I'm setting up a 7.1.4 system and deciding what speakers to get. Martin Logan recommended the Helos 12. Not sure if that's the best fit or they were pushing them because they are on sale. Thoughts? Or does it really not matter for fx channel? Room is 16x13x9 with ESL, Stage-x and 4 EFX
Atmos Ceiling Speakers
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I've been using 4i speakers for Tops for the last few years now. They work, but I must say that I only used them because I already had them. The 4i speakers are what I used when I went from 3.1 to 5.1, then to 7.1. Then I got better speakers for Surrounds and moved the 4i speakers to the ceiling for 7.1.4. The 4i speakers were chosen for cost when I originally purchased them, and they needed a lot of help from subwoofers to work pretty well, and I've been happy with them for the most part, even though they needed a very high crossover to the subs.
Last week I installed the first pair of replacement speakers for the Front Tops, and this week I'll install the second replacement pair. They are not ML speakers. Partial disclosure, I knew I wanted these new speakers for a long time because I've heard them in another installation, and I needed ceiling mounted speakers. They are made for outdoor usage and come with really nice brackets, and they ACTUALLY measure down to 49Hz, which is about 70Hz better than the 4i actually measured so it's a great improvement.
I'm saying all this for background info, and to say that you should get very competent speakers when possible. For me, this was possible a month ago.
Also, when I installed the 4i speakers I used 45º as the angle shown in Dolby ATMOS diagrams from MLP to the plane of the Front and Rear Tops. Now I'm using 50º and it seems to work a lot better for overhead sounds. This is measured from MLP to a line drawn between the front or rear pair of Top speakers, not from MLP directly to EACH speaker which will lower the angle.
Last week I installed the first pair of replacement speakers for the Front Tops, and this week I'll install the second replacement pair. They are not ML speakers. Partial disclosure, I knew I wanted these new speakers for a long time because I've heard them in another installation, and I needed ceiling mounted speakers. They are made for outdoor usage and come with really nice brackets, and they ACTUALLY measure down to 49Hz, which is about 70Hz better than the 4i actually measured so it's a great improvement.
I'm saying all this for background info, and to say that you should get very competent speakers when possible. For me, this was possible a month ago.
Also, when I installed the 4i speakers I used 45º as the angle shown in Dolby ATMOS diagrams from MLP to the plane of the Front and Rear Tops. Now I'm using 50º and it seems to work a lot better for overhead sounds. This is measured from MLP to a line drawn between the front or rear pair of Top speakers, not from MLP directly to EACH speaker which will lower the angle.
Thanks. I do have a spare set of Vanquish speakers. They seem like they may do the trick. From watching some videos people say that the front speakers arent heard very well since they are so off axis from the listening position. My vanquish have angled tweeter and midrange speakers that may work well. Thoughts? Or is a generic downfiring speaker preffered?
Couple things about placement and off-axis.
Yes, being able to angle the speakers helps a lot and makes them more enjoyable. This is something I have been able to easily accomplish with mounting speakers onto the ceiling vs being flush with the ceiling. My ceiling is my roof, it's a cathedral ceiling, so I am not able to recess anything into it without compromising the insulating value greatly (and I'm in a cold climate in Winter). So, my speakers hang below the ceiling so I can angle them any which way I want.
Secondly, I think it's better when the x.x.4 speakers are closer to the MLP so they are at the higher angle as shown in the Dolby setup sheet. In other words, it's much better to be more overhead than farther away.
Yes, being able to angle the speakers helps a lot and makes them more enjoyable. This is something I have been able to easily accomplish with mounting speakers onto the ceiling vs being flush with the ceiling. My ceiling is my roof, it's a cathedral ceiling, so I am not able to recess anything into it without compromising the insulating value greatly (and I'm in a cold climate in Winter). So, my speakers hang below the ceiling so I can angle them any which way I want.
Secondly, I think it's better when the x.x.4 speakers are closer to the MLP so they are at the higher angle as shown in the Dolby setup sheet. In other words, it's much better to be more overhead than farther away.
Fidji99
Well-known member
hi
my 2 cents - https://www.trinnov.com/en/blog/posts/trinnov-speaker-layout-guide/ might,look bit overwhelming at first read, but guides you through all the possible,scenarios and setups. Worth keeping for referemce.
then there is a. guy tirelessly mapping Atmos mixes https://www.avsforum.com/threads/atmos-mixes-9-1-6-channel-activity.3292223/#replies and in 90% of the cases you see rather limited use of overheads. And they will be used simultaneuosly with ear level speakers.
In my experience - anything with 5.25, ideally 6.5 woofer will do, heavy lifiting is done by ear level channels, so I would concentrate on proper positioning of overheads, would not be afraid to go slightly higher with crossover (e.g.90/100hz) to avoid distortion.
Focus on subs integration and quality this will be the differentiator. Looking at Helos specs. they should do just fine,
my 2 cents - https://www.trinnov.com/en/blog/posts/trinnov-speaker-layout-guide/ might,look bit overwhelming at first read, but guides you through all the possible,scenarios and setups. Worth keeping for referemce.
then there is a. guy tirelessly mapping Atmos mixes https://www.avsforum.com/threads/atmos-mixes-9-1-6-channel-activity.3292223/#replies and in 90% of the cases you see rather limited use of overheads. And they will be used simultaneuosly with ear level speakers.
In my experience - anything with 5.25, ideally 6.5 woofer will do, heavy lifiting is done by ear level channels, so I would concentrate on proper positioning of overheads, would not be afraid to go slightly higher with crossover (e.g.90/100hz) to avoid distortion.
Focus on subs integration and quality this will be the differentiator. Looking at Helos specs. they should do just fine,
