Proper Use of the Pioneer VSX94

[Musashi]

I'm loving my new surround sound; just want to make sure I'm using it correctly.

I plan on going 7.1 with it, but for now it's 5.1. Knowing that, do the rear speakers go into the spots marked "Surround" or "Surround Back"? I'm also curious if it will matter when playing back 5.1 audio tracks.

I also can't seem to figure out where the Left/Right balance setting are.

[crackinhedz]

You should connect the surround speakers into the "surround" connections, the "surround backs" are for the extra 2 speakers.

Left/Right balance should be right in the middle (normally should have to adjust)...unless one speaker is farther away from the tv than the other speaker.

Just run the auto calibration set up (with mic)

[crackinhedz]

Originally Posted by Musashi

I'm also curious if it will matter when playing back 5.1 audio tracks.

nope. You just tell the receiver youre not using the "rear" channels...5.1 will play fine.

[Musashi]

Hey thanks.

[Musashi]

Another ? for crackinhedz: What kind of hi-def TV do you have?

I had brought up this particular issue when I first talked about my surround sound plans, and recent tests confirmed it. When I wire a older game system (PS2 and older) through additional accessories, like my DVD recorder or this new receiver, the picture lags about a tenth of a second, rendering the games unplayable. PS3 games are fine, but a similar thing happens with PS/PS2 games played via the PS3. All in all, this isn't really a problem since I can connect the video to the TV directly with no lag, and wire the sound through the receiver. You said this didn't happen on your setup, so I think it might be my TV that just can't handle signals through extra filters. I'm thinking of geting a gigantic new TV next year, so I thought I'd get your advice on that too.

In case I didn't mention: the Pioneer receiver is awesome; thanks for mentioning it.

[crackinhedz]

Originally Posted by Musashi

Another ? for crackinhedz: What kind of hi-def TV do you have?

I had brought up this particular issue when I first talked about my surround sound plans, and recent tests confirmed it. When I wire a older game system (PS2 and older) through additional accessories, like my DVD recorder or this new receiver, the picture lags about a tenth of a second, rendering the games unplayable. PS3 games are fine, but a similar thing happens with PS/PS2 games played via the PS3. All in all, this isn't really a problem since I can connect the video to the TV directly with no lag, and wire the sound through the receiver. You said this didn't happen on your setup, so I think it might be my TV that just can't handle signals through extra filters. I'm thinking of geting a gigantic new TV next year, so I thought I'd get your advice on that too.

In case I didn't mention: the Pioneer receiver is awesome; thanks for mentioning it.

do you run your components through a power conditioner?

[Musashi]

Originally Posted by crackinhedz

do you run your components through a power conditioner?

I'm using a Monster power strip that advertises clean power. Does this qualify, or are we talking something else?

[gearyt]

Originally Posted by Musashi

I'm using a Monster power strip that advertises clean power. Does this qualify, or are we talking something else?

Does not qualify... probably only has varistors in it to prevent spikes

[Musashi]

Originally Posted by gearyt

Does not qualify... probably only has varistors in it to prevent spikes

Hmm..what can you tell me about power conditioners?

Specifically: Where to get one, which one you'd recommend, how much it'll run me?

Also: what all do you know from experience regarding the lag I get?

Lot of ?s I know, but I am here to learn.

[crackinhedz]

Originally Posted by Musashi

Hmm..what can you tell me about power conditioners?

Specifically: Where to get one, which one you'd recommend, how much it'll run me?

well, I actually have a Monster Power Conditioner for sale.

...but if thats not in your idea of price range...then you should consider something like this.