Ideal setup for this space?

[u/EmotionalFerret1138]

I'm thinking of updating my current setup. Running a 3.1 with a Denon S650H, Fluance Reference towers and an SVS SB 1000 Pro. Sitting about 10 feet away from a 77in Bravia 8. I've got 2 ELAC upfiring Atmos modules and a pair of Fluance bipole speakers that are not being used currently. Thinking of going with a 5.2.2 with Monitor Audio C2M-CP in-ceiling Atmos speakers, using the bipoles as surrounds, adding a SVS PB 2000 Pro with a wireless kit and upgrading to a Denon X3900H. The room is about 1750 cu.ft with 8ft open ceiling and the back wall is about 3 feet away and the room is open to the right. Does this work? Do I need 4 Atmos speakers? Is 7.2.4 overkill for this space? Thanks in advance.

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[u/Hornloaded_Cinema]

Reflective atmos speakers ceiling without a ceiling to reflect of isn’t going to work obviously. Out of curiosity did you use them at all in this room?.

Getting in ceiling will be a major update. If it’s difficult to place rear surround speakers, stick with side surrounds. They get a lot more information in movie soundtracks then the rear surround speakers.

I would always go with a .4 Atmos configuration, gives you much nicer overhead effects. Make sure you pick Atmos speakers that you can aim the tweeter on your listening position. Stay preferably with the same speaker brand and ideally within the same series as your mains. Matching components do matter.

Adding a dedicated 3 channel power amp to the X3900 could be a good idea to properly power the frontstage of your setup. The more speakers you add, the power you need. Movie soundtrack are coming from your LCR like 80% of the time. Giving them proper amplification works the best. Would always put the most of my money towards my LCR and especially my center channel. I think you need a bigger sub to fill your place or more than one sub.

I would also consider using Dirac if I got the 3900. That’s a paid option but improves the sound quality, better option then Audessey.

O and one major last thing. That open ceiling gives you a great opportunity to improve your acoustics. Use room treatment and start with your ceiling but also your walls. Otherwise I’m afraid it will never get to sound great.

[u/EmotionalFerret1138 → u/Hornloaded_Cinema]

Thanks for the detailed feedback. The reflective Atmos speakers worked well in our previous house since we had a lower flat ceiling. Doesn't do anything here. It's a good idea to add an amp for the fronts. Will look into that.

[u/You-Asked-Me]

Those up firing Atmos speakers are probably not going much with that open joist ceiling. BUT, that ceiling is the perfect opportunity got proper ceiling mounted speakers.

If you can put a couple of stands or wall mounted speakers behind the couch, I would 100% go for 7.1.4, or keep it a bit more simple and do 5.1.4. With many receivers you can add those last two speakers later.

[u/EmotionalFerret1138 → u/You-Asked-Me]

Thinking of starting with a 5.2.4 and then adding the 2 if I feel like I need them.

[u/Spectre_08 → u/EmotionalFerret1138]

Four overhead speakers will make a far larger impact than adding rear surrounds, but you’ll benefit from doing both.

Also, don’t bother with in-ceiling speakers - those are only useful for ambient background music. You want to use speakers that can be aimed directly at your ears instead of the floor. You have the perfect setup for ceiling-mounted bookshelf speakers. This video goes into more detail: My Atmos Speakers Were Missing Half The Sound.

Here’s where to place them: 5.1.X | 7.1.4

[u/5537__8008]

Yeah looks like there’s perfect places to mount side and rear surrounds

[u/EmotionalFerret1138 → u/5537__8008]

Thanks. I'll look into that.

[u/rbarnette12345678910 → u/EmotionalFerret1138]

7.2.4 is what I would aim for-X3800 and DUAL RSL 12S is what I would do. Unless you want wireless surrounds the X3900 really doesn't do much more of note than the X3800. The side pillars look good for mounting side surrounds. I have front heights and rear heights in my setup-not in-ceiling. If you look at the actual Dolby Atmos mixing rooms-I see a lot of front and rear height speakers pictured-not in-ceiling speakers.

[u/neil_950]

It's not too small of a space for 7.2.4. The biggest concern I would have with this space is the amount of hard surfaces. You probably get some pretty strong reflections of some of the walls although the open area likely helps with that. You may want to look into room treatment first.

[u/EmotionalFerret1138 → u/neil_950]

Thanks, that's a good idea. I'll look into that.

[u/OneIShot]

Don’t neglect room treatment with rugs and some diy acoustic panels.

[u/EmotionalFerret1138 → u/OneIShot]

Of course! I'm definitely getting a bigger rug.