New TV and sound system

[slofox]

In order to ease my pain at having sold my nice big house and replacing it with a tiny hovel, I lashed out and bought a 40inch flat screen TV plus a 5.1 system that would do HD...

Tested it out last night with a DVD - "Avatar"...

Quite impressive really...impressive enough to scare the shit out of the cat a couple of times...

Can't say Sky's HD content was as good though...

[george formby]

That is a sign of being a Chav. Small house, big telly. The smaller the house, the bigger the telly, the more of a Chav.

[Blackshear]

That is a sign of being a Chav. Small house, big telly. The smaller the house, the bigger the telly, the more of a Chav.

And more likely to get shit for having differing priorities :innocent:

[slofox]

That is a sign of being a Chav. Small house, big telly. The smaller the house, the bigger the telly, the more of a Chav.

Fancy that. I didn't know that. Ya learn something every day, huh...

[george formby]

Fancy that. I didn't know that. Ya learn something every day, huh...

No offense intended. I'm sure I saw a British skit, well, something British on the telly & they were taking the piss out of the Chav's, along the lines of you know your a Chav when....

I'm hankering after a new telly myself to be truthful.

[p.dath]

That is a sign of being a Chav. Small house, big telly. The smaller the house, the bigger the telly, the more of a Chav.

Or a person who has fallen on harder times ... like slofox.

[Hoon]

Tested it out last night with a DVD - "Avatar"...

Congrats. Yep the sound would've been good but you'd do your setup more justice by watching it on Bluray. Hire out/borrow a PS3 one night and try it out (make sure you are using HDMI and optical cables if poss as s-video or composite cables dumb it down to 20th Century tech).

[slofox]

No offense intended. I'm sure I saw a British skit, well, something British on the telly & they were taking the piss out of the Chav's, along the lines of you know your a Chav when....

I'm hankering after a new telly myself to be truthful.

No offence taken GF - I had to look up "chav" to see what the hell it was! Hadn't heard the term before.

However, according to the wiki definition, I might be a bit old to be a chav...:whistle:

[slofox]

Congrats. Yep the sound would've been good but you'd do your setup more justice by watching it on Bluray. Hire out/borrow a PS3 one night and try it out (make sure you are using HDMI and optical cables if poss as s-video or composite cables dumb it down to 20th Century tech).

I resisted the urge to go blueray - budget would only stretch so far. Tempting though...

Besides, with my ancient sensory system I probably wouldn't notice the diff anyway...

Oh and we do have the HDMI and optical cables...

Funny thing - Harvey Norman sell the HDMI cables for around $80. Jaycar sells the same for $11.95. Evidently Jaycar supplies them to HN...according to the dude in the shop anyway.

[shrub]

When the artist formerly known as wife ran away she left me with 2 preschoolers, and given motorcycling was not easy (the little buggers didn't fit in my pack) I went out and spent a huge amount of money on a kick arse audio system. Tannoy speakers, Plinius amp and Micromega CD player. Just about the best spent money ever, 17 years later I am still enjoying it, although I have upgraded the interconnects, the amp, the speakers and the CD player it still has the same speaker leads so is the same system.

[Maki]

Thanks, shrub. A good audio system is very entertaining. You might want to try an upgrade to your speakers. Theophany from NZ are excellent.

[sil3nt]

Funny thing - Harvey Norman sell the HDMI cables for around $80. Jaycar sells the same for $11.95. Evidently Jaycar supplies them to HN...according to the dude in the shop anyway.Yep paying more than $15 for HDMI cables is just stupid. Because they are digital the cable quality doesn't really matter unless you start running it over long distance (stealing your neighbours blu-ray?) feel sorry for those that get sucked into buying them

[Geeen]

HDMI is a bitch. Different quality cables do make a difference, its mainly in voltage transmission and signal errors. Not a problem under 3m tho.

Slofox, if you want your system calibrated send me a PM.

[hayd3n]

HDMI is a bitch. Different quality cables do make a difference, its mainly in voltage transmission and signal errors. Not a problem under 3m tho.

Slofox, if you want your system calibrated send me a PM.

really? isint it sending a digital signal which is basically zeros and ones ?/?

[Geeen]

really? isint it sending a digital signal which is basically zeros and ones ?/?

HDMI carries a 5v charge with the digital signal, thats why its not so reliable over 8m unless using amplified cables, among other factors.

[shrub]

Thanks, shrub. A good audio system is very entertaining. You might want to try an upgrade to your speakers. Theophany from NZ are excellent.

I haven't listened to them but when I bought my current Tannoys I auditioned several speakers and loved the sound they gave with the rest of my kit. I've only had them a few years so it would be hard to justify replacing them although I am looking long and hard at a streaming music and the Cambridge Audio network player looks like it could be quite fun.

[Geeen]

I haven't listened to them but when I bought my current Tannoys I auditioned several speakers and loved the sound they gave with the rest of my kit. I've only had them a few years so it would be hard to justify replacing them although I am looking long and hard at a streaming music and the Cambridge Audio network player looks like it could be quite fun.

Send Wysper a PM. He can give you the skinny on Cambridge Audio

[MikeL]

Talking about sight and sound:
I bought a Sony Bravia 46" LED just before Christmas. Lasted 4 months before it was nicked, but has now been replaced with a new model with 3D capability. The original TV came with a free Bluray player (which wasn't nicked). I must admit I'm very impressed with the quality - a movie like 2001 Space Odyssey is amazing in HiDef.
Not so impressed with audio formats. A couple of years ago I was persuaded to buy a 7.1 surround system and have yet to experience the full benefit. Where is 7.1 used? Not on the DVDs or Bluray discs I have bought. In the end I disconnected the centre surround speakers and have reverted to 5.1.
Also not impressed with the multiplicity of surround audio formats. Very confusing. And probably within a couple of years my system will be outdated when a new standard comes along.

[Maki]

I haven't listened to them but when I bought my current Tannoys I auditioned several speakers and loved the sound they gave with the rest of my kit. I've only had them a few years so it would be hard to justify replacing them although I am looking long and hard at a streaming music and the Cambridge Audio network player looks like it could be quite fun.

For streaming music a PC and this http://www.musicstreamer.co.nz/ is brilliant.

[Maki]

Talking about sight and sound:
I bought a Sony Bravia 46" LED just before Christmas. Lasted 4 months before it was nicked, but has now been replaced with a new model with 3D capability. The original TV came with a free Bluray player (which wasn't nicked). I must admit I'm very impressed with the quality - a movie like 2001 Space Odyssey is amazing in HiDef.
Not so impressed with audio formats. A couple of years ago I was persuaded to buy a 7.1 surround system and have yet to experience the full benefit. Where is 7.1 used? Not on the DVDs or Bluray discs I have bought. In the end I disconnected the centre surround speakers and have reverted to 5.1.
Also not impressed with the multiplicity of surround audio formats. Very confusing. And probably within a couple of years my system will be outdated when a new standard comes along.

7.1 must be better than 5.1 because 7 is higher than 5, right? I still only have 2 ears and for the same price I have still not found any multi channel that can beat 2 channel for the same price. I do use my system mainly for music and only the occasional movie though...

[imdying]

Movies without surround sound is like two strokes without the smoke... almost pointless!

You'll have to look at your manual, the other two channels are either for presence or height, some systems will allow the extras inputs do both, one at a time. It'll upscale it as appropriate on 5.1 sources. It does add that something extra, but unless it's well setup and tuned for the room it's not something you need to rush out and do.

If you're just listening to music, then 2 channel is fine, but there is some music that sounds better with one of the various pseudo surround modes; late releases of Asi Se Compone Un Son for one sounds fantastic in THX Neural mode.

As with everything that relates to audio/visual and how you perceive it, just run with what sounds best to you. In other words, somebody might tell you you're doing it wrong, but if it increases your enjoyment (and you're the one paying the bills), then fuck em.

[Hoon]

Where is 7.1 used? Not on the DVDs or Bluray discs I have bought. In the end I disconnected the centre surround speakers and have reverted to 5.1.

Need to make sure the Bluray disc has the Dolby TrueHD or DTS-HD labels on the cover. Newer movies are more likely to have it...especially action/scifi/animation ones. See here for a comprehensive list (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=1168342) of which movies has what.

I've also disconnected my rears and use them as a 2nd channel to blast into the kitchen so the wife can still watch while cooking.


I still only have 2 ears and for the same price I have still not found any multi channel that can beat 2 channel for the same price. I do use my system mainly for music and only the occasional movie though...

Well obviously not for the same price as 8 speakers of same quality will always cost more than 2....unless you're comparing your 2 channel system to a 7.1 system of 1/4 the quality?

[Maki]

"Movies without surround sound is like two strokes without the smoke... almost pointless!"

It's really about what you are after. If you care about the sound fx coming behind you, then I guess 2 channel is not going to do it for you. If your main priority is high fidelity sound production your money may be best spent on 2 good speakers and perhaps a subwoofer and quality electronics rather than 5.1 speakers and processors.

For music any pseudo surround mode will tend to make the sound less realistic and sometimes downright annoying to my ears.

For some a discussion have a look.

http://forums.whirlpool.net.au/archive/1586979

""A few years ago, an audiophile friend of mine bought a high-end stereo tube amplifier. He's one of those guys with a huge collection of vinyl records. At the time, I'd never really heard a tube amp, so I was blown away by how good it sounded. But being more interested in movies rather music, I asked him if would be any good connected to a DVD player.

Not being much of a movie buff, he only had a VHS player to try out (yes, VHS). So we plugged it in, and shoved in a tape. Again, it sounded really amazing... better than any other home theatre setup I'd heard at the time. Sure, it wasn't surround sound... but in a reasonably small room it really didn't seem to matter. And the lack of a sub-woofer didn't seem to be a problem.

Fast forward to today, and I'm looking at setting up my TV room and I'm instinctively looking for home theatre amp with surround sound. But with a bit of research on the net, I find a few people claiming that a good stereo system, carefully selected, might actually be better value for money. Buying two speakers instead of 6-8 means you can get higher quality gear for the same price. And similarly with an amp... a high end stereo amp will sound better for the same price than a surround sound amp.

Now, I'm an audio n00b.... but I keep thinking back to my experience with my mate's tube amp and wondering if it is true. Is it a case of quality over quantity?"

%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%

To me 5.1 and 7.1 has been a triumph of marketing. Imagine selling 6 or 8 speakers and amplifiers instead of just two and the icing on the cake is the fact it regularly get's obsolete and needs to be updated! That is an excellent retail and manufacturing business idea. Something I don't bother chasing. I prefer the sound of music.

[Cayman911]

As long as its not Samsung you'll be happy.

my Bluray home theater system has gone back for the 4th time after being repaired 3 times and the idiots are now examining what's wrong that they cant fix. after replacing almost everything in it :facepalm:

[imdying]

If your main priority is high fidelity soundFor movies, my main priority is immersion, although I've ticked the high fidelity boxes too, I didn't see the point in choosing one or the other.


For music any pseudo surround mode will tend to make the sound less realistic and sometimes downright annoying to my ears.Definitely, but for some tracks it's a magic enhancement.


To me 5.1 and 7.1 has been a triumph of marketing.Go listen to a good setup :msn-wink:

[wysper]

HDMI is a bitch.

Have to agree with this. It is the worst single thing to happen to the A/V industry since copy protection. It has created more headaches then anything I have experienced in the industry.

It's primary purpose is not to provide the end user with better sound and picture, it's primary purpose is to retain copy protection.

[Geeen]

"Movies without surround sound is like two strokes without the smoke... almost pointless!"

It's really about what you are after. If you care about the sound fx coming behind you, then I guess 2 channel is not going to do it for you. If your main priority is high fidelity sound production your money may be best spent on 2 good speakers and perhaps a subwoofer and quality electronics rather than 5.1 speakers and processors.

For music any pseudo surround mode will tend to make the sound less realistic and sometimes downright annoying to my ears.

For some a discussion have a look.

http://forums.whirlpool.net.au/archive/1586979

""A few years ago, an audiophile friend of mine bought a high-end stereo tube amplifier. He's one of those guys with a huge collection of vinyl records. At the time, I'd never really heard a tube amp, so I was blown away by how good it sounded. But being more interested in movies rather music, I asked him if would be any good connected to a DVD player.

Not being much of a movie buff, he only had a VHS player to try out (yes, VHS). So we plugged it in, and shoved in a tape. Again, it sounded really amazing... better than any other home theatre setup I'd heard at the time. Sure, it wasn't surround sound... but in a reasonably small room it really didn't seem to matter. And the lack of a sub-woofer didn't seem to be a problem.

Fast forward to today, and I'm looking at setting up my TV room and I'm instinctively looking for home theatre amp with surround sound. But with a bit of research on the net, I find a few people claiming that a good stereo system, carefully selected, might actually be better value for money. Buying two speakers instead of 6-8 means you can get higher quality gear for the same price. And similarly with an amp... a high end stereo amp will sound better for the same price than a surround sound amp.

Now, I'm an audio n00b.... but I keep thinking back to my experience with my mate's tube amp and wondering if it is true. Is it a case of quality over quantity?"

%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%

To me 5.1 and 7.1 has been a triumph of marketing. Imagine selling 6 or 8 speakers and amplifiers instead of just two and the icing on the cake is the fact it regularly get's obsolete and needs to be updated! That is an excellent retail and manufacturing business idea. Something I don't bother chasing. I prefer the sound of music.

Go talk to Darrin at Soundline in Wellies. Hes a good sort with HEAPS of knowledge. I've installed systems he has spec'd and they do the business. Tell him Gene sent you.

[Geeen]

I FARKN HATE HDMI!!!!!! :angry2:








Yes I had a bad day :brick:

[Maki]

Go talk to Darrin at Soundline in Wellies. Hes a good sort with HEAPS of knowledge. I've installed systems he has spec'd and they do the business. Tell him Gene sent you.

Thanks. Audio has been my hobby for more than 20 years so I would be surprised if "Darrin" knows anything worth knowing that I don't know. I have a carefully chosen and set up system that is mostly used for music and the occasional movie. I occasionally visit hi-fi shops and have a listen to the best they can set up and even though it may cost an order of magnitude more than what I have the gains are quite small if any.

I wish Darrin and you all the best, Gene but I am quite happy where I am.

[shrub]

To me 5.1 and 7.1 has been a triumph of marketing. Imagine selling 6 or 8 speakers and amplifiers instead of just two and the icing on the cake is the fact it regularly get's obsolete and needs to be updated! That is an excellent retail and manufacturing business idea. Something I don't bother chasing. I prefer the sound of music.

I have two lovely big loudspeakers that fill the room and a very strong amp and I have never wanted speakers anywhere other than in front of me. I guess the surround thing is great if you're into the hollywood blockbusters with a brazillian dollar SFX budget, but even watching stuff like Tron my kit does fine.

[Geeen]

Thanks. Audio has been my hobby for more than 20 years so I would be surprised if "Darrin" knows anything worth knowing that I don't know. I have a carefully chosen and set up system that is mostly used for music and the occasional movie. I occasionally visit hi-fi shops and have a listen to the best they can set up and even though it may cost an order of magnitude more than what I have the gains are quite small if any.

I wish Darrin and you all the best, Gene but I am quite happy where I am.

No problems. Darrin is the new owner of Soundline and has been selling high end audio for 15 years or so, Just thought I'd try and help out.

You are right about choosing kit though. I've dealt with systems ranging from 2K to 2 Mil. Price IS NOT what makes good sound. Its what makes you feel good when listening to music that counts. Much like Bikes really.

[Winston001]

This discussion reminds me: I'm volunteering at the Habitat For Humanity ReStore in Invercargill. We have two large Energy speakers which are high-quality units and don't know what to do with them. They don't have covers (who needs it anyway) and haven't been looked after but work fine so far as I can test. They appear to sell for around $900 each.

Selling exotic stuff isn't easy for a charity and they are too heavy to easily ship to a TM buyer.

I've also spotted a small pair of Bang and Olufsens plus a small Prolab pair. Not tested yet.

All of these will be sold for very little to make space unless I can find a good way to advertise them. Any thoughts? I'm thinking TM is still best but its a problem of time and effort.

[Elysium]

A good tip for those who buy new sound systems is to update the drivers for the unit itself. I found that out when trying to play music from my PS3 and wondered why the music sound qaulity sounded so bad.

Went to Samsung's website and dowloaded updated drivers. The problem was fixed straight away.
http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/showthread.php/136048-Playing-music-from-PS3/page3