LF - Surround SoOund guru

[em69]

I've temporarily installed surround sound speakers in my basement to test them before I install the drywall. I'd need someone who is knowledgeable in surround sound systems.

If anyone can make a recommendation, please send me a note.

elioma@sympatico.ca

[dbleber]

I've temporarily installed surround sound speakers in my basement to test them before I install the drywall. I'd need someone who is knowledgeable in surround sound systems.

If anyone can make a recommendation, please send me a note.

elioma@sympatico.ca

What do you need to know?
Denny

[covanant]

I can help you as well.

[em69]

Thanks for the offers of help.

I ran the speaker wire, I temporarily connected my Bose speakers to the wire, and made the connections to my Denon receiver. I tried to run a "system set-up" through the receiver (as per the instructions) and it does not seem to work.

I bought the receiver used, so I'm not sure if it is a problem with the receiver or maybe something else.

[covanant]

I'm assuming by"not working"you mean,

no sound? Is this a 5,6,7 speaker setup?
Some poss. could be,a mixed speaker wire,poss that your receiver
is set to the wrong format.
Also speaker cable runs that are too long,require more amps.
Is this a preamp processer?
Some receivers are not auto sensing,meaning you have to manually
switch from format to format.
Also pay attention to how much audio equip. you plug into one outlet.
Too much can cause a "brownout".Some units sense this and shut down.
Hope some of this helps!
You can allways read the manual:jitter
If you dont have it,you can usually download it on the web.

[dbleber]

When troubleshooting, always break things down back to there simplest form. Take the receiver and connect it to a speaker that you know works, this way you are taking away one of the unkown variables. Keep the connection simple, one speaker and change this one speaker to each of the outputs. If you get sound then you know the receiver is good, if not your problem is the receiver and you have bigger problems. If your receiver is not working and you want to fix it be prepared for an expensive bill from a repair shop or alot of headaches if you plan on doing it yourself. Troubleshooting electronics at the component level takes alot of time and patients. You will need to get the schematics, a mutlimeter and a frequency generator. Basically you are probing around until you can find where the frequency that you are putting in stops. Once you find the componant, replace and start the testing from the start. One last thing, check the receiver for any fuses that may have poped due to a surge, but remember that fuses are not the cause of a short they are just the result and are there to save your board.
Denny

[em69]

I'm assuming by"not working"you mean,

no sound?

Correct, no sound from any of the speakers

Is this a 5,6,7 speaker setup?

It is a 5 speaker system plus a sub woofer

Also speaker cable runs that are too long,require more amps.

The speaker wire is well within the length limits.

Is this a preamp processer?

I have no idea what this means...

Also pay attention to how much audio equip. you plug into one outlet.
Too much can cause a "brownout".Some units sense this and shut down.

Right now there is only a TV and the receiver.

I do have the manual and I cannot seem to get passed step 2 in the "System Set-up" process.

I am willing to pay for anyone's time if they wish to come over and take a look. I'm really hoping it is not the receiver since I bought it used...

[dbleber]

Correct, no sound from any of the speakers



It is a 5 speaker system plus a sub woofer




The speaker wire is well within the length limits.




I have no idea what this means...



Right now there is only a TV and the receiver.

I do have the manual and I cannot seem to get passed step 2 in the "System Set-up" process.

I am willing to pay for anyone's time if they wish to come over and take a look. I'm really hoping it is not the receiver since I bought it used...

See my post and you will know if the receiver is good or not. Also, check the manual to see if you can test the receiver without going through the suround sound setup. You have 5:1 setup and it should be straight forward, if the receiver is good, after yuo have tested it, then it more then likely a user error which normally caused by reading the manual incorrectly. Most manufacturers do not write straight forward instructions.
Denny

[gbower]

My receiver has an A and B speaker setup and when I was setting it up I initially didn't notice this and the B was set on and A set off and my speakers were setup for A. This is a really easy one to overlook.

[Andy4Par]

Which model Denon is it?

[Weazl]

Aren't electronics fun?

Other things to consider? What Mode is the sound coming from? TV, CD, DVD, is the receiver set to the proper mode? Do you also have the RCA, S-Video, Component, digital co-ax, or fibreoptic cablesproperly installed and running to the correct devices? Does the rceiver have FM tuner? If so I would say plug in 1 speaker, and turn the receiver to the radio option, if you have sound you know it is simplya connection problem and not a receiver problem.

There area tonne of variables. When doing my basement, I hooked up a cd player, DVD player, XBOX, and big screen TV too my surround system and Yamaha receiver and it took me quitye some time to fine tune everything so that it worked properly. Be patient and try the simple things first!

[em69]

Which model Denon is it?

AVR 1403

Thanks to all who provided advice.

UPDATE:I've been able to get sound from the 3 front speakers. The sound is not loud, but at least I have some sound so far...progress

[covanant]

Did you have any more luck?

[em69]

I have sound from all five speakers..:groupwave
Now I just need to play around with some of the other settings.

One more question for everyone:

My only option to place the rear surround speakers is on the ceiling beside the listeners. My question is, should I have the speakers pointed down towards the floors (at a slight angle) or point them towards the ceiling? I've read that the speakers should never be pointed directly at the listeners. Keep in mind, I don't have drywall on the ceiling yet, so it difficult for me to actual perform a true test.

Any thoughts?

[covanant]

the main problem you have is that until your room is finished(including furnature etc..)

You cannot tell how everything will sound,placing permanent ceiling speakers might be a mistake.
I use speaker stands at ear level(sitting)and it works great for me.
Bypolar speakers in the back might be a better option.
Make sure you get a sub big enough for the room,nothing worse than a great system,
mared with an 8 inch sub!

[Weazl]

rear speakers should never bemore than 4ft. hig according to the sound technician from Stereo Plus in Orleans; For optimal sound that is.