Any `Sound` experts out there???

Encantador

I have purchased a Samsung 40inch LCD, when I play a DVD using a scart lead the sound from the TV is low, even with the TV sound on full. There are no adjustments in the Tv`s sound menus that increase the volume. Volume from the normal TV is or through Sky+ is OK.

First question is how do I get more sound from DVD player using existing set up?

I would also like some advice on purchasing a surround sound set up to add to the TV?
Most seem to come with a DVD player which I don`t need, I am told by staff in Currys that I need a `seperates` system. I assume this means a seperate amplifier and speakers.

Ideally I would want to have all the sound coming through the surround speakers whether from the TV, DVD player, Sky HD, PC. Is there a way to achieve this without having to spend a fortune?
How do you work out what amps/watts you need? There seems to be different terminology used to describe these.

Thanks in advance.

The room is reasonably large approx 30feet by 15 feet.

ooo000ooo

Encantador wrote:

I have purchased a Samsung 40inch LCD, when I play a DVD using a scart lead the sound from the TV is low, even with the TV sound on full. There are no adjustments in the Tv`s sound menus that increase the volume. Volume from the normal TV is or through Sky+ is OK.

First question is how do I get more sound from DVD player using existing set up?

I would also like some advice on purchasing a surround sound set up to add to the TV?
Most seem to come with a DVD player which I don`t need, I am told by staff in Currys that I need a `seperates` system. I assume this means a seperate amplifier and speakers.

Ideally I would want to have all the sound coming through the surround speakers whether from the TV, DVD player, Sky HD, PC. Is there a way to achieve this without having to spend a fortune?
How do you work out what amps/watts you need? There seems to be different terminology used to describe these.

Thanks in advance.

The room is reasonably large approx 30feet by 15 feet.

Have you checked what way the DVD is outputting the audio? it's maybe set to send the sound 5.1 instead of stereo or there may be a volume control on the dvd its'self. Try swapping the scart leads about, as your sky one seems to be working ok plug it into your dvd and see if it makes any difference.

Try Richer sounds http://www.richersounds.co.uk/productlist.php?cda=productlist&sgroup=AVRECEIVERS for an AV receiver and quality advice from people who know what they are talking about.

Timmy

As mentioned it's very likely you need to change the sound output to stereo in your dvd players menu.

As far as seperates go you don't need to spend a fortune but it's very easy to if you want to try and recreate your local Odeon! What sort of budget are you on? Are you looking for tiny speakers all round or would you be happy with bigger stuff that will most likely give you better sound for the pound?

I would also say though that if you want quality advice from people who know what they're talking about then I would avoid Richer Sounds like the plague although if you have done your research and know what you want then their prices aren't bad.

Encantador

Thanks for the replies so far, I will have a play wioth the DVD`s menus and see if that helps.

I am hoping to spend no more than £350 for the SS set up, I want to try and keep the wiring to a minimum as a new wooden floor means it will have to go round the skirting boards which are also new. Ideally would like to keep the speakers as unobtrusive as possible.

Thanks again

Timmy

That's gonna be tight but still possible. If I were you I would look at a speaker package like this:

http://www.richersounds.co.uk/showproduct.php?cda=showproduct&pid=TANN-FX5.1-SIL

As far as the receiver goes I would say the best bet on such a tight budget is to shop around for a discontinued Denon receiver. I had a quick look earlier and at first glance it seems Richer sounds can be beaten on price for these.

The most important thing to remeber when dealing with RS is they make good money from certain brands and will always try and convince you that is the one to go for. Decide what you want and if they haven't got it then go away and have a re-think. Don't let them con you into buying what they want to sell you!

A quick look around https://www.avforums.com might be usefull before you buy too.

Mark_LJ

I actually have the Tannoy FX5.1's in my back room hooked up to a Pioneer AV amp - very good sound for the money. For a budget AV amp the Yamaha RXV357 gets a good write up.

T4i

http://www.richersounds.co.uk/showproduct.php?cda=showproduct&pid=KEF-KHT1005

KEF make great speakers!

Astaroth

I dont like richersounds as a company but for your budget they will be the best bet - they basically sell (mainly) last years models at cut down prices. So not the latest bells and whistles but probably the best "basic" sound for your money. Dont take advice from them... all the advisors I have ever spoken to in there didnt know anything (but could drop in technical terms (generally in the wrong place) to make it sound like they did) and are all about upselling and not meeting your requirements.)

Certainly what you want to do can easily be achieved for your budget. You can get packages that include both the amp and the speakers in one box and whilst this may be tempting for its convenience you can get a much better sound from seperates and if you do get bitten by the bug they are much easier to upgrade - all in ones basically have to be thrown out and start again, seperates can be replaced/ upgraded in stages.

The problem with equipment is that there are few standards of how things should be measured so the specs pieces of paper arent worth what they are written on - the other consideration is that the sensitivity of the speakers makes as much if not more difference to the end volume than the watts. Also you can get a 100w amp that loses control at 50% volume where as get a 75w amp that maintains control without clipping up to 100% volume - the lower powered amp is therefore going to produce the better sound at higher volumes.

The only real way to buy equipment is to listen to it first. On the AV Forums I would normally suggest going to the likes of Sevenoaks who would be able to set something up for you and try a few different combinations to see what you prefer but unfortunately they are really aimed at people on slightly larger budgets.