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Surround sound or "home theatre" systems: Looking for at least 2 speakers and a sub. It is my understanding after reading some articles that I will have to have a reciever unit as well. I'm assuming from reading that the TV, DVD player, etc all plug into that reciever.
1. Is it not possible to plug the speakers directly into the tv so I'm not using 14 remotes trying to do things?
2. Do you know of any decent low cost options?
- I'm not looking for a full out 24 inch sub with 14 speakers that will peel the paint off the walls (it'd be nice, but overkill). I live in an apartment so I just want something that will get the sound above the dishwasher and laundry machine while not distorting and adding a little more bass to the explosions on TV, etc.
3. The couch sits against the wall so I can't see those two "back" speakers of being any use... I could hang them, but then the wifey doesn't like wires everywhere.... thoughts?
Thank you.
BigBear
StagLefty
01-31-2011, 11:36
I've got an old surround system here and I believe you have to have a receiver,at least you did when I bought this one. Maybe with the newer TV's and sound systems it's different ?
There are always ways of hiding the wires, just depends on how much work you are willing to do.
Of course, limited options in an apt.
ETA; http://www.practical-home-theater-guide.com/wireless-speakers-systems.html
SideShow Bob
01-31-2011, 12:20
It will all depend on your TV, if it can support and power external speakers.
The amps in the TVs that can power Extenal speakers are not that powerful, you will get better performance from an HDMI connection to a receiver.
If your TV has audio outputs, make sure they are for speakers and not line level outputs for an amp/receiver.
You can also get a universal remote or program your cable remote to operate most everything.
ruthabagah
01-31-2011, 12:23
I just went through a living room remodel and asked myself the same question.
1 - nope. You need a receiver because your tv will not give you enough amp to power your speaker or if your tv is recent you can buy a 200-300$ "sound bar" that should directly connect with your tv.
2 - you probably don't need a "14.1" sound system, but its definitively a better sound experience
3 - I put a set of tiny rear speaker inside the Lowe part of my couch and it sounds great and is totally "wife stealth".
funkfool
01-31-2011, 12:24
Surround sound or "home theatre" systems: Looking for at least 2 speakers and a sub. It is my understanding after reading some articles that I will have to have a reciever unit as well. I'm assuming from reading that the TV, DVD player, etc all plug into that reciever.
1. Is it not possible to plug the speakers directly into the tv so I'm not using 14 remotes trying to do things?
No - you really need a reciever to decode the 5.1 or 7.1 signal...
(5.1=5 speakers and one sub - front right, front left, center, rear right, rear left and sub...
7.1= same but 2 more - center right and center left..)
2. Do you know of any decent low cost options?
- I'm not looking for a full out 24 inch sub with 14 speakers that will peel the paint off the walls (it'd be nice, but overkill). I live in an apartment so I just want something that will get the sound above the dishwasher and laundry machine while not distorting and adding a little more bass to the explosions on TV, etc.
Sony sells pretty decent all-in-one systems (http://www.bestbuy.com/site/Sony+-+1000W+5.1-Ch.+Home+Theater+System/9770679.p?id=1218171552661&skuId=9770679)for relatively cheap... that is what I started with and they work fine... I might have an 'extra' 5.1 reciever somewhere...
3. The couch sits against the wall so I can't see those two "back" speakers of being any use... I could hang them, but then the wifey doesn't like wires everywhere.... thoughts?
Yes - you'll need the 'back' speakers... put them on either side of the couch facing inward.
Imperative for 5.1 audio...
Thank you.
BigBear
Let me know if there is anything else you have questions on... I'm sure more folks will chime in here as well...
SideShow Bob
01-31-2011, 12:42
You can also get systems with wireless rear speakers or put some holes in the walls to run hidden speaker wires. I can do this, but you have to take care of the patching. [LOL]
I put a set of tiny rear speaker inside the Lowe part of my couch and it sounds great and is totally "wife stealth".
I can do this, but you have to take care of the patching.
I'm not an audiophile but doesn't putting speakers in the couch** or patching them into holes in the wall affect the audio quality?
** (a MAJOR no-go on my couch according to wifey... it is the single most expensive thing we own, though we got it for a great price from friends)
$200-300 for a "sound bar" (interesting concept) is a bit too much. Is the the price I'm looking at for an average setup?
I think a 2.1 (two fronts plus Sub) would be sufficient for my apartment... though a 4.1 or 5.1 would be nice, but I'm not sure where I'd put the rear speakers.
On wireless setups, how long does the battery typically last? Will the signals interfer with other electronics? (Pace maker, wireless internet, etc?)
The TV does have plenty of HDMI connections and other stuff that I don't even know what they mean. A friend of mine was able to hook up the computer to the TV... talk about fun! Playing BF2 on that big ol' screen... HAHA. Thanks for jumping in.
funkfool was right on the money. A normal 5.1 system with 1000 watts is plenty good enough. You can find them on ebay for pretty cheap. Surround sound is like any other thing on the market these days, lots of options, many that you don't need at all for a decent system but look real nice and tempt you into buying anyway. If you are like me and are really picky, or just have a little ocd, you can poke a little hole in the wall where you put your speakers and another one at the bottom just above the baseboard to snake your wire through, or just take off the baseboard and run under it and put the baseboard back on. Then, just follow the baseboard or go under the carpet. Of course you alway have the option of going wireless also.
gnihcraes
01-31-2011, 13:54
Surround receivers are running anywhere from $150 and up at best buy for the cheaper stuff. 5.1 surround is probably fine for what you need to hear. I like the Bose systems with only 2 or 4 speakers - you can find them at Target, but they cost a little more than most other cheapo surround systems. ~$500 If I remember right.
I have my centers, fronts, rears all in the front of the room, and don't notice much difference really. I've had the rears on the wall, ceiling and just got tired of the wires and the wife changing the layout of the room.
I picked up an all in one onkyo system (5.1) up for the bedroom. I thi k I paid around $400 for the whole thing and it sounds pretty damn good for what it is.
ghettodub
01-31-2011, 14:00
You can get a cheapy 5.1 system at best buy, and it'll make a world of difference over standard speakers. Worth it 100% in my book
hmm, ok. Thanks guys. Guess I'll need to be saving up for a little longer then.
5.1, 1K watts, prefer wireless, ...
Another question - do any of these recievers just come in just as a plain reciever box? All the ones I'm looking at have blue ray and FM radio and blah, blah... All I really need is just the reciever box... Hope that makes sense.
That's kind of why they're caller a receiver; AM/FM reception.
That's kind of why they're caller a receiver; AM/FM reception.
oh.... but if I just get a basic model, my DVD player and all that jazz can be hooked up to the reciever, correct?.....
Yep, how many things will you be running? Game consoles, DVD/blu-ray, cable, etc.?
funkfool
01-31-2011, 15:44
oh.... but if I just get a basic model, my DVD player and all that jazz can be hooked up to the reciever, correct?.....
Yes - but some have the DVD player with them... stay away from multifunction units - it is my experience that when they combine units (DVD/receiver,etc) neither one functions as well as a dedicated unit... plus if one goes south... you have to replace... wait for it... BOTH.
Oh.. and BTW- I didn't have an extra 5.1 reciever... it was just a stereo reciever...
Yep, how many things will you be running? Game consoles, DVD/blu-ray, cable, etc.?
No game consoles, I'm a PC gamer. Just the TV and the BR/DVD player would be it. I have great speakers for the computer.... I thought I could just plug them into the TV, but it doesn't seem to work that way... lol.
Though, I think I can hook up the DVD to the computer (to use speakers) and then HDMI it to the TV... hmmm.....
Yes - but some have the DVD player with them... stay away from multifunction units - it is my experience that when they combine units (DVD/receiver,etc) neither one functions as well as a dedicated unit... plus if one goes south... you have to replace... wait for it... BOTH.
Oh.. and BTW- I didn't have an extra 5.1 reciever... it was just a stereo reciever...
No biggie, thanks for checking. I don't need a stereo as I use the inet or phone app for radio.
SideShow Bob
01-31-2011, 18:19
[QUOTE=BigBear;297978] or patching them into holes in the wall affect the audio quality?
You're not serious are you ? The wires are patched into the walls, the speakers are ressessed into an opening in the wall with the grill exposed.
On wireless setups, how long does the battery typically last? Will the signals interfer with other electronics? (Pace maker, wireless internet, etc?)
The wireless units are Ac powered at the back of the room and have a IR receiver and short wires to the rear speakers, the main receiver has a IR transmitter. Draw back, it must be line of sight.
[quote=SideShow Bob;298224][quote=BigBear;297978] or patching them into holes in the wall affect the audio quality?
You're not serious are you ? The wires are patched into the walls, the speakers are ressessed into an opening in the wall with the grill exposed.
Rgr, I was just clarifying as someone mentioned putting them into the couch... which from what I understand of acoustics would really dampen the vibrations of the molecules as they respond to one another in the open air. What we hear as the acoustical properties of "sound" is simply vibrations of air pressure. If we cut a hole in the wall and put a speaker behind it, then seal that wall; the drywall will dampen the vibrations and we hear a muffled sound. I was just making sure that I understood the original poster correctly. But it is a moot point as I live in an apartment and I do not desire to rip up moulding/baseboards or cut holes in walls to hide wires, etc.
The wireless units are Ac powered at the back of the room and have a IR receiver and short wires to the rear speakers, the main receiver has a IR transmitter. Draw back, it must be line of sight.
Line of sight would be a problem too. Guess I'll try to stick with wires then. Most likely I'll just drop the idea and not watch TV/movies when doing laundry or dishes, lol.
If the line of sight thing isn't feasable, And, if the cables are white you can get a cable staple gun, and just staple them to the ceiling. Minumum damage. And, unless the lady of the manor is obsessive complusive, They should "blend in" fairly well.
... And, unless the lady of the manor is obsessive complusive, They should "blend in" fairly well.
Ah, you have not met Mrs. Bear yet huh? hahaha
Okay, point taken...[Tooth]
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