|
I want to (finally) setup my surround speakers in my new house. It's an older place, but I was thinking of running the speakers either through the attic or underneath the house. In talking to my wife, she would rather I use some sort of "speaker wire tape" that I must have shown her at one point and forgot about. Some googling brought me to Taperwire, which is kind of pricey at $40 for 16ft. So, does anyone have any experience with this stuff? I can probably override her on this, but hey if I don't have to crawl around in the attic or under the house and she doesn't mind the cost, I'm down. What pros/cons should I be aware of?
|
#
?
Aug 26, 2009 20:18
|
|
|
|
| # ? Jun 9, 2024 05:22 |
|
|
domn posted:i'm in the search for stereo tower speakers, and my original plan was to get a local shop to come down to near internet price on some klipsch speakers. it turns out that i like some other brands that have similar retail prices but aren't sold on the internet or i can't find crazy internet deals like i could with the klipsch i was eyeballing. No online sales for B&W and Paradigm, you will have to find a dealer in your area. PSB has online sales available from some retailers and the prices can be quite good at times, esp for blemished seconds. Dmc-electronics.com seems to have decent psb prices all the time. Check out the Monitor Audio RS6,, they sound great as well. I had some Klipsch Rb-61's around xmas of last year, and didn't like them for music. I found the Klipsch horns too strident and piercing esp when placed fairly close. I grabbed some Paradigm Atom v6 that sounded much nicer imo. Later I picked up a pair of new Inifinity primus p252 towers dirt cheap and they sound very good for the price.
|
|
#
?
Aug 26, 2009 20:58
|
|
|
I'm looking for a control pod for a Logitech Z-5500 Speaker set. I am wondering if anyone has any clever ideas on where to find one. I already check ebay/craigslist daily. The problem with this is that you need a specific model to work with each revision of the system. I figured this would be the best place to ask as it deals with audio equipment.
|
|
#
?
Aug 27, 2009 00:34
|
|
|
domn posted:i'm in the search for stereo tower speakers, and my original plan was to get a local shop to come down to near internet price on some klipsch speakers. it turns out that i like some other brands that have similar retail prices but aren't sold on the internet or i can't find crazy internet deals like i could with the klipsch i was eyeballing. I've used this site for reference before, they seem to keep their prices up to date: http://www.bradfordshifi.com/prices.html The header at the top says updated 5/14/06 but they just recently updated prices, especially for the Paradigm speakers. When I was looking the Atom monitors were $275/pr, now they're quoted as $318. As far as the discount you can get, it depends on the shop. I've seen people on AVS Forum get as much as 20% off of retail MSRP, just depends on the dealer and how much you're buying that day. The Paradigm dealer near me offered me 15% off on a Mini Monitor package, so I think 10-20% off MSRP is realistic. Also check out Audiogon for good deals on used speakers.
|
|
#
?
Aug 27, 2009 23:23
|
|
|
I haven't found an answer for this one, and I apologize if it's been answered, but it has left me stunned: I have a 360, a new LCD HDTV, and a speaker system (with upconverting DVD player built in) We all know the connections on the 360 the HDTV has 2x component, 3xHDMI, optical audio out The speaker has HDMI output, Component Video output, Composite video (CVBS) output, TV in (audio, cinch), coaxial digital in What is the best way to connect all 3 of these things together? It gives me a headache. HDMI from xbox to tv, HDMI from speaker/dvd to tv, and optical from xbox to speaker? That's the best I can come up with, so please tell me if that's correct or not.
|
|
#
?
Aug 28, 2009 00:21
|
|
|
Snigz posted:I haven't found an answer for this one, and I apologize if it's been answered, but it has left me stunned: You got it. If the speaker has optical in, you're in business.
|
|
#
?
Aug 28, 2009 00:46
|
|
|
Q: anyone have any Boston Acoustics remote codes I can try? I found an old Boston Acoustics home theater setup at a yard sale for $5. It sounds fine but there is no remote with it. Luckily it is at an almost ideal volume, but I'd like to be able to adjust it or be able to turn it on and off without unplugging it. Does anyone know where I could get the remote code for this thing so I can program my directv remote? I have no idea what model it is. It has a long, midrange speakers "soundbar" unit with the LEDs, a subwoofer, and one distant or close speaker. I'm not sure if there were ever two of them. I can't find a picture of it online, but it's not a "tvee" or a 6000. I'll try to edit in a serial number or something when I get home in a few... I tried the generic audio 991 3 code. Sorry for crossing this to the video thread. I didn't see this mammajamma.
|
|
#
?
Aug 28, 2009 22:26
|
|
|
I have a Logitech X-530 sound system... thing. For my computer. I want to hook up both my computer's audio and my Xbox's audio (via an RCA->1/8" adapter) to the speakers. I have one of those 2-to-1 adapter things, so the setup is like this: code:Edit: I now realize I also lose the right side of the Xbox. Which made me realize what the problem was, and I feel kind of dumb. What are my options here? Fifty Three fucked around with this message at 04:58 on Aug 29, 2009 |
|
#
?
Aug 29, 2009 04:53
|
|
|
Fifty Three posted:I have a Logitech X-530 sound system... thing. For my computer. Are you hard connecting them together like that? That is a bad idea, and can not only cause the outputs on the devices to flake out like that, but also might fry the output stage altogether. What is happening is that you have two devices with albeit low powered, but still, powered outputs that are being mated together... an output to an output so to speak. Just because there is a speaker at the end of it is irrelevant. You need to have a mixer involved, or a switch to choose one or the other. Having them connected in that fashion is dangerous for the equipment and will often fail in the manner you are speaking of, if not worse.
|
|
#
?
Aug 29, 2009 06:18
|
|
|
Sniep posted:You need to have a mixer involved, or a switch to choose one or the other. Having them connected in that fashion is dangerous for the equipment and will often fail in the manner you are speaking of, if not worse.
|
|
#
?
Aug 29, 2009 19:42
|
|
|
Well I'm sure glad my poo poo didn't fry! Thank you.  Suakkis, that should work perfectly, because I did that before and for some reason I totally forgot that I did. Thanks.
|
|
#
?
Aug 29, 2009 19:57
|
|
|
I got a good deal on a pair of JBL L830s yet have no stereo to plug them into! So, my question is, does the stereo particularly matter as far as matching up with the ability of the speakers? Any suggestions on a unit that prefarably doesn't come with speakers? I'd also like to run my DVD player, HDTV and iPod through it, so does that effect the decision much? Depending upon how well they handle the bass, I'm also thinking of fleshing them out with the JBL 8400 subwoofer, so that might figure in, too.
|
|
#
?
Aug 30, 2009 22:54
|
|
|
I'm not sure if this has been answered somewhere, but when it comes to audio I'm a complete idiot. A couple posts up someone has a similar idea to what I'm trying to accomplish. I have some Logitech 2.1 speakers. They work great for my computer set up. I have a 42PZ80U Panasonic Plasma, which I play a lot of Xbox on. I was thinking of just hooking these speakers directly to the TV itself, but I have no idea how I would accomplish that. Would it be easier to go directly to the 360? The Logitech speakers are obviously just a 3.5mm connection into my soundcard. Are there adapters I could use to plug it into the audio component of the TV? A normal HTiB would be overkill, and these particular speakers would be fantastic if I could get this to work somehow. Also, I don't care if I have to switch the cable physically back and forth between the TV and my PC. I don't really need it to splice between them. Binge fucked around with this message at 01:17 on Sep 1, 2009 |
|
#
?
Sep 1, 2009 01:14
|
|
|
Binge posted:I'm not sure if this has been answered somewhere, but when it comes to audio I'm a complete idiot. A couple posts up someone has a similar idea to what I'm trying to accomplish.
|
|
#
?
Sep 1, 2009 02:06
|
|
|
Dominoes posted:Buy this, and and use it to connect your speakers directly to the Xbox. The Xbox is the audio source, not the TV. It's probably better to just buy http://www.monoprice.com/products/product.asp?c_id=102&cp_id=10218&cs_id=1021804&p_id=5612&seq=1&format=2 and hook it up directly to the TV. That way he can use the speakers for everything connected to the TV. This is just analog stereo sound, so the TV will pass it all through.
|
|
#
?
Sep 1, 2009 15:31
|
|
|
evilalien posted:It's probably better to just buy
|
|
#
?
Sep 1, 2009 15:42
|
|
|
That is perfect, I'm ordering it now. I thought I was going to be out of luck, since I realized I threw out my 360's A/V cable, since I have HDMI everywhere. Going right to the TV is excellent. Thanks guys!
|
|
#
?
Sep 2, 2009 06:41
|
|
|
My friend has a Denon PMA-2000IVR receiver in his system and wants to add FM radio for his wife to listen to NPR / KCRW. What's the best way to do this?
|
|
#
?
Sep 2, 2009 19:56
|
|
|
Just add a separate stereo tuner. I'd say go ahead and find an HD one. Maybe something like http://www.amazon.com/Sangean-HDT-1-Radio-Component-Tuner/dp/B000J13TEE
|
|
#
?
Sep 2, 2009 20:40
|
|
|
Subjectively, what's the best deal in a decent powered subwoofer? I'm looking to spend <$150.
|
|
#
?
Sep 3, 2009 20:57
|
|
|
So I'm in the market for computer speakers. I really just want something for my room and I've been looking at a couple of 2.0 and 2.1 systems. Right now I'm considering the Swan M10s (http://www.theaudioinsider.com/product_info.php/p/swan-m10/products_id/89), the D1080MkII (http://www.theaudioinsider.com/product_info.php/p/swan-d1080mkii/products_id/113), or the M200MkII (http://www.theaudioinsider.com/product_info.php/p/swan-m200mkii/products_id/80). The last ones are relatively out of what I'm willing to spend but if they're significantly better than the M10s, I wouldn't hesitate in spending more on them. Also please suggest others within the $100-230 price range if they're better. Thanks!
|
|
#
?
Sep 3, 2009 21:11
|
|
|
Dominoes posted:Subjectively, what's the best deal in a decent powered subwoofer? I'm looking to spend <$150. I actually don't know any in that price range. I have an Acoustech h-100 which can be had for 249 that is really nice. Great for big booms and pretty nice music sub as well. The way people on AVS used to get it for 249 was making an offer on the Acoustic Sound Design ebay store, but it doesn't seem to have that on there anymore. If you call their number and talk to Mike I bet he would do 249 shipped. That or the entry level elemental designs one. If you're in Iowa you can pick it up and they will take the cost of shipping and sales tax out I believe. I toured their shop and they are all great guys, made in america, in house design. highly recommended. If I was going to upgrade my h-100 i'd get an eD sub. http://www.edesignaudio.com/product_info.php?cPath=2_41&products_id=407 What's the rest of your setup like?
|
|
#
?
Sep 3, 2009 21:13
|
|
|
Hollis Brown posted:What's the rest of your setup like? Dominoes fucked around with this message at 21:27 on Sep 3, 2009 |
|
#
?
Sep 3, 2009 21:22
|
|
|
Dominoes posted:Subjectively, what's the best deal in a decent powered subwoofer? I'm looking to spend <$150. The Dayton subs from Parts-Express might be one of the better choices at that price point?
|
|
#
?
Sep 4, 2009 06:03
|
|
|
Doc Spratley posted:The Dayton subs from Parts-Express might be one of the better choices at that price point? This will be for my computer. I'm going to buy a digital receiver eventually and run HDMI from my video card. For now, I'm using analog outputs from my sound card. What would be the best way to hook this up in the meanwhile? I'm thinking: Buy a 3.5mm stereo to dual male RCA adapter and a 3.5mm stereo to dual female RCA adapter. Connect the sub/center output on my soundcard to the low-level input on the sub with one of the 3.5mm/male RCA connections, connect the 3.5mm/female RCA to the leading male RCA adapter connection and to the center/sub input on my computer speaker amp, leaving the other female end dangling. I'd have to experiment to make sure I'm using the correct end of both RCA adapters or I'd get some combination of center signal going to my new sub, sub signal going to my old sub, center signal going to my old sub, and sub signal going to my center speaker. Would this work?  Also, the sub has left and right line level RCA inputs. I'm guessing it doesn't matter which I use, and that that's for if you don't have a dedicated sub channel. Is this right? Do the powered inputs on the sub bypass the sub's internal amp? Ie: if I wanted, I could just run the powered out from my computer amp directly to this? I wouldn't since I want to use the sub's own amp, but I'm curious how this works. Dominoes fucked around with this message at 15:08 on Sep 4, 2009 |
|
#
?
Sep 4, 2009 14:38
|
|
|
Are there any component systems with built in hard drives? I have a friend who has a 400+ CD collection, we are looking for a solution for her. Now I do know about the iPod and certain components can be bought with an iPod dock but I was looking for something more "integrated" in the system, possibly that uses redisplay available hard drives?
|
|
#
?
Sep 5, 2009 16:13
|
|
|
b0nes posted:Are there any component systems with built in hard drives? I have a friend who has a 400+ CD collection, we are looking for a solution for her. Now I do know about the iPod and certain components can be bought with an iPod dock but I was looking for something more "integrated" in the system, possibly that uses redisplay available hard drives? It sounds like you are talking about a media center, although those usually do video as well. Frankly, if you're willing to put in some effort, an original xbox with XBMC makes a great media center.
|
|
#
?
Sep 6, 2009 01:39
|
|
|
How come nowhere in this subforum there's a repository of links for where to purchase speakers and stuff like that? Is there just not any 'awesome go-to' sites to buy this stuff? I bought a onkyo 606 a few months back and don't have any speakers to plug it into, so I'm looking for recommendations. Stats: onkyo 606 47" Sharp Aquos 1080p 20'x20' room (no real loudness restrictions, we live in an apartment but the media room shares zero walls (including above and below) with neighbors.) PS3, xbox360, old-rear end tivo (gen2), random dvd/vhs player My roommate and I watch a LOT of movies. He's got his masters in film and I... have eyes, ears, and enjoy eating popcorn. being an apartment with a weird set-up I'm only really looking for a 2.0, 2.1, or 3.1 setup. I don't want to run speaker wire everywhere to get surrounds and we have the tv in the corner of the room facing out diagonally so it just would be weird to have surrounds. I love the look of tower speakers so I'd like the fronts to be those. I have max $500 to spend (less would be ok if the setup came recommended enough, but 500 is the top I'll go). I'm not married to the idea of a sub-woofer if for my budget I could get wicked-awesome towers to do the deal. A center channel also isn't a necessity but I'm curious if you guys think I'd get more out of having a center in my set-up or not. Eventually I'm looking to fully flesh out the system to 5.1 or 7.1, but that wont be for a year or two probably.
|
|
#
?
Sep 7, 2009 01:30
|
|
|
tranten posted:How come nowhere in this subforum there's a repository of links for where to purchase speakers and stuff like that? Is there just not any 'awesome go-to' sites to buy this stuff? These were just released and look pretty promising http://store.audioholics.com/product/2715/66381/emp-impression-e5ti-tower-speakers--red-burl-pair-
|
|
#
?
Sep 7, 2009 02:53
|
|
|
I can't find a remote or IR code for my old Boston Acoustics Soundbar Cinema thing. I can hardly even find any mention of it having existed. It's kind of like the new TVee units, but it's obviously much older. It's a "soundbar" with a couple/3 speakers and a faceplate that doesn't seem to open with controls and lights, a subwoofer, and one tapered speaker that serves as either an "away" or "close" (or both?) I guess. It was $5 at a yardsale. I have it hooked up to a DirecTV r22-100. edit: the remote is an RC64 I can also run it from the TV's audio outs, an old Sanyo "flat screen". Neither the TV volume nor the DirecTV remote volume have any effect on the unit. I plug it in and it works at one volume. Is there some kind of cheap little device I could put between the soundbar and its input that would allow me to control its volume? Does anyone have access to a better list of remote codes than I can find online? Very Strange Things fucked around with this message at 04:15 on Sep 7, 2009 |
|
#
?
Sep 7, 2009 03:47
|
|
|
Has anyone had experience with these speakers for music listening. http://www.amazon.com/Polk-Audio-TSi200-Bookshelf-Speakers/dp/B0018QRO9A/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1252528275&sr=8-1 I wanted something in between that wasn't too expensive but had decent sound.
|
|
#
?
Sep 9, 2009 21:37
|
|
|
I'm looking to buy some good speakers for my basement. We throw a lot of parties with around 50-60 showing up on average and we'd like to get something sub$1000 and LOUD. What should I be looking at?
|
|
#
?
Sep 10, 2009 00:35
|
|
|
iloveyouall posted:Has anyone had experience with these speakers for music listening. Haven't heard those Tsi's. I do know the Lsi line is reputed to sound very nice though. For the same price you could grab Energy RC-10 in rosenut (real wood veneer) on sale at Vanns. They get overwhelmingly good reviews such as http://www.soundstage.com/revequip/energy_rc10.htm. Here are a few other famous names in that price range.; Paradigm Atoms, Psb alpha b1, Wharfedale Diamond 9.1 The Infinity primus p152/p162 sound decent and can be found quite cheap.
|
|
#
?
Sep 10, 2009 04:57
|
|
|
unpurposed posted:I'm looking to buy some good speakers for my basement. We throw a lot of parties with around 50-60 showing up on average and we'd like to get something sub$1000 and LOUD. What should I be looking at? A pair of two-way PA speakers. (JBL, M-Audio etc) Dominoes fucked around with this message at 14:04 on Sep 10, 2009 |
|
#
?
Sep 10, 2009 14:00
|
|
|
My father recently gave me his old setup, only problem is that I am missing two speakers. I'd like some recommendations on what to get for the other two. I currently have a Onkyo tx-ds555 as my receiver. For my left and right I have the optimus pro lx5's specs and the matching optimus pro cs-5 specs The lx5's are a little worn, so i was thinking of using them as my surround speakers. For the front's should I try and snag some more lx5's or should I look for something else? I'm looking to spend around $100 I've seen these yamaha NS-6490's and they seem to get a good review link Any thoughts? I'm also looking for some stands for all four speakers, and the lx5's are pretty heavy, anyone know of any good deals and stands at all? edit: I just went to the local thrift store looking for some cheap speakers. They had a pair of Zenith allegro 1000's for $15. Would it be bad to use them as my rears? Here is some reviews and a video of them on youtube I found here or would that not work at all? Harminoff fucked around with this message at 21:02 on Sep 11, 2009 |
|
#
?
Sep 11, 2009 06:20
|
|
|
Omegaslast posted:These were just released and look pretty promising Well, I bought those, they seem like a good deal. Thanks! However, while there are four connecting posts on the back of each tower speaker, there's a little sticker inbetween them that says "Do NOT bi-amp!" Why would it say that? Why does it hate me? I was planning on bi-amping them since I don't have surrounds currently.
|
|
#
?
Sep 11, 2009 18:09
|
|
|
Harminoff posted:My father recently gave me his old setup, only problem is that I am missing two speakers. I'd like some recommendations on what to get for the other two. You should look here: http://www.racksandstands.com/Speaker-Stands-C7.html there are some really cheap stands that seem to be pretty decent. I don't own any of them personally though.
|
|
#
?
Sep 11, 2009 18:20
|
|
|
I'm looking at an Onkyo S9100THX HTiB setup (it's the same price as the S7200 line with a coupon and I don't have the energy to piece out a set), but the front speakers weigh 12 pounds and I can't find any reasonably priced speaker mounts that can handle that. There's a good set on Monoprice (http://www.monoprice.com/products/product.asp?c_id=108&cp_id=10828&cs_id=1082804&p_id=3011&seq=1&format=2) but it has very mixed reviews on whether or not it can handle >10 pounds. Any thoughts on stands/mounts for heavy speakers?
|
|
#
?
Sep 12, 2009 00:38
|
|
|
I'm running an Onkyo TX-SR601 and I'm looking to add a sub to my surround setup. On that LFE channel out connection on the Onkyo do I have to use a "subwoofer amp" (like, say: http://www.parts-express.com/pe/showdetl.cfm?Partnumber=300-806) or is it possible to use any old amplifier? The reason I ask is I've got a Marantz single channel amp sitting around that I'd love to use for something. I'd assumed the signal wouldn't need to be run through a crossover if it's strictly for a sub, and by the fact that you can set the LFE crossover point on the receiver, but I figured I'd check first.
|
|
#
?
Sep 13, 2009 13:46
|
|
|
|
| # ? Jun 9, 2024 05:22 |
|
|
dreggory posted:I'm running an Onkyo TX-SR601 and I'm looking to add a sub to my surround setup. On that LFE channel out connection on the Onkyo do I have to use a "subwoofer amp" (like, say: http://www.parts-express.com/pe/showdetl.cfm?Partnumber=300-806) or is it possible to use any old amplifier? The reason I ask is I've got a Marantz single channel amp sitting around that I'd love to use for something. I take it you're looking to build your own sub cabinet? I'm not sure about your particular receiver, but almost all of them do use a built-in low pass filter to manage the bass channel, so you won't need one. (Don't confuse the LPF for the sub with a crossover filter, a crossover filter splits a signal between woofer and tweeter but the receiver might use separate HPF and LPF for fronts and sub, i.e. with different cutoff frequencies.) In fact, with the current Denon line of HT receivers you're recommended to disable the filter on your sub so it doesn't interfere with the Audyssey auto-setup of the receiver.
|
|
#
?
Sep 13, 2009 17:13
|
|
