Surround sound?
Discussion
Sorry if this is asked fairly frequently, I did try to search but didn't see anything!
I'm looking at this surround sound package:
http://www.richersounds.com/product/1-box-home-cin...
Is it any good?
I chose LG as I have an LG TV (and I'm a bit of a tart that likes to have things matching)
The tv only has 2 HDMI inputs (which isn't ideal as I have Xbox, apple tv & virgin TiVo box as inputs) however the sr906 says it has 3 HDMI inputs and 1 output
Does this mean that I could have all 3 input sources plugged into the surround sound, using it as a hub, which would then output to the tv? - would the sound then have to come out of the surround sound, or would it come through the tv speakers (as I don't really want surround on all the time)
Hopefully that all makes sense!
I'm looking at this surround sound package:
http://www.richersounds.com/product/1-box-home-cin...
Is it any good?
I chose LG as I have an LG TV (and I'm a bit of a tart that likes to have things matching)
The tv only has 2 HDMI inputs (which isn't ideal as I have Xbox, apple tv & virgin TiVo box as inputs) however the sr906 says it has 3 HDMI inputs and 1 output
Does this mean that I could have all 3 input sources plugged into the surround sound, using it as a hub, which would then output to the tv? - would the sound then have to come out of the surround sound, or would it come through the tv speakers (as I don't really want surround on all the time)
Hopefully that all makes sense!
I can't comment on the LG specifically but if it was my money I'd be looking at the 2 Yamaha systems on the same page on the RS site.
Both of the Yamaha systems are essentially separate systems and would be much better buys IMO
Do you have a budget in mind? The cheapest Yamaha is a tenner more than the LG, the more expensive one a bit more but probably worth it if you can stretch the budget.
Regarding your question about connecting, yes essentially you'd connect your 3 sources to the amp then a single HDMI to the TV. Some amps have a pass through to allow the HDMI to work in standby, I'm not sure any time from these do this though. I'd presume you'd most likely want the Virginia box to work without the amp so I'd suggest connecting the Virgin box directly via HDMI to your TV with an optical cable to the amp for sound, then connect your other 2 devices via the amp.
TBH based on my own experience I'd say you'll end up using the amp more than you think, even late night viewing benefits without needing to go loud so it might not be the issue you think it is anyway.
Both of the Yamaha systems are essentially separate systems and would be much better buys IMO
Do you have a budget in mind? The cheapest Yamaha is a tenner more than the LG, the more expensive one a bit more but probably worth it if you can stretch the budget.
Regarding your question about connecting, yes essentially you'd connect your 3 sources to the amp then a single HDMI to the TV. Some amps have a pass through to allow the HDMI to work in standby, I'm not sure any time from these do this though. I'd presume you'd most likely want the Virginia box to work without the amp so I'd suggest connecting the Virgin box directly via HDMI to your TV with an optical cable to the amp for sound, then connect your other 2 devices via the amp.
TBH based on my own experience I'd say you'll end up using the amp more than you think, even late night viewing benefits without needing to go loud so it might not be the issue you think it is anyway.
My budget would be around £200 (although I wouldn't be against spending a little bit more if it was worth it)
Without wanting to sound daft - what is better about this Yamaha package? http://www.richersounds.com/product/1-box-home-cin...
Comparing the specification list, they both seem quite similar.
Thanks for explaining the connectivity, I'm glad I was thinking along the right lines!!
Without wanting to sound daft - what is better about this Yamaha package? http://www.richersounds.com/product/1-box-home-cin...
Comparing the specification list, they both seem quite similar.
Thanks for explaining the connectivity, I'm glad I was thinking along the right lines!!
I've not heard the specific models but I have experience of loads of different all in one systems like the LG (various Panasonic, Sony, JVC and Samsung systems) and I also have a mate with a very similar Yamaha system but an older model without HDMI.
While the Yamaha my mate has is by no means the best system I've heard for a budget system it's massively better than the usual all in one systems I've heard.
The Yamaha is essentially a separates system, with a separate AV amp, 5 speakers and a separate powered sub but sold together as a system. Potentially this gives you much more flexibility, you could even upgrade the front 2 speakers at a later date and it would be fine. The LGs speakers would most likely be specific to the LG and couldn't either be used with other kit or be upgraded with better stuff later
I'll admit I'm making assumptions about the LG and Yamaha as I have no personal experience of those specific models but I'd be very surprised if the Yamaha wasn't significantly better than the LG. If I wasn't so skint I'd almost be prepared the offer the extra tenner if you disagreed after trying them both.
While the Yamaha my mate has is by no means the best system I've heard for a budget system it's massively better than the usual all in one systems I've heard.
The Yamaha is essentially a separates system, with a separate AV amp, 5 speakers and a separate powered sub but sold together as a system. Potentially this gives you much more flexibility, you could even upgrade the front 2 speakers at a later date and it would be fine. The LGs speakers would most likely be specific to the LG and couldn't either be used with other kit or be upgraded with better stuff later
I'll admit I'm making assumptions about the LG and Yamaha as I have no personal experience of those specific models but I'd be very surprised if the Yamaha wasn't significantly better than the LG. If I wasn't so skint I'd almost be prepared the offer the extra tenner if you disagreed after trying them both.
JimbobVFR said:
I've not heard the specific models but I have experience of loads of different all in one systems like the LG (various Panasonic, Sony, JVC and Samsung systems) and I also have a mate with a very similar Yamaha system but an older model without HDMI.
While the Yamaha my mate has is by no means the best system I've heard for a budget system it's massively better than the usual all in one systems I've heard.
The Yamaha is essentially a separates system, with a separate AV amp, 5 speakers and a separate powered sub but sold together as a system. Potentially this gives you much more flexibility, you could even upgrade the front 2 speakers at a later date and it would be fine. The LGs speakers would most likely be specific to the LG and couldn't either be used with other kit or be upgraded with better stuff later
I'll admit I'm making assumptions about the LG and Yamaha as I have no personal experience of those specific models but I'd be very surprised if the Yamaha wasn't significantly better than the LG. If I wasn't so skint I'd almost be prepared the offer the extra tenner if you disagreed after trying them both.
I agree with this, buy the Yamaha kit and upgrade the speakers as you go. Or go secondhand. You'll be amazed what you can get for £200 if you put a bit of work in!While the Yamaha my mate has is by no means the best system I've heard for a budget system it's massively better than the usual all in one systems I've heard.
The Yamaha is essentially a separates system, with a separate AV amp, 5 speakers and a separate powered sub but sold together as a system. Potentially this gives you much more flexibility, you could even upgrade the front 2 speakers at a later date and it would be fine. The LGs speakers would most likely be specific to the LG and couldn't either be used with other kit or be upgraded with better stuff later
I'll admit I'm making assumptions about the LG and Yamaha as I have no personal experience of those specific models but I'd be very surprised if the Yamaha wasn't significantly better than the LG. If I wasn't so skint I'd almost be prepared the offer the extra tenner if you disagreed after trying them both.
(or if you have any suggestions for other decent bits that come in at around £200 - feel free to fire away!)Have a good search around the AVforums classifieds. I reckon you'll pick up something much better for your money than a basic starter system:
http://www.avforums.com/forums/home-cinema-hi-fi-c...
Amplifiers:
http://www.avforums.com/forums/amplifier-receiver-...
Speakers:
http://www.avforums.com/forums/speaker-subwoofer-c...
Just make sure you read the trading rules: No offers via PM being the main mistake new members make.
http://www.avforums.com/forums/home-cinema-hi-fi-c...
Amplifiers:
http://www.avforums.com/forums/amplifier-receiver-...
Speakers:
http://www.avforums.com/forums/speaker-subwoofer-c...
Just make sure you read the trading rules: No offers via PM being the main mistake new members make.
brockovrs said:
Does this mean that I could have all 3 input sources plugged into the surround sound, using it as a hub, which would then output to the tv? - would the sound then have to come out of the surround sound, or would it come through the tv speakers (as I don't really want surround on all the time)
Essentially, yes. The Surround sound amp will become a hub for all sources.If the amp & TV support 'control over HDMI' then switching on the TV will also switch on the amp, and you can control volume via the TV remote etc. Once you have a decent sound system you definitely won't use the TV speakers again!
Just to add some closure to the thread, I bought the Yamaha set from Richer sounds.
I've connected everything bar the sub (As I ran out of speaker wire!) and it sounds pretty good!
I'll need to stick a film on have a proper play with the settings though, does anyone know of any decent guides for setting up a surround sound system, or is it just a case of leave the receiver as it is out of the box?
I've connected everything bar the sub (As I ran out of speaker wire!) and it sounds pretty good!
I'll need to stick a film on have a proper play with the settings though, does anyone know of any decent guides for setting up a surround sound system, or is it just a case of leave the receiver as it is out of the box?
Setting up properly is very worth while.
Depending on the system it'll either have a test tone and manual level controls, the objective here is to get all the speakers at the same level using the tone, either by ear or by using a SPL meter (which is probably overkill at this level)
The amp may also have speaker distance controls in the menus. This is so the amp can set tiny delays in the sound from each speaker depending on how far away they are.
Or most newer amps will have a plugin microphone that you place in your listening position which will do all of this for you
Either way the manual will give more info on setting up, but yes well worth doing rather than using the default settings
Which Yamaha system is it?
Depending on the system it'll either have a test tone and manual level controls, the objective here is to get all the speakers at the same level using the tone, either by ear or by using a SPL meter (which is probably overkill at this level)
The amp may also have speaker distance controls in the menus. This is so the amp can set tiny delays in the sound from each speaker depending on how far away they are.
Or most newer amps will have a plugin microphone that you place in your listening position which will do all of this for you
Either way the manual will give more info on setting up, but yes well worth doing rather than using the default settings
Which Yamaha system is it?
I'll have a look at the manual and see what it says about setup.
Does anyone know of a surround sound test tone I could use to make sure I have all the speakers correctly positioned? - I can't tell if the rear speakers are wired in correctly (as in, I can't work out if the the left rear output is connected to the left rear or the right rear)
The system is this one:
www.richersounds.com/product/1-box-home-cinema-sys...
I'm seriously impressed with it so far though!!
Does anyone know of a surround sound test tone I could use to make sure I have all the speakers correctly positioned? - I can't tell if the rear speakers are wired in correctly (as in, I can't work out if the the left rear output is connected to the left rear or the right rear)
The system is this one:
www.richersounds.com/product/1-box-home-cinema-sys...
I'm seriously impressed with it so far though!!
brockovrs said:
I'll have a look at the manual and see what it says about setup.
Does anyone know of a surround sound test tone I could use to make sure I have all the speakers correctly positioned? - I can't tell if the rear speakers are wired in correctly (as in, I can't work out if the the left rear output is connected to the left rear or the right rear)
The system is this one:
www.richersounds.com/product/1-box-home-cinema-sys...
I'm seriously impressed with it so far though!!
Awesome glad you're happy. The manual linked to from that page has pages 18-20 all about the set up, including setting the speaker distances as I mentioned above, page 20 details the test tone and level setup. The other amp will play a white noise tone through each speaker in turn and you fiddle the levels so they all sound the same level. Does anyone know of a surround sound test tone I could use to make sure I have all the speakers correctly positioned? - I can't tell if the rear speakers are wired in correctly (as in, I can't work out if the the left rear output is connected to the left rear or the right rear)
The system is this one:
www.richersounds.com/product/1-box-home-cinema-sys...
I'm seriously impressed with it so far though!!
Barkychoc said:
On 2 much older yamaha setups I've had there was a test option that went round the room one speaker at a time.
This. Same with my Sony AV amp. If yours doesn't have one, pick up a DVD of the first Harry Potter film. The Quidditch scenes are excellent for surround sound, and it's obvious where the sound is supposed to be.
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