5.1 Set Up & Config

TheDean · 14 Oct 2009 at 13:22

Hi all,

I'm wanting your advice on a few things. I'm looking to get an Amp and 5.1 speakers. I have pretty much decided on
an Onkyo TX-SR607 & Q Acoustics 1010i 5.1 speakers. Both can be had for £750 from Richer sounds
(but maybe I'll get John Lewis to price match for the free 5 Yr guarantee). I think these are both solid choices, but welcome other suggestions.

I'm wanting to hook up the following through the Amp: Popcorn Hour C-200, XBox 360, Eurovox EX7000HD. Will I be able to jut plug them into the Amp via HDMI, then one cable from the Amp to the Tv?

In terms of cabling, what will I need? Does the speaker package come with any cables? What speaker cable should I get? I'll be running it in between the flat wooden floor and the blue insulation stuff that is above the floorboards, so I obviously don't want it to be too think, but want decent cable.

Also - wall speaker brackets - Can anyone recommend any?

Cheers,

TheDean

pdw8 · 15 Oct 2009 at 01:06

The amp will allow you to assign the inputs to various formats hdmi, component, toslink etc and there should be one hdmi output which goes to you screen. You then just choose from the amp remote what function you want. So pressing game will choose the inputs designated for that.
I have the same speaker package as you. They dont come with any cable and i used QED Silver anniversary for the fronts and centre and the cheaper QED Micro for the rears. Cable quality is always a massive discussion point but i got the best i could afford, and some of it was 2nd hand off auction sites.

Oxide™ · 15 Oct 2009 at 12:54

pdw8 said:
... i used QED Silver anniversary for the fronts and centre and the cheaper QED Micro for the rears. Cable quality is always a massive discussion point but i got the best i could afford, and some of it was 2nd hand off auction sites.

I use the same cable and although I am no audiophile, it does sound superb

TheDean said:
... Also - wall speaker brackets - Can anyone recommend any?

I use these brackets which do the job perfectly
http://www.******.co.uk/Module.aspx?ModuleNo=222640

Heres a pic showing the bracket with the QED micro in action

TheDean · 28 Oct 2009 at 14:05

In terms of sub placememnt, where would people recommend? Behind the Tv? Behind the sofa? Is it better to be front or back?

sswats · 28 Oct 2009 at 14:30

why did you choose the 1010i over the new 2000 pack?

TheDean · 28 Oct 2009 at 14:34

sswats said:
why did you choose the 1010i over the new 2000 pack?

The 2000 pack? Have they just been released? I've yet to purchase...

Hamster · 28 Oct 2009 at 15:01

Oxide™ said:
I use the same cable and although I am no audiophile, it does sound superb

I use these brackets which do the job perfectly
http://www.******.co.uk/Module.aspx?ModuleNo=222640

Heres a pic showing the bracket with the QED micro in action

I've got the same speakers and yet to buy brackets. I've read that those brackets can tilt the speakers by about 20 degrees. Are those brackets strong enough to hold the speakers without any downward tilt?

Also, what have you screwed the brackets into? Straight into plasterboard, joists or into brick?

Thanks

-edit- sorry for the hijack!!

wolvers · 28 Oct 2009 at 15:23

TheDean said:
In terms of sub placememnt, where would people recommend? Behind the Tv? Behind the sofa? Is it better to be front or back?

It depends on the room a lot and of course you'll be limited to where it could go. Start with it between the fronts, or slightly the one side if you have to, but not too close to the wall (probably the best place) then try a few different spots and see how it compares. Also, try different crossover frequencies and gains at each location.

You shouldn't be able to tell easily where the sub is placed just by listening. If you really want to get it right, pick up an SPL and send some test tones through it. There's lots of guides around.

Oxide™ · 30 Oct 2009 at 12:01

TheDean said:
In terms of sub placememnt, where would people recommend? Behind the Tv? Behind the sofa? Is it better to be front or back?

I once read, not sure if it's true mind, to find a good sub placement:
Put the sub on your main seating position and move around the room until it sounds best for you then thats the position where you place your sub.

Actually I think I saw that in the Home Cinema Setup Bluray that AVForums recommends - that or I was tripping - something about standing waves etc

JoeMama said:
I've got the same speakers and yet to buy brackets. I've read that those brackets can tilt the speakers by about 20 degrees. Are those brackets strong enough to hold the speakers without any downward tilt?

Also, what have you screwed the brackets into? Straight into plasterboard, joists or into brick?

Thanks

-edit- sorry for the hijack!!

I have the brackets screwed directly into plasterboard using plasterboard plugs and it holds solid although I wouldnt want to knock it and loosen anything.

When I first attached the speakers on the brackets, I screwed it down very tight at the desired angle I wished and they haven't moved since (over a year now) good bargain those brackets were

Hamster · 30 Oct 2009 at 16:11

Oxide™ said:
I have the brackets screwed directly into plasterboard using plasterboard plugs and it holds solid although I wouldnt want to knock it and loosen anything.

When I first attached the speakers on the brackets, I screwed it down very tight at the desired angle I wished and they haven't moved since (over a year now) good bargain those brackets were

Great stuff, thanks. I'm only able to screw into plasterboard where i want the speakers and glad to see they will hold

TheDean · 4 Nov 2009 at 15:37

Following on from this - I have been quoted £85ish for the below:

Many thanks for your enquiry and apologies for the late reply.

No problem to make up cables or to supply unterminated.

The VanDamme 2x2.5mm Blue Series is £1.80 per/m, Gold Plated 4mm Banana Plugs are £0.70 ea and cable build and termination is £5.00 per cut length.

Shipping cost is based on order weight.

2 x 7m 2x2.5mm Terminated £40.80
2 x 5m 2x2.5mm Terminated £33.60

Shipping £10.95

Total Cost £85.35

Reasonable? Do I need them terminated & with plugs etc? Going to be used with Dennon AVR1910 & Q Acoustics 2000 series 5.1.

Hamster · 4 Nov 2009 at 18:49

Whether there is any real difference in sound/longevity having banana plugs 'professionally' fitted, or whether they are needed at all, is debatable. You could save some cash by fitting them yourself.

However, the prices you have been quoted, i guess by the chap at avforums, is about the going rate.

You'll also be needing cable for your centre speaker and sub.