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Best compromise between Hi-Fi and home theater on budget

  • May 21, 2024
  • 5 replies
  • 293 views
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Hello, I know there are a lot of similar discussion, but I did’t find my solution now. Maybe it’s just to individual, but let’s give it a try.

For years I have my two Sonos Play 5 (1st Gen) in the living room, one Play 1 in the kitchen and another Play 1 in the bedroom.

For now I like to upgrade my living room. 

  • Mostly listen to music => Spotify, mainly Rap & Pop, therefore the Play 5 as a stereo pair are perfect. 
  • But I like to add a Soundbar for a little home theater. Beam Gen2 in mind.
  • Ratio Music to Movie is about 70:30
  • Room is around 40 square meter.

Now my question: Which would be the best solution for listen to music in a good stereo quality but still have the option to enjoy movies with Dolby Atmos?

  • Option 1: Two Era 300 and Beam 2
  • Option 2: Two Era 100, Sub Mini, Beam 2
  • Option 3: Open for suggestions in ± same Budget

What do you think?

 

Best answer by Bumper

Option 3: Amp + passive speakers.  Add a sub and sonos surrounds as budget allows. Perfect for both music and video.

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5 replies

Bumper
  • Bumper
  • Answer
  • May 21, 2024

Option 3: Amp + passive speakers.  Add a sub and sonos surrounds as budget allows. Perfect for both music and video.

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  • nosos-088
  • Author
  • Contributor I
  • May 21, 2024

Thank’s Bumper, will consider it. But sounds like more cabel and more devices. 

Stanley_4
  • Stanley_4
  • Lead Maestro
  • May 21, 2024

Option 4: Whatever sound bar, surrounds and Sub you want but keep the Play 5s for music. Group them all for party mode.

I’d say the Beam would be pushing the limits in that sized room if you like loud action movies. Same for the mini-Sub and 100s. Arc, Sub and 300s would be better but bust your budget.

The Amp and passive speakers (above) is really attractive particularly if you can find some high quality classic speakers on the used market priced well below their value. Only thing I’d avoid are some of the low-efficiency ones that ask for a larger amplifier.

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  • nosos-088
  • Author
  • Contributor I
  • May 22, 2024

Thank you Standley_4

To be honest, that would be my favorite option and so far I have also refused to replace the Play 5 because they still sound great. What annoys me, however, is the old Sonos app and the fact that there are always connection problems. That's actually the main reason for upgrade thoughts.

Option 5: Buy just a beam for a minimalistic movie setup and waiting (saving money) for the era 500. 

or Option 6: Just buy the headphones:-)

or, or, or… live is not easy🤣

 

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  • nosos-088
  • Author
  • Contributor I
  • May 26, 2024

I bought two era 100 and a sub mini and a beam. But will return the era’s and the sub. I go with option 3.1. I have some old active Klipsch speakers, with a sub. I think I’ll buy a Port and connect them to it. The beam I use  as a standalone speaker for movies, that should be enough for my use case. 

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