5.1 Dolby Digital set-up help

[poppj]

Okay, here is what I have: Bose Acoustimass-7, 2 infinity 6x9's from my eagle talon for surround & my receiver is a Pioneer VSX-D498.

Here is what I want: listen to 5.1 Dolby Digital sound playing dvds.

Here’s the problem: Basically, when I use surround Im not getting very much bass at all.

The AM-7 has a bass module that the speakers have to go through so I need some help with set-up. Because the sub (bass module) goes in between the receiver and sattalite speakers should I have the sub option on my receiver turned off?? Then, because of this, I set my front and center speakers to Large and my surround to small right? So that the bass from the surround would filter to the bass module. Thats how I have it hooked up right now and it just does'nt sound right. The bass module has a built in crossover but I cannot turn the crossover on my reciever off for some reason. Maybe this is where my problem lies... Ive got my dvd player hooked to the receiver with a digital optical cable so I know im all set for 5.1. Basically the bass sounds way too weak. Sometimes (when there's alot of action going on) it sounds pretty good but I still think its missing bass. Also, when I turn the "dolby digital" option off on my reciever it sends the same signal to 4 of my speakers and the bass module which actually sounds decent (has bass but no 5.1)

Since my dvd player is actually a PS2 I tried playing some games which are Pro logic II but that doesnt sound right either....its worse. The sound is very "tiny" coming out of basically the center speaker only and there almost no bass again. Then when I turn the Pro Logic off on my reciever it sends the same signal to 2 of my speakers and the bass module which actually sounds decent (has bass but no Pro Logic). Im somewhat of a newbie when it comes to this stuff so maybe Ive just got something set up wrong.

I tried fiddling with this set-up 3 years ago and eventually gave up and threw everything in the closet till now. I figure Im either going to: #1 sell Acoustimass-7 (on ebay for ?? $250??) and get a better system (which is only $250....so its not much)...#2 work with what Ive got. Or #3 maybe just add an independent Subwoofer? If I were to sell it on ebay can I get a better system (maybe with an independent subwoofer for $250??) Any feedback
is appriciated....also, yes, Ive heard that Bose sucks but I didnt know when i bought it off a friend 3 years ago. Who knows, maybe I DO have everything plugged in correctly but its just a sucky system.

Jeremy
Are these better (better than what I have now) beginner sets for $250? or just a waste of money....
http://www.yamaha.com/yec/products/HXseries/NSBP4500.htm
http://www.yamaha.com/yec/products/HXseries/NSP436.htm

 

[poppj]

Okay, i talked to a buddy who runs an electronics repair store locally. He told me that it sounds the way it does because thats how the acoustimass-7 was designed. More specifically it was designed for Pro Logic etc. Anyways, after discussing my situation we came to the conclusion that a new powered sub would solve my problem.

Taking into account my setup as it is now, and the possibilty of future upgrades can anyone recommend a good sub in the $150-$200 range. Also, can someone give me some advice on what to look for.... whats more important....size (8", 10" 12" etc) or watts....Its mainly going to be for watching dvd movies.

If anybody can help that would be much appriciated. thanks,
jeremy

 

[fimble15]

Similar Problem

I've inhereted a bose Acoustimass 7 with 5 satellite speakers and I don't hear much for bass either. Since I know nothing about the AM 7, is this just the way it is? Am I better off going with a stand alone sub?

 

[Zarg]

Yes

I've inhereted a bose Acoustimass 7 with 5 satellite speakers and I don't hear much for bass either. Since I know nothing about the AM 7, is this just the way it is? Am I better off going with a stand alone sub?

Fimble, as the previous poster(s) noted, the Bose Acoustimass 7 really isn't designed for 5.1 sound. The "point 1" of 5.1 is the Low Frequency Effects (LFE) channel, which is a separate output from the receiver to a subwoofer. The Bose Bass Module just ain't a subwoofer, no matter how hard Bose tries to make it one.

Yes, it seems to me that you need a separate subwoofer. I don't know much about the Bose system you have, but you might need a separate receiver, as well.

If it were me, I'd eBay the system you "inherited" and use whatever money you had to get a new receiver, subwoofer and speakers. But that's just me...

 

[fimble15]

Thank you

Thanks for the info. I'm a step ahead of you though... I never did like bose anyway so they are out the door.