Surround Sound won't work

[Velomark]

I am new to this forum and am unsure whether this is the right place to ask this question.

I am trying to setup surround sound for my Flat screen TV/Blueray player/CD using a Onkyo TX-SR501 receiver. I am attempting to use 4 Bose bookshelf speakers and a bose center channel speaker purchased separately. I have double checked the Onkyo manual and feel confident that I the speaker wires connected properly and have the correct settings selected on the receiver. I am getting sound through the front two speakers but nothing from the rear two. My input cable from the TV/DVD to the Receiver is analog. Can anyone suggest some basic toubleshooting steps for this problem?

Thanks

 

[Adam]

Welcome to the forum!

Are you using a stereo analog connection (two RCA jacks) or a multi-channel connection (probably six RCA jacks)? I ask because I can't pull up the owner's manual for the 501 at the moment and don't know if it even has multi-channel analog inputs.

Also, what surround mode are you using on the receiver?

Prior to getting those answers, here's a suggestion - if you have a stereo analog connection, try switching the surround mode to Dolby Pro-Logic and see if you get sound from all of the speakers.

 

[lsiberian]

try switching the listening mode. Also try using the test tone.

 

[Phil Taylor]

I second (and third) the "check your surround mode setting" advice. With analog inputs the best you'll get is Dolby Pro-Logic which is basically synthesized surround. If you have indeed set your speaker settings correctly in the receiver not having your mode set to DPL is most likely the cause.

I suggest you order a couple of optical cables and take advantage of better quality sound capabilities of your gear. If you order from monoprice or the Audioholics store the upgrade cost would be nominal compared to the added enjoyment of the advanced surround formats. Here's a link to a fine quality 6ft. AH store cable for 13.99 with free ship --
http://store.audioholics.com/product/490/112/velocity-2m-toslink-optical-digital-cable