 
|
Audio Asylum Thread Printer Get a view of an entire thread on one page |
For Sale Ads |
|
|
Audio Asylum Thread Printer Get a view of an entire thread on one page |
For Sale Ads |
72.150.186.78
Hi. For twenty years I've enjoyed watching movies in stereo.
My hearing is likely failing me and it's possible DVDs are featuring audio formats that require other than stereo - but I am unable to hear dialog clearly without turning up the volume to a level that makes the rest of the audio track obnoxiously loud.
I have no desire to add many speakers to my living room but I would very much like to have more pronounced dialog.
I assume I need a center speaker. I noticed the JVC line of receivers because they are very low profile. Upon examining the manual I noticed that you can tell the receiver how many speakers you are running. This may be unique to JVC and / or modern receivers.
What exactly am I looking for? Will an older pro-logic receiver do? Do I need a receiver with Dolby Digital? Will they all adapt to a three speaker set up and give me improved dialog?
Any input or suggestions greatly appreciated.
Follow Ups:
Is your DVD player set up for 2 channel output? Perhaps it's set for DD or even Pro-Logic? See if there are any settings in the DVD player menu that will allow you to use 2 channel output. If so then it won't try for a center which should clean things up. Just poking ideas out there.
I run my system with no center and it's more than fine with dialogue, but then my processor is set for no center, and I always sit in the sweet spot (unless there, on the rare occasion, is somebody in there with me).
P.S. I did a search on you for your system (DVD player and pre-amp/processor/receiver) and it turns out I helped you once before... or at least started to. Did I ever email you, I don't recall checking back on this post or emailing you about the paint...? See link.
My experience in going from 2.1 to 6.1 in steps (4.1, 5.1 then 6.1) is that whenever you're downmixing channels so that you're using fewer speakers, things sound a little less clearer. Since most of the dialogue in a multi-channel soundtrack comes from the centre channel, adding a centre channel speaker should certainly make speech sound clearer.
Modern surround receivers allow you to specify what speakers you are using so any reasonable quality AVR receiver will do what you want. I would really only make 2 comments about how you go about doing it:
1- in my experience, you need to find a centre channel speaker that's a good tonal match for your L&R speakers or the shift in tonal quality as voices move on or off screen from time to time and get panned between the centre and other speakers may drive you mad. If your existing speakers are old you may not be able to find a good tonal match and you may want to consider buying new speakers for the L &R as well.
2- you need to ensure that the sound from the centre speaker arrives at the same time as sound from the other speakers. You do this by specifying the distance of each speaker from the listening position and the receiver then provides delays to match arrival times. Some receivers have automated setups which require you to plug in a mic they provide and run a setup sequence in which the receiver emits test tones and analyses the delay in the sound coming back from the mic. The receiver then matches speaker levels and delay times automatically for you which may save you a fair amount of effort in manually matching levels. Better quality receivers also provide room EQ functions and I'm extremely happy with the results with the Audyssey room EQ functions on my Denon receiver. Getting a receiver with room EQ and auto setup will cost you more but you may well find the gain in clarity from the room EQ function is worth the extra cost. Electronic room EQ doesn't really replace physical room acoustic treatments but it certainly improves the results you get, whether or not you're using physical treatments, and it's certainly been a real plus for me in the room where my HT setup is located since that is a particularly hard and bright sounding room.
David Aiken
Technics SH-AC500D
This will accept and decode PCM (up to 48kHz, what movies use), Dolby Digital and DTS for up to 5.1 channels of analog output. Don't have or need 6 channels? The menu will allow you to cut down on the number of channels (L and R always set to ON, of course). In your case, you can set this processor to only output L, R and C (Center) channels. On top of that, you can increase/decrease the output of channels individually to compensate for amp efficiency or personal taste/needs. Can't quite make out the dialog? Boost the Center channel a few dBs (up to +/- 6dB).
Kal Rubinson (Stereophile) was using one for a while and might be able to provide some feedback for you. Since it's only a processor (it does have volume control), you'll need an additional amp to power the Center speaker. You may have an extra receiver or amp you could use or get something inexpensive (garage sale, pawn shop, friend that doesn't use his/hers anymore, etc).
I checked ebay and one is selling for $55 (used, current bid) + shipping, but that's without a remote. There's also one selling for $125 (brand new). I still have mine (perfect condition, hasn't been used in about 4 years): if you're interested, I can do better than these two.
Here's a link to the User Manual:
- http://service.us.panasonic.com/OPERMANPDF/SHAC500D.PDF?SID=PX87ea1b19086c409f93a507880f3854ef (Open in New Window)
I have an Onkyo SR605 AVR to hold me over till I can afford better and bought a Monitor Audio center channel closeout at half price. The difference in the quality in the dialog was striking. I suppose moving to Blu Ray hasn't hurt matters either.
put the center speaker by your chair or couch
| FAQ |
Post a Message! |
Forgot Password? |
|
||||||||||||||
|
||||||||||||||
This post is made possible by the generous support of people like you and our sponsors:
Top of Page ]
[ Contact Us ]
[ Support/Wish List ]
[ Copyright © 2024, Audio Asylum, all rights reserved ]
