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[Neuromancer]

Help me out here audiophiles. I have an ancient (late 90's era) Panasonic receiver, speakers (center, left, right, and back left and right) and subwoofer. It was a HTIB and only takes red/white RCA cables. Speakers are connected via the wires I have to twist myself at the ends, not sure what the common term for that is.

Now I have a new HDTV with digital (I assume that means optical) out. My questions are:

Can I get an adapter that converts RCA to optical?
Should I replace everything? If so should I just get another HTIB? I don't really want to work too hard at this.
Or should I just replace the receiver? If so what's a good receiver to get?

 

[byropoint]

Can anyone recommend a PC sound system for under $200? 2.1 or 2.0, whatever is better in that price range.

 

[Lemonade727]

In living room:
Swan Diva 6.1s with C3 center

For PC:
Audio Technica ATH-A700

 

[zombipuppy]

For gaming without headphones, I use a 2.1 sound setup:

Corsair SP2500 speakers

Sound Blaster Zx

For when I use headphones, the ATH-A700s, , I set Windows to 5.1 sound, and the Sound Blaster software to Headphones, which emulates a nice surround sound space with the SBX Pro Studio audio processing.

 

[zombipuppy]

Rocket RS850s for the front, RSC200 center, RS450s for rears, and a DTS-10 sub:

I do have a bit of a problem... I got a ZT60 and I don't want to hang it. So I put it on the TV stand and now I don't know how to position my center speaker. I was contemplating having the TV sit on top of the speaker but opted against that. wat do??


Old TV setup for reference:

I LOVE!!! that setup!

 

[Afro]

Help me out here audiophiles. I have an ancient (late 90's era) Panasonic receiver, speakers (center, left, right, and back left and right) and subwoofer. It was a HTIB and only takes red/white RCA cables. Speakers are connected via the wires I have to twist myself at the ends, not sure what the common term for that is.

Now I have a new HDTV with digital (I assume that means optical) out. My questions are:

Can I get an adapter that converts RCA to optical?
Should I replace everything? If so should I just get another HTIB? I don't really want to work too hard at this.
Or should I just replace the receiver? If so what's a good receiver to get?

Yes, this is possible if you buy a DAC. Mine was around $150, but this one is way cheaper ($30) and I'm pretty sure it works the same.

Here's the setup:

1) Optical Out from HDTV into Optical In on DAC
2) RCA Out (red/white) from DAC into RCA In on old receiver

This is the setup I use with my 70's Marantz and it works beautifully.

It won't be true surround sound though, I believe. I'm thinking it'd be Dolby Pro Logic II...?

 

[FrankNitty]

Currently I'm running 7.1 with the out of production Mythos series

Fronts and Rears Mythos One x 4

Center Channel Mythos Eight

Surround Back Mythos Gem XL

For my Sub I'm running REL T-7

Driving it all is a Pioneer Elite SC-37

I personally have found the front soundstage to be somewhat narrow on the Def Tech's I have already decided that when I make a change it will be to Martin Logan's. REL is excellent though. The only other sub that I have found personally that can hit that really low freq bass where you feel it and it actually pressurizes a room is SVS subs.

I would also note that imho for 2ch audio with the narrow soundstage they leave lots to be desired. For moves though they are great very full sounding but that is because you are sitting in the soundfield. They are by no means bad speakers especially once broken in. I feel my set up tends to sound somewhat bright and I think that is the elite that is doing it, again not bad just ready for a change.

Also might make the change from Pioneer Elite to Yamaha.

 

[Neuromancer]

Yes, this is possible if you buy a DAC. Mine was around $150, but this one is way cheaper ($30) and I'm pretty sure it works the same.

Here's the setup:

1) Optical Out from HDTV into Optical In on DAC
2) RCA Out (red/white) from DAC into RCA In on old receiver

This is the setup I use with my 70's Marantz and it works beautifully.

It won't be true surround sound though, I believe. I'm thinking it'd be Dolby Pro Logic II...?

Thanks, at the very least this will hold me over for a while.

 

[Vizzeh]

Anyone use or have used the Seinheisser PC360's (based on a good Seinhessier headphone) that can rate them as a gaming headset, I have them and love them, very good sound, lacks a little base if anything, but the rest is awesome...just curious if anyone has used them and others for comparison. Im always searching for greater and better

 

[Miguel81]

This is a serviceable set for my needs.

 

[Vhalyar]

I find myself looking for an audio setup once again. Moved out of Canada to Germany, finally setup a projector in my newest flat. The room is about 12x15 feet, though it's actually much larger since there's a (mostly) open wall to the kitchen.

My first plan was to grab a pair of Klipsch F-30, but that would put me at almost 600 euros.

Looking at other options, there's the Logitech Z906... which get a bad rap and are maybe too small for the room anyway.

The Onkyo 5.1 setup is often recommended, but again not sure if they're big enough for the room.

Basically I'd like to keep it down to 300-400 euros and I own an old VSX-1019AH A/V receiver (wouldn't mind replacing it though). Any ideas?

 

[polyh3dron]

5.1 HT setup: Polk Audio Monitor series: Monitor 70s for L & R, CS2 for center and Monitor 30s for LS & RS.

Elemental Designs A2-300 subwoofer

(not my setup but same sub & speakers)

2.0 Computer setup: KRK VXT8 Powered Studio Monitors

 

[smurfx]

i'm having a problem with my speakers and i don't know what to do. i have my xbox 360 connected to my pc speakers aux port and anytime i connect my headphones into headphone jack i can't turn up the volume at all. the volume remains the same even if i turn it up all the way. is it my speakers or can you not turn up the volume on any aux source when you have your headphones connected as well?

 

[Danny Dudekisser]

i'm having a problem with my speakers and i don't know what to do. i have my xbox 360 connected to my pc speakers aux port and anytime i connect my headphones into headphone jack i can't turn up the volume at all. the volume remains the same even if i turn it up all the way. is it my speakers or can you not turn up the volume on any aux source when you have your headphones connected as well?

Generally, that's the situation. Whenever I connect my audio monitors to my TV via the RCA out, for example, I won't be able to change the volume just using the TV. You've either gotta use the volume control on your headphones if they happen to have that, or dick around with the volume controls on the 360/in-game.

 

[AkIRA_22]

I currently use the Logitech z-623 2.1 system. It was cheap and its actually quite respectable. I was saving for some Audio Engine but my old basic speakers crapped out before I had the cash so I looked around for some in my budget. These really are quite good.

I'll be upgrading my home theater in the new year to take advantage of the PS4 and my eventual 4K TV purchase. I currently have a Yamaha that's about 8 years old that has been an absolute champ. This will be a very big purchase.

 

[teepo]

Audioengine A5+

Philips X1

Aune T1 DAC/AMP

 

[Mohonky]

Earthquake Platine Noiree fronts and center

Paradigm Seismic 110 for sub

Don't care much for rears, room is too small.

 

[Neuromancer]

Yes, this is possible if you buy a DAC. Mine was around $150, but this one is way cheaper ($30) and I'm pretty sure it works the same.

Here's the setup:

1) Optical Out from HDTV into Optical In on DAC
2) RCA Out (red/white) from DAC into RCA In on old receiver

This is the setup I use with my 70's Marantz and it works beautifully.

It won't be true surround sound though, I believe. I'm thinking it'd be Dolby Pro Logic II...?

Thanks, this ended up working pretty well.

 

[Tekku]

Best gaming headset I've ever bought for console:

 

[Retne]

I use Beyerdynamic DT880 Pros with my Creative E-MU 0404, which works as a USB external soundcard, DAC, phantom power source, and amp at the same time.

It means I don't have to plug a random bunch of shit into the wall or my computer, which is really nice. It's also highly recommended to me by a studio-worker friend of mine, which is a plus.

I'm running an EMU 0404 too but man I'm getting tired of the beta drivers they released for 7. They never updated them and they like to crash randomly after longer periods of time and I have to unplug then replug the audio interface.

I'm looking for a new interface but it seems like there's a major price cliff that I'm not sure I'm willing to jump off of. I don't do a whole lot of home recording these days but I'd still like the interface to have some good mic preamps.

Using a scarlet 2i2 at work for our mobile interface needs but we haven't ended up using it a whole lot yet so I can't say whether or not I like the quality of the preamps.

Anyone have any suggestions for an audio interface in the range of $200-300?

 

[bremon]

I run a set of Paradigms. Monitor 7s, mini Monitor surrounds and a CC-290 center. They are driven by a Denon AVR-2809CI (though I like the looks of the new X4000, I have no real need right now). I spend an equal amount of time using Sennheiser 595 headphones. If I could do it again, I'd get Paradigm Studio 60s.

 

[Neuromancer]

Does anyone have any experience with the Yahama YHT-497 HTIB?

http://usa.yamaha.com/products/audi...tems/home-theater-package/yht-497/?mode=model

I'm thinking about upgrading and Consumer Reports gave it a very good review for the price.

 

[gregor7777]

Speaker thread, I know.

I'm looking to connect some nice headphones to my 360, and I want to make sure I have everything in order.

My 360 is connected via HDMI, and the only output my TV has is optical. My 360 is not one of the newer E versions with a headphone jack.

So I think I need to buy an adapter like this:

GEN RCA Adapter for 360

...and then a RCA-to-3.5mm adapter to plug the heaphones into.

My main question is: does the sound get routed to the adapter only when it is plugged in? I'm thinking I'll need to unplug this adapter when I want to route the sound back to the TV. It would be much easier if I could simply unplug the headphones and leave the adapter plugged in but I don't believe it can sense that on its own.

Does that sound correct?

thanks

EDIT: this review seems to contradict what I wrote above:

http://www.amazon.com/review/R2X07Z...e=UTF8&ASIN=B002P35JMO&linkCode=&nodeID=&tag=

This is undoubtedly the solution for someone who bought PC based analog speakers and needs to have an xbox 360 connected to those speakers just as well as a TV via HDMI port. The sound signals come out from both the TV through the HDMI port and through Toslink or AV cables on the adapter to the speakers so you might not want use both sound sources at the same time or else you may get echoes.

 

[Timu]

Soon I'll be getting these:

 

[Respawn]

I just added this to the family.Polk Audio PSW Series PSW10

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16882290034

 

[hayguyz]

Spoiler

lmao, kidding

I'm actually using these right now lol

I had to set up the tres on my computer monitor and plug these bad boys into.

 

[123rl]

I've just replaced a broken centre speaker so I think my setup is finished for now:

Denon 2311
Wharfedale 9.1 (fronts)
Acoustic Energy Alumni 5 (centre)
Anthony Gallo Micro Ti (rear and surround back)
Velodyne CHT-8

I realised last month that I've had that subwoofer for 10 years now! It was one of the first speakers I bought in my first setup and it's the only speaker or piece of Home Audio equipment I've never thought to upgrade

 

[solomon]

As an amp for both music and gaming I use a FiiOE12 Mont Blanc

And for my headphones I use a Audio Technica ATHM50RD

Not really worth posting a pic for but for portable earphones I use the first model of urbeats (yeah, yeah but I got them as a gift a while back)

 

[54-46!]

I use a pair of Audioengine 5+ for my PC, love em.. very meaty sound which is great for games.

I'm thinking about buying another pair for my TV as well since they can go very loud.

 

[Nzyme32]

my two cents: Audiophiles are music enthusiasts, they try to gather new experiences, emotions and that unlistened sound from music with the use of the highest technology available.

For gaming (or movies from what i personally think), you can do a pretty good job with way less expansive gear.

I'd agree with this. What games actually have audio encoded in a lossless format?

 

[Dahaka]

For PC I use either the Neumann KH 120A

or Fostex TH-900.

On Consoles (sometimes PC games that I want to play with a gamepad) I use JBL Vintage L7 with Canton Sub/Center, Rears.

 

[dankir]

Aperion Intimus Series
6C towers and center, 5C speakers for rear surrounds



and rears channels pictured



All going through an Onkyo TX-SR805s

 

[dankir]

I'd agree with this. What games actually have audio encoded in a lossless format?

Many PS3 AAA games do. God of Wear, Gran Turismo, Uncharted, Last of Us etc.

I'm pretty sure all new PS4 and XB1 games are lossless as well. You really need to hear Need for Speed Rivals or Killer Instinct on a good sound system.

I suspect BF4 and COD:Ghosts sound great as well.

 

[Waldo Lydecker]

Some nice setups I am seeing here.

I myself have a couple of Q-Acoustics 1010i's. These are pretty incredible for the relatively low price. These are speakers also often used in a 5.1 setup but I am a stereo guy myself so I have them in a stereo setup combined with a cheap Yamaha Sub. I personally don't like surround sound but am more a 'less is more' kind of guy.

(Q-Acoustics is a very good brand offering great speakers, now they have the great reviewed Concept 20 I wouldn't mind getting one day.)

I use these speakers with a Yamaha Pianocraft e810. Also very high quality for a relatively low price. I only replaced those Yahama speakers with those Q-Acoustics from above.

To improve my sound I've bought a DAC to go along with this setup. And also here I can say it is very high quality for a relatively low price. It is the Beresford Bushmaster, awesome piece of kit with 2 optical and 2 coaxial inputs. Highly recommended, I thought 5 ***** at What Hifi? A DAC is really improving your sound a lot, also while using a headphone, this Beresford has nice headphone amplifying qualities.

 

[Mocca-Bear]

For my PC I use a pair of Logitech Z-10.
For my PS3 I use my Amphion Argon³ speakers.
For my Wii U and modded PS2 I just use the TV speakers.

I agree with the poster above. Having great speakers isn't as important when playing games.

Jealous of those Argon speakers! Would love to integrate them in my home setup but life choices made me settle for (more than respectable) Kef T205 5.1 set. Love the sound quality and the design goes perfect with the flatscreen attached to the wall!

 

[Nzyme32]

Many PS3 AAA games do. God of Wear, Gran Turismo, Uncharted, Last of Us etc.

I'm pretty sure all new PS4 and XB1 games are lossless as well. You really need to hear Need for Speed Rivals or Killer Instinct on a good sound system.

I suspect BF4 and COD:Ghosts sound great as well.

Oh, I stand corrected then. That's awesome!

 

[rashbeep]

Equator D5

Denon D7000

 

[GrizzleBoy]

I use an Edirol UA-25 external audio interface powered by my XB1 via USB into a pair of Pioneer SDJ-08 monitors.

Signal chain:
XB1/PS4/PC/ --> TV (via HDMI) ---> UA-25 (via optical out from TV) ---> SDJ-08s (via balanced trs out).

It sounds quite lovely.

 

[KOMANI]

Good man.This is my setup for now. Getting my stands soon. Love me Yamaha's and Genelecs. Overall, I'll go always for Yamaha's, love the lows on it compared to other monitors.

Are those Joe Mad's pencils on the right? I swear I recognize the cover, but for the life of me can't remember.

 

[Timu]

Sound so good that I won't bother with computer speakers anymore.

 

[BrickArmour]

I have Paradigm Reference Studio 40s for my fronts and rears, the CC for my center and the Servo 15 subwoofer. LOVE this setup.

Pictured here is my old home theater before I moved to a new city. Right now, this setup is mostly in boxes and closets in the new house but it will one day rise again! Hoping to rip a room down to the studs and re-do it. But haven't gotten around to it.

 

[Timu]

So I got my Daytons hooked up and I'm loving them so far.

 

[Faith]

PC gaming:

Audinst Hud-MX2 USB Audio Interface

2x Adam A7X

SVS SB12

Soundmagic HP100

Console gaming:

Pioneer VSX-527 AVR

Teufel Consono 35 speakers

Also connected to the SVS SB12 subwoofer.

 

[SlaughterX]

MartinLogan Preface as my mains, and an Encore center, and a couple of Mirage satellite speakers as rears. Yamaha Ax-3000 powers them all.

 

[Pbae]

For my fronts, I use Focal 706V Bookshelves

For my center I use Cambridge Audio S50

And for my rear channels I use Cambridge Audio S20's

No sub since I live in an itty bitty apartment

 

[Raistlin]

I'm using Mirage OMD's in my living room (4 x OMD-5, and an OMD-C1)

Living rooms are always problematic in terms of acoustics. Particularly if you want a decent amount of seating (non-theater style). So in order to generate good soundstage stability from multiple locations I went with omnipolar speakers. Yes you give up some imaging accuracy, but the soundstage is ridiculously big and you don't have to worry about off-axis response



Oh, I also have a Boston Acoustics VR 2000 THX for my sub. Old school, but the thing still pounds. Recently brought it into the living room ... but could use some calibration beyond the version of Audyssey my Marantz receiver offers. Need to bust out my SPL meter and EQ box.

A quick search shows it measured around 103 db SPL @ 25 HZ, and 111 db SPL @ 35 Hz (not including room gain). Impressive given when this thing was released.

 

[RMI]

I have very limited space in my setup, so under the TV I have a really basic Sherwood stereo receiver (i needed one with a built in phono stage)
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000MBUSD6/?tag=neogaf0e-20

and then I have two Polk bookshelf speakers. http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0002ZSFTQ/?tag=neogaf0e-20

There's sometimes a little bit of hum on the receiver, but it's only noticeable at high volumes during very quiet scenes. I have a bit of tinnitus anyway, so hearing weird shit that isn't there is basically the norm for me. Otherwise, for somewhere between $200 and $300 (I forget) I was really able to substantially improve the audio setup in my small apartment.

 

[no angel]

I cannot be arsed to muck around with separates so when my old sony home theatre system started to pack up at Christmas the easiest thing to do was just to replace it with a new one. Decided on the sony bdv-n7100w and I absolutely love it. Sounds great to me (although I am far from an audiophile) looks awesome and marries well with my sony w900 (would've been rude not to get a new tv at the same time!)

 

[samueljustice00]

Howdy folks
Industry sound designer here (Battlefiekd 4 being my recent title, check out samueljustice.net for the realsies)
I design a lot of my content on a 5.1 setup of Adam A7Xs and a Sub10. Great workhorses and sound fantastic.

 

[wickfut]

I use a pair of active midfield studio monitors.

and a BK XLS400 12" sub.

Once you go active studio gear you don't go back to hifi.