Hi all,
I preordered an ARC and a Sub Gen 3 to replace a fairly old set up consisting of an AVR plus center speaker and two small left and right speakers. I want to declutter and get rid of the big AVR to safe space and simplify my setup. I already own two Sonos Ones which I can potentially use as rears for the setup to make a 5.1 system. I will definitely get the ARC as I don’t have much space by the TV (its wall mounted) and need a fairly “flat” speaker that fits wall-mounted below the TV.
Since I would also like a good setup for some music listening I was thinking about adding two nice stereo speaker to this setup (I’m no strict audiophile but do like good sound). Those additional speakers would most likely sit left and right of the TV and face the sofa. However, my dining table is directly behind the sofa, where my wife and I also spend a good amount of time. So we would also consider putting those speaker behind the sofa and aim them more at the dining table (in this case the speakers could potentially be used as very expensive rears 😄). Another alternative would be to place those speaker on the wall on the right side of the TV to direct the stereo sound from those speakers more twoards the entire room (even though this setup would probably be the least ideal setup).
The stereo pair I have first looked at are the new Fives as the obvious choice to complement the other Sonos speakers. However, from reading some reviews, it seems like the KEF LS 50 coupled with a Sonos Amp would be serious upgrade to the Fives. However, the Fives would be part of an existing Sonos system and may thus outweigh other shortcomings.
Against this background, the following questions:
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I realize that I cannot use either the Fives or the KEFs as front left and right in a 5.1 setup. However, could I still somehow add them when watching TV? Any advantages here with the Fives over the option of using the AMP and the KEFs?
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Obviously, the Sub would definitely work with the Fives and I would assume that Sonos uses some secret sauce to make the Fives work well with the Sub. Would the Sub also be a good addition to the KEFs connected to an AMP? Or would the better harmony between the Fives and the Sub outweigh other advantages of the KEFs?
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When using the Fives OR the KEFs connected to an AMP for music listing, would it still make sense to also have the ARC, the Sub and the two Ones play at the same time or would that somehow mess with a good music listening experience? How would it even work having e.g. the Fives play together with the rest of the setup if the 5.1 option isn’t available?
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Lastly: Any general opinions on two Fives VS two KEF LS 50 hooked up to an AMP? Please note that I have some space constraints so that the LS 50 could e.g. not be spaced far away from the wall and might even be wall mounted or placed on the side of sofa (see my thoughts above on where to place the speakers).
I know that these are many questions and this is already a lot to read but would greatly appreciate any help and advice!
Looking forward to hearing from you all.
Best, Jamaxt