Speaker Question for the Uneducated
10-26-08, 12:37 PM
#1
DVD Talk Gold Edition
Thread Starter
Speaker Question for the Uneducated
I currently have a 6.1 Onkyo receiver that can't handle lossless audio or any of the new HD codecs. If I upgrade to a 7.1 receiver that can handle HD audio, can I use my existing speakers and sub with the new receiver and just add a 7th speaker (especially if I buy another Onkyo receiver)? Thanks.
10-26-08, 03:48 PM
#2
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Shouldn't be a problem............
You know about the 5.1 analog inputs, right?
Does your receiver have them? If so, and you get a blu ray player with the 5.1/7.1 analog outputs (decodes HD audio formats internally), you can use the analog connections to get HD audio from Blu ray movies. Don't think you can get the dtsHD MA, but can probably get Dolby TrueHD.
You know about the 5.1 analog inputs, right?
Does your receiver have them? If so, and you get a blu ray player with the 5.1/7.1 analog outputs (decodes HD audio formats internally), you can use the analog connections to get HD audio from Blu ray movies. Don't think you can get the dtsHD MA, but can probably get Dolby TrueHD.
10-26-08, 07:18 PM
#3
DVD Talk Hero
The bigger question is what speakers do you have? IMO you really need quality speakers to really increase the over all sound quality by going lossless.
OK, let me try that again; Unless you have really nice speakers, you would have a bigger impact in overall sound quality by upgrading your speakers then by by going lossless.
OK, let me try that again; Unless you have really nice speakers, you would have a bigger impact in overall sound quality by upgrading your speakers then by by going lossless.
10-27-08, 06:51 AM
#4
DVD Talk Legend
Agreed, it is funny to see this coming full circle again.
When the first dvd players started coming out, some speaker companies started marketing their speakers as being "digital" or "digital ready" which could not be further from the truth.
A quality speaker can reproduce whatever is thrown at it with proper power and connections.
Without knowing what speakers you own, it is hard to give any futher advice.
When the first dvd players started coming out, some speaker companies started marketing their speakers as being "digital" or "digital ready" which could not be further from the truth.
A quality speaker can reproduce whatever is thrown at it with proper power and connections.
Without knowing what speakers you own, it is hard to give any futher advice.
10-28-08, 08:21 PM
#5
DVD Talk Gold Edition
Thread Starter
Shouldn't be a problem............
You know about the 5.1 analog inputs, right?
Does your receiver have them? If so, and you get a blu ray player with the 5.1/7.1 analog outputs (decodes HD audio formats internally), you can use the analog connections to get HD audio from Blu ray movies. Don't think you can get the dtsHD MA, but can probably get Dolby TrueHD.
You know about the 5.1 analog inputs, right?
Does your receiver have them? If so, and you get a blu ray player with the 5.1/7.1 analog outputs (decodes HD audio formats internally), you can use the analog connections to get HD audio from Blu ray movies. Don't think you can get the dtsHD MA, but can probably get Dolby TrueHD.
10-28-08, 08:29 PM
#7
DVD Talk Hero
Upgrading your speakers would give you vastly improved sound. Much more so then just going lossless...
Personally I'd do the speakers first, then later, if you still want, go lossless.
10-28-08, 09:01 PM
#8
DVD Talk Gold Edition
Thread Starter
10-29-08, 06:28 AM
#9
DVD Talk Legend
Speakers do not have "power" amplifiers do.
If there are any good specialty retailers in your area I suggest a visit there to listen to some speakers. Bring some material that you are familiar with.
Some of the good entry level brands are Boston Acoustics, Polk, Paradigm, Definitive Technologies and B&W.
10-29-08, 10:58 PM
#10
DVD Talk Hero
Brian has thrown out many of the "usual suspects" when it comes to quality speakers. I'd also recommend:
KEF
Celestion (tho harder to find now)
Mirage
NHT
SVS (I have actually never heard, but would like to. But I can still recommend based on the quality of their subs)
Klipsch
IMO, speakers are one of the most interesting piece of equipment. You must go listen. There are some really nice speakers out there. And regardless of cost, there are some you are going to like and some you are not. You just have to listen.
KEF
Celestion (tho harder to find now)
Mirage
NHT
SVS (I have actually never heard, but would like to. But I can still recommend based on the quality of their subs)
Klipsch
IMO, speakers are one of the most interesting piece of equipment. You must go listen. There are some really nice speakers out there. And regardless of cost, there are some you are going to like and some you are not. You just have to listen.
10-30-08, 03:54 PM
#12
DVD Talk Legend
I have Definitive Technologies and can tell you they are very good for Home Theater. What I have is not for audiophiles and a real discerning listener, however for movies, even music video, they sound great and are reasonably priced in their class.
10-31-08, 02:15 AM
#14
DVD Talk Hall of Fame
FYI, most 7.1 receivers can be used with 5.1 or 6.1 setups. (And many support any [logical] combination of speakers) You can keep your 6.1 setup for a while so long as the receiver knows that's your setup, you'll be fine.
