Electronics question

[BigBear]

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]

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 ?

[Marlin]

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-gu...s-systems.html

[SideShow Bob]

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]

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]

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 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]

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.

[BigBear]

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.

[spyder]

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]

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.