Audio questions from a noob.

[Alley]

so I really need to get a audio setup. Right now I just use the speakers from my plasma TV. I was thinking a 7.1 reciever. So does that mean I need to get 7 speakers? I figured 4 small speakers for each corner of the room, and a subwoofer, and then I guess would I need 2 speakers for the front? Would I be using the TV speakers still? And would I be able to use a HDMI reciever even though I only have one HDMI output on my TV? Like does the reciever have it input and output so I can use it as a middle man? I currently use my HDMI output for my PS3. And I didn't really want a bunch of wires, so what are your thoughts on wireless speakers? I'm a audio noob.

[slpbird]

7.1 would be center left right left and right surround and 2 surround back speakers. and 1 sub woofer. The answer to your hdmi question in the the hdmi connector on your tv is an input. You can get a receiver that has multiple inputs and one out to the tv. The receiver is no the middle man and handles the switching of you video components

[Matt X]

Originally Posted by Alley

so I really need to get a audio setup. Right now I just use the speakers from my plasma TV. I was thinking a 7.1 reciever. So does that mean I need to get 7 speakers? I figured 4 small speakers for each corner of the room, and a subwoofer, and then I guess would I need 2 speakers for the front? Would I be using the TV speakers still? And would I be able to use a HDMI reciever even though I only have one HDMI output on my TV? Like does the reciever have it input and output so I can use it as a middle man? I currently use my HDMI output for my PS3. And I didn't really want a bunch of wires, so what are your thoughts on wireless speakers? I'm a audio noob.

a 7.1 receiver (esp. if it is "HDMI 1.3" certified) is a good move. does that mean you HAVE to get 7 speakers? that's best, but for many movies you can get by w/ 5 + subwoofer, then add 2 later (which I'm planning on). the speaker set up, as you face the TV, is Left Front, Center (on top of or under the TV), Right front. the rest of the speakers are either beside or behind you (usually behind) - 2 on L & R sides, 2 L&R back. I think you can hold off on the sides if you are limited on budget or whatever. Normally using tv speakers in this setup is not advisable. Usually all the audio & video will be handled by the HDMI cable going from PS3--->receiver then ---->TV. wireless speakers have improved lately but are no match for wired (you could hide the wires in your wall, like I did)

[Need0fMany]

Originally Posted by Alley

so I really need to get a audio setup. Right now I just use the speakers from my plasma TV. I was thinking a 7.1 reciever. So does that mean I need to get 7 speakers? I figured 4 small speakers for each corner of the room, and a subwoofer, and then I guess would I need 2 speakers for the front? Would I be using the TV speakers still? And would I be able to use a HDMI reciever even though I only have one HDMI output on my TV? Like does the reciever have it input and output so I can use it as a middle man? I currently use my HDMI output for my PS3. And I didn't really want a bunch of wires, so what are your thoughts on wireless speakers? I'm a audio noob.

If you are starting out, you might want to check for a kit that has the 7.1 receiver and the speaker set.

Yes, it will be 7 speakers: 2 front, 2 side, 2 rear, 1 subwoofer. You shouldn't use the speakers from your TV anymore, they won't be matched and not as good as separate ones.

You do not want to send your PS3's HDMI to your TV first, you want ideally to go through a receiver that has HDMI in\out because many TV will only output stereo or 5.1 so you would loose all the benefits of 7.1.

Wireless speakers do not have as high fidelity as wired speakers, they've come a long way but they are not quite there yet. It's well worth the effort to pass the wires needed.

Good luck.

[Alley]

I would probably not use the side speakers, I don't have room for them. So with only 5 speakers, would I still benifit from 7.1? Or should I just buy a 5.1 reciever?

[T-Town Oil]

Originally Posted by Alley

I would probably not use the side speakers, I don't have room for them. So with only 5 speakers, would I still benifit from 7.1? Or should I just buy a 5.1 reciever?

you never know if youll want to upgrade. i say its better to have and not use rather than need and not have

[Need0fMany]

Well, if you don't have room for them and won't have room in the near future, then yes just get 5.1. It will be cheaper or for the same price range you can get better quality or features.

If you think you might be moving or get extra room in the near future and don't want to have to change receiver again, you could get a 7.1 ready receiver and just use it in 5.1 mode. When you do that, many receivers will allow you to use the unused 2 speakers as a remote setup or B output, so you can send some sound to another room in the house.

[ryoohki]

Yes you can get a 7.1 but use only 5.1 on it, most Receiver are 7.1 now, i got one (2 years old) but only use 5.1 since my room isn't large enought for it

Here's some setup option for 7.1 audio

http://www.dts.com/dts-hd/dtshd-speaker-remapping.php

[crackinhedz]

Entry Level Receivers:

Sony STR-DG910 ($330)

Onkyo TX-SR605 ($400)

Yamaha RX-V661 ($500)



These are all very good entry level systems...all HDMI 1080p/Lossless Audio capable.

Let us know what kind of budget your working with, would help us to offer better advice on a set-up.

[CapiCoo]

How about the onkyo ht sr800? Can anyone give their opinion on this system?

[crackinhedz]

Originally Posted by CapiCoo

How about the onkyo ht sr800? Can anyone give their opinion on this system?

yeah, dont get it.

(you have to use optical for audio)

[ClaytonMG]

Originally Posted by Alley

I would probably not use the side speakers, I don't have room for them. So with only 5 speakers, would I still benifit from 7.1? Or should I just buy a 5.1 reciever?

Well you probably want to put speakers on the side there... If you go to Dolby's, DTS's or THX's site, they'll have some nice diagrams on speaker placement.

[Alley]

I'm deffinatly looking at low cost for a entry lvl system so that Sony STR-DG910 that was suggested might be one I'll look into. Does that one have uncompressed PCM? I heard that with the PS3 you need that or something?

[IamNhobdy]

Originally Posted by Need0fMany

Yes, it will be 7 speakers: 2 front, 2 side, 2 rear, 1 subwoofer.

You forgot the center channel....it's 8 speakers.

But there's nothing wrong with using a 5.1 set-up(6 speakers) on a 7.1 amp.
You may lose audio being sent to the extra(missing) speakers if you select the 7.1 track on a movie.

[theknub]

Originally Posted by IamNhobdy

You forgot the center channel....it's 8 speakers.

But there's nothing wrong with using a 5.1 set-up(6 speakers) on a 7.1 amp.
You may lose audio being sent to the extra(missing) speakers if you select the 7.1 track on a movie.

not if the receiver is set to only output 5.1. in theory, the receiver would hopefully matrix the sound back in. if not, it will at least ignore the extra two channels.