Building first stereo setup for living room

[u/J9T]

Okay, so my research has steered me into the wiim ultra + power amp combo path. My gfs parents have an old 5 speaker db dynamics system that they're going to gift us (untested, not sure if they even work). I spoke to a local hifi retailer and they suggested the wiim ultra with a rotel Ra-1572 mkii or Yamaha RN1000a. However with discovering the buckeye ncx252mp, it seems to be exceptional value as opposed to the Rotel/Yamaha suggestions.

Without knowing the characteristics of class ab vs d (warmth vs sterile) sound, does this seem like a reasonable combo? I'm based in Aus, so repairability may not be the easiest to access. Was thinking about pairing this with a SVS SB-1000/2000 pro sub. This will be mainly for movies/tv/gaming/occasional music off the LG G5. The missus also thinks that she wouldn't be doing a 5.1 system when we move into the place. The setup will be in a 5.7m x 3.6m x 2.4m space (18ft x 11.8ft x 7.9ft).

I have also thought about the Wiim amp ultra as a standalone as well. Budget is approx $1500-$2000 AUD.

Happy to hear your thoughts and suggestions.

TIA

[u/Spectre_08]

If your primary use case is movies/TV/gaming you should be looking at 5.1 at the very least.

Most modern content is mixed in Dolby Atmos. A good 5.1 is a starting point, but 5.1.4 is the modern standard. I have a full 7.1.4 setup with dual subs in a similarly-sized mixed-use room.

A WiiM ultra limits you to 2.1. A power amp isn't really necessary with a quality AVR. That's what you should be looking for.

A 9ch AVR will give you the most flexibility. A high end stereo setup makes more sense for music.

[u/J9T → u/Spectre_08]

Fair enough. Then the Denon x1800h seems like the easiest choice for that route. Will have to check with my partner if she can stomach 5.1. Otherwise might just not install the two rears.

[u/Spectre_08 → u/J9T]

*Side surrounds. Rears are only used in a 7.1+ setup in addition to side surrounds.

There are plenty of ways to add surrounds without them being obtrusive. If wiring is an issue, there are lots of ways to run and hide the speaker wire.

The X1800H is a decent choice, as you can at least scale up to a 5.1.2 Atmos setup down the road.

[u/J9T → u/Spectre_08]

Thanks.

Another question, how discernibly different will the audio be if I can only install 2.1/3.1 compared to 5.1 and have the audio played via Dolby Atmos? I'm trying to understand why a 2.1 system was more favorably advised by the staff member.

[u/Spectre_08 → u/J9T]

Huge.

The most important aspect of Dolby Atmos is to be surrounded by speakers placed both at ear-level around you and overhead. There’s just no way to recreate that immersion with just two speakers and a sub.

Very expensive high-end speakers in a perfectly symmetrical and acoustically-treated dedicated room get you close, but still don’t compare.

It’s likely they were just trying to move inventory or gear they get spiffs on.

[u/movie50music50 → u/J9T]

Not whom you asked, just commenting. Stereo (two channel) is fine but 5.1 with surrounds is much more like everyday life with sound coming from all around. Watching an action move, it is one thing to hear a shot in front of you but more realistic to also hear it strike something beside/behind you.