New Home Theater Setup

ImperfectSoul47 · June 28, 2022

Hello There,

I am interested in building a new home theater setup. Currently, I am using a soundbar.

TV: 65" LG CX

Devices: Gaming PC (directly to TV for G-SYNC), PS5, PS3, Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Wii

What I am looking at buying:

Receiver: AVR-S760H | Denon

Center Channel: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08LV51F4P

Subwoofer: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00669L3HS/

Front LR and Surround LR: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00NOA58RS/ (x2)

Speaker Wire: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01CSZUSLA/

Subwoofer cable: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B003FVYXY0/

Is this a good setup? Any recommendations?

tikker · June 28, 2022

Looks fine to me for an entry setup. I would suggest matching the centre channel to that of the same lineup as your front speakers. The more they differ the more noticeable it will be. My centre (Dali Spektor Vokal) is a tier lower than my fronts (Dali Zensor 5) and it is noticeable if I listen for it.

Do you have room for proper placement of the speakers? That will improve your experience greatly.

cmndr · June 29, 2022

The set up will work. At your budget you might want to look into a used AVR to save cash. You can often get adequate stuff for around $100-150 on craigslist. Also be aware that the S760h semi-regularly goes on sale. https://slickdeals.net/newsearch.php?q=s760h
You might also be able to get a decent price new or refurbished from accessories4less. Also consider the 750h if you don't need HDMI 2.1 (if you're just using eARC you probably don't).

One bit that I'd put out there - IF you use a center channel, it's your most important speaker, most of your sound will come from it. The neumi would likely be kind of "meh" - if you don't use a center the signal is redirected to your L+R speakers. The downside to this means if you have listeners in really odd positions imagine might be worse for them. If you only really care about your main listening spot this is a less of an issue (apply a significant toe-in to your L+R and you'll be fine).

If you want to try something a bit more out there, consider NO center channel and throwing the budget to your L+R speakers.

If you can stretch your budget - Emotiva B1+, JBL Studio 530, ELAC debut 2.0 5.2, Polk ES10/ES15 and a few others would work VERY well. Used/refurbished can help hit a price target.

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If going for pretty solid L+R speakers is bit too much of a stretch... at the very least get a better center channel this is the cheapest I'd go on a center https://www.jbl.com/STUDIO+520CBK.html

I want to emphasize, your front sound stage matters and that's where most of the sound will come from.

Colty · June 30, 2022

I'd recommend used speakers. Far better value.

Also, skip the 4k/120Hz receiver. You just need eARC, not all the fancy passthroughs. I have an LG CX+S760H and made a video on this issue. You will have a bad time using the passthrough instead of eARC. Shift your priorities and you can save a few $ and/or get something that will perform better in every measurable way.

Though, if you do decide to go with the S760H, grab a refurb from Denon's "Specials" tab or "Accessories4Less"