3.1?

[stewroorensu]

Hi guys! I have 5.1 receiver with just front and center speakers. setting it up 3.1, theres a very weak or almost no sound on front while most of the sound can be heard on center speaker. Front speakers are working on stereo setup. Is it because of lacking of rear speakers? Cant find any topics with regards to this issue...

 

[KEW]

You need to specify exactly what model receiver you have.
What speakers are you using?
Did you buy it used or new?
My first thought is a previous owner set the receiver up using efficient L & R and an inefficient Center, but without more info, we are running blind!

PS - It is definitely not because of not having rear speakers!

 

[markw]

That sounds pretty normal. Movies are mixed so that most of the sound emanates from the center speaker, less from the right and left fronts, and even less from the surrounds.

Stereo music, or two channel music, is mixed to have steady and constant output from the front left and tight speakers. Theoretically, in pure stereo mode, you won't get anything from the center or surrounds.

 

[herbu]

Movies are mixed so that most of the sound emanates from the center speaker... Stereo music, or two channel music, is mixed to have steady and constant output from the front left and right speakers.

stewroorensu,
Mark's right. I assume you're changing modes in your AVR for music and movies? Which AVR do you have? What settings do you use for movies? Music?

 

[stewroorensu]

I bought this pioneer vsx-d710s with a pair of cerwin vega l7 and d-box center for 40 bucks at a garage sale. Its sound is really good. Yes, i change modes when playing movies and music. Stereo mode for music and i press the dolby digital for movies. It says there prologic. I have no idea about it. Could this be because this receiver is outdated? By the way, i hooked our samsung led tv via optical cable. I noticed that on spdif menu, only pcm can be choose. Could this be also of this reason. Thanks....

 

[markw]

Most TV's will only output a stereo PCM signal from the optical outputs, no matter what the input is..

If you want a fighting chance, connect your sources directly to the receiver.

 

[stewroorensu]

I see. I dont use any other mdia player that output dolby, just optically connected my tv to receiver since i thought it would be decoded automatically. Now, im wondering if it will make a difference if i use some media players that will send dolby output.

 

[markw]

No DD signal will make it through the TV. As I said above, feed the audio DIRECTLY to the receiver.

 

[macddmac]

You may be able to turn down the center channel level somewhat to hear more of what's in the left and rt channels.
My old Yamaha avr does this and I make that adjustment when watching a movie in that room.
For everyday TV watching, I leave the center level up.
Cheers, Mac

 

[herbu]

As I said above, feed the audio DIRECTLY to the receiver.

Do you understand what Mark's telling you? How do you get your TV signal? Cable box? Satellite receiver? Whichever, run the audio from that box directly to your receiver... not from cable/sat to TV.

A newer receiver w/ HDMI will make your connections much easier.

 

[stewroorensu]

Ok, i did what you guys suggested and it was a success. It sounds really good. The only problem is that the tv doesnt send 5.1 signal. I failed to mention that i was using the media player of my tv for watching downloaded movies via hard drive. Now, i think i need a device that will produce 5.1 signal.. Thanks guys. I appreciate your feedbacks...

 

[KEW]

Make and model of tv?