Connecting Surround Sound

[WeApOn]

Hi,

I just got Cox Cable and a new TV, and I will be getting PS3 Friday. I had previously purchased a surround sound system for my computer- Inspire P7800. Upon getting cable, I haven't found a way for the surround sound to work with the TV. The TV is a Samsung DLP HL-S5687W.

I have aux in on my speaker system, and the regular computer cables(green, orange, black, grey). Is there any way for me to be able to connect my speaker system with my TV/Cable Box/PS3 for surround sound to be working?

Currently, I have my system set Aux In - White & Red in cable box. The sound works, but it is not in surround.

Any help is greatly appreciated. Thanks!

[WriteSimply]

You can't get surround sound to work with this unless a) you use it with your computer or b) you get an external Dolby Digital/DTS decoder.

Creative makes the DDTS-100 Decoder that should work with your Creative Inspire. However, the cost is US$120 (minimum) on Froogle and it only works with similar (not necessarily from Creative) computer speaker setups that needs the sound card to do the decoding for them.

For another US$180, you could get a nice, almost future-proof, 7.1 Panasonic SA-XR57S, a full-fledged HDMI capable receiver. It costs US$280 (minimum) on Froogle. The downside to that is your Inspire speakers might be overdriven by the powerful receiver. The upside to that is you can FINALLY get a decent surround setup that will work well with music and movies.

Another route is getting a 5.1 speaker system setup that has built-in DD/DTS decoding, like the Logitech Z-5500, or a home theater in a box. Neither options gives you HDMI capability (to listen to Dolby TrueHD and LPCM from the PS3) so its at best an interim 2-4 year solution.

Finally, didn't you ask the same question several months before?


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[WeApOn]

Hey,

Thanks alot for all the info. I may have asked something similar a few months ago, maybe which type of speaker system to buy. I was going to keep mine, but I just found out it won't work with my cable box or TV I guess.

What is available as a speaker system that will allow the HDMI 1.3 audio? I'd rather buy a full fledged thing that will last for awhile.

Thanks alot for the help.

[WriteSimply]

Originally Posted by WeApOn

What is available as a speaker system that will allow the HDMI 1.3 audio? I'd rather buy a full fledged thing that will last for awhile.

Currently, nothing. There are no receivers using HDMI 1.3 nor are there receivers that can do DTS HD/MA, TrueHD or DSD decoding. So if you want a quick fix, you're out of luck. Even those with US$40,000++ SOUND system (Jeff Mardo aka thebland, anyone? ) don't have TrueHD/HDMA yet.

If you want something that is easily upgradeable, buy seperates.

Step 1: Buy a 5.1 speaker setup with a sound that you like. Don't get one with a boomy bass! Do your research. Audition a few. Buy what's right for the room you want to put them in (there is overkill in a speaker purchase, ya know ).

There are lots of 5.1 speaker packages out there; these are speakers meant to be driven by receivers and amps and they contain no decoding capability whatsoever. Choose one that works with your budget. These 5.1 packages are not easily upgradeable to 7.1 because the satellite speakers are connected to the sub so there are no extra connections you can make for the extra two speakers. But if you're already on a tight budget, I don't think you're going to be too worried about 7.1.

If you have a suitable budget and want 7.1, go with three pairs of bookshelf speakers, a matching (as in matching tonality and musicality) center channel speaker, and a capable subwoofer. This is to start with and to not complicate matters.

Shop with your budget and room size in mind.

Step 2) Get a receiver. The Panasonic that I mentioned is a good start since it does accept multichannel audio through HDMI. This means you can listen to Dolby TrueHD, multichannel SACD and LPCM tracks on BD and PS3 games with no problems. You can try other receivers that can handle multichannel audio via HDMI too but the Panny can handle 7.1.

Alternate Step) You can RISK getting the Panny and using them with your Inspire speakers. By RISK I mean RISK! The Panny outputs 100 watts PER CHANNEL for 7.1 channels. The Inspire handles 125 watts TOTAL. Point is the Panny can easily blow up the Inspire. But then, those speakers only costs US$99 only, right?

But if you're easy on the Volume (Don't go to 11!), you just MIGHT make it work. You need to make the wires that go from the Panny to the microplugs that go into the Inspire. Not hard to do - just cut the wires on one end. You have to make sure you got the polarity right (Black/Striped go to Black/Striped CONSISTENTLY) and that you got the right speaker combination. TEST first using the receiver's test tones before you start playing any movies.

If you want to use the Alternate Step, I can explain it in better detail via Skype. PM me for the ID.


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[WeApOn]

Great.

Thanks so much for giving me all that info. I'm following you. I checked out the Panasonic SA-XR57S, and that may be the route I want to go. I had originally atlked to someone in Best Buy, and they reccommended I get a receiver. This thing will do everything for me, and be very much future proofed.

Is it true that my speaker quality will be greatly raised by this?

I do understand that I will most likely blow my speakers with this.. haha. But if I keep it low enough, I should be fine. I don't plan on blasting it.. and if I don't, I should be alright, no? If I blow them it will be time to invest in new speakers.

You mentioned cutting off the back of the speaker cords, so you must be familiar with this system. They are plugs instead of normal speaker wire. If I cut them and plug them into the receiver, and get rid of my subwoofer, I should be all set, right?

Also, how will I hook this up to the PS3? Will I use the PS3's 2nd HDMI slot to connect to the receiver directly?

I greatly apprecaite your patience and help, and I feel like I am coming closer to a conclusion.

Thanks again!

[WriteSimply]

Originally Posted by WeApOn

Great.

Thanks so much for giving me all that info. I'm following you. I checked out the Panasonic SA-XR57S, and that may be the route I want to go. I had originally atlked to someone in Best Buy, and they reccommended I get a receiver. This thing will do everything for me, and be very much future proofed.

As future proof as you can get with a PS3. It doesn't have DTS HDMA decoding capability yet but maybe that'll come with a new firmware. As of now if you have the Panny and the PS3, you're set for listening to Dolby TrueHD for games and BD movies.

Is it true that my speaker quality will be greatly raised by this?

Depends. A good receiver will reveal what your speakers are made of. If it's a good build, you can hear it.

The Inspire is capable but I would not describe it as full-fledged. You'd need at least bookshelf speakers to hear the details in the audio you're listening to.

I do understand that I will most likely blow my speakers with this.. haha. But if I keep it low enough, I should be fine. I don't plan on blasting it.. and if I don't, I should be alright, no? If I blow them it will be time to invest in new speakers.

I'm sure that in time you'll get better speakers, if you don't blow the ones you got.

You mentioned cutting off the back of the speaker cords, so you must be familiar with this system.

I looked at the manual online for a similar system.

They are plugs instead of normal speaker wire. If I cut them and plug them into the receiver, and get rid of my subwoofer, I should be all set, right?

You DO NOT get rid of the subwoofer. With the Inspire, that's where the bass comes from.

If you look at the manual, each plug has a color telling you which speakers are for what. All you need to do is cut off the plug (or better yet, get new microplug cables so that you can sell this set off when you don't need 'em) split the wires (be careful in maintaining consistency of negative/positive wires) and plug it accordingly to the Panny.

For example if it's for the Center/Subwoofer, you cut and split the cables. Expose the wires and screw it into the receiver. Plug the other end to the speakers.

Do these to all of the channels. Then do a tone test - every receiver should have one. See if you got the connections right. If not, switch them UNTIL it is right. That's how you set the Inspire up with receivers.

The Inspire has volume controls. Set it maximum to 75%. Let your receiver control the rest.

Also, how will I hook this up to the PS3? Will I use the PS3's 2nd HDMI slot to connect to the receiver directly?

Yep. Connect the PS3 to the receiver using a HDMI cable. Then connect the receiver to your HDTV. I assume your HDTV has a HDMI input at least. If not, get a component video MultiOut and use component inputs to connect to your HDTV.


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[WeApOn]

Great. Thanks so much for the information. Now after buying a PS3 and a new HDTV I have to come up with the money for this somehow.

Damn me for being a perfectionist.

[WeApOn]

Alright i just ordered the panny from amazon. I went with the black one since my tv and ps3 are black. I heard something about it not having hdmi in and out but i checked on it and it should be fine. So... Ps3 to the panny and then panny to tv. That won't cause any loss in quality will it?

I'll follow the method provided and it should be fine. Hopefully the speakers don't blow. I think i've covered all the bases, so thanks again for all the help. I'll let you know how it works out.

This is the best thing i could do right? I just want to make sure i've got the best setup possible for me. There isn't anything ps3 is going to be prevented from doing right?

[WriteSimply]

Originally Posted by WeApOn

Alright i just ordered the panny from amazon. I went with the black one since my tv and ps3 are black.

Which Panny? There is the SA-XR700, the latest one. This new one is supposed to be able to pass through 1080p.

According to a user of the SA-XR57, it can only pass through 1080i.

Originally Posted by darinp2

I have that one. One issue people should be aware of with this one is that it won't allow 1080p through it. Trying to run 1080p (whether 1080p60, 1080p48, or 1080p24) through it causes the SA-XR57 to give an error and then it needs to be rebooted. 1080i, 720p, etc. work fine.

I've heard that the Panasonic SX-XR700 will allow 1080p through, but I'm not sure about that or which variations it allows.

I didn't know about the 1080p pass through issue with the SA-XR57. Since the SA-XR700 is to be paired with the Panny BD player, I guess it can pass through 1080p.

The price difference between the two is about US$200 minimum. Froogle has one dealer at US$499 while PriceGrabber has US$519.

This is a good thread if you want to educate yourself about HDMI receivers.

I heard something about it not having hdmi in and out but i checked on it and it should be fine. So... Ps3 to the panny and then panny to tv. That won't cause any loss in quality will it?

No, unless the electronics in the Panny suck. Others have used the Panny I mentioned with their Samsung and Panny and its fine. Just make sure you have TWO HDMI cables - one from the PS3 to the Panny and the other from the Panny to the TV. Get them online from Monoprice.com or such other places for cheap.

I'll follow the method provided and it should be fine. Hopefully the speakers don't blow. I think i've covered all the bases, so thanks again for all the help. I'll let you know how it works out.

You better! Yeah, don't blow the speakers. If you're playing it past 11 on the dial, then you know you'll be needing new speakers.

This is the best thing i could do right? I just want to make sure i've got the best setup possible for me.

No, it's the best possible setup for your BUDGET. There are plenty of other money-no-object options. Like the above.

There isn't anything ps3 is going to be prevented from doing right?

Nope. Check your HDTV and see if it can do 720p and 1080i at least. If that's no problem, then you're set for gaming and BD.


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[WeApOn]

Bah. That's a problem. I didn't know about the 1080p thing. The TV I got has 1080p in through HDMI. Is it possible for me to hookup my PS3 to the TV one way and my PS3 to the panny the other way?

Actually, I just looked in the back of the PS3 and I only saw 1 HDMI slot. I thought there was supposed to be 2 HDMI outs on the PS3?

Do you know of anything else I can do that will work without having to return my order? I just tried cancelling it and they said it already shipped.

Thanks again.


Edit-- I was looking on that AVSforum and I saw your post asking about 1080p out through the SA-XR700. I checked out a few of the other listed receivers that output in 1080p. The Sony STR-DG1000 looked pretty nice, but the Panasonic looks sexier and is cheaper than that one. I couldn't notice much of a difference in performance. I'm going to do alot of research tonight but I might end up getting that Panny if everything works out. I need to find out if it supports 1.3 HDMI. Someone said it does, and that would be nice. This is probably the best thing I could get at this point.

[WriteSimply]

So are you keeping the SA-XR57 or getting the SA-XR700?


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[WeApOn]

Currently, I'm not sure. I know I'm getting rid of the SA-XR57, since that will not allow me to use my 1080p. I'm trying to figure out if it's worth getting the XR700 just for the 1080p. If I wait for an HDMI 1.3 receiver, how much do you think they will be coming out for?

[WriteSimply]

I'm not sure about the pricing. It's not going to be cheap. The SA-XR700 lists at US$1000.

The thing is I don't think the inclusion of 1.3 will be the ONLY improvement the next gen receiver will get. A worthwhile upgrade will be DD Plus, TrueHD and HDMA decoding through 7.1.

If you read the AVS thread, you'd notice the OP said that the SA-XR700 can't do sound management (I PMed you to the specific post) for the HDMI Audio input. But let's wait until shamus gets his.


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