New to the game...and only 3.1

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txsorange

Audiophyte
Since this site has the most brilliant A/V minds, I'm posting to get some general advice.

My setup includes the following:
Panasonic 50" Plasma (TH-50PX77U)
Yamaha RX-V659
Aperion Intimus 532-L/R
Aperion Intimus 533-VAC
Aperion Intimus S-8 Sub

I have no plans to run wiring for rear speakers, so I think the 3.1 setup will be it. I'ver heard there are wireless options, but I have not looked into that; and because of that may find my current equipment would not be compatible with such an option.

Any general tips on getting the most from a 3.1 system?

Does all sound, generally directed to rear speakers in a 5.1 setup, simply get lost in a 3.1?

How might the AVR's simulated effects compensate for the absence of rears?

Any thoughts or suggestions - all equipment is in route, so I would appreciate any feedback to facilitate my setup process.

Thanks for the time, and sharing of knowledge/experience.

Jon
 
ParadigmDawg

ParadigmDawg

Audioholic Overlord
Looks like you got some nice gear coming. Is there a specific reason you are avoiding the surrounds? I think you will be missing a lot of the effect of movies without them.

Wireless speakers dont seem very good and actually have as many wires as a regular system since they require a power cord and they connect together. The only thing you lose is the wires from the AVR.
 
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txsorange

Audiophyte
The design layout of the room, lot's of windows, vaulted ceiling (no attic space), etc. simply does not allow for discrete wiring runs. That's it - otherwise, I'd have rears setup. I like a neat/clean look, and the wife wouldn't be keen on wiring simply running the floor - I'd never convince her the sound justified it. :)
 
AcuDefTechGuy

AcuDefTechGuy

Audioholic Jedi
txsorange said:
Aperion Intimus 532-L/R
Aperion Intimus 533-VAC
Aperion Intimus S-8 Sub

Does all sound, generally directed to rear speakers in a 5.1 setup, simply get lost in a 3.1?
Click to expand...
The purpose of the surround speakers are twofold:
1) ambience (background music & sounds, etc.)
2) special effects panning (airplanes flying from Front Left to Rear Right, etc.)

Without the surrounds, you will lose both functions.

Do you NEED them? No.
Are they nice to have. Yes.
 
ParadigmDawg

ParadigmDawg

Audioholic Overlord
I just noticed you are a UT fan...me too...

There is several ways to run wire where it cant be seen. I had to use in-ceilings for my surrounds as I have no back wall. Heck, since you are in Allen, I could probably even help you.

txsorange said:
The design layout of the room, lot's of windows, vaulted ceiling (no attic space), etc. simply does not allow for discrete wiring runs. That's it - otherwise, I'd have rears setup. I like a neat/clean look, and the wife wouldn't be keen on wiring simply running the floor - I'd never convince her the sound justified it. :)
Click to expand...
 
AcuDefTechGuy

AcuDefTechGuy

Audioholic Jedi
Yeah, I've been to Allen, TX a few times too.
I like TX. Why did my parents move from TX to OK when I was little?:confused:
 
T

txsorange

Audiophyte
The direction I would need to run would be cross-joist in the ceiling - how is that type of wiring run? If that were possible (without tearing down the ceiling), I actually do have a back wall (where fireplace sets) - so the preference would be to run for in-wall speakers on either side of the fireplace. I would have no idea how to accomplish that, or what the corresponding cost would be.
 
AcuDefTechGuy

AcuDefTechGuy

Audioholic Jedi
The Surround speakers don't need to be BEHIND you.
They can be BESIDE you (to the sides).
One simple option is to run the wires DOWN on the SIDES in the carpet. Then use speaker stands, which will cover up the wires leading to your surround speakers.
 
ParadigmDawg

ParadigmDawg

Audioholic Overlord
I have hardwoods too. I have run wires through a ceiling such as yours but we use a scope with a camera on it and it was very difficult. You could easily run the wires behind the baseboards.

txsorange said:
Hardwoods :(
Click to expand...
 
ParadigmDawg

ParadigmDawg

Audioholic Overlord
At one of my house I didnt want to run wires for the surrounds because we were going to sale the house that year. I put small surrounds on stands and hooked up long speaker wire and set them behind the entertainment center where they couldnt be seen. On movie nights I would just pull them out and put them where they belong for instant surround sound. After the movie; they went back out of sight.
 
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txsorange

Audiophyte
Thanks, Greg - this is probably the best option given my particular room scenario. I have already replaced all the base molding, and don't desire doing it again. Further, the brick fireplace would limit running wire, even in that manner.

Any thoughts on particular setup tweaks to maximize the 3.1 setup, or is using the standard YPAO process, and adjusting to "small" and cross-over at 80 about it?

Any thoughts on the AVR's built-in sound field options that may be more geared to this setup?
 
ParadigmDawg

ParadigmDawg

Audioholic Overlord
The set-up you described should do just fine. I think you will miss not having surrounds so go ahead and do the portable speaker stand option.

I have never tried the sound field options but I think there is one for simulated surround sound.


txsorange said:
Thanks, Greg - this is probably the best option given my particular room scenario. I have already replaced all the base molding, and don't desire doing it again. Further, the brick fireplace would limit running wire, even in that manner.

Any thoughts on particular setup tweaks to maximize the 3.1 setup, or is using the standard YPAO process, and adjusting to "small" and cross-over at 80 about it?

Any thoughts on the AVR's built-in sound field options that may be more geared to this setup?
Click to expand...
 
L

leetamm

Audioholic Intern
txsorange said:
The design layout of the room, lot's of windows, vaulted ceiling (no attic space), etc. simply does not allow for discrete wiring runs. That's it - otherwise, I'd have rears setup. I like a neat/clean look, and the wife wouldn't be keen on wiring simply running the floor - I'd never convince her the sound justified it. :)
Click to expand...
Would she be willing to live with those floor wire coverings (I've heard some people call them mole trails)? That's what we had to do. We have a light tan colored carpet and I was able to find some that matched the color, so they don't stand out that much. Just a thought. My wife was skeptical at first, but she loves having the surround sound when we watch movies.
 
AcuDefTechGuy

AcuDefTechGuy

Audioholic Jedi
leetamm said:
Would she be willing to live with those floor wire coverings (I've heard some people call them mole trails)? That's what we had to do. We have a light tan colored carpet and I was able to find some that matched the color, so they don't stand out that much. Just a thought. My wife was skeptical at first, but she loves having the surround sound when we watch movies.
Click to expand...
Do you have any pics of that floor wire coverings?
 
L

leetamm

Audioholic Intern
By the way, my wife's dad is a huge Longhorns fan. Hook 'em horns!
 
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