Hello all,

I am new to the home theatre audio scene (other than my appreciation for my fathers paradigm 5.1 system growing up) and would like some critique/advice on my proposed setup.

The room in which this setup will be going is fairly large at approximately 25 feet x 20 feet (standard ceilings).

After hours of research I have reached this point.

Axiom M80 Towers - Custom white vinyl
Axiom VP180 Center - Custom white vinyl
Axiom QS8 Surrounds - Custom white vinyl
Two DIY Subwoofers - RE Audio XXX 12" subwoofers running @ 2 ohms in a custom white vinyl sealed boxes (aiming to reach 12-15hz - roughly 4 cubic feet per box) http://reaudio.com/products/woofers_xxx.php

Yamaha RX-A3060 Receiver - to power the 5.0 channels (Note: Will add a dedicated amplifier for the front 3 channels if necessary, but am willing to try with just the receiver for now) http://ca.yamaha.com/en/products/audio-visual/av-receivers-amps/rxa-series/rx-a3060_u/?mode=model

Cerwin Vega CV-2800 amplifier - to power the two subwoofers (1400 RMS Watts @ 2ohm for each subwoofer) http://www.cerwinvega.com/pro-audio/high-performance-amplifiers/cv-2800.html

I had a hard time deciding on a subwoofer amplifier, Behringer appears to be higher wattage/dollar but quality does not seem on par with the Cerwin Vega.

With the current proposed set-up I am fairly close to my budgeted amount of roughly $8-9k CDN (please keep this in mind when making suggestions)

Thank you!

Given you are jumping on an ATMOS receiver you may want to consider more than 5.1, or at least plan for possible expansion.

Thanks, good idea!

I won't be buying the speakers to do that now, but down the road I will likely expand.

When I have the ceiling down to run cabling I will make sure I plan ahead and leave wires where I will need them.

Cheers

Hi Remus -- You will love the M80s, VP180, and QS8's -- really stunning. Even with a good sub (or two) my personal experience is that the fullness of the M80 towers shines through & adds tremendously to the experience. They are delicate, accurate, dynamic, and perfectly vicious when called upon. I am also running with a receiver at the moment (Marantz SR7008), and have had no trouble. The QS8's are thrilling too -- sufficiently directional, yet enveloping. I think you are in the sweet spot of the speaker lineup, when pairing with good subs.

I'll second SN's suggestion that you prewire, i.e. plan for possible expansion with regards to, other speaker locations.

I have no experience with the other components or DIY kits mentioned, but sounds like a fun project -- good luck!

PS: Just one consideration ... Might save some serious cash on a high end Atmos receiver here . I purchased a refurb there and could not tell from new stock.

Very nice forum!

Honestly, the advice/suggestions already provided were more than I was expecting, and all in the same day too!!

I really appreciate it, I will consider getting a refurb receiver as you have suggested.

My friend is a dealer of Yamaha and said he can get me a good deal, he is checking price tomorrow!

I have added two documents here: https://drive.google.com/folderview?id=0B21svTTj55fKUDBnbGU5UXIxLVk&usp=sharing
showing the room in question. Please note that the .pdf document showing the speaker layout has been revised. When I first created it I had the intention of staying 'within the ductwork' (see images for reference), but realized it was way too tight. Going with larger sectional and will be mounting the rear left QS8 in the middle/end of ductwork (so everything will move over a couple of feet, giving a lot more breathing room)

Thanks

Definitely check on the refurbs from A4L. I kind of like the Denon and Marantz right now because of the built-in BT and Airplay. They also use Audyssey, which I like. But I'm sure that the Yamaha will be awesome.

Looking at the diagram, I'd do whatever it takes to get the right front speaker some breathing room out of that corner. Distance to boundaries can be pretty important, and you're not going to have the luxury of flexible positioning after you hang the screen and projector.

Good luck! Have fun!

Thanks!

Re: tight space, I have subsequently revised that layout, originally I was trying to fit everything before the start of the air duct but realized it was too tight, even for the couch I want, so everything will be moved over a few feet, giving that front right speaker more room to breathe!

Thank you for the suggestion nonetheless.

Sorry I did not fully comprehend your earlier message to that effect.

It looks like it will be a wonderful space!

Thanks everyone for your help, I just got the system set up... I'll get more photos in the coming weeks!

[img]https://postimg.org/image/ug1gdibi3/[/img]

Ooh, nice.

BTW I think the Axiom site wants upper case IMG tags; lower case tags don't seem to work on all sites (not sure how many because I usually use upper case).

Thanks!

I was unable to edit the above post (could not figure out how, maybe you're time limited??)

Here is the embedded image:

Yeah, I think there's a time limit. New post works fine though.