Recommendations for 5.1 upgrade

[milleniumaire]

I've had my current 5.1 system for 15 years and it comprises the following:

- Pioneer KRP-500A 50" Kuro Plasma TV (still blows me away even though it is only HD!)
- Pioneer SC-LX82 AV Receiver
- Pioneer BDP-LX52 Blu-ray
- Monitor Audio Silver RX6 floor standing speakers - front left/right
- Monitor Audio RSW12 - sub
- Monitor Audio Radius 250 HD - front centre
- Monitor Audio Radius 180 HD - rear left/right surround

I'm now looking to upgrade and will probably go for the following (listed in the order I intend to replace as it won't all happen at the same time):

- Pioneer VSA-LX805 AV Receiver
- LG 77" G4 OLED Evo
- 4K UHD Blu-ray TBD. Possibly Panasonic DP-UB820
- New ceiling speakers to give 5.1.2 system
- New front centre speaker
- New rear left/right surround speakers

In terms of my existing equipment, I appreciate the Monitor Audio Radius centre and rear surround speakers are not as good as the Monitor Audio Silver speakers, but I partly purchased these due to their shape; the centre speaker is long and narrow, like a sound bar and therefore looks better above the TV. The rear surrounds were a good size to fit to the wall at the back of the room. I definitely want to replace the front centre speaker and possibly the rears, but would also like to improve the setup for Dolby Atmos (which my current receiver doesn't support), by installing some ceiling speakers.

The room in which the equipment is installed is 4.7 metres wide by 4.5 metres long (front to back) and the main seating is against the rear wall. Here are some photos, which should help visualise the layout:

From the perfect seating position at the back of the room (entrance door is to the right and out of sight in this photo):

From the front of the room (TV behind me) looking towards the back of the room and the "prime central seating position".

Showing the window side of the room and sub/stack position:

I would really appreciate some feedback on the following:
- Suggestion for front centre speaker, which will be installed above the 77" LG TV, similar to the existing layout, except the new TV is 27" larger, so will take up more space on the wall.
- Suggestion for ceiling speakers to give a good Dolby Atmos sound.
- Suggestion for rear surround speakers, if I decide to change these.
- Any thoughts on the upgrade?

Thanks in advance.

 

[Mike Schramm]

Your room looks very nice!
Are you unhappy with the sound your current speakers are producing? Or just looking to upgrade because you've got the itch for something new? With the 77" TV taking up more space, it would be nice to maintain the slim center channel that you currently have, as long as it is still doing a good job for you.
Also, with your surround speakers being mounted high near the ceiling, would you move them down when you install Atmos speakers to create more separation between the layers of sound?

 

[milleniumaire]

Your room looks very nice!
Are you unhappy with the sound your current speakers are producing? Or just looking to upgrade because you've got the itch for something new? With the 77" TV taking up more space, it would be nice to maintain the slim center channel that you currently have, as long as it is still doing a good job for you.
Also, with your surround speakers being mounted high near the ceiling, would you move them down when you install Atmos speakers to create more separation between the layers of sound?

Hi Mike,

Thanks for the compliment, it's not looking too shabby considering it was last decorated 15 years ago when I installed all my existing AV kit.

I've always been aware that the front centre and rear surround speakers were a compromise on price and more "style over function" and I'm now in a position where I can rectify this. The current system produces a good cinema sound, however, I can't help thinking it could be better! For some sources e.g. Netflix, it seems like the volume has to be turned up a lot and the clarify of sound from the centre speaker is not as clear as it could be, especially for movie scenes where there's a sound track and speaking. Now this could be down to my age as I've just turned 60, so I know my hearing isn't getting any better, and it just feels like there should be more "umph!" from the centre speaker.

There is of course the issue of the shape and size of the centre. I've looked at the current Monitor Audi Silver C250 7G, but as was the case 15 years ago, it is a large chunky speaker, more accustom to standing on a table than being fixed to a wall!

I was wondering about the Monitor Audio Apex A40 1G (I wanted to include a link but wasn't allowed to). I came across this by chance when googling and haven't yet had a chance to look in more detail.

I appreciate what you are saying about the position of the existing rear surround speakers, but due to the position of the door, it is very difficult to fit them any lower, as they would prevent the door fully opening. They are installed using home made brackets that angles them slightly down and inwards. Also, my wife objected to having them on floor stands!