5.1 sound on the cheap!

davep · 15-02-2002, 10:25

I moved my old Pioneer 606 DVD into my bedroom and I'm thinking it would be nice to have DD 5.1 speakers for the few times I may watch a film in bed!

As it won't be very often I don't want to spend much money on them and they need to be small. I was thinking of the PC type from say Creative or Videologic. Obviously the amp needs either a Tos link or SP/DIF input but little else.

Any recommedations anyone? Try to keep the price around £100 if possible!

Thanks

DaveP

davep · 26-02-2002, 11:09

Following the overwhelming response of suggestions I have decided to go for the Videologic ZXR-500.

I'm sure you are all dying to know how they perform so I shall update you after they have been installed. Delivery will be about a week.

DaveP

Craig_E · 26-02-2002, 11:52

Where did you get it from, and for how much?

davep · 26-02-2002, 15:02

£70.43 including VAT and P&P, from DABS

If you are thinking of buying this, be aware that you require a DVD player with onboard decoder. (ie, six phono sockets, one for each channel)

DaveP

Craig_E · 26-02-2002, 21:09

Poo. My dvd player has that but i doubt at that price they can rival my current ones!

I really wanted something to hook up to my playstation 2 and xbox so i didnt have to tie the tv/dvd up, but they dont have 6 phono output

davep · 27-02-2002, 08:41

I perhaps should have said that they do not have Co-Ax or Optical inputs. They are designed primarily for a PC. Check out their web site to see the connections: http://www.videologic.co.uk/Factsheets/VL-60587.pdf

DaveP

George L · 27-02-2002, 10:45

Quote:

Originally posted by davep
£70.43 including VAT and P&P, from DABS

Or £68.14 inc. from Simply (free delivery) if you
want to save a few quid

Quote:

If you are thinking of buying this, be aware that you require a DVD player with onboard decoder. (ie, six phono sockets, one for each channel)

That's what I've got and I too was wondering what sort of budget speaker system would be needed to attach to it. Please let us know what the ZXR-500 is like.

What other recommendations did you get out of interest (or did the fact that none appear above mean no-one bothered)?

davep · 27-02-2002, 10:57

Luckily for me there is a review of PC Speaker systems in the April issue of Personal Computer World. I didn't get a single recommendation from anyone else!

Their best buy was the Creative Inspire 5300. This is designed to work with their latest sound card and I have been unable to find out exactly what the sockets on it are. they appear to be mini stero jacks (3) each sharing two of the surround channels.

DaveP

davep · 04-03-2002, 10:42

Well, for anyone who is interested the speakers arrived Friday which is good as it was the day after the stocks arrived at Dabs.

I've installed them over the weekend. I initial problem occured as a result of me having high expectations: My first DVD I played only came out the left and right front speakes. The rest, including the Sub were dead.

On checking the DVD case it transpired that the sound was only 2 channel PCM so the problem was down to the fact that there is no Dolby Pro Logic!

This is not a problem if you only have 5.1 source material but I miss it for music DVDs that I have in my collection that are pre 5.1 technology.

Anyway, the important thing is that the sound of a 5.1 movie (The Generals Daughter) was stunning in its presentation, the 3D sound stage was really good and seemed better than my main set up!

Sound quality wise it seems to lack Bass punch and it could do with a bit more power but for £70 I think it will take some beating. If you spend twice as much you can choose between the Yamaha or the more expensive Videogic LC set

DaveP

George L · 04-03-2002, 12:16

Quote:

Originally posted by davep
Well, for anyone who is interested the speakers arrived Friday which is good as it was the day after the stocks arrived at Dabs.

Yes I'm interested! In fact I was wondering very recently how
soon it would be before you'd post your "review" as promised.

Quote:

Anyway, the important think is that the sound of a 5.1 movie (The Generals Daughter) was stunning in its presentation, the 3D sound stage was really good and seemed better than my main set up!

So it seems like they're great as long as the DVD you're playing has 5.1 sound.

Is this the case with most these days, i.e. is 5.1 pretty much standard? (sorry I'm relatively new to DVD)

Thanks,
George

davep · 04-03-2002, 13:06

All new DVD film releases should be in DD 5.1. If you import Region 1 you'll probably get DTS as an alternative which should also sound great.

The only problem you might get is if you buy a DVD version of an old film. Always check the small print on the back of the DVD case or check on the site selling the DVD what sound format is supported.

DaveP

feyaz · 04-03-2002, 13:48

DABS are ba$7ard$ they told me that they make up their own minimum requirments instead of using the manufacturers recommendations, I bought a WINTV nova-t DVB they have collected it but I still aint got my money back.

George L · 08-03-2002, 22:36

Got my VideoLogic speakers today. Spent the best part of
half an hour connecting everything up then went to
switch on the DVD player and...

Nothing! It doesn't come on at all, no lights on the display or
anything. My Cyberhome ADL528 seems to have died.

I tried changing the fuse in the power cord but no luck.

Anyone got any advice before I ring WHSmith (where I
bought it from). ISTR the person
in the shop said if it went wrong in the first year they'd
come and collect it for repair.

Thanks.

Skip Channel · 09-03-2002, 03:39

I have this player - infact I'm on my second one. The first one didn't properly come on: the display didn't light up (though it looked slightly brighter when turned on) but the Cyberhome picture appeared on the screen. There was no menu though and it didn't respond to any button presses - either on the remote or on the unit itself.

There was nothing to it than to get a replacement.

George L · 11-03-2002, 21:11

After unplugging it all I can now see what (presumably) the problem is. One of the two prongs on the power cord socket is completely pushed inwards, and therefore isn't making contact with the mains lead, hence no power.

There doesn't seem to be any way of extracting it simply because you can't get a grip on the thing to pull it out, even with a tiny pair of pliers.

It's infuriating to think I might have to have the thing sent away just because of this seemingly minor fault. Would I be voiding the warranty by taking the cover off and seeing if it was accessible from inside (to push it back to where it should be)?

Failing that it looks like a phone call to their service centre tomorrow.

Thanks,
George

George L · 17-03-2002, 16:46

Full marks to Cyberhome! I rang their service centre and after giving them the serial number and a few other details they arranged to ship a new machine and collect the old one in two days time. This was duly done and I've once again connected my new ZXR-500 speakers.

First impressions are very good (once I put in a DVD that supported 5.1!). I seem to have to turn the sub-woofer up to full to get the bass to sound right - don't know if that's normal(?)

davep · 19-03-2002, 08:54

I think it's normal, as I said in my earlier post:

Quote:

Sound quality wise it seems to lack Bass punch and it could do with a bit more power

I can't put my sub anywhere else but you may want to try to position it in different places, in a corner, near a wall, away from a wall. That sort of thing.

DaveP

pyphon · 19-03-2002, 13:13

I got the Sony DAV-S800 for £399.99 (half price) with my Sony KD28DX40 £979.99 on sunday.

davep · 19-03-2002, 13:53

A Bargain it may be, but I don't call it Cheap!

DaveP

D.Coder · 26-03-2002, 21:21

markrlaker wrote

Quote:

I got the Sony DAV-S800 for £399.99 (half price) with my Sony KD28DX40 £979.99 on sunday.

From where?

pyphon · 27-03-2002, 22:14

Northern Electric Retail, (Tyne Tees Area)

joantbak · 28-03-2002, 17:31

For a decent all-in-one setup try <http://www.morgancomputers.co.uk> their latest flyer has them offering the VideoLogic DigiTheatre 5.1 system for £152.74 (£100 off)
the basic connections are Coax in Optical In and L&R analog in.

15-02-2002, 10:25	#1
davep Forum Member Join Date: Sep 2001 Location: Oxfordshire, UK Posts: 1,107	5.1 sound on the cheap! I moved my old Pioneer 606 DVD into my bedroom and I'm thinking it would be nice to have DD 5.1 speakers for the few times I may watch a film in bed! As it won't be very often I don't want to spend much money on them and they need to be small. I was thinking of the PC type from say Creative or Videologic. Obviously the amp needs either a Tos link or SP/DIF input but little else. Any recommedations anyone? Try to keep the price around £100 if possible! Thanks DaveP

08-03-2002, 22:36	#13
George L Forum Member Join Date: Feb 2002 Posts: 302	DVD Player Died Got my VideoLogic speakers today. Spent the best part of half an hour connecting everything up then went to switch on the DVD player and... Nothing! It doesn't come on at all, no lights on the display or anything. My Cyberhome ADL528 seems to have died. I tried changing the fuse in the power cord but no luck. Anyone got any advice before I ring WHSmith (where I bought it from). ISTR the person in the shop said if it went wrong in the first year they'd come and collect it for repair. Thanks.

09-03-2002, 03:39	#14
Skip Channel Forum Member Join Date: Aug 2000 Posts: 4,656	Problems with Cyberhome ADL528 I have this player - infact I'm on my second one. The first one didn't properly come on: the display didn't light up (though it looked slightly brighter when turned on) but the Cyberhome picture appeared on the screen. There was no menu though and it didn't respond to any button presses - either on the remote or on the unit itself. There was nothing to it than to get a replacement.

11-03-2002, 21:11	#15
George L Forum Member Join Date: Feb 2002 Posts: 302	Re: DVD Player Died After unplugging it all I can now see what (presumably) the problem is. One of the two prongs on the power cord socket is completely pushed inwards, and therefore isn't making contact with the mains lead, hence no power. There doesn't seem to be any way of extracting it simply because you can't get a grip on the thing to pull it out, even with a tiny pair of pliers. It's infuriating to think I might have to have the thing sent away just because of this seemingly minor fault. Would I be voiding the warranty by taking the cover off and seeing if it was accessible from inside (to push it back to where it should be)? Failing that it looks like a phone call to their service centre tomorrow. Thanks, George

17-03-2002, 16:46	#16
George L Forum Member Join Date: Feb 2002 Posts: 302	DVD Player Replaced! Full marks to Cyberhome! I rang their service centre and after giving them the serial number and a few other details they arranged to ship a new machine and collect the old one in two days time. This was duly done and I've once again connected my new ZXR-500 speakers. First impressions are very good (once I put in a DVD that supported 5.1!). I seem to have to turn the sub-woofer up to full to get the bass to sound right - don't know if that's normal(?)

26-02-2002, 11:09	#2
davep Forum Member Join Date: Sep 2001 Location: Oxfordshire, UK Posts: 1,107	Following the overwhelming response of suggestions I have decided to go for the Videologic ZXR-500. I'm sure you are all dying to know how they perform so I shall update you after they have been installed. Delivery will be about a week. DaveP

26-02-2002, 11:52	#3
Craig_E Forum Member Join Date: Oct 2001 Location: Birmingham; XboxLiveTag=in5ane Posts: 3,697	Where did you get it from, and for how much?

26-02-2002, 15:02	#4
davep Forum Member Join Date: Sep 2001 Location: Oxfordshire, UK Posts: 1,107	£70.43 including VAT and P&P, from DABS If you are thinking of buying this, be aware that you require a DVD player with onboard decoder. (ie, six phono sockets, one for each channel) DaveP

26-02-2002, 21:09	#5
Craig_E Forum Member Join Date: Oct 2001 Location: Birmingham; XboxLiveTag=in5ane Posts: 3,697	Poo. My dvd player has that but i doubt at that price they can rival my current ones! I really wanted something to hook up to my playstation 2 and xbox so i didnt have to tie the tv/dvd up, but they dont have 6 phono output

27-02-2002, 08:41	#6
davep Forum Member Join Date: Sep 2001 Location: Oxfordshire, UK Posts: 1,107	I perhaps should have said that they do not have Co-Ax or Optical inputs. They are designed primarily for a PC. Check out their web site to see the connections: http://www.videologic.co.uk/Factsheets/VL-60587.pdf DaveP

27-02-2002, 10:45	#7
George L Forum Member Join Date: Feb 2002 Posts: 302	Quote: Originally posted by davep £70.43 including VAT and P&P, from DABS Or £68.14 inc. from Simply (free delivery) if you want to save a few quid Quote: If you are thinking of buying this, be aware that you require a DVD player with onboard decoder. (ie, six phono sockets, one for each channel) That's what I've got and I too was wondering what sort of budget speaker system would be needed to attach to it. Please let us know what the ZXR-500 is like. What other recommendations did you get out of interest (or did the fact that none appear above mean no-one bothered)?

27-02-2002, 10:57	#8
davep Forum Member Join Date: Sep 2001 Location: Oxfordshire, UK Posts: 1,107	Luckily for me there is a review of PC Speaker systems in the April issue of Personal Computer World. I didn't get a single recommendation from anyone else! Their best buy was the Creative Inspire 5300. This is designed to work with their latest sound card and I have been unable to find out exactly what the sockets on it are. they appear to be mini stero jacks (3) each sharing two of the surround channels. DaveP

04-03-2002, 10:42	#9
davep Forum Member Join Date: Sep 2001 Location: Oxfordshire, UK Posts: 1,107	Well, for anyone who is interested the speakers arrived Friday which is good as it was the day after the stocks arrived at Dabs. I've installed them over the weekend. I initial problem occured as a result of me having high expectations: My first DVD I played only came out the left and right front speakes. The rest, including the Sub were dead. On checking the DVD case it transpired that the sound was only 2 channel PCM so the problem was down to the fact that there is no Dolby Pro Logic! This is not a problem if you only have 5.1 source material but I miss it for music DVDs that I have in my collection that are pre 5.1 technology. Anyway, the important thing is that the sound of a 5.1 movie (The Generals Daughter) was stunning in its presentation, the 3D sound stage was really good and seemed better than my main set up! Sound quality wise it seems to lack Bass punch and it could do with a bit more power but for £70 I think it will take some beating. If you spend twice as much you can choose between the Yamaha or the more expensive Videogic LC set DaveP

04-03-2002, 12:16	#10
George L Forum Member Join Date: Feb 2002 Posts: 302	Quote: Originally posted by davep Well, for anyone who is interested the speakers arrived Friday which is good as it was the day after the stocks arrived at Dabs. Yes I'm interested! In fact I was wondering very recently how soon it would be before you'd post your "review" as promised. Quote: Anyway, the important think is that the sound of a 5.1 movie (The Generals Daughter) was stunning in its presentation, the 3D sound stage was really good and seemed better than my main set up! So it seems like they're great as long as the DVD you're playing has 5.1 sound. Is this the case with most these days, i.e. is 5.1 pretty much standard? (sorry I'm relatively new to DVD) Thanks, George

04-03-2002, 13:06	#11
davep Forum Member Join Date: Sep 2001 Location: Oxfordshire, UK Posts: 1,107	All new DVD film releases should be in DD 5.1. If you import Region 1 you'll probably get DTS as an alternative which should also sound great. The only problem you might get is if you buy a DVD version of an old film. Always check the small print on the back of the DVD case or check on the site selling the DVD what sound format is supported. DaveP

04-03-2002, 13:48	#12
feyaz Forum Member Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: bromley and oxford Posts: 356	DABS are ba$7ard$ they told me that they make up their own minimum requirments instead of using the manufacturers recommendations, I bought a WINTV nova-t DVB they have collected it but I still aint got my money back.

19-03-2002, 08:54	#17
davep Forum Member Join Date: Sep 2001 Location: Oxfordshire, UK Posts: 1,107	I think it's normal, as I said in my earlier post: Quote: Sound quality wise it seems to lack Bass punch and it could do with a bit more power I can't put my sub anywhere else but you may want to try to position it in different places, in a corner, near a wall, away from a wall. That sort of thing. DaveP

19-03-2002, 13:13	#18
pyphon Forum Member Join Date: Dec 2000 Location: Teesside Posts: 2,545	I got the Sony DAV-S800 for £399.99 (half price) with my Sony KD28DX40 £979.99 on sunday.

19-03-2002, 13:53	#19
davep Forum Member Join Date: Sep 2001 Location: Oxfordshire, UK Posts: 1,107	A Bargain it may be, but I don't call it Cheap! DaveP

26-03-2002, 21:21	#20
D.Coder Forum Member Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: Kent Posts: 28	markrlaker wrote Quote: I got the Sony DAV-S800 for £399.99 (half price) with my Sony KD28DX40 £979.99 on sunday. From where?

27-03-2002, 22:14	#21
pyphon Forum Member Join Date: Dec 2000 Location: Teesside Posts: 2,545	Northern Electric Retail, (Tyne Tees Area)

28-03-2002, 17:31	#22
joantbak Forum Member Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Cornwall Posts: 193	For a decent all-in-one setup try <http://www.morgancomputers.co.uk> their latest flyer has them offering the VideoLogic DigiTheatre 5.1 system for £152.74 (£100 off) the basic connections are Coax in Optical In and L&R analog in.

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5.1 sound on the cheap!