Help with audio set-up

[bigmf]

Ok, so as a stop gap measure, I bought a Durabrand HT-3916 as a audio system to go with my PS3 and 42 inch LCD. ( I know the first reaction will be through the thing out and by a decent receiver and speaker system. That will come - I think i will get an Onkyo 7.1 system in the fall. My theatre room is being refinished and I don't want drywall dust destroying any real equipment.)

I've set the system up with audio through analogue input from PS3 directly and it says 5.1 sound but I'm pretty sure it is not dolby in any way - not great sound, but better than the tv's speakers. Is there something better I can do for watching blu-ray movies for now? What audio selection should I make on the blu-ray menu.

I can't do links but a quick google search will show the equipment on wal-mart

[Filterlab]

Well, for any sort of Dolby / DTS decoding you will need to use the digital output as analogue is incapable of transferring 5.1.

The PS3 has an optical digital out (aka Toslink) which will transfer the necessary audio data (see pic).

We don't have Durabrand on these shores but since it's a 5.1 system (according to their web page) it should have an optical digital in.

Connect them up, select the input on the Durabrand thing and it should work a treat. As a rule, optical digital outputs are always active regardless of menu settings. You may have to sort out the required settings on the Durabrand box but it should be straightforward.

[bigmf]

Yeah... it does not have an optical input. All it has is the red/white analogue. Therefore I assume it is simulated 5.1 from 2.0 source, is that correct?

[Filterlab]

Mmmm, that's got me.

Perhaps it is only a simulated surround as you say. It should have a 'Dolby' marking on it if it is proper 5.1 surround. It may just simply be a pseudo surround processor.

You may be able to fiddle with the settings to get a surround sound, but chances are it won't be 5 independent channels.

[dobyblue]

That model number is a 5.1 speaker package.
What's the model of receiver you're using?

[Filterlab]

Originally Posted by dobyblue

That model number is a 5.1 speaker package.
What's the model of receiver you're using?

The receiver is built into the Sub.

[bigmf]

Yes the receiver is built into the subwoofer.

I'm a little nervous when dobyblue comes to answer because from what I've seen he is an audio expert.

I will say now that i realize this is junk, but for $40 Canadian it is worth it to not subject any new good equipment to drywall dust. I can't wait for the renovations to be complete so I can replace this with a decent system, but for a few months it will have to do.

[Filterlab]

You could have got an old 5.1 processor off ebay for a couple of $. Still, stick with it for a while then go for the 7.1.

I've got a bit of experience with audio myself.

[bigmf]

So is it simulated 5.1? Is that the correct term? Does anyone know?

Also what audio settings on the PS3 should I use?

And what systems should I be looking at in the fall when the remodelling is done?

[Filterlab]

There's no specific term for a pseudo 5.1, it may be some kind of simple processor in the Durabrand box that creates the illusion of surround. Certainly I can say it is not Dolby or DTS.

As for audio settings on the PS3, if the Durabrand creates a pseudo surround from a stereo output, then it's best to set the PS3 to stereo. However that's all that will be possible from the analogue out anyway. Probably best to choose a default setting.

As for systems when your refit is finished, well how long's a piece of string?!

It depends entirely on your budget, room size, volume requirements, how audiophilic you are - a whole heap of factors!

It's best to hierarchically spread your budget starting at the source and working down. This generally brings the best results although not in every case.

Best to read some hi-fi magazines and get a feel for what's good and what's not before spending a huge amount of money on a naff component (as I did a few years back - Denon DVD-2800 Mk2) and feeling disappointed.

The primary consideration is budget though, how much are you spending?

[Deciazulado]

Well as it doesn't have a coaxial S/PDIF conection (I just read the manual), all you have is L/R audio. The 5.1 setting might be giving you a simple "Dolby Surround" decoded soundstage using something like the Hafler matrix (The Dolbys are basicaly complicated versions of that) with mono sum for the center and out of phase signals sent to the surrounds. Or maybe not.

(You can check what it does with a disc with test audio tones (any DVD with THX optimizer) to see if it sends separate sounds to each speaker, or its just playing 5 channel stereo)

[buckshot]

are you going for one of the ''home theaters in a a box'' with the onkyo 7.1? I bought one of those last year, and have loved it. I think I have the HT-R530 or something like that. 1000w with optical input (since it has no hdmi) and I love it. I am not an audiophile so I can't tell the differece between it and my friend's $10,000 set up. Plus the ipod dock is nice.

[bigmf]

I'm thinking of the Onkyo HTIB solution right now. Of course I would like HDMI in x2 so I can have the switching between the HD cable box and the PS3. I don't think i need any other compnents and don't want to spend over $2k, but I want the best sound I can get.

[Filterlab]

These may help:

http://www.htmarket.com/autmovtheatp.html

http://www.htmarket.com/allinonehomt.html

http://www.nextag.com/Denon-AVR-3806...B78FF7E43CD1A0

http://www.sonystyle.com/is-bin/EINT..._HiFiReceivers

http://www.sonystyle.com/is-bin/EINT..._HiFiReceivers

http://reviews.cnet.com/4566-6740_7-0.html?sa=100021&

To be honest, you've so much choice it's probably worth having a gas with your local hi-fi shop.

[bigmf]

Thanks, Filter and everyone else. I can't wait until the remodelling is done. I think its a shame that I'll be hearing Casino Royale on this stop-gap machine.