New Home Cinema: KEF R7 Meta, 6 Meta, 3 Meta with Marantz Cinema 40 AVR, but which Amp and Subs?

[mxmzd]

Hi everyone,

I'm in the lucky position to set up my own home cinema in a basement room (30 sqm + 5 sqm behind a curtain/absorber, 2.5m height). The space will be lightly optimized with wall panels and carpet. My planned usage is approximately 50% gaming, 30% music, and 20% movies.

Current Setup & Preferences:​

• Current Speakers in the living room: KEF LS50W2 + Arendal 1723 1S sub
• Initial Considerations: Nubert speakers (NuVero 140), but I’m re-evaluating based on their current trajectory. Canton Reference Series due to internet research.

Recent Listening Experience:​

I recently visited a local HiFi dealer for the Canton Reference Series and listened to:

• Canton Reference Series:
  • Reference 3: Impressive sound that I really loved, but found a bit straining for long sessions. If they wouldn't be so pricey and huge, I would have probably taken them home right-away.
  • Reference 7: Lacked extension for my taste. I wanted to listen to the Reference 5, but they were out of stock.
• KEF R7 Meta: Was recommended by the sales rep given my preferred usage and the existing LS50W2. I was surprised by their soundstage and extension. A bit less details as the Cantons, but very strong given the price difference. Very enjoyable and laid-back.

While I liked the analytical sound of the Canton Reference 3, the R7 Meta seemed a bit more relaxed and is much cheaper. The KEF R7 Meta was the recommendation from the dealer, especially as a full home cinema with the Canton Reference (the 5 would have been my "wish") would be too much for the room and probably also financially. The Reference 9 would not have fit in the back and are quite expensive.

The current goal would be: R7 Meta in the Front, R6 Meta Center, R3 Meta in the back. KEF Ci200.2CR as two Atmos speakers.

If there are any other speakers, that are available in Germany, that I should listen to, let me know

Amplification Questions:​

I’m considering the Marantz Cinema 40 for the receiver so I can utilize DIRAC. The dealer recommended adding an external amp for the front speakers, suggesting either the Rotel RB-1582 MKII or Musical Fidelity M6x 250.4/2. I was also thinking about the Apollon NCx500 ST.

Question: Is an additional amp advisable, and which would pair best with the R7 Meta?

Subwoofer Considerations:​

I currently own one Arendal 1723 1S and plan to get another two for the home cinema. The dealer suggested the KEF KC92 or Elac DS1200-GB if I want more force, but I found the KC62 lacking and don't see the need to get a "small" sub like the KC92. The Arendals are like 1700 EUR each where I live.

Question: Should I just stick with Arendal and get two 1723 1S for the Home Cinema or are there other recommendations?

Atmos Speakers:​

For the Atmos speakers, he recommended the KEF Ci200.2CR, which I think should suffice.

I’d appreciate any insights or suggestions you all might have! Thank you!

 

[napfkuchen]

Since the Cinema 40 receiver has enough connections anyway, I would use 4 height channels. From what I've read so far about in-wall speakers, I would choose "real" speakers here. The Kef LS 50 Meta e.g. have screw threads on the bottom and can be aligned directly to the listening position using wall/ceiling brackets.
As far as the additional power amplifier is concerned, I would first wait and see whether it is even needed given your listening habits (volume and crossover frequency to the subwoofers).
When it comes to the subwoofer, I wouldn't make a compromise like the KC92 because there is certainly enough space for another Arendal subwoofer.

Good luck with your project.

 

[Daka]

I would reconsider skimping on 3 Meta to get used cheaper R3. Try to get audition with cinema 30 vs 40 - when it comes to channel separation seems to be a clear step up - only question is it big enough for you if used with external amps.

Ps. Sounds like someone is replicating my setup lol - I have R7 meta, R6 and R3s with Monitor audio ceiling speakers (c265IDC) and two Arendals 1723 S1 subs (came from kf92/kc62) with Arcam av41 AVR/NAD M28/Arcam P410

 

[Matias]

NCx500 for the front trio, SVS subs is what I would choose.

 

[mxmzd]

@Daka: That’s awesome! How do you like your setup, what would you change and how big is your room? I may opt for the R3 non-meta, if they come up pre-owned.

The NCx500 is not going to be cheap (2k-2,8k EUR, depending on the channels), but I’ve heard often times that the impedance dips pretty low and demands a strong amp.

From what I understand, the Arendal 1723 S1 and the SVS are pretty on-par, even price wise here in Germany.

 

[Daka]

When the content is of high quality, the R Meta speaker delivers an astonishing holographic soundstage. I recently watched the White Lotus series and was impressed by the exceptional ambience surround and music that created a captivating atmosphere.
In terms of music, I have noticed a significant improvement in sound quality with the R3 Meta speaker compared to the R3. However, for surround duties, even the R3 may be excessive, as it may not fully utilize the speaker’s capabilities. Nevertheless, it complements the aesthetics of other speakers. The only addition I would make is to add wides. My room is small, measuring 4x4 meters, but we are planning to upsize. In that case, I would consider placing on-wall or in-wall speakers for surround duties, depending on the room’s layout. Even the CI160-THX would likely perform well enough. I have subwoofers placed behind the sofa, which provide additional tactile feedback and enhance the overall sound experience. Arendals’ support is comparable to SVS’s, and they have proven to be reliable and effective.