General Home Theater Audio Thread

[s44]

More sub updates, while I'm at it:

Epik has a revamped product line, and a new url.
Rythmik ($700-$1000) has made a big splash with their sealed direct-servo subs. Flat and deep response, very musical. They also sell drivers & amps for DIY. You can also buy through Ascend.

 

[RupTheKid]

Jello, what do you think about making a new thread / sticky for good deals or reasonably priced 5.1 systems. We could linkify several systems for under 1k, 2k, 3k, current specials, etc so that people can have some constructive direction? Also as s44 mentioned, reputable manufacturers such as Epik, Rythmik, SVS, etc could all be explained a bit more.

 

[YOyoYOhowsDAjello]

Originally posted by: RupTheKid
Jello, what do you think about making a new thread / sticky for good deals or reasonably priced 5.1 systems. We could linkify several systems for under 1k, 2k, 3k, current specials, etc so that people can have some constructive direction? Also as s44 mentioned, reputable manufacturers such as Epik, Rythmik, SVS, etc could all be explained a bit more.

That sounds like it would be helpful.

Something similar to this where someone would make the original thread and then people could post suggestions to add to the list or make updates / corrections to the existing info? (Original poster can then edit the first post to reflect these changes)

If anyone wants to step up and be in charge of the new one, you're more than welcome to. I'd be willing to do it if nobody else wants to do it. I haven't been the best at actively checking existing links in this thread though even

 

[s44]

The problem is, the deals change so fast... Unless you want to stick to ID only.

 

[trexpesto]

Originally posted by: Patrick Wolf

3. Not sure how good the included sub is on the Take Classic so I stumbled upon this option. Energy Take Classic 5.0 + Dayton Basic Sub (8" or 10"). $300-$350 depending on Sub.

That auction ended. Vann's has the Energy Take Classic 5.0 for $199.95 w/free shipping: LINK

 

[s44]

A few months old, but useful: AVS thread comparing Emotiva, Hsu, SVS, and Ascend bookshelf speakers.

 

[ChrisOjeda]

I was interested to read on the follow up to Anand's home theater...but I can not find any blogs. Did he ever post them. I wanted to know more about his sound selections.

 

[meltdown75]

OP thank you very much for putting this together..... fantastic :thumbsup: :beer: :beer: :beer: :beer: :beer: :beer:

 

[YOyoYOhowsDAjello]

Originally posted by: meltdown75
OP thank you very much for putting this together..... fantastic :thumbsup: :beer: :beer: :beer: :beer: :beer: :beer:

No problem.

I haven't updated the links in a while, so I apologize about that

 

[rocadelpunk]

where's the speaker setup/calibration part of the thread go? Or is it just not loading for me :0

 

[YOyoYOhowsDAjello]

where's the speaker setup/calibration part of the thread go? Or is it just not loading for me :0

It would appear that we now have a 50,000 character limit on posts.

Word says my whole one (that I just grabbed off of "The Internet Archive") is 98,521 characters.

I'll see if I can get my old one restored since I'll have to manually redo links if I use "The Internet Archive" version to redo the post.

Thanks for posting about this, rocadelpunk.

EDIT: Whether I can get the old one restored, or I have to manually redo it, I hope to update the thread eventually and actually organize it. The transition to vBulletin kind of messed it up already, so it's in need of some love anyway.

In the meantime
http://web.archive.org/web/20080307....aspx?catid=67&threadid=2099593&enterthread=y

 

[shortylickens]

Wish I had money. Looking to replace my cheap Sony speakers which finally seem to be wearing out.
I think those polk 150's are what I need. Maybe after christmas I'll look into them.

Would they sound OK with my 200-dollar Sony reciever or do I need to change that as well?

 

[YOyoYOhowsDAjello]

It would work.

If you'd upgrade, Audyssey really bring out the best / fixes deficiencies in low-end speakers.

 

[ChaoZ]

I'm looking for a really, really cheap setup for my bedroom. The problem is I'm using the TV speakers and having no center speaker is killing me with all the damn dynamic range on movies. I don't care about the quality as long as I can hear the dialogue and sound effects aren't overwhelming.

I have a Logitech X530 and I'm thinking of just plugging it directly in to the TV; no idea how to go about this. Any suggestions?
Pic of TV

 

[YOyoYOhowsDAjello]

I'm looking for a really, really cheap setup for my bedroom. The problem is I'm using the TV speakers and having no center speaker is killing me with all the damn dynamic range on movies. I don't care about the quality as long as I can hear the dialogue and sound effects aren't overwhelming.

I have a Logitech X530 and I'm thinking of just plugging it directly in to the TV; no idea how to go about this. Any suggestions?
Pic of TV

Looks like you have stereo analog audio out on the TV. The X-530s don't have a "matrix mode", do they? To get more than 2.1 working (and by working, I just mean playing stereo back on all speakers), you'd need either a matrix mode on the speakers or a game adapter that maps 2.0 analog to multichannel analog so you could plug in all the plugs for the X-530s.

If your TV's speakers aren't very clear, having the X-530s may improve dialog, but it will probably not help a whole lot if the problem is dynamic range.

Does your movie player have a dynamic range limiter? (night mode, etc)

 

[ChaoZ]

I use my PS3 for videos and it does have a dynamic range option. It only works for DVD/Blu-Ray though. I'm SOL if I stream my videos.

 

[YOyoYOhowsDAjello]

Well if having a dedicated center and the ability to adjust the level of that speaker independently is what you're after, the x-530s aren't going to allow that.

The HTIB sets from Onkyo (and other options) are going to be a relatively inexpensive way to accomplish this.

Alternatively, you could keep your eye out for deals on separate components and put something together yourself.

I don't have a sub-$100 option in mind for you that will really improve things the way you want.

 

[ChaoZ]

Well I got an adapter and connected the speakers to the TV. It works, but I can't control the volume... Oh well, I tried.

 

[YOyoYOhowsDAjello]

Well I got an adapter and connected the speakers to the TV. It works, but I can't control the volume... Oh well, I tried.

Go into the menu for your TV and see if under sound options you can turn the audio out to variable.

 

[ChaoZ]

Go into the menu for your TV and see if under sound options you can turn the audio out to variable.

Nope . The only option I have is to turn the TV speakers on and off.

 

[YOyoYOhowsDAjello]

Nope . The only option I have is to turn the TV speakers on and off.

Well that's a bummer

 

[ChaoZ]

I'm gonna try a RCA to headphone adapter and see if that works.

 

[ChaoZ]

I might go and get a receiver instead. I see some sub $100 ones like a Onkyo HT-R340 on craigslist. The problem is that it has no HDMI, but it does have component.

The question is how would I set everything up and connect the various equipment? I also have a PS3. It would be great if someone can also show me a general guide to the different types of connections and decoding options.

 

[YOyoYOhowsDAjello]

Why don't you start your own thread on this issue? I think you'll get more and better responses that way.

 

[shortylickens]

Well, after years of fucking around, I finally did it.

Will take great joy in tossing those Sony's out the door.
Now the only question is how to test it.
Blu-ray Top Gun?
Or DVD Star Trek 6?

Discuss?
Pole?