A Discussion on Surround Sound Systems

PJM · 11-24-2007, 06:31 PM

I must buy everything new to go with my Sony XBR3 Flat Panel. Any recommendations for DVD Player (Sony S2000 or 500?); Receiver? Speakers 5.1? Thank you!

808granato · 11-30-2007, 03:59 PM

Aside from all your tech talk above, can I get a few quick recomendations for a new surround system? Mine has crapped out. Im looking for "cheaper" end systems-sorry, to go with my Mits DLP HD cable set up. I use the HDMI lines and optical as well. I get easily distracted with all the choices.
Are brands like LG up to snuff yet?

QuickJ · 12-02-2007, 07:09 PM

Yes, I will gladly tell you, that you cannot go wrong purchasing the Ascend Acoustics systems at incredible prices! You must check them out at their website, which I am not affiliated with whatsoever, and look over the reviews. Please do this! You won't regret it!

Jeff

Abeman47 · 02-02-2008, 07:20 AM

I've got 550 to spend today on a surround system. I've got a tv with 3 hdmi inputs, an x-box, upconverting dvd, and a cable box, I want 1 controler!!!!!!!!! So any recomendations on products and how to hook all this up?

z28rod · 02-05-2008, 04:47 PM

Quote:

I've got 550 to spend today on a surround system.

https://www.shoponkyo.com/detail.cfm...il=1&ext_war=1

**kamspy** · 04-01-2008, 03:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rbinck

Don't just throw bombs! Tell us details and furnish links. Many decode to 6.1 because the receivers are doing the work as explained. I don't mean to call your baby ugly, but I don't know of any discrete 6.1 or 7.1 sourced DVDs. If you do give us a link and I will update. I know the standard exists for the extra track.

There are several DTS 6.1 ES which are matrixed. The Lord of the Rings being one I can think of off hand.

Edit:
Cat if you have an old Pro-Logic surround amp laying around, you can feed the left and right surround signals from your 5.1 system to let the Pro-Logic amp develop the center rear channel. It is not as good as the 6.1 systems because it is analog decoding vs digital, but it does sound pretty good.

Original Gladiator release has DTS 6.1 discrete

**rbinck** · 04-01-2008, 08:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kamspy

Original Gladiator release has DTS 6.1 discrete

Thanks for that. Note the original post you are responding to was made 7-30-2005.

**kamspy** · 04-01-2008, 11:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rbinck

Thanks for that. Note the original post you are responding to was made 7-30-2005.

I know. I just stumbled across it. The Gladiator DVD in mention was the original DVD release, so it was out before 2005. 2000 to be exact.

bugsy21 · 05-15-2008, 03:34 PM

Wonder if anyone can help. Just bought a Sony RDR-HXD870 DVD recorder. I've had a JVC DVD player + surround sound - I still want to use the JVC surround sound but the pin connector cable from the JVC is different to the Sony - can I buy an adaptor or replacement lead that is compatible to link the JVC surround sound to the Sony DVD?
Advice appreciated

Mash3 · 06-10-2008, 12:37 AM

As someone who works in Los Angeles as a film-scoring recording engineer and mixer, I'm more than a little amused at the obsession with the number game concerning 5.1, 6.1, and (!!) 13.1. FYI, there are very, very, very few movies mixed in anything other than 5.1. And if it is the rare 7.1 release, then it is 7.1 for theaters, which is intended for spaces with very wide (40' +) screens that can effectively use the array of 5 front speakers. There are still only 2 surrounds in theatrical 7.1

I contend that your films will sound better with a 5.1 system than a system with more speakers. Why? Well, there'll be less phasing from speakers all over the room, less matrixing (if any) to fill in speakers that were never intended to be used, and more amplifier headroom with fewer speakers means better dynamics and less clipping.

Home theater above 5.1 is marketing, pure and simple. There is no need to fill small spaces with speakers, matrix information into them, and then under-drive them. Spend the saved money on acoustic treatment and an extra subwoofer.

Greg

.

tyinger · 06-10-2008, 02:23 AM

Hi,

I have a new HP computer with a Realtec sound card that has 7.1 capabilities. I don't need or want eight speakers. What I want is a 2.1 digital system. The back of the computer also has a digital audio output. How do I identify a 2.1 speaker system that is digital?

Thanks,

meechsterlee · 06-10-2008, 08:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tyinger

Hi,

I have a new HP computer with a Realtec sound card that has 7.1 capabilities. I don't need or want eight speakers. What I want is a 2.1 digital system. The back of the computer also has a digital audio output. How do I identify a 2.1 speaker system that is digital?

Thanks,

There will be a optical input or digital coax input on the sub or on the volume control box for these systems...gonna be a hard find in 2.1 form. I know Spherex (Mirage subsid) used to make a nice 2.1 system but I'm not certain if they are in still making it.

edders · 06-10-2008, 09:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mash3

As someone who works in Los Angeles as a film-scoring recording engineer and mixer, I'm more than a little amused at the obsession with the number game concerning 5.1, 6.1, and (!!) 13.1. FYI, there are very, very, very few movies mixed in anything other than 5.1. And if it is the rare 7.1 release, then it is 7.1 for theaters, which is intended for spaces with very wide (40' +) screens that can effectively use the array of 5 front speakers. There are still only 2 surrounds in theatrical 7.1

I contend that your films will sound better with a 5.1 system than a system with more speakers. Why? Well, there'll be less phasing from speakers all over the room, less matrixing (if any) to fill in speakers that were never intended to be used, and more amplifier headroom with fewer speakers means better dynamics and less clipping.

Home theater above 5.1 is marketing, pure and simple. There is no need to fill small spaces with speakers, matrix information into them, and then under-drive them. Spend the saved money on acoustic treatment and an extra subwoofer.

Greg

.

Dear Greg,

Sanity and empirical knowledge are not allowed in the discussion of the God, Dolby SS. Oh wait, I was reading that from a marketing brochure for a new 20:1 "True HD" Surround system. Seriously I agree with your post and welcome to the forum.

ps: we both (wife and me) stuff tissues in our ears at theaters so we can still hear after the movie...."True Theater Like Experience."

Mash3 · 06-10-2008, 03:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tyinger

Hi,

I have a new HP computer with a Realtec sound card that has 7.1 capabilities. I don't need or want eight speakers. What I want is a 2.1 digital system. The back of the computer also has a digital audio output. How do I identify a 2.1 speaker system that is digital?

Thanks,

I'm using this system, designed by Cambridge Soundworks and marketed by Creative. It has SPIF and analogue inputs, and sounds very good for what it is. Hard to find, expensive, but worth it for a small, 2.1 system.

http://us.creative.com/products/prod...duct=124&nav=0

Whatever you do, get the D/A converter out of the computer, which is the worst environment for analog audio.

Greg

.

bencomer · 09-15-2008, 01:08 PM

Hi folks, I need some help. I just bought a Pioneer Elite VSX-94TXH receiver, which is a 7.1 receiver, and I want to connect my M&K 5.1 speaker system to it. What is the best way to do that? Which two speaker channels do I leave blank? The L & R surround or the L & R rear surround? Thanks for your help.

Ben

11-24-2007, 06:31 PM	#46
PJM What is HD? Join Date: Oct 2005 Posts: 2	Receiver-Blu-Ray & Surround System I must buy everything new to go with my Sony XBR3 Flat Panel. Any recommendations for DVD Player (Sony S2000 or 500?); Receiver? Speakers 5.1? Thank you!

06-10-2008, 02:23 AM	#56
tyinger What is HD? Join Date: Jun 2008 Posts: 4	Want 2.1 digital system for direct connect to computer Hi, I have a new HP computer with a Realtec sound card that has 7.1 capabilities. I don't need or want eight speakers. What I want is a 2.1 digital system. The back of the computer also has a digital audio output. How do I identify a 2.1 speaker system that is digital? Thanks,

09-15-2008, 01:08 PM	#60
bencomer What is HD? Join Date: Sep 2008 Posts: 1	Connecting a 5.1 speaker system to a 7.1 receiver Hi folks, I need some help. I just bought a Pioneer Elite VSX-94TXH receiver, which is a 7.1 receiver, and I want to connect my M&K 5.1 speaker system to it. What is the best way to do that? Which two speaker channels do I leave blank? The L & R surround or the L & R rear surround? Thanks for your help. Ben

11-30-2007, 03:59 PM	#47
808granato I love my HDTV! Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Kailua Hawaii Posts: 17	Aside from all your tech talk above, can I get a few quick recomendations for a new surround system? Mine has crapped out. Im looking for "cheaper" end systems-sorry, to go with my Mits DLP HD cable set up. I use the HDMI lines and optical as well. I get easily distracted with all the choices. Are brands like LG up to snuff yet?

12-02-2007, 07:09 PM	#48
QuickJ Hitachi 51F510 projection Join Date: Nov 2007 Posts: 7	Yes, I will gladly tell you, that you cannot go wrong purchasing the Ascend Acoustics systems at incredible prices! You must check them out at their website, which I am not affiliated with whatsoever, and look over the reviews. Please do this! You won't regret it! Jeff

02-02-2008, 07:20 AM	#49
Abeman47 God's given us HD Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: upstate ny Posts: 14	I've got 550 to spend today on a surround system. I've got a tv with 3 hdmi inputs, an x-box, upconverting dvd, and a cable box, I want 1 controler!!!!!!!!! So any recomendations on products and how to hook all this up?

05-15-2008, 03:34 PM	#54
bugsy21 What is HD? Join Date: May 2008 Posts: 1	Wonder if anyone can help. Just bought a Sony RDR-HXD870 DVD recorder. I've had a JVC DVD player + surround sound - I still want to use the JVC surround sound but the pin connector cable from the JVC is different to the Sony - can I buy an adaptor or replacement lead that is compatible to link the JVC surround sound to the Sony DVD? Advice appreciated

06-10-2008, 12:37 AM	#55
Mash3 HD Ears and Eyes Join Date: May 2008 Location: Los Angeles Posts: 31	As someone who works in Los Angeles as a film-scoring recording engineer and mixer, I'm more than a little amused at the obsession with the number game concerning 5.1, 6.1, and (!!) 13.1. FYI, there are very, very, very few movies mixed in anything other than 5.1. And if it is the rare 7.1 release, then it is 7.1 for theaters, which is intended for spaces with very wide (40' +) screens that can effectively use the array of 5 front speakers. There are still only 2 surrounds in theatrical 7.1 I contend that your films will sound better with a 5.1 system than a system with more speakers. Why? Well, there'll be less phasing from speakers all over the room, less matrixing (if any) to fill in speakers that were never intended to be used, and more amplifier headroom with fewer speakers means better dynamics and less clipping. Home theater above 5.1 is marketing, pure and simple. There is no need to fill small spaces with speakers, matrix information into them, and then under-drive them. Spend the saved money on acoustic treatment and an extra subwoofer. Greg .