Seeking advice for speakers for my Family Room

@auxinput @searchingforthesound @soundmd @sandthemall @fleschler @maxwave 

@b_limo @larry5729 

Thinking ahead a bit. Let's say i have done some room treatments (rugs, acoustic panel or 2 on the side wall, covering the windows with thick drapes, moving the front speakers in front of the now-covered windows etc.

Do you all think I should then invest in a receiver with Dirac Live (since it's considered best room correction software compared to Audussey, YPAO, ARC) vs any others? Thinking along the lines of trying to get all the help I can to address my difficult room.

I have returned my Denon 3700H, so that is no longer a consideration, so, am basically open to any receiver. I don't think i am quite at the level of going seperates, so AVR it is.... I was leaning toward Marantz 5015 (but it only has Audussey XT, not even Audussey XT 32), moving up to 6015 is $2k already...

Any suggestions on the AVR to use? I don't really care about the power of the amp section since I will be getting an external Class D power Amp (like the VTV Purifi stereo or 3 channels) to power my L, C, R anyway. So the AVR will only be powering the surrounds.

Given my speakers are the SF Lumina V (4 ohms)...Listening is HT/Music at 60/40 and would like to play at loud volumes @2.1 or 2 channel audio for parties and such for a few hours at a time....

kgtunse,

You might take a look at the NAD T788. Kind of pricey, but when you add the MDC2 BluOS-D module to it (for $549 more) you get Dirac Live Room Correction  and a nice music streamer together.  Check out the NAD T788 review on AV Forums from Oct. 2020 for more info.  I would say whatever you do, don't make any equipment changes until you have done the room acoustic changes. I think you'll be surprised  at the sound improvement. This will also allow you to make a more informed choice if you have a chance to audition any gear in your space. You are correct that the open Kitchen space behind you is working somewhat to your advantage. 

I don't know if you do any streaming, but I just replaced a Sonos with a Bluesound Node in my system last night.  Sounds much better, soundstage and imaging are improved.  I'm waiting for my Denafrips Pontus II to arrive so I can bypass the DAC in the Node.  

I'm not really a fan of room correction and I have really tried working with Dirac.  Others have different opinions.

If you are not going to use the amp part of the receiver, you are actually better off getting a processor.  Look for a used Marantz AV7702 MKII, AV7703, AV7704, or AV7704.  These are very commonly on ebay for $1000-1800.

I think I have also seen the Anthem AVM-60 near the $2k mark.  That's also a good item.

I forgot to add;  Check out Anthem MRX receivers or separates. I think they sound great and they have a plethora of control features.  Their room correction program is very good.  I've heard them in multiple systems and they always sound good, especially in difficult rooms.

Yes , I though that the kitchen , being separated from the living room could help.

An easy way to warm up the room , and being removed , when not in use.

I am far from being an expert about room acoustic.

I also think , that at different volume , loudness , the acoustic change.  What sound good at a certain level , may sound terrible at a higher volume . If your room is not well treated.

Others may correct me if I am wrong