understand is not a superb set, but coming from nothing it was an astonishing improvement. I'm delighted with the Denon AVR, I have an HTPC attached to it and I can play 4k at 60Hz smoothly.
The thing is I have decided to upgrade the system and I'm in a sea of doubts since there are too many options, and yet even more opinions, and I'd like to know what do you think about it.
I need neither anything super powerful nor sophisticated, but I thought to buy some floor standing speakers to improve mostly the music experience.
My initial idea was to keep the AVR, and the subwoofer, since I'm very pleased with their performance and it's powerful enough. I have neighbours and a living room not that big.
My budget would be around 1000€, but without needing an AVR nor a subwoofer, or do you think I should change this one?
The usage is both for movies and music, but for music, I would like to improve, that's my idea about buying the floor standing.
On the other hand, the experience with the movies (blu-ray)/SAT (live sports) has been just grand so far.
In any case, I have seen way too much and I'm overwhelmed, for example:

• Dali Spektor 6 Cinema Pack 5.0
• Monitor Audio Monitor 300 Pack 5.0
• Dali Oberon 1 Cinema Pack
• Monitor Audio Bronze 100
• Klipsch R-610F 5.0
• Monitor Audio Bronze 200
• Dali Oberon 3 Pack 5.0
• Klipsch R-620F 5.0
• Wharfedale D300
• Q-Acoustics QA3050
• etc.

Thank you so much in advance for your help.

My vote for Qacoustics 3050i

 

[stardust]

My vote for Qacoustics 3050i

I am planning to listen to those as well. Thanks for the reply.

 

[Barun7]

Hello!

Thanks so much for your prompt replies. My plan is to keep using the Klipsch unless it's a terrible idea.

I've heard nothing but great reviews about the Dali as well. So, the package consists of the following:

• 2 x Dali Oberon 3
• 2 x Dali Oberon 1
• Dali Oberon Vokal

However, I found a place where they sell a package with the Oberon 5 instead of the 3, for just 100 quid more. Do you think it's worth it?

That'd be a steal!
Again, your ears are the best judges. Give a few auditions and you will come to a conclusion.

 

[stardust]

That'd be a steal!
Again, your ears are the best judges. Give a few auditions and you will come to a conclusion.

I'm planning to do an audition for both. What about the Zensor 7 package? I can see you own them. I found a good price for them in the second-hand market.

 

[Barun7]

I'm planning to do an audition for both. What about the Zensor 7 package? I can see you own them. I found a good price for them in the second-hand market.

Zensor 7 is a well received speaker - discontinued however. It more than suffices my need for movies and music. Have enough detailing and refinement. Does not belt out chest thumping bass - but decent enough to keep you enjoy your music. I personally like that. For movies, a sub(which I don't have) would add to the experience for sure. Here I'd like to clarify that I do not use them with any external amplifiers or anything additional apart from a very modest Denon x1400h. So maybe I am yet to discover their full potential!
If you are getting a very good price, go for it. Otherwise, Oberon all the way as it's an upgrade over Zensor series.
I am not a very technical or tactical listener but the results from my setup has kept an average person like me happy - more than happy. And to add, I listened to a lot of brands and models before I went ahead with my setup.

 

[stardust]

Zensor 7 is a well received speaker - discontinued however. It more than suffices my need for movies and music. Have enough detailing and refinement. Does not belt out chest thumping bass - but decent enough to keep you enjoy your music. I personally like that. For movies, a sub(which I don't have) would add to the experience for sure. Here I'd like to clarify that I do not use them with any external amplifiers or anything additional apart from a very modest Denon x1400h. So maybe I am yet to discover their full potential!
If you are getting a very good price, go for it. Otherwise, Oberon all the way as it's an upgrade over Zensor series.
I am not a very technical or tactical listener but the results from my setup has kept an average person like me happy - more than happy. And to add, I listened to a lot of brands and models before I went ahead with my setup.

Thanks buddy, that really helped. I have the same AVR as you and I have no complaints at all. One thing I'm certain, I'll do a proper audition before making a final decision.

 

[Nitin K]

Thanks for your feedback Nitin. I'm definitely planning to go for an audition on both.

I would also like to add that if the Audyssey XT 32 phone app is compatible with your Denon receiver then you can fine tune the settings especially the MultEQ Frequency range & keep it less for stereo listening as the default Audyssey values keeps it at a higher value which makes the sound brighter. I could finally set it to the tone which I preferred with the Oberons. The phone app is worth it imho.

 

[stardust]

I would also like to add that if the Audyssey XT 32 phone app is compatible with your Denon receiver then you can fine tune the settings especially the MultEQ Frequency range & keep it less for stereo listening as the default Audyssey values keeps it at a higher value which makes the sound brighter. I could finally set it to the tone which I preferred with the Oberons. The phone app is worth it imho.

I will have a look at it. So far I've been using the calibration with the mic included.

 

[Nitin K]

I will have a look at it. So far I've been using the calibration with the mic included.

You would still require the mic for the phone app. Anyway all the best for your speaker hunt.

 

[stardust]

You would still require the mic for the phone app. Anyway all the best for your speaker hunt.

Thanks for all your help!

 

[nvnaveen]

Hello all,

Some years ago I bought my first home theater system and it has been working just fine so far. I studied the market with the budget I had available at the time and I read in many forums and specialised sites, so this is what I finally bought:

• AVR: Denon AVR-X1400H
• Front speakers: Mission LX-2
• Surround speakers: Mission LX-1
• Central speaker: Mission LX-C
• Subwoofer: Klipsch R-10SW

I understand is not a superb set, but coming from nothing it was an astonishing improvement. I'm delighted with the Denon AVR, I have an HTPC attached to it and I can play 4k at 60Hz smoothly.
The thing is I have decided to upgrade the system and I'm in a sea of doubts since there are too many options, and yet even more opinions, and I'd like to know what do you think about it.
I need neither anything super powerful nor sophisticated, but I thought to buy some floor standing speakers to improve mostly the music experience.
My initial idea was to keep the AVR, and the subwoofer, since I'm very pleased with their performance and it's powerful enough. I have neighbours and a living room not that big.
My budget would be around 1000€, but without needing an AVR nor a subwoofer, or do you think I should change this one?
The usage is both for movies and music, but for music, I would like to improve, that's my idea about buying the floor standing.
On the other hand, the experience with the movies (blu-ray)/SAT (live sports) has been just grand so far.
In any case, I have seen way too much and I'm overwhelmed, for example:

• Dali Spektor 6 Cinema Pack 5.0
• Monitor Audio Monitor 300 Pack 5.0
• Dali Oberon 1 Cinema Pack
• Monitor Audio Bronze 100
• Klipsch R-610F 5.0
• Monitor Audio Bronze 200
• Dali Oberon 3 Pack 5.0
• Klipsch R-620F 5.0
• Wharfedale D300
• Q-Acoustics QA3050
• etc.

Thank you so much in advance for your help.

As i feel ur AVR 1400 which u r happy to retain & for that power o/p u can consider Dali or Klipsch both sounds good for that wattage of 1400. u can also look for Jamo & QA 3050I which have more reviews for music & movies .. but sound i individual experience so better to have home audition & go for buy..end of the day its ur hard earned money u r investing & this need to stay with u for more years.

 

[stardust]

As i feel ur AVR 1400 which u r happy to retain & for that power o/p u can consider Dali or Klipsch both sounds good for that wattage of 1400. u can also look for Jamo & QA 3050I which have more reviews for music & movies .. but sound i individual experience so better to have home audition & go for buy..end of the day its ur hard earned money u r investing & this need to stay with u for more years.

Thanks for your suggestion. Any particular choice for Jamo you'd recommend?