Surround Sound doesn't sound right

impulse22281 · 11-01-2009, 12:22 PM

I've got a 5.1 system and I have had everything hooked up for a while but didn't have a center channel. With the 4 speakers and sub I was pretty impressed with how everything sounded. I finally bought my center channel and hooked it up. Now it seems like my center channel is over powering all of the other speakers, and I'm not getting a surround sound type sound. All the speakers work, the quality is there, it just doesn't feel like the sound is surrounding me. Most everything sounds like it's coming from my center channel. Even my sub seems like it's lower now. One thing I have noticed is that I don't have it as loud as I had before because the center channel is just too loud. I guess I need to adjust some stuff. Any suggestions?

Not sure if it matters but my receiver is Onkyo 606, Polk RC85 surrounds, Polk CS2 center channel, Infininty PS10 sub.

Thoughts/Suggestions?

HiDefRev · 11-01-2009, 12:39 PM

Sure. Go into the set up menu and lower the sound for the center channel speaker. Better yet, run the Audyssey set up again. It will optimize each speaker for you.

Pycroft · 11-01-2009, 02:20 PM

That Polk CS2 is a BEAST of a center channel. I would say it is a superior speaker to the others. If you turn the volume down on the center or rerun the audessey (As the previous poster suggested) that should help. Next, you may look at upgrading the front speakers - something like the Monitor 60's or 70's will blow you away - guaranteed! Good choice on the center. If you haven't, don't forget to check newegg.com...they have some fantastic deals on polk speakers.

Pycroft

impulse22281 · 11-01-2009, 03:11 PM

Wow...amazing what you learn when you read the instruction manual. I ran the Audyssey setup per your suggestions, and now it sounds great.

As far as upgrading my fronts, these are brand new so I don't think I'll be upgrading any time soon. I'm actually pretty happy with them. I'm glad the CS2 is a nice speaker, I got a great deal on it. It was on clearance at Crutchfield and they honored a typo so I paid under $100for it. As far as the RC85's, I have to say I'm very happy with them. Sound quality is fantastic.

Any other tips to improve my listening experience?

Pycroft · 11-01-2009, 04:17 PM

Hey, there's always ways to improve, but most of the time they are purchasing extra gear or upgrading. If you're happy, sit back, relax, and enjoy! I love my Polk speakers...wouldn't trade em for anything...well maybe some things...well you know

Pycroft

Loves2Watch · 11-02-2009, 11:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by impulse22281

Wow...amazing what you learn when you read the instruction manual. I ran the Audyssey setup per your suggestions, and now it sounds great.

Any other tips to improve my listening experience?

Turn up the volume...

RaleighRob · 11-03-2009, 10:56 AM

Another possible thing to do is to switch from 5.1 to Pro-Logic II Music, and then set the Center Width setting to 5 or so. This will take dialogue and other center channel sounds and spread it over the front three speakers. Granted I could be biased since I like Pro-Logic II Music better than 5.1....but call me weird, I just don't like 80% of the sound to just come from one speaker.

Loves2Watch · 11-03-2009, 03:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RaleighRob

....but call me weird, I just don't like 80% of the sound to just come from one speaker.

But when watching TV and movies, that IS the way it was recorded.

11-01-2009, 12:22 PM	#1
impulse22281 High Definition is the definition of life. Join Date: Nov 2008 Posts: 58	Surround Sound doesn't sound right I've got a 5.1 system and I have had everything hooked up for a while but didn't have a center channel. With the 4 speakers and sub I was pretty impressed with how everything sounded. I finally bought my center channel and hooked it up. Now it seems like my center channel is over powering all of the other speakers, and I'm not getting a surround sound type sound. All the speakers work, the quality is there, it just doesn't feel like the sound is surrounding me. Most everything sounds like it's coming from my center channel. Even my sub seems like it's lower now. One thing I have noticed is that I don't have it as loud as I had before because the center channel is just too loud. I guess I need to adjust some stuff. Any suggestions? Not sure if it matters but my receiver is Onkyo 606, Polk RC85 surrounds, Polk CS2 center channel, Infininty PS10 sub. Thoughts/Suggestions?

11-01-2009, 12:39 PM	#2
HiDefRev Is there HDTV in Heaven ? Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Georgia Age: 55 Posts: 505	Center channel Sure. Go into the set up menu and lower the sound for the center channel speaker. Better yet, run the Audyssey set up again. It will optimize each speaker for you. __________________ Living Room Panasonic PT-50LCZ70 50" 1080p HDTV, Sony Playstation3 80 Gig, Onkyo HT-R667 7.1 AV Receiver, ESS HD-308 Main, Side and Surround Speakers on Bell'O Stands, Cadence C-17 Center Speaker, Acoustic Audio HD-SUB15 Subwoofer, DISH ViP 722 HD DVR, Panasonic DVD Recorder/VCR, Den Viewsonic NX2232W LCD HDTV, RCA RT-2500 5.1 AV Receiver, Yamaha Main, Center and Surround Speakers, Onkyo SKW-750X 10" Subwoofer, DISH ViP 211 HD Receiver, Magnavox Blu-Ray Player, Nintendo 64 & Wii

11-01-2009, 02:20 PM	#3
Pycroft High Definition is the definition of life. Join Date: Nov 2008 Posts: 227	That Polk CS2 is a BEAST of a center channel. I would say it is a superior speaker to the others. If you turn the volume down on the center or rerun the audessey (As the previous poster suggested) that should help. Next, you may look at upgrading the front speakers - something like the Monitor 60's or 70's will blow you away - guaranteed! Good choice on the center. If you haven't, don't forget to check newegg.com...they have some fantastic deals on polk speakers. Pycroft

11-01-2009, 03:11 PM	#4
impulse22281 High Definition is the definition of life. Join Date: Nov 2008 Posts: 58	Wow...amazing what you learn when you read the instruction manual. I ran the Audyssey setup per your suggestions, and now it sounds great. As far as upgrading my fronts, these are brand new so I don't think I'll be upgrading any time soon. I'm actually pretty happy with them. I'm glad the CS2 is a nice speaker, I got a great deal on it. It was on clearance at Crutchfield and they honored a typo so I paid under $100for it. As far as the RC85's, I have to say I'm very happy with them. Sound quality is fantastic. Any other tips to improve my listening experience?

11-01-2009, 04:17 PM	#5
Pycroft High Definition is the definition of life. Join Date: Nov 2008 Posts: 227	Hey, there's always ways to improve, but most of the time they are purchasing extra gear or upgrading. If you're happy, sit back, relax, and enjoy! I love my Polk speakers...wouldn't trade em for anything...well maybe some things...well you know Pycroft

11-03-2009, 10:56 AM	#7
RaleighRob What is HD? Join Date: Nov 2009 Posts: 2	Another possible thing to do is to switch from 5.1 to Pro-Logic II Music, and then set the Center Width setting to 5 or so. This will take dialogue and other center channel sounds and spread it over the front three speakers. Granted I could be biased since I like Pro-Logic II Music better than 5.1....but call me weird, I just don't like 80% of the sound to just come from one speaker.