Jim

I'd just like to get some improved sound over the TV speakers that we're using now. For aesthetic reasons (i.e. wife acceptance factor) I'd like to just have front speakers. Virtual surround from either the DVD player or receiver would be fine with me. Our current Sony DVD player has some virtual surround modes. Some questions:

1) If I had a set of speakers such as the Cambridge Soundworks Ensemble III (2 fronts, subwoofer), what would be a good receiver so that I could get some virtual surround?

2) Assuming a setup like #1, would it work to add a center channel speaker and still have some virtual surround?

3) If I went with an inexpensive home theater system like a Sony HT-DDW740, would that work OK or provide any virtual surround if I didn't use the rear surrounds that come with it?

I've done some searching on this but haven't really seen what I'm looking for. Thanks for any help you can provide an ignorant soul like myself.

Jim

Josh Z

I've never found "virtual surround" settings to do much of anything.

JimRochester

Try some in-the-wall speakers or get some white ones like I did. If not get some small ones like HTIB and hide them on a shelf behind some plants. Planty of ways to keep them unobtrusive. Believe me it will be worth it.

flyingdragon

if you're dead set on using only three speakers I suggest you go with a 5.1 anyways for a couple of reasons.

1. upgrability
2. They don't sell new Pro Logic receivers anymore
3. value of a 5.1 versus a 2 channel receiver

When watching dvd's set your menu to 2.1 surround or just dobly surround and you will "nice" sound from the fronts.

The virtual surround modes from your sony is just dsp modes (digital signal processing) downmixed by the receiver. You will get much better sound if you set your movies to 2.1 surround.

Jim

Thanks for the replies, especially yours flyingdragon. It looks as if I may get agreement to put in a 5.1 system, so I'm keeping my fingers crossed.