Speaker recommendation for Home Theater


Ok.  I need some advice.  Here is some context:  I’ve been out of the HiFi game for over 10 years.  My last set of speakers were a Magnepan 5.1 setup with 1.6QR mains, CC3 center and surrounds and a REL B3 Sub.  These are starting to buzz due to old age and i figured I might just upgrade all around.    I do love the sound of the Maggies in a surround setup but could be up for a change.  Total budget would be about $15k (+/-) for a 5.1 setup.   I’d also be open to going 7.1.4 with some Atmos action down the road...  

I don’t do much 2 channel listening anymore - kids and forced-family-fun have ruled out time for me to sit anywhere for more than 30 seconds except when watching movies.  

What say you?  
wanderingmoo
The Monitor Audio Platinum seem like good contenders.  I live in Boston and just searched for a dealer to hopefully audition and I’m up for a long drive (over 100 miles).  I’ll put them on the short-list and plan a road trip.  Thanks!
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Monitor Audio’s Silver line is good, but the AMT tweeters in their Gold and Platinum line are not up to par.

For 7.1.4, you need at least 11ch.

I’d go with a Denon X6400 for $1500. Now, there is the X8500 that is 13ch and uses the AKM 4490 DAC instead of the AKM 4458. However, it’s $4K, and I don’t think it’s work $2500 more.

For the subwoofer(s), stick with Rythmik, HSU, SVS, and PowerSoundAudio (maybe JTR if you want the 4000ULF). I would recommend at least going dual. Also, go ported, all of their subs are musical so you don’t need to be restricted with sealed (sealed also has higher distortion). I’ve seen people with 3 Rythmik FV25HP‘s, so the sky is the limit. I don’t like SVS’s higher line because you are paying for the digital screen and mobile app, stuff you don’t need when you have Audyssey.

As for speakers, you want at least 88dB efficient for the mains. I would look at PowerSoundAudio, they also get good reviews for pure music as well. If you really want to spend some money, then JTR. For the Atmos speakers, any will do really, just make sure to use 8” woofers, you don’t to have to crossover them too high. Don’t spend too much money on them if music is not your main concern.  

Room treatment should be on your mind too, unless going to DIY, go with GIK or Acoustimac.
Monitor Audio’s Silver line is good, but the AMT tweeters in their Gold and Platinum line are not up to par.

Why do you think so? Great tweeters disappear and do not call attention to themselves. What speakers do you feel have great tweeters ?
Wanderingmoo, we can surely guide you, we are trained theater designers, and without a doubt the Kef line is one of the best you can use for home theater.

The Kef line uses a shallow horn loaded dual concentric driver, this type of design is wonderful for theater as it produces a huge sound stage without localization, also the KEF’s are very clean and detailed and they produce a clarity which makes things like breaking glass and other high frequency sounds very realistic.

You have the new KEF R series which offer a lot of the more expensive KEF Reference’s performance for  roughly 1/3 the price which makes the new R series a terrific deal.

We have a full Kef Reference theater setup and it is fantastic, we also did a smaller setup for Rev Run’s Rennovations DIY show.

Mr. Simons, aka, Rev Run from Run DMC, stated that the theater we created for him was his favorite room in his $9 million dollar home!

We would also encourage you to upgrade from a receiver to separates if possible

https://www.flickr.com/photos/58319891@N08/albums/72157650233548529

https://www.facebook.com/audiodoctor1/photos/a.813391035400778/1774439705962568/?type=3&theater

Please feel free to reach out to us and we can see if we can assist you we are dealers for: Kef, Dali, Paradigm, Quad, NAD, Audio Control, Anthem, Sony, JVC, Epson, Screen Innovations, plus many others.

Dave and Troy
Audio Doctor NJ

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