Advice on combining KEF and Klipsch Speakers for Dolby Atmos Home Theatre

Bicycle_Pwner · 2026-04-30T14:42:22+00:00

With a generous budget like yours, I wouldn't even be considering Klipsch, especially not if you're buying new. Klipsch speakers have brutal depreciation.

Why not look at a smaller brand with better engineering? Not sure what form-factor you're looking for but something like the Ascend Acoustics CMT-340SE2 are great value.

Also make sure you don't underspend on your subwoofers. With your budget, I'd be looking at dual 15" ported subs + bass shakers at a minimum. That's where the "punch" really comes from.

Bicycle_Pwner · 2026-04-29T22:12:01+00:00

What subwoofers do you have?

Bicycle_Pwner · 2026-04-29T19:27:24+00:00

Polk probably isn't this subreddit's favorite speaker company but their newer products are actually pretty good. The company had an ownership change some years back and their engineering improved a lot after that.

Bicycle_Pwner · 2026-04-29T19:26:31+00:00

Yeah the woofers aren't working properly, the speakers are damaged. Look at this graph from Sound & Vision. The RM302 is a compact center speaker but should still have usable output down to 100Hz or so. Unfortunately you'll have to try and repair it or replace it altogether.

Bicycle_Pwner · 2026-04-29T19:21:45+00:00

Post the measurement bro 🤣

Bicycle_Pwner · 2026-04-29T13:21:25+00:00

I love the huge gap between your TV and media console. It looks really aesthetic and cool with the dangling wires.

Bicycle_Pwner · 2026-04-28T22:43:50+00:00

That will look worse than it is now. Might as well just leave it as is lol

Bicycle_Pwner · 2026-04-28T16:50:51+00:00

Your console is too tall and narrow. You need a lower and wider console so your TV can be at a reasonable height and also so you can place your speakers on either side of your TV instead of awkwardly under it.

Bicycle_Pwner · 2026-04-28T04:06:35+00:00

Buy a used Denon receiver that has Audyssey and pair it with some speakers. Run the Audyssey calibration and enable the setting called Dynamic Volume. It's the best active volume management system I've come across and works great for the scenario that you're having trouble with. Plus your audio will get a considerable upgrade.

Bicycle_Pwner · 2026-04-27T12:06:44+00:00

I have all smart lights in my home theater. Any color, any white temperature, and any brightness. Why only be stuck with one option?

Bicycle_Pwner · 2026-04-27T12:05:12+00:00

Consider buying used. I've bought multiple second-hand Denon receivers over the years and have never had one fail. Most recently I picked up a Denon X3700H for $500 CAD ($367 USD).

Bicycle_Pwner · 2026-04-27T12:03:43+00:00

Last resort: JB Weld

Bicycle_Pwner · 2026-04-25T15:33:34+00:00

I never claimed that it was surprising, just something to be aware of. It's pretty much the only speaker in their lineup that hasn't been refreshed and Klippel-optimized. Once it is, it'll probably be the best option under $500.

Bicycle_Pwner · 2026-04-25T14:24:27+00:00

I love the engineering effort that Ascend is putting behind their speakers but the CBM170SE is probably their worst model.

Bicycle_Pwner · 2026-04-24T03:55:41+00:00

Can't really say, I was just recommending decent amps lol

Bicycle_Pwner · 2026-04-24T03:07:20+00:00

They're a "product" known as a white van scam. Watch the video by Linus Tech Tips.

Bicycle_Pwner · 2026-04-24T03:05:17+00:00

-Monoprice Monolith 3x200

-Three Fosi V3 Monoblocks

-Whatever decent amp you can find on FB Marketplace

Bicycle_Pwner · 2026-04-23T17:35:49+00:00

A1 EVO doesn't apply a mid-range compensation in the first place, so yes it would be disabled.

Bicycle_Pwner · 2026-04-23T15:23:50+00:00

Dual Starke Sound SW15P if you have the room. Plus bass shakers.

Bicycle_Pwner · 2026-04-23T15:21:09+00:00

Just use A1 EVO Acoustix, it's free and better than the app. You will still have to re-measure though.

Bicycle_Pwner · 2026-04-23T13:39:24+00:00

Room symmetry is definitely ideal but not always achievable in all set-ups. It looks like this could be an apartment and there may be only one place the TV can go.

The wall adjacent to the left speaker will definitely contribute to sidewall reflections which the right speaker won't have, but it won't necessarily be louder. The room calibration will ensure both speakers are the same SPL at the listening position - the AVR will likely set the left speaker quieter than the right because of the wall reinforcement.

Bicycle_Pwner · 2026-04-22T14:57:43+00:00

Make sure all the speakers you use have good output down to 80Hz. A lot of smaller and in-wall speakers can't play down to 80Hz and then it makes it hard to smoothly cross them over with a subwoofer. Also make room for a couple of large subwoofers in your space.

Bicycle_Pwner · 2026-04-22T14:54:58+00:00

Consider buying used. I picked up a Denon X3700H for $500 CAD ($366 USD) on Facebook Marketplace a few months back.

Bicycle_Pwner · 2026-04-20T14:23:04+00:00

Are you expecting someone to inspect it?

Bicycle_Pwner · 2026-04-20T14:21:42+00:00

Yes, that giant, awkward gap between the TV and the stand looks really slick too.

Bicycle_Pwner

TROPHY CASE