*PICS* Is this good for my first Home Theater system? [Archive]

cadd

04-04-2006, 09:57 PM

I know you folks hate these threads.....from newbies.....but I ask you to bear with me. I did a little research and came to the following conclusion and need your opinion as to whether this will be a good decision on my part.

About me:
Room: 10ft x 13ft x 9ft high
Enjoy: Hip-hop/club music and pop

Use of system, mostly CDs. But do plan to use it to watch DVDs.

I'm coming from a real cheap system (total cost of $400).

This is my first "real" home theater system. Let me know what you think. I plan on going 5.1 right now. But thinking about a 7.1 A/V receiver just in case I want to upgrade in the future.

I plan to go with Axiom since a lot of people speak highly of them.....and they seem to be a great bang for the buck deal. Is there anyway I can sample how these speakers sound? I mean, if they distribute them directly, electronics stores won't have them, right?

Well, here's the setup I plan to have:

Pair of M22ti for the Front
http://www.axiomaudio.com/global/images/products/main/M22CherryGrilleOff2.jpg

VP100 for the Center
http://www.axiomaudio.com/global/images/products/main/VP100CherryGrilleOff2.jpg

EP175 Sub
http://www.axiomaudio.com/global/images/products/main/EP175CherryGrilleOff2.jpg

Pair QS4 Surrounds
http://www.axiomaudio.com/global/images/products/main/QS4CherryGrilleOff2.jpg

Let me know what you think. That'll set me back a good chunk of change.......I know I know, that's cheap compared to you hardcore audioholics!

Now, time for a receiver. Can someone recommend something? Is 5.1 significantly cheaper than 7.1? Should I even bother with 7.1?

Now, how long do you think this setup will last? The reason I ask is because my cheap system (cheap Sony receiver & cheap JBL speakers) is breaking down. The foam around the speaker is cracking and tearing off. The receiver is acting up. And this system is just a few years old.

If I'm going to spend all this money, I hope it will last me a good 10 years. Is that asking for too much?

Since this is my first "real" system, I'm obviously looking for the best bang for the buck. If you guys think of a better 5.1 combo for $1,500 or so, please share!

Again, I will need advice on a receiver. I don't need the best.....just something that will work real well with this system. I was thinking Yahmaha RX-V1500....but that may be too much receiver for me.

What do you guys think? If you were in my shoes, what would you do?

jaxvon

04-04-2006, 10:07 PM

I would drop the EP175 subwoofer. It doesn't stand up to other offerings in its price class. The specs speak for themselves. At that price, I would look at these products:

http://svsound.com/products-sub-box-10isd.cfm
http://www.hsustore.com/vtf2.html

The SVS will go deeper than the Hsu, but I prefer Hsu subs for music (just a personal preference).

As to hear the speakers, check out this listing on the Axiom forums. You should be able to find someone near you that you can visit for an audition:

http://www.axiomaudio.com/boards/showflat.php?Cat=&Board=Auditions&Number=76567&page=0&view=collapsed&sb=5&o=0&fpart=

Pianoman84d

04-04-2006, 11:14 PM

How far away from the center will you be sitting?
If you are sitting far enough back, you may want to get the VP150 center instead.
*Edit: you should call Axiom with this information and let them tell you which center you need. there have been lots of threads on how good their customer service is and how they will only recommend what you actually need, not just try to sell you stuff because they can

Also, I might suggest you move up to the QS8's for surrounds as they go a little deeper for bass.

IMHO for receiver you should look at Harman Kardon as a lot of people on the Axiom boards love the pairing. Also, if you use the vp100 or the vp150 for that matter, HK receivers let you set the bass crossover differently for the front speakers and the surrounds and center so you could have the m22's crossed over at 80 and the center and surrounds at 100 (if you wanted to) as far as I know, no other "cheap" receiver does this. It may be important to you.

Hope this helped a little bit.

mike c

04-04-2006, 11:39 PM

I agree with jaxvon re: ep175. but would suggest the SVS instead, we almost have the same music tastes and the bigger your sub, the better.

and before you ask ... no, the sub does not have to match your speakers. :)

cadd

04-05-2006, 08:40 AM

Jaxvon/Mike,

Someone on the other board gave me the EXACT suggestion. I think I’ll have to find a place to listen to these two subs and see if I can tell which one sounds better. If I can’t, how should I decide which one to get? I’m sure I can’t tell the difference because coming from a garbage system right now, anything will sound light years ahead.

Mike, that’s what I’m afraid of! When you say, they don’t match, do you mean cosmetically or in terms of quality? To be honest, I’m not an OCP (in my cycling forum, OCP = Obsessive Compulsive Poseurs, when someone who can’t ride 20 miles buys a $4,000 bike and averages 10mph). I really don’t care if one speaker is orange and the other one is blue. As long as the sound quality is there and as long as the sounds of each speaker (from different companies) are able to complement each other, I’ll be real happy.

If they don’t match in terms of sound quality, why are you guys recommending them? Sound quality is on top of my list. I’m confused now.....

Pianoman, I will be sitting about 8 - 9ft from the TV (center speaker). Do you think the VP100 will be enough? Regarding the surrounds.....I’m really on a budget! I really don’t want to spend more than this. This combo is already above my original budget. :)

I’ll take a look at Harmon Kardon receivers. Any recommendation on something specific I should look at? Obviously, I want the best bang for the buck.....but at the same time, I don’t want to cheap out on quality.

I know I’m asking a lot, but can you give me a brief idea on what crossing over does? I kinda have an idea.....it has something to do with now allowing certain speakers to hit low notes and redirecting those lows to another speaker. Something like that?

Again, thanks for your help guys! I’m really excited and ready to do more research. Since I have close to no knowledge of speakers, receivers, I really feel intimidated going to specialty stores. I live in NYC by the way. Only if I had someone who is knowledgeable to go with me!

As in life, I always try to do as much research before purchasing....but one bad thing about doing research is that once you know what’s good & what’s not, you always end up spending MUCH MUCH MUCH more than your budget! And much more than what you actually need.

Rik

04-05-2006, 08:47 AM

Cadd, that system will be fine... except the sub. The guy's are just telling you that a much better sub can be had for the same amount of money.

Nick250

04-05-2006, 08:55 AM

Audition as many speakers as you can. About 5 years ago I spent about twice as much as originally planed on speakers (Paradigm Studio 20s) and I love them enough to have no real urge to upgrade. MY point is that IMO that if you find speakers that you really love but they are more than originally planed go for it if you can afford them (no plastic!). That way you will not be haveing speaker upgradeitice in six to tweleve months. You can cheap out on the reciever or DVD player but not speakers. At least that how it works for me.

mike c

04-05-2006, 09:33 AM

hi cadd, I was talking about sound quality ... the speakers and sub don't have to match because BASS doesn't have the same "characteristics" as sound coming from the speakers. SVS speakers are mostly available in black et al so you dont have to worry about orange or blue speakers :)

Reorx

04-05-2006, 09:45 AM

How much is your total budget?
Things can add up very fast.

Reorx

cadd

04-05-2006, 10:50 AM

Just last week when I was thinking about it, my total budget for recevier & 5.1 speakers was $1,000 total. After reading many many many posts here, I upped my Recevier & Speaker budget to about $2,000.

Note: I still have to get wires ($100?) and stands ($200?). So, I really don't want to go higher than $2k for speakers & receiver.

mkinder

04-05-2006, 11:25 AM

If you're on a budget you can save a few bucks by getting a 5.1 receiver instead of 7.1, also if you go with a factory refurbished model you can save a few more. Checkout this link for a list of factory certified used H/K receivers. You can get a decent 5.1 receiver for $266 +shipping, or a 7.1 for around $300 +shipping.

http://www.harmanaudio.com/search_browse/default.asp?sp=S&cat=REC&market=HOM

cadd

04-05-2006, 11:55 AM

One thing I noticed is that Harman Kardon receivers tend to have less power than other brands (that I looked at....Pioneer & Yahmahas) that's in the same price range.

Should I be worried? How much power should I be aiming for in my set up?

mkinder

04-05-2006, 12:53 PM

That spec is misleading, there are lots of ways to give a power rating for an amplifier. H/K's receivers compete favorably with other brands that quoted higher power ratings, sometimes double the power of H/K. You can hear this for yourself by going to any Circuit City and comparing H/K receivers to their other brands. Make sure all the tone settings are equal for the receivers, and you'll hear the diff i'm talking about. I have a 65 watt H/K receiver that sounded more rich and full-bodied compared to other brands on the shelf at circuit City 15 yrs ago, Onkyo included. I've had that same H/K running almost every day ever since and it's performed pretty well. I had the power supply replaced a couple years ago, and the "CD" input no longer works, so i just plugged the CD into the "Aux" input and kept on going. I usually turn the treble up a notch or two compared to other brands, but the other brands couldn't match the richness of the H/K in my opinion.

The beauty of getting bookshelf speakers w/ a powered sub is that you don't need to pay for a big receiver to get a big sound. The sub will get all it's power from it's own built in amplifier, leaving the moderate receiver to focus it's moderate power on the smaller bookshelf speakers. If you choose good components like you've listed and take the time to blend them properly, you should end up with a 2.1 system that will have more range and depth than a 2.0 system consisting of two large speakers and no sub. Plus the 2.1 system will do a better job with movies than a similarly priced 2.0 system.

I think a good 2.1 system is a great way to start an all around audio system on a budget.

mkinder

04-05-2006, 01:10 PM

As far as how much power to get, I don't think you'll hear a big diff unless you make a big jump in power. If you go with H/K, I think a 50 - 60 watt receiver is a good value. If you can spend a little more, then go for more - say 75watts. I think the new models will sound exactly the same as the older ones with similar specs. The newer ones are usually more expensive due to exotic surround modes, or auto calibration features. You don't really need them and I think you're better off buying older receivers with more power, than buying newer receivers with more features. Just make sure the receiver at least supports Dolby Digital and DTS.

jcPanny

04-05-2006, 03:46 PM

Based on your music preferences, you might consider starting with the Axiom M60's and a HSU or SVS sub. The M22's plus stands are close to the cost of the M60's and floorstanders will play louder and lower. When you save more money, you can add the VP150 center and QS8 surrounds.
Also, check their Outlet page for 10% off.

For <$500 a refurbished Yamaha RX-V2500 would make a great receiver.

cadd

04-05-2006, 09:49 PM

mkinder, thanks for the advice. I think I'm going to go with the AVR635. I found a few places here that sells them for around $650. Are prices normally this competitive or should I be worried?

jcPanny, I really don't have the room for the towers.....besides, how on earth did you compare prices? The M22s are $460/pair and the M60s are $960/pair. Even with the stand, the M22s are still $300 less.

cadd

04-05-2006, 10:34 PM

I was told to look at SVS bookshelf speakers as well and see that they are pretty reasonably priced. They're less expensive then the Axiom I picked out. Do you think they're better than the Axiom speakers I picked?

mkinder

04-06-2006, 09:01 AM

I'd stick with the Axioms. The SVS speakers - from what i've read - are good for movies but lack the detail and clarity of the Axioms for music.

The AVR-635 will make those Axiom's sing, I think that's definitly plenty of receiver. But don't blow your budget on the receiver, make sure you can afford enough subwoofer. Those Axiom's will need a sub, I think you said your room wasn't that big so a HSU-STF2 should do it.

JES14

04-06-2006, 09:37 AM

Sounds like you're on your way to putting together a very nice system. The Harmen Kardon power rating is EXTREMELY conservative. I would put the AVR235 or 335 model up against any 100 watt/channel unit you can find at the box stores. But the AVR635 will be a truly kick a@@ unit with that Axiom setup. Paired with one of the HSU or SVS subs others have mentioned and IMHO you will have a wonderful sounding system. Enjoy.

mkinder

04-06-2006, 10:40 AM

Cadd,

I'd be careful looking for the cheapest price on a AVR635 or any receiver. Check to see if the unit was a demo, or refurbished. If so it may not be covered under warrantly unless it's coming from a certified H/K dealer. If you're not sure, call the number on the www.harmanaudio.com site and ask them if they'll honor a warranty from whoever you're planning to buy it from. Even if it's a refurb, you should make sure it's got at least a 3 month warranty which will give you time to make sure it's working like it should.

If you have any doubts, just order one from the harmanaudio site. Looks like you can still pick up the AVR520 - which is also 75 watts - but a few years older. I would think it'll sound exactly like the 635, for less money.

cadd

04-06-2006, 03:12 PM

Alright, I just picked up the Harman Kardon AVR635. It's brand new....just got it home. But that little door panel on the bottom doesn't close flush with the system! Annoys the crap out of me, but I guess I can live with it as long as everything else works. So, now I'm really looking forward to getting some speakers to test everything out.

I'll probably end up getting an Axiom set with a SVS PB10.

Any good places you folks know that carry SVS subs? Will it be a better deal if I purchase online?

Where do you guys find your deals?

I know I'm touching a lot of topics here.....but I truely do not have any experience and I don't want to start a new thread each time.

In terms of speaker wires, I was thinking about getting wires from Axiom as well. They cost $0.90/ft (12 gauge). What do you guys think? Are there better bang for the buck out there. How about the wire for the sub?

jaxvon

04-06-2006, 03:31 PM

SVS, like Axiom, is an internet direct company. They only sell through their website. If you want to check out one of their subs, you have to buy one and test it out in your home.

As for speaker wire, I wouldn't go for the Axiom stuff. It's too expensive (IMO) for what you get. I'm a fan of Belden wire. It's inexpensive, solidly built, and just works. I bought mine through Westlake Electronic because they have the best price I can find. They carry two versions of Belden 12ga wire. The first link is for the 5000UE, the second for 5000UP. While both are 12ga, the former is less flexible, but also less expensive.

http://www.westlake-electronic.com/cgi-bin/store.php?search=yes&detail=yes&and=0&category=CAB&SUBCAT=all&keywords=5000ue&item_no=BEL-3059
http://www.westlake-electronic.com/cgi-bin/store.php?search=Search&search_sent=1&keywords=5000up&and=0&category=all&SUBCAT=all&user_rows=&available_only=&order_by=&category=CAB&item_no=BEL-13255&detail=yes&redir=1

To make your life easier, you should terminate your speaker cable with banana plugs. These are some nice ones for a nice price:

http://cgi.ebay.com/16-24K-Locking-Single-Banana-Plugs-New-SALE_W0QQitemZ9706971232QQcategoryZ32838QQrdZ1QQcm dZViewItem

t3031999

04-06-2006, 03:33 PM

I think you can only get SVS subs from them directly so it's either phone or online.
I recommend the the sonicwave subwoofer cable from Impact Acoustics (http://www.impactacoustics.com). and for speaker cables, I recommend just buying bulk cable and making your own.

jaxvon

04-06-2006, 03:38 PM

I'm also a fan of the Dayton audio cables that Parts Express sells. Check out their website for some reasonably priced subwoofer cables.

cadd

04-06-2006, 03:44 PM

Guys thanks for your help. I'll be order the speakers tonight along with speaker cables. Any specific brand of subwoofer cables I should look into? Remember, please be as specific as you can. This is all new to me and I trust your opinion since you guys seem to know your stuff.

Thanks again! I'm getting really excited!

jaxvon

04-06-2006, 04:20 PM

There's no specific good brand of cable, though there are many overpriced brands. Just look for one with solid construction and good shielding. Dayton cables are pretty good, as are those from Impact Acoustics (www.impactacoustics.com) (the sonicwave ones), Blue Jeans (www.bluejeanscable.com), and Ram Electronics (www.ramelectronics.net). You can't go wrong with any of these options. And heck, if you can find a good price locally, the Acoustic Research pro cables are good too.

Sheep

04-06-2006, 04:41 PM

cadd

04-06-2006, 11:16 PM

Dumb question: Why are subwoofer cables unique? Can you use a regular speaker cable to wire to the sub? I'm assuming I can't go wrong with a Dayton sub cable either huh?

jaxvon

04-06-2006, 11:19 PM

Sub cables are shielded coaxial cables. You should NOT use a speaker cable. Subwoofer signals are low-voltage, low current, and thus are carried over low-level interconnects. A sub cable is just a signal coax with RCA terminations, the same thing as your stereo audio cables, your component video cables, etc.

cadd

04-07-2006, 11:57 AM

Speakers ordered! Should come mid week next week! Now, I need cables and I should be all set!!!

Alright, I think I'll be getting the 25' Dayton SW-25 subwoofer cable (http://www.************.com/pe/pshowdetl.cfm?&DID=7&Partnumber=181-644&scqty=1)

I also looked at Dayton speaker cables, but have no idea what I really need. Banana? No banana? What am I a monkey?!? :D

Can someone please please please send me a direct link of exactly what I need? I think I'll just get 100 ft. That'll be more than enough. But too many choices and I bet the more I look into it, and start choosing different things, I'll probably end up with the "wrong" cables.

Also, should I invest in a surge protector as well? Or maybe I should just unplug everything if I'm not using it (except for the TV).

Man, the $$$$ starts adding up real quick!

If you guys have recommendations for a surge protector, can you be as specific as you can.........like a direct link to the product you're talking about? :)

jaxvon

04-07-2006, 12:05 PM

cadd

04-07-2006, 12:11 PM

I guess I'll have to walk over to J&R after work today again to pick up the Tripp-Lite.

Thanks for the link!

Can you explain how banana plugs work? Or provide me with a link that explains it? I'm assuming you somehow put it on the speaker wires and then it plugs in (like a headphone jack) to the receiver?

But isn't this just a "one time deal". Once I plug in all the speaker wires to the receiver (my receiver has knobs where I turn the thing and a whole opens up), I normally wouldn't have to mess with it anymore right?

jaxvon

04-07-2006, 12:26 PM

Yes, that's true. But with an AV receiver, the binding posts are so close together that using bare wire is a giant pain in the butt. Banana plugs simplify this. The link that I provided for banana plugs is for locking ones. Once you assemble them, there is a small metal jacket that you turn to make the plug end expand. This will ensure a snug fit in the binding posts.

kleinwl

04-07-2006, 12:47 PM

For speaker cable, you should buy 150ft to be on the safe side. Yes, it sounds like a lot, but you'll have happy to have extra "just in case". Banana plugs are a good idea, see my post with the westlake and eBay links. And finally, for a surge protector, Tripp-Lite makes some that won't break the bank.

http://www.jr.com/JRProductPage.process?Product=4004157
http://www.buy.com/retail/product.asp?sku=10377522&SearchEngine=PriceGrabber&SearchTerm=10377522&Type=PE&Category=Comp&Gad=0&dcaid=15890

A) I avoid Buy.com like the plauge. They have very poor customer service for returns (see reseller ratings).

B) I like APC for batter back ups.... the reviews of their product tear downs are very good. In any case the Cost of a surge protector is low (unless you want a battery back up... which is always nice). An 11 outlet APC surge protector (3400 joules AC suppression) UL rated is only $35 at newegg.com.

C) In the case of a surge protector I would agree w/ jaxvon and get a trip-light HT10DBS that comes with a $500,000 protection warrenty (10 outlets - 3475 Joules AC suppression/ 140V clamping) for $85

jaxvon

04-07-2006, 01:24 PM

A) I avoid Buy.com like the plauge. They have very poor customer service for returns (see reseller ratings).

B) I like APC for batter back ups.... the reviews of their product tear downs are very good. In any case the Cost of a surge protector is low (unless you want a battery back up... which is always nice). An 11 outlet APC surge protector (3400 joules AC suppression) UL rated is only $35 at newegg.com.

C) In the case of a surge protector I would agree w/ jaxvon and get a trip-light HT10DBS that comes with a $500,000 protection warrenty (10 outlets - 3475 Joules AC suppression/ 140V clamping) for $85

I didn't research that link too hard. Sorry if Buy.com is a shady company. There are many other great places to buy the HT10PowerBar if you think you need it. Otherwise, the HT10DBS should be FINE.

cadd

04-08-2006, 12:03 PM

Jaxvon,

I think I'll be getting the 25' Dayton SW-25 subwoofer cable (http://www.************.com/pe/pshowdetl.cfm?&DID=7&Partnumber=181-644&scqty=1) EDIT: substitute the *** for "parts express"

I also looked at Dayton speaker cables, but have no idea what I really need. Banana? No banana? What am I a monkey?!?

Can someone please please please send me a direct link of exactly what I need? I think I'll just get 100 ft. That'll be more than enough. But too many choices and I bet the more I look into it, and start choosing different things, I'll probably end up with the "wrong" cables.

Thanks!

cadd

04-08-2006, 12:05 PM

There are many other great places to buy the HT10PowerBar if you think you need it. Otherwise, the HT10DBS should be FINE.
Huh :confused:

Isn't the HT10PowerBar = to the HT10DBS?

cadd

04-09-2006, 01:28 PM

How about this wire combo. Will this do? For Subwoofer & regular speakers? Can someone please take a look?

100 ft of speaker wires (http://www.monoprice.com/products/product.asp?c_id=102&cp_id=10239&cs_id=1023901&p_id=2789&seq=1&format=2&style=)

25 ft of Subwoofer cable (http://www.monoprice.com/products/product.asp?c_id=102&cp_id=10236&cs_id=1023602&p_id=2683&seq=1&format=2&style=). Is this cable good for a subwoofer? I'm just a bit concerned because it doesn't say "subwoofer cable" anywhere. Can someone please respond today? I would like to place my order already?

I'm assuming these will be fine for my system. Does anyone see any issues with these two types of wires?

Thanks!!!

cadd

04-09-2006, 02:50 PM

Alright everyone. This is directed to each & every person in these forums.......especially those who responded to this theads & other threads that I participated in:

Thank you SO MUCH, for your help, advice & opinions. Thank you for putting up with a newbie like myself. I think I pretty much ordered everything I needed. So now, the waiting begins and the fun will begin as each component will slowly come in.

I'm sure I'll need to start a thread over at the Home Theater forums to make sure everything is setup correctly.

I also plan to purchase a SPL meter so I can calibrate my system correctly......I'm sure I'll need advice on that when the time comes.

But this has been a WONDERFUL experience and you folks played a tremendous part of it. I find the members here to be nice, VERY knowledgeful & very helpful. I look forward to learning a lot more from you folks.

Thank you again!
Cadd

Sheep

04-09-2006, 04:06 PM

No problems Sir, thats why we do it.

When all said and done, post some pics for us! :)

SheepStar

jaxvon

04-09-2006, 04:54 PM

Cadd,

You're quite welcome. I enjoy giving a helping hand.

Now to the questions:

HT10DBS is not the same as the HT10POWERBAR. The HT10POWERBAR has a 15-amp rating while the HT10DBS has a 12-amp rating. Other than that, they're very similar.

The speaker cable you've selected looks fine, as does the subwoofer cable. I would only suggest that you buy more than 100 feet to make sure that you have extra. The worst thing you can have happen is to not have quite enough wire for one of the surrounds when you're hooking up your system and you have to go out to get more and delay the awesome HT experience. Get at least 150 feet, it's worth the minimal extra cost to ensure that you have enough. Like I mentioned earlier, banana plugs will make your life easier. Refer to the link I posted earlier (it's an eBay link) for a good set. You'll need more than 16 (4 per channel, so 20 total), so you'll need to purchase two orders.

Good luck with your system!

cadd

04-12-2006, 01:39 PM

Update.

My Axiom speakers should be arriving tomorrow. The SVS PB-10 is currently backordered & won't come for a while

I purchased a Tripplite surge protector.

Can someone guide me with the setup? It should be a VERY VERY VERY simple setup.

All I want connected to it is the DVD player, VCR, TV (Sony WEGA.....5 years old.....not HD) & roof antenna (for FM radio).

I do NOT have cable (Yes, I'm part of that 2% population that does not have cable or Direct TV).

Since this is my first "real" system, I have no idea what wires to use. In the past, I've always used those wires that has 3 plugs (yellow, white & red.....I think) for everything.

I'm assuming I have to run wires from:
DVD's audio & video OUT
VCR's audio & video OUT
Roof antenna

into the A/V Receiver's INPUT

But will those wires (yellow, red & white) be ok?

Now, I'm assuming I need to run a wire from the A/V Receiver to the TV as well for video. Can I run just the yellow plug?

Damn, I can tell that my system will be so bottle neck already.

If anyone have any pictures, can you please show me the back of your receiver? I just want to see the type of wires you guys use.

jonnythan

04-12-2006, 01:44 PM

I didn't see you mention what kind of TV you have, but you should really use Component Video from the DVD player to your TV. Component video is *far* superior than standard composite (yellow) video.

If your TV doesn't have component inputs, I'd suggest that you look into getting one that does.

The cables are here:
http://www.monoprice.com/products/subdepartment.asp?c_id=102&cp_id=10235&style=

$4 for 6 feet.

jaxvon

04-12-2006, 02:13 PM

The input type on your TV will determine that kind of cable you want to use. I think that it should at the very least have S-Video inputs, which are superior to the classic yellow composite video cable.

cadd

04-12-2006, 02:18 PM

Ok, I guess all this time, I've been using Composite wires (yellow, white & red) for everything. Are the plugs called "RCA" plugs?

When I checked monoprice for Component wires, the plugs look very similar to the composite wires. Are they? If they are, my TV should be able to accept them right? I have a 32" Sony WEGA that's about 5 years old. I'll check the model tonight and see if the TV will take component wires. Is there a quick & easy way to tell?

Also, I'm assuming I'll run the antenna wire (the plug has a needle thing in the middle.....is that called a coax plug? And I think you can screw it on the back of the TV). I guess I'll run that directly into the surge protector, then one one out of the surge to the A/V receiver, then run one out of the receiver to the VCR and then run one out of the VCR to the TV.

When I look at the back of the A/V receiver, it makes me dizzy!

EDIT: How do you guys know so much about this stuff?!?!??!!! Your knowledge amazes me!

jonnythan

04-12-2006, 02:22 PM

The yellow, red, and white are "RCA" plugs, yes. Component video uses the same type of plug, but requires three cables just for the video. "Regular" composite video, the yellow plug, uses only a single cable. The difference is quite dramatic.

When using component video, with 3 RCA plugs (red, blue, and green), you still need an audio connection. That can be the standard red and white stereo pair or something fancier like a digital connection.

The antenna wire - the stiff stuff with the screw-on connector and bare wire "pin" in the middle - is typically called coax.

I'm not sure what your TV is like, but I'd just run the coax from the surge protector to the TV and use the TV's outputs to go into the VCR inputs.

cadd

04-12-2006, 03:12 PM

When using component video, with 3 RCA plugs (red, blue, and green), you still need an audio connection. That can be the standard red and white stereo pair or something fancier like a digital connection.
Now, it's beginning to make sense! Just say my TV accepts component video (the 3 plugs.....red, blue & green), what should I use to run the audio out from the DVD to the A/V receiver? Since the red & white composite plugs aren't that great, what would you suggest? If you have a direct link from monoprice, that would be great!!!!

jonnythan

04-12-2006, 03:26 PM

Now, it's beginning to make sense! Just say my TV accepts component video (the 3 plugs.....red, blue & green), what should I use to run the audio out from the DVD to the A/V receiver? Since the red & white composite plugs aren't that great, what would you suggest? If you have a direct link from monoprice, that would be great!!!!
Your DVD player should have a digital audio output and your receiver should have a digital audio input. A digital connection will get 5.1-channel Dolby Digital Surround sound to your receiver. Red and white plugs only get you 2-channel stereo or maybe Dolby Pro Logic Surround, which sucks.

Digital audio is also referred to as SPDIF.

There are two types of digital audio cable:
The first is Toslink, which is a fiber optic cable. I prefer this kind because it's just so much cooler using light to transmit the signal than electricity ;) A sample cable is here:
http://www.monoprice.com/products/product.asp?c_id=102&cp_id=10229&cs_id=1022902&p_id=1419&seq=1&format=2&style=

The second is Digital Coaxial. It uses a standard RCA connector. Any yellow composite video cable should work fine. Red or white cables *may* work, but they may not. The problem is that video cables require 75 ohm connectors, whereas audio cables don't require anything in particular, so many don't have 75 ohm connectors. Anyway, a single RCA video or digital coaxial cable is all you need. Here is one:
http://www.monoprice.com/products/product.asp?c_id=102&cp_id=10236&cs_id=1023601&p_id=619&seq=1&format=2&style=
Here is the same cable with a prettier connector:
http://www.monoprice.com/products/product.asp?c_id=102&cp_id=10236&cs_id=1023602&p_id=2680&seq=1&format=2&style=

Both optical and digital coaxial will give you the exact same result. Choosing one or the other usually depends on what your devices have. For example, my cable box only has digital coaxial, but my DVD player has both. Since my receiver only has one digital coaxial input and two optical inputs, I use an optical cable for the DVD player and a digital coaxial one for the cable box.

cadd

04-12-2006, 03:59 PM

Here is the same cable with a prettier connector:
http://www.monoprice.com/products/product.asp?c_id=102&cp_id=10236&cs_id=1023602&p_id=2680&seq=1&format=2&style=

You have no idea how much you're helping me! And I'm kinda upset because I just placed an order with Monoprice (a few days ago) for the EXACT SAME cable that's 25 feet for my subwoofer! Damn!

But thank you so much! I owe you a drink!

jonnythan

04-12-2006, 06:41 PM

You have no idea how much you're helping me! And I'm kinda upset because I just placed an order with Monoprice (a few days ago) for the EXACT SAME cable that's 25 feet for my subwoofer! Damn!

But thank you so much! I owe you a drink!
You can head to Radio Shack or Wal Mart and you can probably find a similar cable for less than it would cost to have one shipped from Monoprice if that's all you're buying.

cadd

04-13-2006, 11:57 AM

Axiom speakers arrived yesterday!

I plugged them in and see how it worked and all I can say is WOW!!!!! They nearly blew my pants off!

I also connected the DVD player via composite (yellow, red & white) because I didn't any component wires (red, blue & green) video wires.

Both my TV & DVD player accepts component wires (blue, green & red), so I was happy about that.

Now, assuming that I'll run the component wires from DVD to A/V receiver and from A/V receiver to TV.......how do I run the audio wires?

What type of audio wires should I run? Do I have to buy TWO of these wires?
http://images.monoprice.com/productmediumimages/26801.jpg
http://www.monoprice.com/products/product.asp?c_id=102&cp_id=10236&cs_id=1023602&p_id=2680&seq=1&format=2&style=

I'm a bit confused, from the DVD to Receiver, how many audio wires do I need? Do I need two (for left & right) or is it just one wire (the one pictured above) all I need for 5.1 or 7.1 surround?

If I want to run audio wires from the DVD to the Receiver AND the TV (so I can watch DVDs using only the TV's speaker), I'm assuming I will need something that would split the wires so that one set will run from DVD to Receiver and the other set to run from DVD to the TV. Can you give me a link of a splitter?

Thanks!

cadd

04-13-2006, 12:00 PM

PS - I think this thread should be a sticky since it contains SOOOO much info for newbies. I'm sure this thread will help out newbies big time!

jonnythan

04-13-2006, 12:55 PM

You need a digital audio cable to go from the DVD player to the receiver.

You don't need to split anything. Send the audio to the receiver and the video to the TV. That's it.

On the red, yellow, and white cable, the yellow cable is a video cable and the white and red are left and right audio cables. Component video replaces the yellow cable and digital audio replaces the red and white ones. You only need a single digital audio cable - all audio is carried using it.

Daz3d&Confus3d

04-13-2006, 04:10 PM

cadd.....I'd sugest a couple of things.....

1) dont sell yourself short...you can always add the sub and surrounds at a later date and focus on the mains (front/center/left) and your receiver. That way you dont spend more than you have at the time. Especially since you're primarily a music listener. Having said that:

2) I'd go with Hsu for your sub over svs. I love svs but with that size of room and the fact that your more of a music listener, I think you'd enjoy the hsu's alittle more. Plus the Hsu is get down deep as well!!!

3) since you're planning to go with axiom (good speakers) I'd go with either Harmon Kardon or Denon....that's what Joe told me when I asked him about axiom pairing with a receiver

http://www.axiomaudio.com/joev.html

Good luck with your system!!!

:)