Potential Setup Advice

Tommy B · 3 Apr 2006 at 12:55

Will this work?

X-Fi Sound Card (via Jack) >>>> Amp >>>> Floor Standers
* (Via? )>>>>® 7.1 Logitech Z680s
*
*
DVD Player (via Optical Output)
(Running 5.1 DD or DTS to the the X-fi)

------------------------------------

(OR) can you buy a kickass amp/AV unit that handles everything. So all my speakers would be connected to that, and then perhaps an optical lead inbetween it and the sound card. [SEE BELOW]

In which case...

Xi Fi >>>>>> (Digital) >>>>> AV Reveiver >>>>> 6.1 setup AND floorstanders
DVD Player (Digital) >>>>> AV Receiver etc

Tommy B · 3 Apr 2006 at 16:05

WTF. I put in the title "Will this work?"

Tommy B · 3 Apr 2006 at 16:20

Cambridge Audio AZUR 540R
http://www.cambridgeaudio.com/summary.php?PID=1&Title=Azur+540R

Wouldn't one of these be useful?

Does it double as an AMP?

Tommy B · 3 Apr 2006 at 19:57

At present, I want my X-Fi, a damn good AMP and my 2 floorstanders.

In the future, I'll be adding an HDTV TV and a 7.1 setup for it. I basically want it to have full compatability with the PC also. I was thinking of getting a top-of-the-range Creative/Logitech job and either connecting it to the X-fi, or a fancy AV amp that can do EVERYTHING. I'd also want my new TV to use the 2 floorstanders.

Tommy B · 3 Apr 2006 at 22:20

The logitech/creative stuff is a surround sound solution. I can't afford to buy another 2 Hi-Fi speakers to play the "rear" role of the setup, and I don't think many AMPS can drive 2 sets of speakers on 2 different channels simultaneously.

My current setup (as of tomorrow) is simple:

X-fi >>> (Jack > Dual Phono) >>> Kenwood Amp >>> 2xFloorstanders.

My challenge is to somehow fit a 5.1 solution along with a DVD player and an HD TV into this system.

Perhaps this is a bad idea? Maybe I should keep the two systems isolated, bar perhaps having an optical lead from the DVD player to the PC so that I can use my floorstanders as front speakers.

Anyways, the NAD C320BEE AMPLIFIER looks immense.

Tommy B · 4 Apr 2006 at 10:07

I'm confused. Is there an AMP/AV Unit that will do 5.1 (ie 6 channels at the same time)

How would that work? Can you buy amps that decode 5.1 from an opitcal lead, or do you need an extra external device to do that?

To simplify, is there an AV Unit/AMP that will connect to my X-fi and do full 5.1?

Tommy B · 4 Apr 2006 at 11:41

tom_nieto said:
Did you bother to read the spec of the Cambridge Audio receiver?

Hesky, I was under the impression that the cyrus would be cheaper, but it seems I'm wrong. I've read so many arguments for buying the PSX-R or a separate power amp, but I was left totally stuck on the fence and undecided. I don't have the cash to try them both out really, nor do I know anyone with suitable units to borrow to test. So I just decided that my setup sounds pretty good and that I should stick with what I have until I've got the cash for a more serious upgrade.

That thing has more controls than a stealth bomber.

I'm not an audio expert by any means, so I've no idea if you can simply plug an opitcal lead to the unit from the X-fi and expect to have 5.1 surround sound ready.

Tommy B · 4 Apr 2006 at 16:06

Fish, why don't I just buy a normal "Home Cinema System" audio kit to go with my TV.

The audio quality I'm getting from my current Hi-Fi speakers is immense (thanks to the X-fi) so why don't I use those for the sole purpose of listening to music on?

I was thinking about this...

- X-fi outputs the 3 jacks to the AV receiver.
- DVD player/TV outputs to AV receiver via whatever.

- My 2 Hi-Fi speakers are connected to the AV receiver's outputs (what are the old fasioned wire Hi-Fi outputs called)
- My home cinema system kit (or whatever I buy) is also connected to the AV receiver.

Is this possible?

With that setup, surely I can use any of the speakers for anything?
Also, I can't seem to find any "Home Cinema Systems" that are just speakers. They all seem to have an integrated DVD player.

Tommy B · 4 Apr 2006 at 16:07

fish99 said:
To be specific, the receiver needs to have seperate phono analogue inputs for all six channels.

If you look on the picture, there's a series of PHONO sockets under "6.1 direct in."

Tommy B · 4 Apr 2006 at 16:24

This is what I'm looking at.

Are you telling me the ONLY reason I need to the AV receiver is because the X-fi can't output a 5.1 digital signal to Home Cinema System via Digital Optical. If it did that, then as you can see, the receiver wouldn't be necessary as I could just use Digital Output >>> Optical >>> Home Cinema System. [SHOWN BELOW]

The latter option would save me a LOT, and it would mean I could spend the money on a Sub for the Hi-Fi instead. Is there any gadget that will let me do Option 2 where a 5.1 signal can be sent from the Sound Card to the Home Cinema System via DIGITAL ONLY.

Tommy B · 4 Apr 2006 at 16:35

tom_nieto said:
PC --> AV Receiver --> 5.1 speakers = done.

You would connect the X-fi using 3 3.5mm to RCA connector cables.

You'd use your current front speakers connected to the CA amp and you'd have to buy a centre and 2 surrounds. I wouldn't bother with a sub just yet.

You can also feed the AV amp with the DVD player's digital output and plug in any games consoles. You could then either plug all the video sources (except PC) into the AV amp or run them directly into the TV.

You can still use your current amp to power your front speakers, but I'm not going to explain how that's done until you understand the above.

I just don't see the point in converting my current Hi-Fi to 5.1. Music sounds best on 2.1, and at the moment I have 2.0. Surely a separate system would be ideal just to use for playing games/watching DVDs. I've heard home cinema systems and they aren't that bad!

Tommy B · 4 Apr 2006 at 17:52

So what sort of "cheap" speakers would I be looking at to do the rear and centre jobs?

And would the quality of the Cambridge AV unit be any good?

It is an AMP too, right?

Tommy B · 4 Apr 2006 at 18:03

OK - I'm being really stupid!

I can wire ANY speakers of ANY type to the AV unit, can't I?

So If I kept my current Hi-Fi speakers via the normal wires, I could (If I wanted to) have awful quality speakers connecting by the phono outputs?

Tommy B · 4 Apr 2006 at 18:24

X-Fi - The Four Jacks

delete

Tommy B · 5 Apr 2006 at 09:46

So the AV unit can't drive floor standers?

My current Hi-Fi does drive 4 speakers, but it can only drive them from one audio input; not two.

Tommy B · 5 Apr 2006 at 11:28

tom_nieto said:
Yes it can drive your speakers. It can drive up to 6 speakers as it's a surround sound amplifier. It will not mix two sources together, but can have multiple devices attached, such as your PC, games consoles and DVD player. It's simply a case of switching between the inputs.

And will the quality be any good?

Because to be fair, this isn't a dedicated AMP is it?

Tommy B · 5 Apr 2006 at 13:09

tom_nieto said:
The quality of the CA540R is actually very good. I'd still have my Denon 3802 over it, but it's not a bad machine.

It is a dedicated amp in a way, it's just got more components in it. You can combine an amp like this and your current stereo amp, but as I said before you need to make some basic decisions on what you want from your setup and to understand the basics of what we're trying to suggest.

What make and model are your speakers? I can then try to look for a suitable centre for you.

They are Eltax Symphony 6s - Do you know how they compare in the Hi-Fi world?

Here's the thing: I'm leaving for uni in a year, and I don't want to waste hundreds of pounds on Hi-Fi equipment if I'm going to leave it here. Or if I do, I want stuff that's future proof!

I'm mainly interested in a damn good 2.0 Hi-Fi setup as music is my thing. However, it would be nice to have surround sound in the room that connects to both my PC and my DVD player/TV. In that respesct, the AV thing is incredibly useful as it has so many connections/features.

The surround sound speakers don't really have to be that good. I was considering just buying a Creative/Logitech PC job, and using them just for watching movies/playing games. This is still my prefered option as the X-fi will input a 5.1 signal via Optical (for connection to DVD player) - Is this true? I've then got a cheap and cheerful surround solution for both my DVD player and my computer... (gaming etc) I've heard that the Creative GigaWorks 7.1 S750 THX are extremely good for PC speakers. 70wts RMS is not bad!

I just think that for my age, I shouldn't really be spending so much on top gear. As long as I've got an extremely good 2.0 setup, I'm happy. The surround sound is just a cheap bonus. The only problem with what I suggested above is I've no idea how I'd connect both the Creative GigaWorks AND the Hi-Fi togethor. I'd have to use a jack > 2xjack splitter on the FL/FR output on the X-fi.

Tommy B · 5 Apr 2006 at 17:15

tom_nieto said:
Have you ever considered just using your hi-fi setup and connecting that to your PC and DVD player? It would save a lot of money as all you'd have to do is rearrange your room. You seem pretty happy with your current setup, so why change it? Especially as you're going to uni, there probably isn't much point in spending megabucks.

Seriously though, consider your options VERY carefully before shelling out £200 on a PC speaker system. You could turn your setup into a surround sound hi-fi for that much cash which would be much much better.

Surround sound is nice, but actually good stereo is almost just as good. Mr_Sukebe has ditched surround sound altogether in favour of stereo for music and DVD. I'm tempted to do the same as my speakers provide very good stereo imaging in films anyway and my rears are pretty bad. If you just have to buy a stereo amp and 2 speakers, your budget will have to be pread less than if you have to buy a surround amp and 5 speakers.

I would forget about having 2 separate systems totally, it is pointless. Either wait until you've got a lounge in which to put all your kit, or until you rearrange your room into a more multimedia orientated environment.

I understand you aren't a fan of PC speakers, but surely Creative's top-dog speakers can't be that bad?

I might look into upgrading my AMP, but you're right - there's no point in spending megabucks if I don't know what I'm doing.

I also have no idea how my speakers compare in the Hi-Fi world. You all talk of how sound is meant to sound best with all settings left and just the origional audio signal. My speakers sound superior with all of the X-fi's enhancing features on, and a slight EQ on.

Tommy B · 5 Apr 2006 at 18:12

DRZ said:
Just for one week try and live without the settings then turn them back on - The sound will sound, well, poor in comparison.

As for your speakers, Eltax Symphony 6s - not brilliant by a long strech but not poor in comparison to PC speakers.

Remember HiFi proper is an expensive game and as they are cheap they are rather bottom-end. Still a considerable upgrade from anything PC speaker though.

So are my Symphony 6s better than, say, a Creative Gigaworks S750 7.1?

I will try what you said. So you mean leave the AMP bass/treble to balanced, turn the EQ off, and all of the other features on the X-fi???????

Tommy B · 5 Apr 2006 at 18:33

DRZ said:
Yes, they should blow the Gigaworks out of the water.

Turn everything off, if you can turn the tone control off (tone direct, source direct perhaps) do it, else centre the dials.

I've turned EVERYTHING off.

The treble is just far too dominant and there's hardly any bass at all!

If I do use EQ, is it best to do it using the AMP, or using the X-fi controls?