[pandaking]

Hi,

So I've 99% decided on buying the LG 50PK590 plasma screen and now need some advice on the audio front, as built in sound is apparently rubbish.

To explain my setup, the TV will be mostly using either the built in FreeView or video from my computer. I have an ATI HD5770 graphics card, which will be connected to the plasma screen by HDMI.

My questions are as follows:

• Apparently the PK590 screen can add some delay to the video from processing so audio going directly from the PC to the AV receiver will be a little out of sync. It would seem the way round this is to attach my PC, Xbox etc. directly to the plasma, and then use the plasmas optical out (which is automatically be adjusted to match up with the screens video) to the AV receiver.

This seems simple enough but I just wanted to check that the 5.1 video files I play on my PC will have that 5.1 audio sent thought the HDMI cable to the Plasma, and then also by optical cable to my AV receiver and off to my speakers?

• Seeing the costs of these AV receivers has been a bit of a shock for me and so initially I won't be able to purchase decent complete set of 5.1 surround sound speakers.

My solution to this is simply purchase two decent bookshelf speakers (or even use a cheap pair I have here for the time being) and slowly add on the extra speakers as I get the money.

Another alternative is to just cut of the connectors to a cheap 5.1 Logitech PC speaker set I currently have. Is it possible to do this? Again it will be a temporary solution until I can afford something decent but would at least give me some surround sound rather than just having two cheap bookshelf speakers.

• The only thing I can see myself really needing for the AV Receiver is one headphone output, and two optical inputs - one for the plasma, and one from my PC when I just want to play music without the plasma on.

Will the cheapest AV Receiver from Richer Sounds be good enough for the job, or will I notice much better sound by spending a bit more? If so what would you recommend?

I have a nice pair of Sennheiser HD555 headphones so I'll only really be listening through my speakers when I have friends round or watching a movie with surround sound.

Many thanks for any advice you can give, I can assure you it will be greatly appreciated!

[PSM1]

A lot of TVs do not pass through 5.1 signals from HDMI to the optical output. So although 5.1 will be sent to the TV it may not be transmitted from the TV to the reciever. You really are better to connect everything to the reciever and then the reciever to the TV. There is always a lip sync setting on the reciever to delay the sound so that it syncs with the screen. So no need to worry about that.
The option of building slowly with 2 bookshelf speakers is by far the best imho. You can get some good speakers for cheap in places like Richer Sounds. For example you can get the Q Accoustic 1010i for £40 now. You need to check the impedance of the Logitech speakers, if they are below 4 ohm then they can not be used with an AV reciever. If you do you run the risk of damaging the reciever. Also the sub may not be able to be connected to the reciever and without the sub the other speakers are going to sound rubbish. I would sell the Logitech and use the money towards better speakers.
Since you really need to connect the PC via HDMI you really want a reciever that does audio over HDMI. The Sony 500 does not do this so will not be a good buy imho. The cheapest reciever with this feature is the Onkyo 507 that is £180. This is worth the extra £50 and will allow you to upgrade to bluray in the future if you desire.

[pandaking]

You're a legend mate, thanks so much for getting back to me.

Didn't know about the lip sync setting so that's a nice relief and will make things easier for sure. It's a shame TV's don't often pass through 5.1 signals from HDMI to the optical output, but not a big deal now I know about the lip sync option.

The Onkyo TX-SR507 you picked out seems to be a good choice from what I can see and so unless anyone else thinks spending a bit more on something else is really worth it, then this will be the one to get.

So now onto the speakers:
The current surround sound pc speakers I have now are not Logitech it turns out, but "Creative Inspire 6.1 6700". I will get the multimeter out in a bit and check the impedance of them, but fingers crossed they will work.

As you say, they won't sound great but will tide me over until I can afford something better. And I'll probably still get a decent pair of bookshelf speakers, and just use these spare satellites for the surround sound. My mate has a subwoofer he doesn't use to I can nick that too Those Q ACOUSTICS 1010i look great too!

So far then, my buy list is as follows:
• LG PK590 50" Plasma Screen - £745
• Onkyo TX-SR507 AV Receiver - £200
• Q ACOUSTICS 1010i Bookshelf Speakers - £60

This is pretty much bang on my budget which is great, and I haven't even gone price hunting for the AV Receiver or speakers.

If anyone has some better suggestions for the items listed here please don't hesitate to post a reply. And thanks again PSM1 for the helpful response.

[PSM1]

The QA speakers can be got for £50 from here:

Bookshelf Speakers | Hifi Separates | Richer Sounds

The Wharfedale Diamond 9.0 are also worth a look for the same money.
And if you do not mind silver the 507 is £180 here:

http://www.richersounds.com/product/...ky-txsr507-sil

[pandaking]

Those QA speakers at £50 are walnut and for me having it all black is worth the extra £10. I did think about it, but one of those things I'll always regret if I don't I think. Same goes with the silver Onkyo 507.

Cheers for the tip on those other speakers. I might pop into Richer Sounds tomorrow and see if I can have a listen to the Q ACOUSTICS 1010i and Wharfedale Diamond 9.0 and compare the two.

I'm so excited to get this rig all set up!

Oh, another question:
I probably won't bother with the speakers as not a lot can go wrong short of me dropping them, but is it worth getting an extended warranty on the AV Receiver? I'm guessing not much can go wrong with them either?

[PSM1]

The RS warranty is pretty good as you can get your money back if you do not use it. Personally I do not bother with them but if on a tight budget then for a small outlay it can give you piece of mind.

[pandaking]

Originally Posted by PSM1

The RS warranty is pretty good as you can get your money back if you do not use it.

How does that work?

I been reading some reviews and wondering your take on the SONY STRDH800 over the ONKYO TXSR507 ?

It's a fair amount more but seems to have much better reviews. I think the Onkyo should be more than good enough for my needs though.

Also, how loud with a pair of QA 1010i's go with this Onkyo amp?

[PSM1]

I believe that at the end of the warranty term you send a form back to the company for a full refund of what you have paid. They make their money by keeping/investing your money for the period they have it.
The Onkyo will be more than loud enough with the QA speakers. Will be as loud if not louder than any of the all in one systems.
There is not much between the 800 and 507 and with the current low price on the 507 I do not think the 800 really represents great value for money. There are subtle differences between them and if you can go demo them to see which you prefer. However, for the money you will not go wrong with the Onkyo and 1010 combination. Reviews should always be taken with a shovel full of salt as a lot have biases in them etc. Use them as a guide to point you in a direction but use your own ears to decide.

[pandaking]

OK, big bummer - Just been speaking to the Richer Sounds staff and it turns out the ONKYO TXSR507 doesn't have HDMI Audio like we thought which means it's not an option.

Back to square one?


---- EDIT ----

LOL, Richer Sounds staff - just spoke to another branch and they confirmed it definitely does have HDMI audio, but due to the stock issues with the 507 he's suggested the 308 instead, and said it's better and only £30 more.

Sounds good? :S

[Jiminy Cricket]

Seems like you will be getting similar to what I have currently. I can confirm the 1010i speakers are really nice although I have the complete 5.1 set not just the 2 you are going to get.

Im also currently looking at the onkyo 308 and actually just made a new thread asking for advice on it and some others but will let you know when I buy if you have not yet. I think Onkyo are better than most other brands but not really sure the guys on these forums will know best.

[dicklodge]

Originally Posted by pandaking

OK, big bummer - Just been speaking to the Richer Sounds staff and it turns out the ONKYO TXSR507 doesn't have HDMI Audio like we thought which means it's not an option.

Back to square one?


---- EDIT ----

LOL, Richer Sounds staff - just spoke to another branch and they confirmed it definitely does have HDMI audio, but due to the stock issues with the 507 he's suggested the 308 instead, and said it's better and only £30 more.

Sounds good? :S

The 507 is a better amp than the 308. the only advantage of the 308 is that it has HDMI 1.4 inputs rather than HDMI 1.3. HDMI 1.4 will give you more choice over 3D Blueray player, but a 1.3 amp will be fine with 3D BR player, such as Panasonics that have 2 HDMI outs --- one for audio to the amp and one for video to the TV.

I'm also not sure if the 308 has Audessy EQ --- i think i read somewhere that it doesn't, but stand to be corrected.

[dante01]

Originally Posted by dicklodge

I'm also not sure if the 308 has Audessy EQ --- i think i read somewhere that it doesn't, but stand to be corrected.

It lacks Audessy, in fact it lacks any form of auto calibration and is reliant on manual calibration. That's another £20 for an SPL metre and a tape measure

Do Onkyo manufacture tape measures and will Richer Sounds be forcing people to buy them. I've heard Onkyo tape measures get very hot????

[pandaking]

It would seem the 308 is not such a good choice, I really like the auto calibration feaures I've heard about and would gladly pay a little more to get such a thing.

If the 507 is out and so is the 308, how do these stack up in your excellent opinions:
YAMAHA RXV465 - £220
SONY STRDH800 - £240

On another thread, and also in many reviews people talk about the Onkyo 607 being good. Is it really that much better than the two listed above? As it's £300 it's out my budget at the moment, but I could buy the nice 1010i speakers later and make do with some random ones I've got here if it really was worth the extra cash...

[logiciel]

Originally Posted by pandaking

Richer Sounds staff and it turns out the ONKYO TXSR507 doesn't have HDMI Audio

Couldn't be more wrong. What do they think the four HDMI sockets on the back are for?

Originally Posted by pandaking

I think the Onkyo should be more than good enough for my needs though....If the 507 is out

That was about the 507 and it certainly would be more than enough as the needs stand now - but why is it out? For the future though it would be excellent - and so would the 607, with more power and two more HDMIs!

http://www.quantumelectronics.co.uk/...mplifiers.html

[pandaking]

Ahh cool, I didn't really check anywhere other than richer sounds. I always feel more comfortable being able to go into a shop and moan if it doesn't work :P

But if you reccomend that place I can give them a go, so the 507 is back on!

Short-list (for your scrutiny):
ONKYO TX-SR507 - £220 <- Current favourite it would seem.
YAMAHA RXV465 - £220
SONY STRDH800 - £240

Thanks for all the help so far, really appreciated everyone

[logiciel]

You can't go wrong with AVF Assured Advertisers - highly recommended and they won't mind you moaning.

[pandaking]

Great info thanks! So what do you make of my list for you to scrutinise?

I don't think I need the 607 features, as I'm only using 2 HDMI ports as it is and I won't need more power for the 1010i's.

[Jiminy Cricket]

This has been a good read I am going to add the 507 to my own shortlist too I think.

[Ian J]

This is the second thread that pandaking and Jiminy Cricket are performing their double act in.

Both are posting from the same computer and one is hiding behind an anonymous proxy too so I will close this thread until you let me know what you're up to