Finished the new setup inspired by yours.
Love the Kallax under the desk
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Finished the new setup inspired by yours.
Love the Kallax under the desk
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Thanks for the nice comments :)
And yeah a decluttered life is a goal to work towards for sure. I find a bright clean place just puts me in a better mood.
It's light out right now so I can't show it off well, but here's a stock photo and link to it:
Pablo
pablo.pablodesigns.com
Thanks, Pargon.
I agree on the wasted potential of Sonos not broadening their portfolio, or connectivity.
Since I no longer run higher end full system discreets, I've been considering a *very* pared back multi-channel soundbar for media, alongside a dedicated higher end 2.0/2.1 for music.
Samsung's 950a excels at having a fuller Atmos immersion (relative to other soundbars), but falls short of Sonos on imaging/quality. Not loving B&O's or B&W's options, and Sennheiser Ambeo + sub might not be enough either.
An Arc with Fives as L/R front channels, sub(s) and surrounds would be great, but that's not currently configurable.
Phenomenal. Truly. A killer setup, though I can't say I'm surprised.
I think you should hide the Apple TV and PS5 controllers in your family room, though. They look dinky on that big media center. What's the size of the TV? 65 or 77?
Are you just using TV audio?
In any case, heck of a place!
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Thanks! To answer your questions, yeah, I am using TV audio. I had a soundbar (Sony HTZ9F) before but found too many issues with eARC (would have to restart both sometimes or would need to play with delays). So I've been waiting for a good soundbar with HDMI 2.1 passthrough and they are slowly coming out. I agree with you generally around hiding them until I have something like a soundbar to fill that area again - I'll try that this weekend. Both TVs are 65".
EDIT - With the new PS5 beta coming out, I'll probably wait even longer for a new soundbar as well since the PS5 3D audio will work with just TV speakers.
Is this a Step Brothers reference? Because I laughed my ass off at this comment and it made me think of the "fucking Catalina Wine Mixer"
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Big update. Still want to do some adjustments but here is my new setup for next couple of years. Taken from multiple angles:
My Living Room - PS5, Xbox Series X, Apple TV 4K, LG C1
Note: I can remove the reflections as the TV comes out and the electronic blinds easily go up and down
My Office w/ Standing Desk - Apple MacBook Air M1, LG Ultrafine 5K, iPad Pro
My Bedroom - Apple TV 4K (Hidden), Switch (Hidden), LG CX
The return of the GOAT setup since Chittagong seems relegated to the old place. How do you find build quality of Trump tower / 1151 West Georgia st?
Apart from addition to PS5 my setup is identical setup from last year. Finally decided to buy a place this year, thought we found really nice apartment in lower Lonsdale but were pipped last minute but hope to post set-up once we finalize purchase.
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I got a 4x4 Kallax with various cupboard and drawer inserts last year and it's made a huge difference to the clutter that was on my gaming PC desk/TV unit/bedside table etc. Really helps with the minimalist look and makes dusting easier, which is why I'm now dusting regularly 🤣
Where did you get that wall art and frame?I don't have any updated setup pics, but I did get these neat looking portraits from some game shop I visited to hang up.
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The build quality is incredible. Very happy. And yeah, no longer Trump branded at all. Strata dropped the name once the hotel part went bankrupt. It's now called 1151 Residences. So happy about that.
If you're looking for places, and concerned about build quality - avoid any made by Westbank Corp. Which is a lot of them. Good luck on your search!
You are absolutely right you cannot pair dedicated front speakers to the beam.
The pair of Fives and and the Sub are for music, the beam is there to replace the TV speakers.
It is surprisingly potent in doing that but is of course no replacement for a dedicated surround system at all.
95% of the time I use my headset for gaming, the beam is just there for watching netflix shows.
Indeed ;)
What chair is this? oôHave some work to do, but new apartment shots in Nashville. Need to work on cable management, hang pictures, and get the PS5 and PC off the floor!
Desk: LG 34" Ultrawide, Uplift V2 60x30, MBP 2018, Airpods Pro, Sonos Roam, Omni 20+, Steelcase Gesture, super old iPad (sidecar)
Den: LG C9 55" Sanus articulating wall mount, Apple TV 4K, Sonos ARC, 2x Sonos One SL, PS5, PC: 9900k/3080.
Steelcase Gesture. Expensive, but worth it. You can adjust it in just about any way imaginable.
Damn, like 1000 bucks. You were not kidding when u said its expensive! but nice! it looks comfy as fuck!
Finished the new setup inspired by yours.
Love the Kallax under the desk
Nice! That looks fantastic!
This type of art was made for the old-timey games! They truly look amazing!I don't have any updated setup pics, but I did get these neat looking portraits from some game shop I visited to hang up.
I just got the monitor about a week or so ago and I'm having trouble properly setting it up too... For some reason the monitor doesn't detect the PS5 as a console, no Game Mode, no Magic Bright, etc.
that sounds like someone who sells helicopters and is secretive about it
Jk, always super hyped to see your stuff
Some game shop I can't remember the name, but it seems like you can order these online through somewhere like Amazon (search for "Pixel Frames")
I bought my first place (a townhouse in a community near a golf course) recently, and I just finished getting all of the major stuff put in and set up. Figured I would share again.
For the primary work/gaming area, I turned the loft area just outside of my bedroom into an office/gaming area. I put some posters I had framed in an apartment I lived in a long time ago up (mostly to cover up some nail holes that I've filled but haven't touched up yet). However, I'm also looking for prints, artwork, etc. related to some of my favorite series (e.g. Zelda, Metroid, Fire Emblem, Xenoblade) to put up on the walls instead of the Smash 4 posters I have (though I'm keeping the Bayo 2 poster up there), and to also fill up some of the remaining walls that currently feel a bit empty. If any of you have recommendations for good sources of that stuff, I'd love to hear them so I can slowly add some decor upstairs.
Here's the overall view once you come up the stairs:
Sitting in the armchairs in front of the TV where my Switch and SNES Classic sit (I do need to work on cable management here, but I need to figure out how to approach it):
Couple of views of the desk where I work and play games on PC:
There's a small portable monitor under the monitor riser that I use for work since I need dual monitors in order to view spreadsheets and emails while I work on plans, and the portable monitor works best for that given the real estate I have available on my desk. If I need a second screen to look up stuff while I'm gaming or otherwise doing leisure stuff, I just use my iPad and will switch my keyboard over to it, and keep the portable monitor tucked under the desk when it's not in use.
Bonus view of the living room:
I plan on replacing the TV in the living room fairly soon since it's an old, heavy flatscreen from 2011 that has some minor (but noticeable) damage on the screen when you turn it on, but I'll live with it for now.
For the primary work/gaming area, I turned the loft area just outside of my bedroom into an office/gaming area. I put some posters I had framed in an apartment I lived in a long time ago up (mostly to cover up some nail holes that I've filled but haven't touched up yet). However, I'm also looking for prints, artwork, etc. related to some of my favorite series (e.g. Zelda, Metroid, Fire Emblem, Xenoblade) to put up on the walls instead of the Smash 4 posters I have (though I'm keeping the Bayo 2 poster up there), and to also fill up some of the remaining walls that currently feel a bit empty. If any of you have recommendations for good sources of that stuff, I'd love to hear them so I can slowly add some decor upstairs.
Here's the overall view once you come up the stairs:
Sitting in the armchairs in front of the TV where my Switch and SNES Classic sit (I do need to work on cable management here, but I need to figure out how to approach it):
Couple of views of the desk where I work and play games on PC:
There's a small portable monitor under the monitor riser that I use for work since I need dual monitors in order to view spreadsheets and emails while I work on plans, and the portable monitor works best for that given the real estate I have available on my desk. If I need a second screen to look up stuff while I'm gaming or otherwise doing leisure stuff, I just use my iPad and will switch my keyboard over to it, and keep the portable monitor tucked under the desk when it's not in use.
Gaming PC: RTX 2070 Super, i7-10700k, 16GB RAM
Peripherals/other items: Logitech G502 mouse, Razer Tartarus keypad, Logitech K780 keyboard, iPad 6th gen, Steelseries Arctis 1 Wireless, Xbox Core Controller + PowerA Dual Charging Station, Audioengine A1 speakers
Peripherals/other items: Logitech G502 mouse, Razer Tartarus keypad, Logitech K780 keyboard, iPad 6th gen, Steelseries Arctis 1 Wireless, Xbox Core Controller + PowerA Dual Charging Station, Audioengine A1 speakers
Bonus view of the living room:
I plan on replacing the TV in the living room fairly soon since it's an old, heavy flatscreen from 2011 that has some minor (but noticeable) damage on the screen when you turn it on, but I'll live with it for now.
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It really is. I have no problem recommending it, event at that price.
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So in a good way you triggered me. I was like yeah, why am I just using TV audio? I hooked back up my Sony HTZ9F soundbar and realised this is considerably better but the eARC issues w/ LG C1 are annoying which is why I unhooked it. So I'm going to go out today and buy an LG SP8YA or SP9YA soundbar which is the 2021 model that works better with this TV.
It also has a decent wireless rear speaker option incase I do want to explore a surround option, but my place isn't conducive to surround sound.
I'll have a new picture or two at end of today once I've set up whichever of the two soundbars I'll be getting.
I'm surprised you'd buy an LG sound bar rather than Sonos, which seems to be the high-end mainstream choice - particularly the Arc.
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Well I'm all in on the Apple ecosystem so I got multiple HomePods over the house. So there goes 1 reason for having a Sonos system.
Next I rather something that just works more reliably from both a control and feature standpoint with my LG C1. The 2021 LG soundbars use the chips on the LG 2021 TVs to do a better job with sound. It's called TV Sound Mode Share feature on the new LG's:
Sonos integrates well with AirPlay setups in my experience.
I've had other AirPlay-compatible speakers that did not (the Bose Portable Smart Speaker, for example).
The "sound mode share" thing sounds like a gimmick.
If you're having to switch sound modes on your speakers often, depending on the type of content being played - those are bad speakers.
If you're more comfortable pairing an LG soundbar with an LG TV, by all means do, but eARC should work correctly regardless of the brand.
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Sonos Arc Review
The Sonos Arc is the manufacturer's flagship soundbar released in 2020. It's a smart soundbar with built-in voice assistant capabilities designed for easy integr...
www.rtings.com
LG SP8YA Review
The LG SP8YA is a 3.1.2 setup from 2021. It's the next generation of the LG SN8YG, and it comes with more EQ presets and a 2021 LG TV AI Processor that's adverti...
www.rtings.com
Looks like RTINGS prefers the LG SP8YA over the Sonos Arc soundbar. But even if they were even, why wouldn't I want to go with same ecosystem then? I would understand if the Sonos Arc was destroying the new LG soundbar in reviews, but looks like the 2021 LG models are doing quite well.
Thanks, and nice setups.You are absolutely right you cannot pair dedicated front speakers to the beam.
The pair of Fives and and the Sub are for music, the beam is there to replace the TV speakers.
It is surprisingly potent in doing that but is of course no replacement for a dedicated surround system at all.
95% of the time I use my headset for gaming, the beam is just there for watching netflix shows.
Do soundbars really give good sound? Gotta be honest, I never heard one that I thought sounded good. But I haven't heard enough to make that much of an informed opinion about them.
I think you are generally better off buying a two or three speakers and a cheap amp. Better bang for the buck audio. But some people don't have/want the space for speakers.
So if it's between a sound bar or tv audio I think you're 100% better off with the bar.
I'll just say that I don't value RTINGS' opinion on things very much these days after seeing what they overlook or excuse in some of their reviews/testing methodology.Sonos Arc Review
The Sonos Arc is the manufacturer's flagship soundbar released in 2020. It's a smart soundbar with built-in voice assistant capabilities designed for easy integr...
LG SP8YA Review
The LG SP8YA is a 3.1.2 setup from 2021. It's the next generation of the LG SN8YG, and it comes with more EQ presets and a 2021 LG TV AI Processor that's adverti...
Looks like RTINGS prefers the LG SP8YA over the Sonos Arc soundbar. But even if they were even, why wouldn't I want to go with same ecosystem then? I would understand if the Sonos Arc was destroying the new LG soundbar in reviews, but looks like the 2021 LG models are doing quite well.
Some of their results can be useful if you're looking for specific information, but I wouldn't make a purchase based on their information alone.
This is not to say that the LG sound bars are a bad product, but I'd rather buy Sonos if I was getting a premium sound bar - especially when you have the option to add wireless surrounds/subwoofers to expand it, and because I know that it integrates well with an Apple/AirPlay ecosystem (though it'd be nice if they could support Siri).
I would much rather have a pair of stereo speakers than any soundbar or smart speaker, but I know Tabris is not looking for that - we've had that discussion before.
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Quick update, I ended up getting the LG SP8YA soundbar. Super happy with it. LG TV is able to control it completely including changing sound profiles. It has 0 hassle being in the same ecosystem. It looks good as well.
It's never going to compete against a true speaker system but it is much better than TV speakers. As well I think there was something physically wrong with one of the speakers on my LG TV, as my CX sounded better than my C1. But I was too hassled to get it replaced since it was a pain to unpackage & mount. But really in the end I didn't want to deal with hassle of wires and speakers everywhere - wanted something clean.
But how is that different from the LG's? These new LG soundbars work with AirPlay2 (not just 1), the LG TV works with Homekit so both are powered on/off/volume/etc via Homekit. So may actually be a better integration. And these soundbars come with a wireless subwoofer already, and you can always add wireless surrounds as well as an option:
www.lg.com
And finally going from a Sony HTZ9F (which is comparable to a Sonos) to this LG soundbar, I found the integration between TV and Soundbar was a huge difference for me - it starts up so much faster than the eArc switch w/ the Sony soundbar. I assume same problem with Sonos.
It's never going to compete against a true speaker system but it is much better than TV speakers. As well I think there was something physically wrong with one of the speakers on my LG TV, as my CX sounded better than my C1. But I was too hassled to get it replaced since it was a pain to unpackage & mount. But really in the end I didn't want to deal with hassle of wires and speakers everywhere - wanted something clean.
But how is that different from the LG's? These new LG soundbars work with AirPlay2 (not just 1), the LG TV works with Homekit so both are powered on/off/volume/etc via Homekit. So may actually be a better integration. And these soundbars come with a wireless subwoofer already, and you can always add wireless surrounds as well as an option:
Wireless Surround Sound Kit - SPK8 | LG CA
Discover LG SPK8. Click for pictures, reviews, and tech specs for the LG Wireless Surround Sound Kit .
www.lg.com
And finally going from a Sony HTZ9F (which is comparable to a Sonos) to this LG soundbar, I found the integration between TV and Soundbar was a huge difference for me - it starts up so much faster than the eArc switch w/ the Sony soundbar. I assume same problem with Sonos.
Quick update, I ended up getting the LG SP8YA soundbar. Super happy with it. LG TV is able to control it completely including changing sound profiles. It has 0 hassle being in the same ecosystem. It looks good as well.
It's never going to compete against a true speaker system but it is much better than TV speakers. As well I think there was something physically wrong with one of the speakers on my LG TV, as my CX sounded better than my C1. But I was too hassled to get it replaced since it was a pain to unpackage & mount. But really in the end I didn't want to deal with hassle of wires and speakers everywhere - wanted something clean.
But how is that different from the LG's? These new LG soundbars work with AirPlay2 (not just 1), the LG TV works with Homekit so both are powered on/off/volume/etc via Homekit. So may actually be a better integration. And these soundbars come with a wireless subwoofer already, and you can always add wireless surrounds as well as an option:
Wireless Surround Sound Kit - SPK8 | LG CA
Discover LG SPK8. Click for pictures, reviews, and tech specs for the LG Wireless Surround Sound Kit .
And finally going from a Sony HTZ9F (which is comparable to a Sonos) to this LG soundbar, I found the integration between TV and Soundbar was a huge difference for me - it starts up so much faster than the eArc switch w/ the Sony soundbar. I assume same problem with Sonos.
The LG soundbar looks great! Matches really well with your setup!
I agree about trying to keep everything within the same brand/ecosystem. Better integration plus I think it just looks better instead of mixing and matching different brands.
I recently picked up an LG CX myself and have been looking into some form of external audio setup. I actually think that the TV speakers are surprisingly good but obviously cannot beat out a soundbar or speakers.
My biggest concern is a soundbar blocking off the TV as I haven't mounted mine.
I have ordered some speakers and stands so might update photos in a few days once I have it setup.
It is one thing to support AirPlay (2), but another to actually support it well.
I've had bad experiences with many third-party implementations across different brands (Bose being the most recent) where AirPlay either does not work reliably, or does not work across all setups in ways that Apple devices do.
Sonos devices have performed exactly like Apple devices for me - which is to say that I've had no issues whatsoever.
Again: this was not a statement about LG making bad products, but that they are unknown to me, while Sonos products have a well known reputation and do work reliably in my experience.
I'm sure you can also see the irony in someone saying: "the speakers on my LG TV are disappointing, I'd better buy another LG speaker to replace it."
It's not really the same as Sonos where you can add a pair of more substantial subwoofers, have different options for upgrades (ikea symfonisk, sonos ones/fives), and the speakers can act independently - though the latter probably doesn't mean much to you when you have HomePods elsewhere.And these soundbars come with a wireless subwoofer already, and you can always add wireless surrounds as well as an option:
Wireless Surround Sound Kit - SPK8 | LG CA
Discover LG SPK8. Click for pictures, reviews, and tech specs for the LG Wireless Surround Sound Kit .
Ultimately, none of this is as important as being happy with the new LG sound bar - and it sounds like you are.
I just thought you of all people would have been lining up to buy Sonos, as that seems like the obvious high-end mainstream choice.
If you're ever looking to upgrade later on to something that still matches your minimalist aesthetic while offering fuller sound, check out some of Braun's stuff. Here are examples of their recent wireless range:
I have a Samsung q90r soundbar. It does an excellent job simulating Atmos(this will largely depend on the layout of your media room though). I wanted something wireless which is why I went with the soundbar because I couldn't easily hide wires in my setup. It gives excellent sound when I'm gaming and watching movies, for music it does a decent job but I lean more towards a 2.1 setup or just a 2 speaker setup even if I only wanted it for music. If budget was an issue I'd still stick with a decent 2.1 setup instead of going the soundbar route. Unfortunately with new consoles it only makes sense to go with a receiver or soundbar imo due to everything being so HDMI centric.
Those Braun's you linked r sexyIf you're ever looking to upgrade later on to something that still matches your minimalist aesthetic while offering fuller sound, check out some of Braun's stuff. Here are examples of their recent wireless range:
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