http://www.highdefforum.com A place to learn more about speakers, their functionality and how they can complement your entertainment experience. en Fri, 20 Nov 2009 22:33:13 GMT vBulletin 60 http://www.highdefforum.com/images/misc/rss.jpg http://www.highdefforum.com http://www.highdefforum.com/speakers-surround-sound/103867-query-regarding-wall-speaker-wires.html Fri, 20 Nov 2009 07:28:44 GMT Hello,

i was trying to hook up my HTIB (Sony BDV-E300) speakers and had a question.
I was planning to take the wires going to the 1)center 2)front-right and 3) front-left speakers "in-wall" from the console/blue-ray player cabinet to the location of the speakers above the wall mounted LCD TV.

I just realized that I will have to get one of those "in-wall" rated speaker wires?
1) If so, any recommendations? I saw a few wires on Monoprice but couldnt decide on the gauge of wire to use.

2) The HTIB-supplied speaker wire connects to my Blue ray player (Sony) via a proprietary/molded jack/adapter. So I guess I will have to get the in-wall speaker wire and use it as an extension by connecting it to the other end of the HTIB-provided wire before going into the wall. If this is a correct way, my question is, should the "in-wall" speaker wire that I purchase be of the same type (gauge) as the HTIB speaker wire?

I would appreciate any suggestions. ]]> hdtvnewbie007 http://www.highdefforum.com/speakers-surround-sound/103867-query-regarding-wall-speaker-wires.html http://www.highdefforum.com/speakers-surround-sound/103859-do-i-need-toslink-selector.html Fri, 20 Nov 2009 01:17:07 GMT I bought a 50" Samsung plasma yesterday and it came with a free surround sound system. Problem is that there is only one tos input on the receiver and I'd like to get 5.1 from both my Xbox and cable box. Now the TV has an optical output as well but from my understanding it will only put out two channels and a sub if I use it. The tv also has 3 HDMI inputs. I'm assuming that even if I run the HDMI signal to it it still won't decode the 5.1 correct?

cliffs:

Receiver has 1 optical in and 1 HDMI out (dvd player integrated)
Television has 1 optical out and 3 HDMI's in
Xbox has no HDMI out but does have 1 optical
Cable box has one HDMI out and one optical out

Can I get digital from both without buying a a toslink selector accessory?

TIA

edit: So I've been doing a little searching and it looks like I cant get true DD5.1 but I can get PLII. Correct? Can I get 5.1 from my Xbox and digital PLII from the cable box? I think I could live with that but would prefer 5.1 while watching tv too? Are the manual selectors any good if I do need to end up buying one? I've seen some bad reviews of them.

edit2: I don't trust the manual selectors and don't want the extra hassle of buying an electric one so I ended up getting a female coupler off Amazon for $0.67. I'm just going to leave one plugged into the back of my receiver with the adapter glued onto it and leave an optical cable plugged into my Xbox and another to my cable box. I'll just switch them as necessary, it seems like a cheap, reliable alternative to me. ]]> Stir Fry A Lot http://www.highdefforum.com/speakers-surround-sound/103859-do-i-need-toslink-selector.html http://www.highdefforum.com/speakers-surround-sound/103838-volume-question.html Thu, 19 Nov 2009 16:17:31 GMT Is there any significance to the volume labeling on different receivers, specifically some receivers label their volume numerically i.e. from 1 to 40 while others use a db system i.e. -80db to +15db. Do the ones that use -db to + db have any standard scale and/or is their any significance to the... Is there any significance to the volume labeling on different receivers, specifically some receivers label their volume numerically i.e. from 1 to 40 while others use a db system i.e. -80db to +15db. Do the ones that use -db to + db have any standard scale and/or is their any significance to the numbers -do they reference a standard scale of any sort? ]]> jkkyler http://www.highdefforum.com/speakers-surround-sound/103838-volume-question.html http://www.highdefforum.com/speakers-surround-sound/103824-how-far-should-sub-tower-speaker.html Thu, 19 Nov 2009 02:23:47 GMT does it matter? does it matter? ]]> Violent31601 http://www.highdefforum.com/speakers-surround-sound/103824-how-far-should-sub-tower-speaker.html http://www.highdefforum.com/speakers-surround-sound/103810-please-recommend-simple-3-channel-speaker-set.html Wed, 18 Nov 2009 21:21:57 GMT My needs are simple. I currently have a 3-channel (FR, center, and FL) Bose Acoustimass speaker system with the pseudo-subwoofer. This system has served me reasonably well for the past fifteen years, but it has outlived its usefulness. The center channel is completely underpowered. ... My needs are simple. I currently have a 3-channel (FR, center, and FL) Bose Acoustimass speaker system with the pseudo-subwoofer. This system has served me reasonably well for the past fifteen years, but it has outlived its usefulness. The center channel is completely underpowered. Consequently, when watching a movie, the dialogue is constantly being drowned out by the left and right channels forcing me to increase and decrease the volume.

First, here is what I DON'T want. I do not want a subwoofer. I don't care about rattling the upstairs windows. I don't want a subwoofer sitting out in the room somewhere. This would force me to run wires and that is out of the question. I just want something with reasonable bass response. I am not trying to duplicate a theater experience at home.

I have a nice built-in entertainment center that will accommodate bookshelf speakers. I think that is the way I'm leaning at this point. My budget will be around $300 or so. Any recommendations are appreciated. TIA. ]]> DevilsFan http://www.highdefforum.com/speakers-surround-sound/103810-please-recommend-simple-3-channel-speaker-set.html http://www.highdefforum.com/speakers-surround-sound/103779-polk-audio-monitor-60-recommended-power.html Tue, 17 Nov 2009 23:29:44 GMT Hey guys, I just picked up a pair of Monitor 60s from Newegg and am very happy with them. I am currently running a Kenwood receiver that puts out 100W/channel, but will be upgrading to a Denon AVR-1910 (90W/channel) around Christmas. My quick question is (and I think I know the answer, but... Hey guys,

I just picked up a pair of Monitor 60s from Newegg and am very happy with them. I am currently running a Kenwood receiver that puts out 100W/channel, but will be upgrading to a Denon AVR-1910 (90W/channel) around Christmas.

My quick question is (and I think I know the answer, but want to make sure with the folks here at high def forum), am I at risk of underpowering the speakers? I know it is recommended that they run between 20 and 200W, but I'm a little paranoid about this whole underpowering phenomenon.

Thanks in advance! ]]> dip_n_ride http://www.highdefforum.com/speakers-surround-sound/103779-polk-audio-monitor-60-recommended-power.html http://www.highdefforum.com/speakers-surround-sound/103708-need-check-my-levels-decibel-meter.html Mon, 16 Nov 2009 10:52:17 GMT Any suggestions for a audio/sound meter? I need to check the levels on my speakers. The sound seems kind of off on one of them but I can't be sure with out exact measurements.

I can spend from about $95-$200. ]]> Foster Kane http://www.highdefforum.com/speakers-surround-sound/103708-need-check-my-levels-decibel-meter.html http://www.highdefforum.com/speakers-surround-sound/103692-dali-ikon-walls-placement-angle-facing-way.html Mon, 16 Nov 2009 02:00:50 GMT Hi Everyone -

I just got some Dali Ikon On-Walls to go along with my Dali Ikon's and vokal two center.

I am clueless to how to place these on my walls. I have them about 18"-20" inches on the side of me but behind me. However, I am clueless if I should have the angle going downwards or towards my listening area.

Also, how high should this be from ear level? ( and how do I measure this; im regarding should I measure from the bottom of the speaker or top to jujde distance from ear level)

Thanks in advance guys! ]]> monstosity12 http://www.highdefforum.com/speakers-surround-sound/103692-dali-ikon-walls-placement-angle-facing-way.html http://www.highdefforum.com/speakers-surround-sound/103657-new-reciever-help.html Sun, 15 Nov 2009 02:09:46 GMT Ok so ive NEVER been happy with my denon. by the time the speakers are even somewhat loud It turns itself off. Maybe I got an underpowered receiver for my speakers or maybe a bad receiver. Anyway here are my speakers.

BOSE 201 fronts
BOSE 161 Rears
BOSE Center Channel
Klipsch 8" Sub

I basicly want it to be POWERFUL so i can really get it loud for music without worrying about it turning itself off. I Want to get it in Jan with my new tv (looking to be a Pannasonic V10 54") so price is somewhat of an issue as ill be spending alot on the tv. ]]> CrAkD http://www.highdefforum.com/speakers-surround-sound/103657-new-reciever-help.html http://www.highdefforum.com/speakers-surround-sound/103600-audio-video-syncing-question.html Thu, 12 Nov 2009 19:22:35 GMT Hello all,

Not sure if this is the best place to post this, but I've had good luck with you speaker guys before. I know there are a lot of threads like this all over the web but I can't seem to figure out why my system is doing what it is doing, when it is doing it.

I am using a new PS3 for a blu-ray player, which is hooked directly into my receiver via optical cable. The video feed is by way of HDMI directly into my Samsung LCD. I am experiencing audio delay, but only in certain situations. For example, when I watch Dexter, the audio and video is perfectly in sync. But when I watch Watchmen, the audio is probably .5 seconds ahead. This has happened with three or four other blu-rays. For whatever reason, some are in sync, and others are out of sync. I also noticed that the sound is slightly delayed form the HDMI cable when using the TV. Do these signs point to bad blu-rays?

I know that the syncing issue can be remedied with an audio delay on the receiver (I plan on replacing my Kenwood VR-6050 with a Denon 1910 in the coming weeks), but why does it happen with only certain blu-ray discs? I am going to have to adjust the audio delay every time I put a different disc in the PS3? Has anybody else experienced this?

Thanks in advance. ]]> dip_n_ride http://www.highdefforum.com/speakers-surround-sound/103600-audio-video-syncing-question.html http://www.highdefforum.com/speakers-surround-sound/103529-looking-replace-my-current-subwwofer.html Tue, 10 Nov 2009 23:34:48 GMT Looking to replace my current sub since we rearranged the living and now have some size restraints.

I have been using an infinity 12" sub for the past 10yrs which has been working great.

Looking to get a smaller size sub that will still give deep bass. Hoping to spend under $200

Room is about 15' wide, 25' long. Current set up is Onkyo TX-SR506 receiver with Yamaha NS-C225 center channel and Channel vision 6.5" in ceiling front and 5.25" rears

Mostly will be used for movies and TV, occasionally music.

Appearance doesn't matter, height and length dont matter but I need it be be less than 12" wide.

I was thinking of something like Onkyo SKW204, or anything similar, maybe even an 8" woofer if you think it will put out enough bass. ]]> mikereno1 http://www.highdefforum.com/speakers-surround-sound/103529-looking-replace-my-current-subwwofer.html http://www.highdefforum.com/speakers-surround-sound/103478-receiver-multiple-optical-audio-inputs.html Mon, 09 Nov 2009 22:30:16 GMT Hi,

Is there such a thing as a receiver with multiple optical audio inputs?

The reason I'm asking is that I have an HD TiVo and a Apple Mac Mini, both of which have optical audio. I would like to hook both of them up to the receiver but there is only one TOS port. Is there such a thing as a receiver with multiple TOS ports?

If no, what do other people do? I'm not rich. I'm looking for something that doesn't suck but is still affordable.

One key is that I'm looking for something sane. I don't want something where I'm hopping on one foot, rubbing my stomach, patting my head, saying the alphabet backwards and counting to 100 at the same time.

Cost is a factor. I'm married and I have hobbies and so does my wife. This is just part of our lives. ]]> OlsonBW http://www.highdefforum.com/speakers-surround-sound/103478-receiver-multiple-optical-audio-inputs.html http://www.highdefforum.com/speakers-surround-sound/103475-7-1-wall-questions.html Mon, 09 Nov 2009 20:19:17 GMT Building a new home.

Builder wanted 2k to put a 7.1 system in but I couldn't get any answers as to what they were actually installing... So for 150$ I was able to get all wiring for a tv above fire place and wiring for 7.1.

Now I am thinking about getting this receiver:

Denon AVR 1910

But I am not sure what type of speakers...

Also I really do not care if the speakers for the right and left (mains or what ever they are called ) are mounted in the walls, but the other speakers except for the sub are cabled to be mounted on the ceiling. I would like them in the ceiling if possible...

Here are my questions (thanks in advance )

1) Is it worth it to mount them in the ceiling?
2) should I save the money on the install and buy better speakers?
3) what is a good mid priced speaker for this application (say between 100 and 300 each)?
4) is there any way to prevent in wall speakers from using the entire wall as a speaker box?
5) should I stick with the same brand for all 7 speakers?
6) is there any way to set this up so that when listening to music one doesn't have to be sitting in the sweat spot in order for the music to sound good?

Comments, please I could use all the help and advice I can get. ]]> liven http://www.highdefforum.com/speakers-surround-sound/103475-7-1-wall-questions.html http://www.highdefforum.com/speakers-surround-sound/103386-speaker-hiss.html Sun, 08 Nov 2009 00:18:51 GMT I just hooked up my Panasonic SC-HT56 surround receiver and after getting everything fixed and set up... I discovered a hissing sound coming from all 5 channels! :banghead:

I didn't have this issue when I had another Panny HTIB hooked up and am using the exact same equipment as I was before (excluding the new receiver/speakers, obviously).

I hear the hiss when watching TV *and* watching a Blu-Ray and I do hear it when everything is muted.

Does anyone have any suggestions on how to eliminate this? ]]> ShawnMR http://www.highdefforum.com/speakers-surround-sound/103386-speaker-hiss.html http://www.highdefforum.com/speakers-surround-sound/103381-old-fogey-needs-smart-young-peoples-advice.html Sat, 07 Nov 2009 22:15:14 GMT I'm a former audiophile (Thiel, Aragon, etc) who lost most of his hearing but need news components for my first HDTV.

Room is 13 w x 15 d with a 52" - 55" LCD, probably a Sony Bravia v or xbr (they both look the same to me: great!) but when I took down my old system I realized the Kenwood with Dolby Pro-logic wouldn't cut it anymore. My college age kids like to come home and enjoy a movie and I'd like other guests to get maximum enjoyment out of the system.

Clearly, I need a new receiver preferably 5.1 and under $500. The Denon 1610 seems to be getting a lot of good reviews for that price, but I'm open to other suggestions if I don't need to spend more.

Right now I have passable rear and middle speakers and the two front speakers are Musical Fidelity MC4's, which cost about $1500 20 years ago but would now go for no more than $200 on ebay. They're in great shape, can be biwired, still sound wonderful (nice imaging, etc.) and I have good stands to go with them. Don't have a sub woofer.

All that being said, I'm open to getting all new speakers but would like to keep the receiver/speaker package under $800.

What do you recommend either as a bundle or separates?

Edited to add: Crap! Do I need a Blu-ray device? I have a dvd player that's about 2 years old and works just fine. I'd rather keep it until it dies and then get the blu ray. ]]> mano http://www.highdefforum.com/speakers-surround-sound/103381-old-fogey-needs-smart-young-peoples-advice.html