Hello, new guy needs help with setup

[Needbass]

New guy here trying to understand PCM, Bitstream, Analog inputs, DTS and HDMI for weeks and cant just make it mentally work. Started off with a Theater in a box setup and then upgraded to a Toshiba HD A2 HD DVD Player. So I then realized I had to also get a Receiver and speakers. Got them. Now I have everything to make 5.1 surround sound happen (on a budget). However I now need to know the best sound configuration for what I have. I want to maximize it all.

Heres the hardware:

Receiver - Insignia NS-R5100
Dolby Digital/ DTS
5.1 Channel Input
1 optical input
2 coaxil
No HDMI


Toshiba HD A2 HD DVD Player
DTS decoder, Dolby TrueHD, Dolby Digital, DTS-HD decoder, Dolby Digital Plus
HDMI output and Optical output
PCM/ Bitstream

I am using Optical out from the DVD player to the Receiver as it seems like my only option. Now for the questions regarding the current setup I have:

1. Should I be using Bitstream or PCM to get the best possible 5.1 surround sound? Which is best using optical input?
2. Can I get TrueHD with this current setup?
3. If #2 is no, if I were to upgrade to a receiver with HDMI input to get trueHD, would it be a significant difference from what I could get now?

I’ll keep it to 3 questions for now. Any help would greatly be appreciated.

 

[billy p]

New guy here trying to understand PCM, Bitstream, Analog inputs, DTS and HDMI for weeks and cant just make it mentally work. Started off with a Theater in a box setup and then upgraded to a Toshiba HD A2 HD DVD Player. So I then realized I had to also get a Receiver and speakers. Got them. Now I have everything to make 5.1 surround sound happen (on a budget). However I now need to know the best sound configuration for what I have. I want to maximize it all.

Heres the hardware:

Receiver - Insignia NS-R5100
Dolby Digital/ DTS
5.1 Channel Input
1 optical input
2 coaxil
No HDMI


Toshiba HD A2 HD DVD Player
DTS decoder, Dolby TrueHD, Dolby Digital, DTS-HD decoder, Dolby Digital Plus
HDMI output and Optical output
PCM/ Bitstream

I am using Optical out from the DVD player to the Receiver as it seems like my only option. Now for the questions regarding the current setup I have:

1. Should I be using Bitstream or PCM to get the best possible 5.1 surround sound? Which is best using optical input?
2. Can I get TrueHD with this current setup?
3. If #2 is no, if I were to upgrade to a receiver with HDMI input to get trueHD, would it be a significant difference from what I could get now?

I’ll keep it to 3 questions for now. Any help would greatly be appreciated.

Q1. Bitstream
Q2.No!
Q3.Either upgrade to the A35 for the 5.1 analog outs or get an HDMI receiver. TrueHD can only come from the source/disc and YES you will hear a difference.

 

[mazersteven]

All you needed is a Bose Wave Radio. LOL

 

[Gasman]

(on a budget)..

I don't think an A35 would be in the budget, although I am not sure.

What type of budget are we talking about?

I've been debating a A35, so I may sell my XA1 (which has analog outs).
But, LOL, I've been debating this for quite some time, as the XA1 is an excellent player (just slow).

However from looking at your equipment, 5.1 surround is VERY possible (as HDMI is not a must for GREAT 5.1, 6.1, or 7.1).
You did not specify what speakers you have, and this may be the area you need the most attention.

Going by your username (LOL) what sub do you have? As this will have a huge impact on the .1 for WOW factor.



EDIT;

All you needed is a Bose Wave Radio. LOL

Amazingly, I do not see the humor, when trying to help a new member.
But that is just me.

A member with longer standings, or not posting in the beginners section is a different story.

 

[mazersteven]

Amazingly, I do not see the humor, when trying to help a new member.
But that is just me.

A member with longer standings, or not posting in the beginners section is a different story.

OK I'm sorry.

 

[TLS Guy]

HDMI switcher?

You could get round your HDMI video problem, by using an HDMI switcher and switching the video and audio separately.

Your receiver will not be able to decode Dolby True HD audio, it will default to Dolby 5.1. If you want to hear Dolby True HD audio, you will have to use the anlaog audio out to the analog audio inputs, if you have them.

 

[Needbass]

wow - thanks for the fast replies
The budget will expand after the holidays (just dont want to tick off the ole girlfreind until then)

For now I will be happy with what I have - just wanted to maximize the sound

I may upgrade the receiver to one that has an HDMI input sooner than later to get the true HD sound - will hold off on a new HD DVD player until the format war becomes clearer

thanks again - and i'm sure a random question from me will pop up on here every once and a while

Ok how about 1 question right now - Any reccommendtations for a good, mid price range ($200- $400) powered subwoofer (oh man, my gf is gonna kill me)

 

[TLS Guy]

wow - thanks for the fast replies
The budget will expand after the holidays (just dont want to tick off the ole girlfreind until then)

For now I will be happy with what I have - just wanted to maximize the sound

I may upgrade the receiver to one that has an HDMI input sooner than later to get the true HD sound - will hold off on a new HD DVD player until the format war becomes clearer

thanks again - and i'm sure a random question from me will pop up on here every once and a while

Ok how about 1 question right now - Any reccommendtations for a good, mid price range ($200- $400) powered subwoofer (oh man, my gf is gonna kill me)

You might want to look at this thread, about doing a sub on a budget. I don't know if it will interest you or not.

http://forums.audioholics.com/forums/showthread.php?t=37690

 

[mazersteven]

Ok how about 1 question right now - Any reccommendtations for a good, mid price range ($200- $400) powered subwoofer (oh man, my gf is gonna kill me)

What size room is this system in? And any openings to other rooms?

SVS PB10-NSD
http://www.svsound.com/products-sub-box-10nsd.cfm

HSU STF-2
http://www.hsuresearch.com/products/stf-2.html

AV123 x-plosive
http://av123forum.com/showthread.php?t=25933

Audio Insider Acculine ASub
http://www.theaudioinsider.com/product_info.php?cPath=21_32&products_id=68

Elemental Designs
Model : A2 - 300
Model : A3 - 250
Model : A2 - 250
http://www.edesignaudio.com/edv2/index.php?cPath=2_41

Dayton Audio
http://www.partsexpress.com/webpage.cfm?webpage_id=3&CAT_ID=43&ObjectGroup_ID=620

Outlaw Audio LFM-1
http://www.outlawaudio.com/products/lfmcompact.html

 

[Needbass]

I don't think an A35 would be in the budget, although I am not sure.

What type of budget are we talking about?

I've been debating a A35, so I may sell my XA1 (which has analog outs).
But, LOL, I've been debating this for quite some time, as the XA1 is an excellent player (just slow).

However from looking at your equipment, 5.1 surround is VERY possible (as HDMI is not a must for GREAT 5.1, 6.1, or 7.1).
You did not specify what speakers you have, and this may be the area you need the most attention.

Going by your username (LOL) what sub do you have? As this will have a huge impact on the .1 for WOW factor.



EDIT;

Amazingly, I do not see the humor, when trying to help a new member.
But that is just me.

A member with longer standings, or not posting in the beginners section is a different story.

As of current, I only have the below front and center channel speakers. I was going to pick up two more insignias for the surround sounds. Just found out I will be receiving decent hand-me-downs for the surrounds so i will try those out first. I do still need to pick up a sub (username was chosen for a lack of imagination). Basically once everything is bought and set up i want to maximize the setup.

I actually started another thread asking about if people think the below speakers should "voice match" well.


Sony - Dual 5-1/4" 2-Way Center-Channel Speaker
Model: SSCN5000
Up to 150 watts maximum input power
Dual 5-1/4" enhanced HOP woofers and one 1" NanoFine balanced dome tweeter
Sound reproduction to 50kHz
Frequency response: 85Hz - 50kHz
Sensitivity: 89dB
Impedance: 8 ohms

Insignia - 6-1/2" Bass-Reflex Bookshelf Speakers (Pair)
Model: NS-B2111
120 watts peak power
Each speaker features one 6-1/2" woofer and one 4/5" tweeter
Bass-reflex design
1" silk dome tweeter
Frequency response: 50Hz - 20kHz
Sensitivity: 90dB
Impedance: 8 ohms

 

[gus6464]

How much did you pay for that Insignia receiver? To get TrueHD through your A2/A3 you need hdmi and a receiver that accepts Multichannel PCM through it. The cheapest receiver that can do that is the Sony STR-DG810 which can be found for cheap online.

$294 at Onecall
http://www.onecall.com/ProductDetails.aspx?id=87319

Are you able to return the receiver and maybe step up to this one?

 

[Gasman]

Being completely honest, and ABSOLUTELY no disrespect.
The difference in audio that you would even get for DD 5.1 would be much better spent on your speakers ATM, rather than a cheap AVR.

What would be the sense in giving TrueHD, to very low cost speakers.

I would work with the AVR you have, to get absolutely GREAT 5.1 Dolby Digital with much better speakers.

You could get a $1k AVR, and it is not going to do anything for the current speakers, or absolute minimal difference at best, which only would be because of better speaker management and sound modes.
But adding sound modes, is quite generic (even on a high end AVR).
And the better speaker management, you can do yourself with a SPL meter and some well spent (free) time, to setup correctly.

As far as the timbre matching of the center that you have and the mains, and I have NO IDEA what the other fellows said (I did not even look for the thread).
But from my best guess, (and this is based on quite a few setups I've had), that the matching would be well off.
You would be much better of with 3 of the same speaker, or at least 3 from the same series.

The subs mentioned are all good, (I only briefed over the suggestions).
But for a good budget sub (as well speakers), I would also consider the BIC H100 from the Acoustech line.
I had one, although not great, it does give quite a good punch for HT.
That one I tested against a JBL sub of the same price range, and for HT it was much deeper.

I am kind of a fan of HSU, but I do know the cost is not for everyone.
I've had 3, and just about to get a 4th, but may try the new ED subs (and test it against my current HSU)
But that sub I am thinking about is 1300.00 on its own (and most certainly is NOT needed for WOW factor in a well setup 5.1, 6.1, or 7.1 setup.)

Contingent on room size, many budget subs will give EXCELLENT wow factor.

But once again, my opinion (and it is only MY opinion) is to work on your 3 front channels first.
And pick up matching surrounds when funds allow (if budget is a concern).

 

[gus6464]

Maybe he just got the speakers and receiver and can return them all. Honestly if you can that is what I would do and start from scratch. There are some options everyone can recommend you that will keep you within your budget.

Only thing I would keep is the A2 and just return the insignia receiver, sony and insignia speakers. If you bought everything at BB after nov 1st they have 90 day return policy right now because of the holidays.

 

[gus6464]

Correction, the Sony STR-DG710 can also do MPCM over hdmi and can be found for a little over $200 from B&H.

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/487196-REG/Sony_STR_DG710_STR_DG710_Home_Theater_Receiver.html

 

[Needbass]

Thanks everyone, and yes, I definitely want the honesty. This is all so new to me. Two months ago I was honestly happy with my Panasonic theater in a box setup with a 1080i projector and 84” inch screen. Sounded and looked great to me. Then I saw the Toshiba A2 on sale for $199. And I just went and got it. Now I am hooked with HD and the possibilities of the sound and video I can achieve (completely happy with the video for now, I want to focus on audio). I had already owned the insignia receiver and speakers for the upstairs setup just to get stereo. So when I got the A2 I just brought that setup downstairs – Now I just need to get 2 surround speakers and a subwoofer.
However, I just bought the Sony center channel speaker and still can be returned if you guys think I can do better in a $100 - $250 price range. Any recommendations’ would be very welcome.

The budget will increase in the future. I will upgrade the receiver and HDDVD player later. I just have to fight this current obsession with WANTING IT PEFECT AND ALL RIGHT NOW! Whew – needed to get that out. Thanks again everyone. Joining this forum has definitely been a step in the right direction (I never joined a forum before).

 

[Needbass]

gonna tack on two more questions

Are there certain speaker brands I should outright avoid?
When trying to match speakers when not by same brand name - which specs should I try to match up? Watts? ohms? mhz?

 

[gus6464]

gonna tack on two more questions

Are there certain speaker brands I should outright avoid?
When trying to match speakers when not by same brand name - which specs should I try to match up? Watts? ohms? mhz?

It is not that simple. The reason you should match your speakers is because of the drivers. All manufacturers use different drivers in their speakers and that is what matters most when you are going to tonal match. While it isn't as important to use the same speakers in your surrounds, it is very important to match your front 3. If not the sound will be off and you will notice it.

IMO you should return the sony center and any other speaker you can return and just save up for a complete system from one manufacturer.

 

[Needbass]

It is not that simple. The reason you should match your speakers is because of the drivers. All manufacturers use different drivers in their speakers and that is what matters most when you are going to tonal match. While it isn't as important to use the same speakers in your surrounds, it is very important to match your front 3. If not the sound will be off and you will notice it.

IMO you should return the sony center and any other speaker you can return and just save up for a complete system from one manufacturer.

Thank you, Thats good info about the drivers, exactly the help I ended up needing for now. I am going to take back the sony center speaker and start over. The insignia speakers are actually pretty good. Once i get the reworked hand me downs I will have to play around and see what works best and then take it from there.