View Full Version : I've Got an HD TV, PS3... Now I Need Surround Sound!
I've got a Panasonic 42" HD Plasma and a PS3 with a handful of Blu-Ray films. But I only have an old TEAC AMP without surround sound.
What could I get for about £200-300?
Also, what should I be looking for if I want the best sound? Currently I'm use to stereo!
Should I look for DTS? HDMI, etc?
If I can only get the best sound via HDMI how do I connect to the amp? PS3 to TV - HDMI, TV to AMP - HDMI? Or do I need to connect the PS3 directly to the AMP?
Thanks,
Psycho :nuts:
Unlighty
19-10-2008, 22:36
Sony HTSF-1300 would be good for you.
PS3 - Amp via HDMI
Amp to TV via HDMI.
I would have a look at the HT-DDWG800 (http://www.thedvdforums.com/affiliatelink.php?localaffiliateid=9&url=http://www.pixmania.co.uk/uk/uk/1112083/art/sony/ht-ddwg800-home-cinema-sy.html) over the HTSF-1300 as it's based on a standalone av receiver and hence more easily upgraded. The speakers are a bit ugly though, however it's good value for money. Packages like the two mentioned support LPCM surround over hdmi which comes into its own with the PS3 as a blu ray player (since it also allows playback of the additional 'hd' soundtracks decoded by the PS3). Because of that, you would connect the PS3 directly to the amp and then the output of that to your television.
The alternative is to use the PS3's optical digital output alongside hdmi (carrying video only) but it means you only get the core surround soundtrack formats of Dolby Digital and DTS. Hence the former is preferable if it's supported by the amp.
Another option is something like the Onkyo HTX-22HD (http://www.exceptional-av.co.uk/product.php?fdProductId=73&gclid=CJnTt8G8tJYCFQXO1AodmzV8Kw); in it's default configuration it's a 2.1 speaker package, but is upgradeable to 5.1. Everything is built into the sub which is both a positive and a negative. Again it supports LPCM surround over hdmi like the Sony packages.
Robert
Thanks for the comments and suggestions guys! :thumbs:
One thing I'm a bit confussed about it how to connect everything so I get the best picture and sound.
My TV has 2 HDMI connections and the PS3 has 1. So to get the best picture I have to connect the PS3 to the TV via an HDMI cable.
So how do I get the best sound? I can't connect the PS3 to the TV and the AMP with a HDMI cable as I only have one connection on the PS3.
So will connecting the TV to the AMP via the last HDMI connection on the TV give me the best sound?
Many thanks,
Psycho :nuts:
Or will the PS3 picture travel through the HDMI cable (along with the sound) into the AMP and then into the TV? :thinking:
Psycho :nuts:
charlie angel
20-10-2008, 11:19
If you buy an HDMI capable amp, you need 2 HDMI cables: PS3 connects to the amp, then the amp sends everything forward (piccie to the TV & sound to the speakers). Dead simple :)
If you buy an HDMI capable amp, you need 2 HDMI cables: PS3 connects to the amp, then the amp sends everything (piccie & sound) to the TV. Dead simple :)
Oh, nice one! :thumbs:
I wasn't sure if the picture would travel through the AMP and onto the TV.
I like the look of the Sony HTSF-1300. Mainly becasue of the speakers. They are perfect for my room - tall/slim and on stands.
The AMP looks a bit small/weak and is that front speaker attached to it? :thinking:
The AMP on the Sony HT-DDWG800 looks a bit more like what I'm use to... my current TEAC AMP is quite big/beefy.
But does bigger = better?
Psycho :nuts:
Psycho, the slimness of the main unit in both the HTSF-1300 systems is its main advantage. However, the HT-DDWG800 is the better sounding package IMO. It's very much a personal choice really.
Both systems have three hdmi inputs plus two optical/one coaxial digital audio inputs for hooking up your sources. The STR-KG800 (which is the av receiver part of the HT-DDWG800) also has three component video inputs, although since this model doesn't do upconversion you would have to hook up the component output to your television as well (alongside the hdmi output).
Robert
Mainly due to a space issue, I think I'm going to go for the Sony HTSF-1300 but just had a question:
I noticed that it only lists Dolby Digital, DTS, Dolby Prologic, Dolby Prologic II but not DTS HD or DolbyTru HD.
So I take it I can't take advantage of these options on Blu-Ray disc? Or will the PS3 decode them for me and just send the sound out thru the AMP?
Thanks,
Psycho :nuts:
EDIT: What does this mean? "Multi Channel Linear PCM for true High Definition sound from Blu-ray disc players"
the thing with no name
27-10-2008, 11:26
If the Sony doesn't do HD then you'll get core DTS tracks or core DD 5.1 tracks from any HD audio
The PS3 decodes the audio and sends it out as Multichannel PCM which is just the signals for each speaker ready to go to the amp after decoding (if you send bitstream to an amp, the signal gets decoded in the amp, then travels as PCM to the amp stage anyway)
The PS3 cannot bitstream HD audio, so decodes it for you onboard.
I don't think i know of an all in one speaker and amp package that does HD Audio too (If there isn't one, there prob will be soon though)
As i said in the HD forum, the jump from stereo (or fake quad) to 5.1 is the best audio difference you'll hear anyway. HD audio while indeed a step up in clarity, is not as great a difference
Cheers for that! :thumbs:
So I shouldn't be too worrid about this and not to think of it as a reason not to buy the unit?
I did notice of the PS3 settings that you could select a few options for the sound but I did really know what they meant - Bitstream and something else.
Psycho :nuts:
charlie angel
27-10-2008, 11:41
Or will the PS3 decode them for me and just send the sound out thru the AMP?
This.
The PS3 will do all the work, converting the TrueHD or DTS-MA to uncompressed PCM & that's what you'll hear.
Bitstreaming would mean the player is passing an undecoded signal to the amp (for the amp to do the work) - but the PS3 can't bitstream DTS-MA, so it's moot for that.
the thing with no name
27-10-2008, 13:19
If the sony you are thinking of accepts LPCM Multi-channel via HDMI then you will indeed hear HD Audio from a PS3. I got a bit confused when i replied earlier and was only thinking of Bitstreaming, for which you would need an Amp that decodes for you, but as long as the Sony accepts Multi-channel PCM via its HDMI inputs you'll get Dolby TrueHD and DTS Master Audio HD loveliness abound :thumbs:
If the sony you are thinking of accepts LPCM Multi-channel via HDMI then you will indeed hear HD Audio from a PS3. I got a bit confused when i replied earlier and was only thinking of Bitstreaming, for which you would need an Amp that decodes for you, but as long as the Sony accepts Multi-channel PCM via its HDMI inputs you'll get Dolby TrueHD and DTS Master Audio HD loveliness abound :thumbs:
It's a bit confusing on Sony's website:
DTS HD / DolbyTruHD / Dolby Digital+ = NO / NO / NO
LPCM (2ch / 5.1ch / 7.1ch) thru HDMI™ = YES / YES / NO (Does this mean 'YES' to 2ch and 5.1 but not 7.1?)
Dolby Digital / DTS = YES / YES
http://www.sony.co.uk/product/hcs-cinema-surround-kit/ht-sf1300/tab/technicalspecs
Psycho :nuts:
charlie angel
27-10-2008, 15:34
DTS HD / DolbyTruHD / Dolby Digital+ = NO / NO / NO
The 1300 won't decode these, but it won't need to - the PS3 will do the grunt work for you.
LPCM (2ch / 5.1ch / 7.1ch) thru HDMI™ = YES / YES / NO (Does this mean 'YES' to 2ch and 5.1 but not 7.1?)
Spot on - I don't think you can physically connect any more speakers to the 1300, so 5.1 is your lot; it'll still sound aces though.
the thing with no name
27-10-2008, 15:44
as charlie angel says, it will take LPCM 5.1ch via HDMI but not 7.1 as it can only have 5 surround speakers attached, so pointless adding the circuitry to do 7.1
So bottom line, add that to a PS3 and you have HD pictures plus HD Audio! :thumbs:
I'm more than happy with 5.1 and by the time I feel 7.1 is a must, then I'll porbably be looking at a new AMP anyway.
I might need a hand setting it up but I found some tips on the AV Forums. I'm glad I can take advantage of the Dolby True HD and DTS HD! :dork:
So it looks like I'll be picking this up once I've been paid! :clap:
Thanks for all the help guys! :thumbs:
Psycho :nuts:
Oh, nice one! :thumbs:
I wasn't sure if the picture would travel through the AMP and onto the TV.
I like the look of the Sony HTSF-1300. Mainly becasue of the speakers. They are perfect for my room - tall/slim and on stands.
The AMP looks a bit small/weak and is that front speaker attached to it? :thinking:
The AMP on the Sony HT-DDWG800 looks a bit more like what I'm use to... my current TEAC AMP is quite big/beefy.
But does bigger = better?
Psycho :nuts:
I have the Sony HTSS 1300 (Which is the same as the HTSF only without the speaker stands) and it is excellent. You will not be disappointed:)
Like Robert says it does LPCM over HDMI for the HD sound formats, and has auto calibration and a sync feature.
Oh, and it isn't weak. Obviously it depends how loud you have it but it's perfectly capable of rattling walls. When I first heard the gunshots on the Blu Ray of "No Country for Old Men" I ducked.
I hope I've been paid!!!! :clap:
Credit crunch... what credit crunch? :D
Psycho :nuts:
the thing with no name
27-10-2008, 18:19
enjoy it m8 :D
If i still lived local I'd pop over and help you set it up (as i was only 20 mins away)
But i'm in Wales now and its a bit far! :lol:
enjoy it m8 :D
If i still lived local I'd pop over and help you set it up (as i was only 20 mins away)
But i'm in Wales now and its a bit far! :lol:
Did you manage to upgrade your bedroom size?! :)
I managed to get out of my old box room and I'm now in my brothers old room. I've even got a double bed! :eek: :lol: I got lost in it the first few nights! :lol:
Psycho :nuts:
Did you manage to upgrade your bedroom size?! :)
I managed to get out of my old box room and I'm now in my brothers old room. I've even got a double bed! :eek: :lol: I got lost in it the first few nights! :lol:
Psycho :nuts:
Hang on! I think I've got the wrong forum member! :lol:
I've never been to your's have I? You came to mine? :thinking:
Psycho :nuts:
I'm more than happy with 5.1 and by the time I feel 7.1 is a must, then I'll porbably be looking at a new AMP anyway.I'm sure you've probably realised this, but I thought I'd mention in anyway. The speaker package supplied as part of the Sony HTSF1300 system can't be used with standalone av amps/receivers were you to want to upgrade (as the speaker are 3ohm impedance and the system uses a passive non-power sub rather than active one). But otherwise as a complete system it's definitely good value for money and an ideal match with the PS3 as source for the reasons mentioned. Unlike many all-in-ones it has a reasonable selection of inputs (for other sources). The centre speaker is separately mounted - it would otherwise just be a case of making sure the supplied speaker cable was of sufficient length.
Robert
I'm sure you've probably realised this, but I thought I'd mention in anyway. The speaker package supplied as part of the Sony HTSF1300 system can't be used with standalone av amps/receivers were you to want to upgrade (as the speaker are 3ohm impedance and the system uses a passive non-power sub rather than active one).
So just to clarify... do you mean that if I bought an AMP in the future that had the option of 7.1 that I wouldn't be able to use the 5.1 speakers that come with this Sony package and just buy an extra 2? I'd have the buy a new set of 7.1 speakers?
That's not really an issue. By that time I'd probably be looking at a full new setup - speakers and AMP.
Psycho :nuts:
PS. My pay still hasn't gone in! :(
Correct - that's the downside of many all-in-one packages unfortunately. I just thought I'd mention it. :)
Robert
Correct - that's the downside of many all-in-one packages unfortunately. I just thought I'd mention it. :)
Robert
Cheers! :thumbs:
Psycho :nuts:
the thing with no name
30-10-2008, 08:43
Hang on! I think I've got the wrong forum member! :lol:
I've never been to your's have I? You came to mine? :thinking:
Psycho :nuts:
Spot on, I got that gollum statue off you a few years back and popped round to you to pick it up :thumbs:
So bedroom size as it stands is about the same!
obviously only got our room now as the other three are all guestrooms in the B&B
Anyway, good luck with the setup. If you need any advice, I'm sure one of us on here will pipe up if you need a hand when it arrives :)
I finally got paid yesterday! :thumbs:
First thing I'm going to buy is a new Ikea unit for my TV. Then I'll order the Sony HT-SF1300... or maybe I'll order it now so I have them at the same time! :thinking:
I'm quite busy this weekend so won't have much time to set it up though...
Psycho :nuts:
Finally... everything is connected and in position but it's a bit too late to do the full setup thingy.
So I'll wait until the morning.
I need to put something under a few of the speakers to make them level. At the moment one leans forward and the other is off to the left. Just a small wedge will solve that.
Psycho :nuts:
PS. My back hurts setting all that up! :lol:
I've done the AUTO CAL... which was different to the one I did at work on their Sony AMP - that one just played static sounds. This one have some quite pleasant sounds.
I've just testing 'Transformers' Blu-Ray on the PS3. The movie settings are on Dolby True HD and I've set the AMP to Dolby PLII M5 via the A.F.D button. This was the one that showed all 5.1 speakers on the display.
I take it that's correct? I don't need to change any other setting on the AMP or PS3?
I see there are some different Menu settings for the AMP and I'm not sure if I should start playing with those:
Sound field selection
Effect level
Digital audio input decoding
Digital broadcast language
Synchronizes with video output
Switching the audio input
Audio for HDMI
Control for HDMI
It sounds great at the moment though! So I'm sure everything came setup how I'd need it.
Psycho :nuts:
PS. The picture seems a little better as well?! :eek: Would running the PS3 through the AMP and then into the TV help the picture? :thinking:
Just a quick question... should the AMP have the Dolby Digital indicator on the display? Mine doesn't.
I've just got the Dolby PLII and HDMI.
Psycho :nuts:
Bapapapa
08-11-2008, 12:35
Not familiar with your amp settings so I can't advise on how to change it, but Dolby Pro-Logic II is an analogue format isn't it..? :thinking:
Maybe messing with the 'Digital audio input decoding' settings will change it to Dolby Digital/True HD...?
EDIT - I think you might need it on 'A.F.D. Auto' (page 43) (http://pdf.crse.com/manuals/3295946121.pdf)..? :shrug:
Not familiar with your amp settings so I can't advise on how to change it, but Dolby Pro-Logic II is an analogue format isn't it..? :thinking:
Maybe messing with the 'Digital audio input decoding' settings will change it to Dolby Digital/True HD...?
EDIT - I think you might need it on 'A.F.D. Auto' (page 43) (http://pdf.crse.com/manuals/3295946121.pdf)..? :shrug:
I've tried 'AFD Auto' but the display only shows 2ch.
It's a bit confusing! :thinking:
Psycho :nuts:
Bapapapa
08-11-2008, 15:13
Have a butcher's at page 39 - all that DEC.PRI nonsense.. :nuts:
EDIT - Seems grumpy chris21 has the same system and should be able to help, but don't use the :nuts: smilie when you respond to him as it puts him on life-tilt.. :nuts:
charlie angel
08-11-2008, 15:16
Have you switched the audio output on the PS3 to 'LPCM' rather than Bitstream?
Have you switched the audio output on the PS3 to 'LPCM' rather than Bitstream?
I think I do have everything set up correctly but I'm not sure if there is anyway for knowing for sure.
I just posted this on the AV Forums, which list my PS3 settings:
I've seen the above post about the settings for the Sony HT-SF1300 with a PS3 but I'm still not sure if mine is setup correctly.
The PS3 is connected to the AMP via HDMI and then the AMP to my TV. I've got picture and sound but I'm not sure if I'm getting the correct sound.
All the AMP settings are as they came out of the box... apart from the Auto Cal. for the surround sound.
The only way I can get 5.1 sound and the relevant indications on the AMP display is to set the AFD to Dolby Pro Logic II MV.
So I have the Dolby PLII icon, HDMI and the 5.1 speakers on the display.
Is this the correct settings for Dolby True HD from my Blu-Ray films? I've tested 'Transformers' and 'Troy'.
The PS3 settings are: BD/DVD Audio Output Format (HDMI) - Linear PCM, BD Audio Output Format (Optical Digital) - Linear PCM.
Can anyone confirm if I'm getting the best sound? It sounds great to me but I've gone from sterro to surround so it's going to sound good whatever!
Psycho :nuts:
Not really sure what I just did but I think it is working now!
I setup the PS3 Sound Settings and clicked Audio Output Settings. Went through that and then it seems to allow the 5.1!
I then went back to the Blu-Ray film and the AMP now shows - PCM 48, HDMI, L, R, C, SL, SR, SW and LFE.
Psycho :nuts:
so does it sound any better now ?
Psycho - If the player is decoding (set to PCM), then "PCM" will be on the amps display for everything. I'm pretty sure the Dolby/DTS logo will only be on the amp if your PS3 is set to Bitstream, so that the amp is decoding. But you can use your PS3s remote to flick through the sound formats so you know what's playing anyway. And there will be no real difference in quality.
Obviously since the amp can't decode the HD sound formats you'll need to let your PS3 do it by setting it to PCM for Blu Rays, but for standard DVD's you can decide if you want the player or the amp to decode. (PCM, or Bitstream).
Also I turn off the sound fields so I just get the sound pure from the disc. But that's up to you of course:)
I think I've got everything up and running! :thumbs:
The PS3 plays both Blu-Rays and DVDs with either Dolby Tru HD or just standard 5.1 - I've watched 'Troy: Directors Cut' Blu-Ray and 'Sunshine' DVD... which sounded great considering it wasn't True HD! :eek:
I'm not going to use my PS3 for DVDs but will use my Pioneer DV-600 (with HDMI). I watched 'Big Fish' on it and couldn't get Dolby 5.1 and ended up with just Dolby Pro Logic II.
I then had a fiddle and changed the settings from 'AMP+TV' to just 'AMP' (I think I changed it to 'AMP+TV' so I could have the sound through the TV) and it then gave me Dolby 5.1. So I've now sorted the DVD player.
I'm not sure if I can do this but I can't seem to get 5.1 for TV porgrammes or films. My TV has a built in digital box but I don't have a Sky or Virgin box. So maybe I can only have the TV in stereo or Dolby Pro Logic II?
Also, I couldn't see how to turn off the 'sound fields'? :thinking:
Psycho :nuts:
Turning the sound fields off should be in the instruction manual. It's not easy to find I admit.
It's something along the lines of holding down the "+" button on the actual amp while it's off and turning it on while holding down said button. If I'm remebering wrong try the same thing with the "-" (minus) button. Like I say I'm pretty sure I remember reading it in the manual.
Thanks! :thumbs:
It was the '+' button. It said the Sound Fields were cleared. I take it that's what you meant by turning them off?
What are the Sound Fields and how would I turn them back on?
Are they just the 'Movie', 'Hall', 'Jazz', etc, options?
Psycho :nuts:
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