Bush Pro300 5.1 speakers

[elfranko]

Hi everyone - there was a big discussion about these a little while ago, but I cannot find it again. I have now obtained a car and can now drive the necessary 30-40 miles to my nearest Safeways. But before I hand over my 60 notes, I just wanted to hear from anyone who has these speakers as to what they think of them, any annoying buzz's that have appeared over time, were they worth it etc. Anyone know of any online or magazine reviews at all?

many thanks!

frank

[Wurzel]

Frank,

- had these for about 10 weeks now. I've noticed no obvious problems in this time. Sounds pretty good to me.

Incidently, and I'm sure you're aware of this having read the earlier thread - you do have an on-board decoder with 6-channel output at the back of your DVD player? This system will not work using the coded digital output from the majority of players.

These are definitely worth £60 IMO unless;

i) you're tempted to buy separate receivers and amps at some time in the near future

ii) you can't hide the cable jungle round the back of the TV (6 outputs from DVD to Pro300 subwoofer/amp, and then another 6 outputs from the amp to each speaker).

iii) you'd like a receiver that can process audio output from your TV/cd player/tuner/mini-disc/dog.......but what can you expect for 60 notes?

[elfranko]

Hi Wurzel

Yes, I have an onboard 5.1dd (With umpteen million outputs :) ) -

1) Can't afford nor have the room for any more amps etc - trying to save up for computer parts, but there is some spare cash after the new car.

2) The TV is in the corner of the room with the dvd on a bookcase at waist height to its right so all the cables can easily go behind the TV. Stoopid question, but does the amp/sub with the inputs go beside the TV, or next to the sofa as you face the tv etc?

3) I already have a 4 input/1 output scart box-thing with connectors to the stereo which has an amp for two speakers to the right and left of the sofa, so I get a sort of fake DIY 'surround sound' from the two small speakers on the tv and the two large speakers next to the sofa. With this set up already, will I really notice a lot of difference with the 5.1 setup?

frank

[Wurzel]

does the amp/sub with the inputs go beside the TV, or next to the sofa as you face the tv etc?

The phono cables from dvd to amp/sub are about 3 foot long, which may be a little too short to get the sub down onto the floor. The sub is about 16" high so it may sit happily on the bookcase (blutack to prevent resonance?). It doesn't really matter since the ear can't detect where the low frequencies from subs are coming from. Or just get some more cables.....


will I really notice a lot of difference with the 5.1 setup?

If your 'surrounds' are reproducing the front stereo pair then this is a definite improvement. For many films, the use of the surrounds is limited, which can make them more effective when they are used eg ricocheting bullets, rain, ambient music.

In any case, separating dialogue (centre) from the soundtrack (right/left fronts) is probably reason enough to justify these speakers.

[elfranko]

If your 'surrounds' are reproducing the front stereo pair then this is a definite improvement.

The two rear speakers are producing the same sound as the speakers from the TV, plus when something only appears left speaker TV, it appears left rear speaker too. Sound does go L-R and R-L, for example in T2-Sp.Ed. - the T800 crunching on the skull at the beginning is very noticable as the thump from the rear speaker drowns out the TV speaker, making the sound appear to be 'behind' you (making you jump too), but that's about it's limit.
The rear speakers are also good for bass - the amp goes up to 30 on the Stereo, but at 4 the floorboards rumble with the minigun scene in T2.


For many films, the use of the surrounds is limited, which can make them more effective when they are used eg ricocheting bullets, rain, ambient music.

In any case, separating dialogue (centre) from the soundtrack (right/left fronts) is probably reason enough to justify these speakers. - This does sound good and would enhance our audio experience.

The phono cables from dvd to amp/sub are about 3 foot long, which may be a little too short to get the sub down onto the floor. The sub is about 16" high so it may sit happily on the bookcase (blutack to prevent resonance?). It doesn't really matter since the ear can't detect where the low frequencies from subs are coming from. Or just get some more cables.....

Really?? I thought the sub produced all the bass, hence thinking it had to go next to the TV or the sofa, but you're saying this just needs to be in the room somewhere? Could it be behind a chair or something, out of the way? Do you know anywhere I can read up more on how the 5.1 system works, so I can plan out our front room?

ta

frank

[Wurzel]

Some online info re: DD5.1;

http://www.dolby.com/digital/

http://www.area450.com/homecinema.htm

http://www.technosound.demon.co.uk/HomeCin/Contents.htm#TOP

[ic]

Originally posted by elfranko
Really?? I thought the sub produced all the bass, hence thinking it had to go next to the TV or the sofa, but you're saying this just needs to be in the room somewhere? Could it be behind a chair or something, out of the way?
You will find that you are only able to determin where mid-range sounds come from, i.e. music, voice, etc. When it gets to the far ranges, thumps from a sub, you can't tell, it's just there... As for behind the sofa, that will be okay if your DVD player is round there, the leads that come with the speaker set are about a metre maybe a metre and half long (plus you'll want to be able to see the remote sensor, and if you are ever to switch it off...).

I have one of these also, great improvement over the Cambridge Soundworks 5.1 I was using before (remote control for one thing!). Only thing I've found I had to do was wack up the volume on all the channels, and then use the volume control on the DVD player to adjust the balance of the speakers. There is no way of measuring how well you've adjusted it all, other than listening - the volume control on the front is simply a wheel that turns and turns. The onscreen display of my DVD player is far more useful (obviously I use the wheel to adjust the main volume, just not individual speakers).

Ian

[tonytol]

Digs up old thread for Halloween.
Are these speakers shielded? ?
I've had a good look around and can't find any details on this speaker set. I've got a new telly (32"w/s) and so far haven't plugged the speakers back into the DVD player. Worried about shielding especially on the centre speaker. Didn't mind on the old telly but don't want to damage the new one. Can I use the Bush set safely? OR (not being an expert) would it make sense to use the sub and rears, but keep the rest through the telly (it's 'virtual' Dolby) or would I never get it to balance the sound sensibly.?