Just to make it simple for you, you only need TWO things:

1. AV Receiver
2. A device to play/stream your content from. This could literally just be your TV, as all TVs these days have built-in access to Netflix and other streaming services. A dedicated device will offer more capability (such as certain audio formats that you probably won't even need), so you could also use something like a Fire Stick or Apple TV.

Just make sure you get a somewhat modern receiver (made within the past 5 years), and it'll communicate nicely with any other modern hardware you have. If you just achieve those two things, you can disregard all of the confusing tech specs and industry mumbo jumbo. If you're running everything from the TV, you would simply plug your TV into the eARC port on the receiver. Done. If you've got an Apple TV or some other external device, just plug it into any HDMI port on the receiver.

You're literally just connecting HDMI cables from one box to the next. The nerds on this forum will get all up in arms about DTS, Dolby Atmos, 4k OLEDs, HDMI 12.6, and a bunch of other irrelevant stuff. If you're just trying to get some punchy surround sound, plug the HDMI cables into the appropriate ports, hook up some speakers, and enjoy the sound.

you're overthinking this a bit.

The TV does not have to be compatible with your AVR. All your sources plug into your AVR. for example the HDMI runs from the Apple TV to the AVR. The AVR has one HDMI out that will run into your display.

The best and easiest streaming box for most is the Apple TV, this is what I use. Great software, runs smooth, very reliable. Nvidia shield if you don't want that and are a bit more hands on.

EArc gets the audio through HDMI.

Speakers use speaker cable. 14 or 16 gauge is good for most applications. Any cable will really do the trick. I like monoprice cables. You can find then on amazon. HMDI cables, again u don't need to go crazy just get one that supports what you need for your system.

wireless speaker systems would not use a AVR. Most full wireless 5.1 setups use their own proprietary ways to communicate and ouput audio from the TV. Any subwoofer can be made wireless using something like an SVS soundpath kit.

the OLED issue u brought up should not be an issue if you use your own streaming source not built into the TV. Though I personally never really use DTS, so you may find yourself in the same boat as me.

Buy a Blu-ray player connect it to an AVR and purchase discs this is the easiest way.

If you are overwhelmed now setting up a Plex server and getting high quality media is also going to overwhelm you.

If a TV doesn't support passthrough anything, all that means is you can't connect something to it and then pass through some data that the thing is feeding it to some other device.

This doesn't matter when you're using an AVR, because you're going to connect the streaming device/Blu-ray player to the AVR, and then the AVR to the TV.

This, in turn, does mean that the AVR needs to support passing through the video formats you care about (4k, Dolby vision/HDR, refresh rates like 120hz or VRR) to your TV, but the audio is handled by the AVR.

It would be most helpful to know what equipment you currently have and what you're actually trying to achieve by upgrading.

I was in your shoes about a year ago. But, having been through the wringer when 4k TVs first came out (HDMI 1.4/2.0, plus HDCP in various flavors were a nightmare), I spent a good month reading up on as much as I could so that I got something that "just worked".

If the TV passes all audio formats, awesome. Send the feeds to the TV and let it use eARC (not regular old ARC, that little e makes a difference) to send audio to your receiver.

If the TV doesn't pass some audio formats, send the feeds to the AVR and let it pass the video to the TV (assuming you have an AVR that can pass 4k), most AVRs do video pass through just fine. If the TV and the receiver both have eARC, you're pretty much good to go, they'll talk to each other and do all the necessary handshaking that's needed.

eARC on receiver goes to the TV's eARC port. If you're looking for receivers, make sure to get one with eARC (not ARC, remember that little e is important). As long as the receiver and TV both have eARC (C4 does for sure), you're good to go.

If you buy random speakers, just make sure they're all the same ohm rating (4, 6 or 8 usually).

I bought an s90c, knowing it didn't have DTS passthrough, so I feed everything into my AVR (Pioneer LX305) so it sees all audio, and the AVR then passes the video stream to the TV (and it passes all streams, so no worries). That means TV, game console, Shield/ATV/Roku, blu-ray player, etc. all get plugged into the AVR.

Either way (feed the TV or feed the AVR), it's just a matter of turning them both on, selecting a source (my TV source stays the same, I select source on on the receiver - you, on the other hand, would likely plug everything into the TV and select your source on the TV) and watching whatever it is I'm playing.

It's a lot easier now, compatibility-wise, to know what works with what... and it all boils down, essentially, to that little 'e' in eARC. You have it on the TV, now just get an AVR with eARC and you can make it all 'just work'.

Need more details like a realistic budget for this. Like someone else mentioned though this can be complex and when I have helped folks in the past it usually entails hours of conversations as decisions are made. You do though need more details like dimensions and how much work you are able to do on your own. Have you considered how loud this will be in other areas of the house and has soundproofing been considered if that will be a problem? Additionally, if the room is large enough I would suggest looking into a projector if you want more of a theater experience at home not just for the size, but for the look and brightness of the picture. That is a part many dedicated space owners do not discuss. I have a 75" Sony with a 110" screen in front of it, and my wife and I still elect for the projector for movies for that reason.

If you want a real DTS:X or Atmos experience, you need overhead speakers, minimum config is 5.1.2.

A big part of the "cinema" experience is the room itself. Both the acoustics, and low light levels. Acoustic treatment and dark paint goes a long way. Ideally you want a large room to start with, as that gives you the space for optimal speaker and listening positions.

What is your budget and room dimensions?

I'd start reading the FAQ and HTBuyingguides then whatever else you can find. Very complex question.

In you case i would go simple 5.1 sound. For example like you said Denon AVR-x2800 and i would add 4x Dali Oberon onwall so you can put them where you like on the front and on the back i would put one on the side and the other on the stand on the other side and 1x Oberon vokal for sub i would choose SVS PB1000 pro or XTZ 12.17 EDGE (a little cheaper than SVS but they are similar in output)...and down the road i would add another sub if you can"t buy it now...two subs make a significant difference...then you are good for 10 years :)

Sorry, dont know how to edit. My Budget is around 3000€

Are you looking at replacing your TV and speakers? 3.1 or 5.1? TV and movies, or music too?

Either way, I'd consider saving some of that budget for acoustic treatments. Sloped ceilings can be good and bad for HT setups. On the one hand, they're generally good at dispersing reflections and echos but can create standing waves at low frequencies, leading to peaky, uneven bass. A second sub would help with that. A rug might also be good with that hard floor.

I just bought the PX3 pro because of the low video game latency and I tried it on a white wall without a screen and during the day and it was still great can’t wait for the whole setup 

Off the top of my head I would replace the Kef Kube subs either SVS, Hsu or PSA subs. Likely Hsu as you will get more powerful subs for less money. Dual Hsu TN-‘s. If you want to go sealed dual PSA S1813.

That receiver is overkill for a 5.2.2 setup, you can spend a lot less and put the money towards better speakers.

I would spend more on the center channel speaker as almost all your dialogue comes through it. It’s your most important speaker. Kef is great, get the CI3160rlm for the center.

What is your budget for your screen and projector??

Projectors are fantastic for movies in a dark room. Not so fantastic for sports with a presumably lit up room

Can you describe the room? Like the dimensions and seating

In a perfect world, except for the wood trim, none of that stuff should be permitted in the HT. Anything that is not directly in support of experiencing the movie being shown should be removed from the room (including posters in reflective frames).

I never have to fiddle with my sound bar. I have it mounted just under my TV, 7 ft from the floor.

What are you fiddling with all the time while a movie is on? I’m not sure if many people here are going to relate to this.

Harmony remote, and stop fiddling with the settings when watching with others :)

My wife is fully on board with the home theatre, but I know to do my tinkering as hobby time, not during watching time!

Take the time to use a UMIK-1 and do all your fiddling in an afternoon session. After that, it's just volume for specific movies.

This is a cool room very unique. Are those sliding mirror doors that also hide the tv?

Hi everyone,

I'm from Brazil and I need some guidance to make the best decisions, especially considering the availability of products in my region and the high taxes (often 2x the original price).

Goals:

• I want to start with a minimal investment that will allow me to expand later to a full Atmos setup, but still focusing on quality. I've heard that front speakers are the most important ones, so I want to prioritize them.
• My initial budget is around $2,000 - $4,000, but the less I can spend while maintaining quality, the better.
• I need options and advice on what to look for in the items since I probably won't have everything available here to be very specific.
• My focus is on getting a solid base setup with good front speakers and a reliable receiver. If possible, I'd also like to include a subwoofer.
• Eventually, I plan to add more components, like ceiling speakers and Atmos, but I need a good starting point.

Questions:

1. What are some good brands and models that you would recommend for a beginner setup? What features and specs do i NEED to look out for ?
2. Should I focus on getting new equipment from a local store, or is it worth the effort to try to find used components?
3. I noticed that tower speakers are the most expensive option, and I found a Klipsch set here for $7,000. However, the towers significantly increase the price. Since my sofa is close to the TV and I'm more focused on quality than volume, I'm wondering if towers are overkill. Would bookshelf speakers with stands of the same brand be a better option for maintaining quality without the high cost? Additionally, I found some cheaper sets from B&W and also Klipsch without towers. I'm also considering a Denon Atmos receiver. What do you think about these options?

Thank you in advance for your help!

I'd put your main towers in front of the bookshelves so the sound doesn't bounce off the hard mirrors. Then two near the wall facing the couch so the left hits your left ear, and the right, your right ear. But needs to be at least 3 feet from ear. You could put the center on some stand just below the TV. And you'll need a carpet on floor between you and the speakers to cut down on harsh echoes off the wood floor. Good luck.

You can still get decent sound out of bookshelves with a subwoofer rather than go with HUGE towers. It's a trade-off of esthetics to performance where depending on your expectations you may not want to be blocking the shelves with HUGE towers. I would go with a decent set of bookshelves in the front with a sub (or two). As for the rears and center just try to keep those to the same brand/line and you should be fine.

Just my personal opinion as I like to balance room looks and sound performance.

In any case, take your time, do your research and don't impulse buy.

Add some speakers. Turn on a movie. Done.

This spot looks like it has lots of potential. I wouldn't be able to help since I dont know anything about home theater audio. But the spot does look nice!

I hope you figure something badass out! Everyone deserves an upgrade!

Top Rec for you, cuz there’s so much you could learn. Chris Majestic on YouTube has tons of great content

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I would extend a wall from the post to one of the existing walls. I like smaller home theater spaces over trying to fill a huge room with proper sound.

Drop ceilings make Atmos speakers very simple. Grab an in-ceiling (circular) speaker with directional tweeter: trace the cutout in the tile and mount using the built in clips.

Make sure to put the pole in the prime viewing spot.

Perfect. Just get rid of that load bearing pillar and you can get started.

Need more jpg.

Connect the speakers to the front speaker outputs on the receiver. Red to red, black to black.
Pretty self explainatory.

Connect the TV via HDMI, switch over to that input.

Done.

(the soundbar can not be used with this setup)

Move the left speaker to be at the same height or even better get stands and separate them by about as much distance as you'll be sitting from them (ex. if you're sitting 10 feet away then you'd need to have the speakers 10' apart, like a triangle). You'll want the tweeters to be about ear level when sitting (if you plan to sit). From there you can adjust distance from the back wall and toe in/out to taste. Don't worry about that center channel/sound bar for now.

I would always start with reading the manual for the receiver as it will have diagrams for how/where to connect the components. The manual is likely an online pdf. Just google the brand and model name plus “manual.”

You can also google the many helpful stereo setup sites. Here’s one with pictures: https://stereobarn.com/how-to-connect-a-stereo-system/#:~:text=1.,system%20into%20the%20electric%20outlet.

Hey most soundbars don’t, but if it has the same inputs as the ones on the back of your speakers, you can use it as your center speaker,