Pioneer VSX-LX503 signal output torturer!

[Jmq]

Hello All,
I post this first entreaty battered and broken. I’ve tried everything to solve the problem of why I’m only able to play sound from LCF speakers (Apple TV or Cable Box via aSony tv/Pioneer VSX-LX503) and nothing from my surrounds or sub. When I run the initial setup of the receiver, calibration tones are loud and clear, but nothing comes through when playing source output. I’ve checked the tv settings and the receiver settings according to the manuals, with no results. If this problem sounds familiar and you have a possible solution, I’d certainly welcome your input! Thanks.

 

[Trebdp83]

Have you tried every sound mode to see if that is the case for all of them?

 

[Jmq]

Thanks for replying. Yes, it’s the same for all-front left center all play, but not surrounds or sub.

 

[Trebdp83]

What is the actual Speaker Configuration setting in the receiver Settings? Size of Speakers in Settings?

 

[Jmq]

5.1, large front and center, small surrounds.

 

[isolar8001]

5.1, large front and center, small surrounds.

First, set all speakers to small if you are using a sub...regardless of how big your fronts are.
Are the devices plugged into the Pioneer or the tv ?
I would plug them into the Pioneer myself to rule out any processing being done by your set....might help to give the model of your tv also.
Have you done a full hard reset of the AVR?

 

[Trebdp83]

You will not get a signal to the sub with fronts set at Full Band/Large unless Double Bass is also enabled.

 

[Jmq]

The devices are plugged into the receiver (which has been reset). I’ll try changing the speaker sizes when I get home to see if that works. Thanks for the tip!

 

[lovinthehd]

Same for sources with 5.1 content as well as upmixing 2ch content with a sound mode?

 

[Jmq]

Well, I’ve been testing it via YouTube 5.1 sound tests, as well as listening for cable football games that broadcast in 5.1.

 

[isolar8001]

Well, I’ve been testing it via YouTube 5.1 sound tests, as well as listening for cable football games that broadcast in 5.1.

Just make sure that the YouTube video is actually in 5.1.....there are some that are on YouTube (although you need SmartTube to select 5.1 audio)
Most YouTube videos that say they are 5.1 are nothing of the sort.

There will also be about zero surround action in a Football game.

 

[Jmq]

Ok, that’s good advice. I’ll check, thanks!

 

[lovinthehd]

Well, I’ve been testing it via YouTube 5.1 sound tests, as well as listening for cable football games that broadcast in 5.1.

What sound mode(s) are you using?

 

[Jmq]

I’ve been trying it in all modes—I usually leave it in 7 channel surround—but switching all speakers to small worked. Thanks, everyone!

 

[lovinthehd]

I’ve been trying it in all modes—I usually leave it in 7 channel surround—but switching all speakers to small worked. Thanks, everyone!

Pretty unusual for an avr to do the test tone thing fine but not the usual use....glad you got it figured out with bass management....

 

[Jmq]

Yes, it works now, but the sound is pretty anemic. My rectangular listening area opens to a side dining area and a kitchen area that is a natural bass trap. I’m using Triangle Antal speakers in the front, a Totem center channel speaker, and 2 Kef ceiling surround speakers, powered by the old Pioneer. A Frankenstein system that is pretty underwhelming, as you can imagine. I’ve given up for all intents and purposes, but it’s nice to have 5.1 back. Again, thank you.