How to boost my center channel on the cheap?
Discussion
I have just swapped out the center channel speaker in my system with a soundbar that will serve a few needs.
I am finding that now the speaker is connected to the amp via RCA rather than speaker wires it is not quite powerful enough to match up to the main speakers.
It is not a deficiency with the speaker itself as it goes much louder when using bluetooth and optical but i have to use RCA (to 3.5mm jack) from the AV amp and the AV amp does not have a facility to increase the power to the center.
Is there something i can just put between the amp and the speaker that will boost the power, that i dont need to get up to adjust?
I am finding that now the speaker is connected to the amp via RCA rather than speaker wires it is not quite powerful enough to match up to the main speakers.
It is not a deficiency with the speaker itself as it goes much louder when using bluetooth and optical but i have to use RCA (to 3.5mm jack) from the AV amp and the AV amp does not have a facility to increase the power to the center.
Is there something i can just put between the amp and the speaker that will boost the power, that i dont need to get up to adjust?
As stated in my OP, that does not appear to be an option. The receiver is an old Yamaha RXV596RDS . It 'might' have the facility to alter the center on the original remote (which at some point over the last 20 years and multiple house moves, i have misplaced)
What I have now cottoned on too though, is that this center speaker is only capable of 30w RMS so it was never going to be able to hold its own against the front channels that can potentially operate at 75-100w or so. Bad planning that!
ETA: I have found a little gadget that may well help to boost the signal but i am now thinking I might be better off just looking for a better speaker and getting this little thing anyway just to look at !
What I have now cottoned on too though, is that this center speaker is only capable of 30w RMS so it was never going to be able to hold its own against the front channels that can potentially operate at 75-100w or so. Bad planning that!
ETA: I have found a little gadget that may well help to boost the signal but i am now thinking I might be better off just looking for a better speaker and getting this little thing anyway just to look at !
Edited by Shuvi McTupya on Friday 23 August 12:44
What output are you using on the AV amp?
If you are using the centre channel pre-out, this is a variable output (volume goes up and down when the main volume control on the AV amp is moved), so it's just a case of adjusting the levels in the AV amp's settings. Should be possible to do that even without the original remote.
If you are using a line out or tape out, these are fixed level, so nothing on the AV amp will alter the volume.
Don't worry too much about the difference in power ratings (watts). Double the watts doesn't mean double the volume, and speaker efficiency can make more of a difference to volume levels.
I've used some (on paper) seriously mismatched audio gear in the past, and it worked fine with a bit of care and setting up.
If you are using the centre channel pre-out, this is a variable output (volume goes up and down when the main volume control on the AV amp is moved), so it's just a case of adjusting the levels in the AV amp's settings. Should be possible to do that even without the original remote.
If you are using a line out or tape out, these are fixed level, so nothing on the AV amp will alter the volume.
Don't worry too much about the difference in power ratings (watts). Double the watts doesn't mean double the volume, and speaker efficiency can make more of a difference to volume levels.
I've used some (on paper) seriously mismatched audio gear in the past, and it worked fine with a bit of care and setting up.
clockworks said:
What output are you using on the AV amp?
If you are using the centre channel pre-out, this is a variable output (volume goes up and down when the main volume control on the AV amp is moved), so it's just a case of adjusting the levels in the AV amp's settings. Should be possible to do that even without the original remote.
If you are using a line out or tape out, these are fixed level, so nothing on the AV amp will alter the volume.
Don't worry too much about the difference in power ratings (watts). Double the watts doesn't mean double the volume, and speaker efficiency can make more of a difference to volume levels.
I've used some (on paper) seriously mismatched audio gear in the past, and it worked fine with a bit of care and setting up.
I am now having to use the RCA center channel connectors which i assume are 'pre out'. The speaker I have just taken out of the system was a dedicated center that used speaker cables but i couldn't use it as a bluetooth or replacement for the TV speakers.If you are using the centre channel pre-out, this is a variable output (volume goes up and down when the main volume control on the AV amp is moved), so it's just a case of adjusting the levels in the AV amp's settings. Should be possible to do that even without the original remote.
If you are using a line out or tape out, these are fixed level, so nothing on the AV amp will alter the volume.
Don't worry too much about the difference in power ratings (watts). Double the watts doesn't mean double the volume, and speaker efficiency can make more of a difference to volume levels.
I've used some (on paper) seriously mismatched audio gear in the past, and it worked fine with a bit of care and setting up.
I have just done an experiment and discovered that the receiver master volume has hardly any effect at all on the 'pre out' volume of the center channel. With the receiver volume at zero I can turn the center speaker volume up (with its own remote control). and it seems to go to its own maximum volume.
If I turn the volume all the way up on the center and then turn the master volume on the receiver up to bring the other speakers into play, they get to a point where everything is fine and then passed that the other speakers will over power the center.
It IS fairly loud by that point, but isn't that the general idea
Not only do you get slightly drowned out speech and 'on screen action noises' but you also get a strange thing where you are hearing slightly too much from front speakers and it causes an annoying echoey type effect.
ETA:
I can not see a way of adjusting any of the volume levels separately on this receiver. It has various different surround sound modes but you can't turn up the rear, or the front or center separately .
It appears you could not do it on the original remote either, unless you do it via the menu button i suppose. I dont remember as it was so long ago i had that remote!
Edited by Shuvi McTupya on Friday 23 August 14:06
You should do the following:
The sound bar needs to be set to maximum volume all the time (but this may results in a pop each time the amp is power cycled).
The sound bar should be connected to one of the "Center" output terminals (see attached image).
Using the remote, you then need to set the center levels accordingly (see other image).
The owners manual can be downloaded here.
The sound bar needs to be set to maximum volume all the time (but this may results in a pop each time the amp is power cycled).
The sound bar should be connected to one of the "Center" output terminals (see attached image).
Using the remote, you then need to set the center levels accordingly (see other image).
The owners manual can be downloaded here.
You are going about this arse about tit.
If you wanted bluetooth audio you should have bought something like this...
https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B01J14SOMG?aaxitk=LDnk...
Just plugged it into your amp.
Your sound bar is just another amp and speakers and will be proper ball ache to get the levels matched.
If you wanted bluetooth audio you should have bought something like this...
https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B01J14SOMG?aaxitk=LDnk...
Just plugged it into your amp.
Your sound bar is just another amp and speakers and will be proper ball ache to get the levels matched.
gizlaroc said:
You are going about this arse about tit.
If you wanted bluetooth audio you should have bought something like this...
https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B01J14SOMG?aaxitk=LDnk...
Just plugged it into your amp.
Your sound bar is just another amp and speakers and will be proper ball ache to get the levels matched.
I can see how that would be useful but it would not meet all my requirements. the only thing that would help with is connecting my google home to the receiver. I would still need a centre channel speaker/soundbar.If you wanted bluetooth audio you should have bought something like this...
https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B01J14SOMG?aaxitk=LDnk...
Just plugged it into your amp.
Your sound bar is just another amp and speakers and will be proper ball ache to get the levels matched.
Shuvi McTupya said:
I can see how that would be useful but it would not meet all my requirements. the only thing that would help with is connecting my google home to the receiver. I would still need a centre channel speaker/soundbar.
Not sure what your requirements are? You said, you want to stream bluetooth, that is what that unit does.
What are you wanting to do with a google home?
A sound bar is basically an amp with speakers all wrapped into one neat package.
You are then trying to connect an amp, with volume control etc. to another amp to use it as a centre channel?
What soundbar is it?
You set levels in your main amp by going into the Menu-Sound-Levels.
Shuvi McTupya said:
What I might end up doing is just getting a much better soundbar and ditching the surround sound all together, it doesn't get that much use and a decent sound bar and sub will probably be an acceptable alternative..
Far more sensible. Edited by gizlaroc on Saturday 24th August 12:17
gizlaroc said:
Shuvi McTupya said:
I can see how that would be useful but it would not meet all my requirements. the only thing that would help with is connecting my google home to the receiver. I would still need a centre channel speaker/soundbar.
Not sure what your requirements are? You said, you want to stream bluetooth, that is what that unit does.
What are you wanting to do with a google home?
A sound bar is basically an amp with speakers all wrapped into one neat package.
You are then trying to connect an amp, with volume control etc. to another amp to use it as a centre channel?
What soundbar is it?
You set levels in your main amp by going into the Menu-Sound-Levels.
Shuvi McTupya said:
What I might end up doing is just getting a much better soundbar and ditching the surround sound all together, it doesn't get that much use and a decent sound bar and sub will probably be an acceptable alternative..
Far more sensible. 1: replace the TV speaker when not using the surround receiver.
2: Act as a centre channel when using the surround sound
3: Act as a bluetooth speaker to improve the sound of my google home.
As an aside, my subwoofer is perfectly fine and has adjustable power and frequency so i figured all i would need is a soundbar with a 'subwoofer out'.
I just went into a local shop and explained what i wanted and he told me such a thing is not available as all Soundbars either have no subwoofer facility or they come with their own dedicated sub that would be bluetoothed and my subwoofer would simply not be compatible with modern equipment so I need to spend £5-700 on a nice new sub/soundbar combo..
I ask him why i couldnt just buy a half decent soundbar and use a splitter to split the sound signal so that the signal goes to both soundbar and my sub and i use the adjustment on my sub to match the levels.
He sheepishly admitted that that should work..
So now i am back home and I look at my TV menu and I cant disable the bloody TV speakers which means I wouldn't be able to adjust the volume that would go to the soundbar and Sub using the TV remote without the TV speakers coming into play.!
The soundbar itself would have a remote control but of course that would not adjust the volume of the sub to keep everything in 'synch'..
This would actually only be a problem when watching DVD's etc as my TV actually goes through a satellite box so i can turn the volume up on that without the TV speakers being affected. when the DVD player is the source, I would have no way of controlling the volume being sent into the system..
I suppose I could just set the subwoofer at a low level and turn it up on the odd occasion i want to play things loud!
This the price i pay for buying cheap s
t..Options:
A:Buy a new TV that allows me to turn the speakers off.
2:Buy a decent soundbar with its own sub
C:keep everything as it is but put my old center channel back into the mix for use with surround sound, and only use the soundbar for bluetooth and as a TV speaker.
Option C doesn't cost me anything..
Shuvi McTupya said:
My requirements for the Soundbar is to carry out three separate functions.
1: replace the TV speaker when not using the surround receiver.
2: Act as a centre channel when using the surround sound
3: Act as a bluetooth speaker to improve the sound of my google home.
1. I don't use my TV speakers at all, I simply leave the amp on. 1: replace the TV speaker when not using the surround receiver.
2: Act as a centre channel when using the surround sound
3: Act as a bluetooth speaker to improve the sound of my google home.
2. This is where you problems start.
3. That is what that £20 box offered you I linked to. Simply connect it to an input on your amp.
Shuvi McTupya said:
As an aside, my subwoofer is perfectly fine and has adjustable power and frequency so i figured all i would need is a soundbar with a 'subwoofer out'.
I just went into a local shop and explained what i wanted and he told me such a thing is not available as all Soundbars either have no subwoofer facility or they come with their own dedicated sub that would be bluetoothed and my subwoofer would simply not be compatible with modern equipment so I need to spend £5-700 on a nice new sub/soundbar combo..
Absolute bI just went into a local shop and explained what i wanted and he told me such a thing is not available as all Soundbars either have no subwoofer facility or they come with their own dedicated sub that would be bluetoothed and my subwoofer would simply not be compatible with modern equipment so I need to spend £5-700 on a nice new sub/soundbar combo..
ks. The soundbars worth buying all have dedicated sub outs. The cheap crap come with their own subs.
Shuvi McTupya said:
I ask him why i couldnt just buy a half decent soundbar and use a splitter to split the sound signal so that the signal goes to both soundbar and my sub and i use the adjustment on my sub to match the levels.
He sheepishly admitted that that should work..
You are making it very hard for yourself here. He sheepishly admitted that that should work..
You want one thing controller the volume, you are trying to level match the sound bar and your sub. This is tricky enough to get right when setting it up, you don't want to be doing it every time you adjust the volume.
Forget that idea.
Buy a soundbar with a sub out.
Arcam Solo Sounbars were £750 and being cleared for £250. Really good with a sub.
Shuvi McTupya said:
So now i am back home and I look at my TV menu and I cant disable the bloody TV speakers which means I wouldn't be able to adjust the volume that would go to the soundbar and Sub using the TV remote without the TV speakers coming into play.!
The soundbar itself would have a remote control but of course that would not adjust the volume of the sub to keep everything in 'synch'..
Exactly my point above. The soundbar itself would have a remote control but of course that would not adjust the volume of the sub to keep everything in 'synch'..
Buy a Soundbar with a sub out.
Shuvi McTupya said:
I suppose I could just set the subwoofer at a low level and turn it up on the odd occasion i want to play things loud!
No, you set the sub out to always match and blend with the main speakers. The volume adjusts it to match. Shuvi McTupya said:
Options:
A:Buy a new TV that allows me to turn the speakers off.
2:Buy a decent soundbar with its own sub
C:keep everything as it is but put my old center channel back into the mix for use with surround sound, and only use the soundbar for bluetooth and as a TV speaker.
Option C doesn't cost me anything..
D. keep everything as it is but put my old center channel back into the mix and add that bluetooth dongle to give you the bluetooth you want. A:Buy a new TV that allows me to turn the speakers off.
2:Buy a decent soundbar with its own sub
C:keep everything as it is but put my old center channel back into the mix for use with surround sound, and only use the soundbar for bluetooth and as a TV speaker.
Option C doesn't cost me anything..
4: (?) Buy a decent soundbar and keep your sub.
gizlaroc said:
D. keep everything as it is but put my old center channel back into the mix and add that bluetooth dongle to give you the bluetooth you want.
4: (?) Buy a decent soundbar and keep your sub.
Thanks for your help! I did google 'soundbar with sub out' and had a look through some of the links but none of them seemed to actually be talking about soundbars that had sub outs!! I will look harder.4: (?) Buy a decent soundbar and keep your sub.
And i will consider the bluetooth dongle.
Cheers
gizlaroc said:
The deal is done.. £150 delivered to Scotland and despite what the advert says, it does have its remote control!
Red 5 said:
So I take it you’ll now remove all your other AV gear, apart from the subwoofer?
The Arcam does have sub pre-out so will be fine.
It was a dog at its original price and a mistake Arcam hopefully will learn from!
These AV threads on PH are a bit of a horror show
Yup that is the plan!The Arcam does have sub pre-out so will be fine.
It was a dog at its original price and a mistake Arcam hopefully will learn from!
These AV threads on PH are a bit of a horror show
A dog at its original price? A mistake?
I cant find a single review that said anything bad about it. The only criticism i found was that it has a cheap remote and the sub works better if it is not connected via bluetooth, which is not an issue for me as i don't have a bluetooth sub.
I would be interested to hear why you disagree?
Shuvi McTupya said:
Red 5 said:
So I take it you’ll now remove all your other AV gear, apart from the subwoofer?
The Arcam does have sub pre-out so will be fine.
It was a dog at its original price and a mistake Arcam hopefully will learn from!
These AV threads on PH are a bit of a horror show
Yup that is the plan!The Arcam does have sub pre-out so will be fine.
It was a dog at its original price and a mistake Arcam hopefully will learn from!
These AV threads on PH are a bit of a horror show
A dog at its original price? A mistake?
I cant find a single review that said anything bad about it. The only criticism i found was that it has a cheap remote and the sub works better if it is not connected via bluetooth, which is not an issue for me as i don't have a bluetooth sub.
I would be interested to hear why you disagree?
It was less good than almost everything else for around the money, that’s all.
Total sales flop and Arcam lost a lot on that project.
Monitor Audio made very similar mistakes.
Red 5 said:
It’s an ok product and you have a bargain
It was less good than almost everything else for around the money, that’s all.
Total sales flop and Arcam lost a lot on that project.
Monitor Audio made very similar mistakes.
Monitor Audio? I dint think i ever saw an authentic monitor audio. I got approached a few times by guys in white vans in the late 80's that had a bunch of 'over bought ' monitor audio speakers and they were selling them cheap..It was less good than almost everything else for around the money, that’s all.
Total sales flop and Arcam lost a lot on that project.
Monitor Audio made very similar mistakes.
Anyway, I am sure i will be very happy with the new speaker even if it isnt earth shattering. I am about to move house and i suspect the new house will be a new build with neighbours so i wont be cranking it like i am used to doing
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