Audio Era: Because Sound Matters

RedlineRonin · Jun 23, 2018

Bumrush said:
Actually still don't know. They mostly all seem very similar. Around $200 / pair with roughly the same reviews. You hear anything about onbrand over the other?

Also, what's the best sound format for high quality music? Most of my use will be movies / TV but it'd be nice to take advantage of the systems full capabilities

For Atmos speakers you want something with decently wide dispersion. You don't want to be able to go "oh yep the sound is right there exactly where that speaker is" but more like "yep it's in that general direction". It should be listed in the specs for most speakers. Aimable is a plus.

Bumrush · Jun 23, 2018

RedlineRonin said:
For Atmos speakers you want something with decently wide dispersion. You don't want to be able to go "oh yep the sound is right there exactly where that speaker is" but more like "yep it's in that general direction". It should be listed in the specs for most speakers. Aimable is a plus.

Okay sweet, that helps!

SweetSark · Jun 23, 2018

Is there a general guide which can help me with a problem I have with my headphones?

Specifically I am trying to convert the quality of the sound to be suitable for the headphones, but they end up to be playing like I am having sound speakers...
Anytime I select to have quality for headphones, it doesn't play music/sound...

I am using Asus Supremefx 3.

MosquitoSmasher · Jun 23, 2018

So...... a few things.

A completely wireless home cinema experience that is great for gaming. I'm gonna have to look at the rather pricey Sonos for this eh? Sadly they still don't support DTS or Atmos. Are there other alternatives?

Let's say I ignore Atmos and wireless and I just want a real good affordable home cinema set, which one?

Last but not least, soundbars. Are they worth it for Atmos or will any real good (non Atmos supporting) soundbar do great as well?

molnizzle · Jun 23, 2018

MosquitoSmasher said:
So...... a few things.

A completely wireless home cinema experience that is great for gaming. I'm gonna have to look at the rather pricey Sonos for this eh? Sadly they still don't support DTS or Atmos. Are there other alternatives?

Let's say I ignore Atmos and wireless and I just want a real good affordable home cinema set, which one?

Last but not least, soundbars. Are they worth it for Atmos or will any real good (non Atmos supporting) soundbar do great as well?

Plenty of options but they're all rather expensive. You end up paying a lot of money for halfway decen quality if you want a wireleass, soundbar-based Atmos setup.

Why wireless?

MosquitoSmasher · Jun 23, 2018

molnizzle said:
Plenty of options but they're all rather expensive. You end up paying a lot of money for halfway decen quality if you want a wireleass, soundbar-based Atmos setup.

Why wireless?

I kinda hate the wires but I don't hate it enough to pay those prices for it, haha.

I do like the idea of multiroom speakers, but that's a different story. I'm just looking for a really good sound for movies and games when I just don't want to use the headphones at that time.

molnizzle · Jun 23, 2018

MosquitoSmasher said:
I kinda hate the wires but I don't hate it enough to pay those prices for it, haha.

I do like the idea of multiroom speakers, but that's a different story. I'm just looking for a really good sound for movies and games when I just don't want to use the headphones at that time.

Honestly you might just want to wait for HDMI 2.1 soundbar systems to pair with an HDMI 2.1 TV. If you're serious about wanting an Atmos setup.

MosquitoSmasher · Jun 23, 2018

molnizzle said:
Honestly you might just want to wait for HDMI 2.1 soundbar systems to pair with an HDMI 2.1 TV. If you're serious about wanting an Atmos setup.

That's the thing though, I have no idea if Atmos with a soundbar is worth it. Also I don't know if my Sony 930e is HDMI 2.1.

Bumrush · Jun 23, 2018

MosquitoSmasher said:
That's the thing though, I have no idea if Atmos with a soundbar is worth it. Also I don't know if my Sony 930e is HDMI 2.1.

It's not, no TV on the market right now is 2.1 certified. Likely to come in 2019 but not guaranteed

RZetko · Jun 24, 2018

RedlineRonin said:
Sounds dumb, but might be worth asking in the TV thread. I think a couple of those guys have some of the Atmos soundbars and could probably give you impressions (I don't think any of them hang out in this thread, unfortunately)

Thanks for advice, I'll try that.

Soriku · Jun 24, 2018

Will the 26PF I have's sub out support any subwoofer or will there he limitations?

Was interested in the Klipsch 112SW maybe around BF if there's a deal unless someone has any other recommendations.

Westonian · Jun 24, 2018

Soriku said:
Will the 26PF I have's sub out support any subwoofer or will there he limitations?

No real limitations. You'll want to enable bass management you've connected the sub. You're limited to an 80 Hz crossover, but that's not really that big of a deal.

As for recommendations, what is your primary use? What's your budget? How big is the room?

Soriku · Jun 24, 2018

Westonian said:
No real limitations. You'll want to enable bass management you've connected the sub. You're limited to an 80 Hz crossover, but that's not really that big of a deal.

As for recommendations, what is your primary use? What's your budget? How big is the room?

Music/games primarily. Maybe something like $300 tops, would be willing to wait till BF or some other really good deal. And it's not that big of a room.

molnizzle · Jun 24, 2018

Soriku said:
Music/games primarily. Maybe something like $300 tops, would be willing to wait till BF or some other really good deal. And it's not that big of a room.

https://emotiva.com/collections/subwoofers/products/basx-s10

Or for a much better sub at a slightly higher price, the Monolith 10 THX for $400 when the next 25% off eBay coupon hits.

Bumrush · Jun 24, 2018

molnizzle said:
https://emotiva.com/collections/subwoofers/products/basx-s10

Or for a much better sub at a slightly higher price, the Monolith 10 THX for $400 when the next 25% off eBay coupon hits.

Can you PLEASE post that coupon the next time it happens. I want to use it on the 12"

molnizzle · Jun 24, 2018

Bumrush said:
Can you PLEASE post that coupon the next time it happens. I want to use it on the 12"

I'll try. I lucked out last time and happened to check my email on the right day. =)

It also gets posted on AVS, usually. There was also a thread for it here on Era because people like to use it to buy consoles.

Tends to be every 1-3 months or so. Last time was for Father's Day.

Bumrush · Jun 24, 2018

molnizzle said:
I'll try. I lucked out last time and happened to check my email on the right day. =)

It also gets posted on AVS, usually. There was also a thread for it here on Era because people like to use it to buy consoles.

Tends to be every 1-3 months or so. Last time was for Father's Day.

Oh ok that's pretty often! Thanks man

Soriku · Jun 24, 2018

molnizzle said:
https://emotiva.com/collections/subwoofers/products/basx-s10

Or for a much better sub at a slightly higher price, the Monolith 10 THX for $400 when the next 25% off eBay coupon hits.

Thanks would that Emotiva be any better than the Klipsch 112SW or R12SW?

ATOMICJORGE · Jun 25, 2018

Hello everybody first time posting here I was wondering if anyone can help me, does anyone knows if the Astro 40 TR "PC" headset is also fully compatible with the Xbox One? I know Astro is overpriced but I need one because of their mixamp functionality (being able to listen to both PC and console at the same time and using the mic on PC) this is helpful for my content creation / streamer setup, thank you in advance!

RedlineRonin · Jun 25, 2018

ATOMICJORGE said:
Hello everybody first time posting here I was wondering if anyone can help me, does anyone knows if the Astro 40 TR "PC" headset is also fully compatible with the Xbox One? I know Astro is overpriced but I need one because of their mixamp functionality (being able to listen to both PC and console at the same time and using the mic on PC) this is helpful for my content creation / streamer setup, thank you in advance!

For Xbox One and PS4 users, the A40 TR headset can plug into the 3.5mm jack directly on the controller for stereo sound and voice chat.

https://www.astrogaming.com/headsets/A40-TR.html?psids=3AH4T-AGX9N-506,MIXAMPS-PC-PROTR-BLACK,MOD-KIT,A40-TAGS&pid=A40-TR

Also, fwiw, I have A50s and I don't think they're overpriced. I've had them for three years and they've gotten maybe thousands of hours of usage at this point and I've never had any issues with them.

ATOMICJORGE · Jun 25, 2018

RedlineRonin said:
https://www.astrogaming.com/headsets/A40-TR.html?psids=3AH4T-AGX9N-506,MIXAMPS-PC-PROTR-BLACK,MOD-KIT,A40-TAGS&pid=A40-TR

Also, fwiw, I have A50s and I don't think they're overpriced. I've had them for three years and they've gotten maybe thousands of hours of usage at this point and I've never had any issues with them.

Awesome thank you I had the A50s gen 1 BF4 edition since 2013 but sadly they broke a couple of months ago, I also think they are worth it, thanks again!

Outrun · Jun 25, 2018

Man.... Those ATMOS 7.1.4 receivers are expensive....

123rl · Jun 25, 2018

Outrun said:
Man.... Those ATMOS 7.1.4 receivers are expensive....

It annoys me that 5.1.2>anything with 4 atmos channels is such a huge leap. I have a mid-range amp from 2016 and it's 5.1.2. I'd have to get a 2018 model that's two products further up the hierarchy to get 7.1.4. I just can't justify it at all

RedlineRonin · Jun 25, 2018

Outrun said:
Man.... Those ATMOS 7.1.4 receivers are expensive....

Which one?

123rl said:
It annoys me that 5.1.2>anything with 4 atmos channels is such a huge leap. I have a mid-range amp from 2016 and it's 5.1.2. I'd have to get a 2018 model that's two products further up the hierarchy to get 7.1.4. I just can't justify it at all

does yours have preouts?

Outrun · Jun 25, 2018

RedlineRonin said:
Which one?

The ones that can power 11 speakers plus the sub without the need of an external amp.

If you have some value options, please let me know :)

RedlineRonin · Jun 25, 2018

Outrun said:
The ones that can power 11 speakers plus the sub without the need of an external amp.

If you have some value options, please let me know :)

looks like $2200 is about the cheapest?

Deleted member 22585 · Jun 25, 2018

Need some sound for my small entertainment room. Am on a budget. Thinking about two simple speaker to enhance the sound of my TV for games and movies. The Edifier r1280t are generally well reviewed and pretty cheap at around 80€. Thinking about buying them.

Or does anyone have a better alternative? Don't want to spend more than around 100 bucks right now.

NEE HEE HEE · Jun 25, 2018

MosquitoSmasher said:
So...... a few things.

A completely wireless home cinema experience that is great for gaming. I'm gonna have to look at the rather pricey Sonos for this eh? Sadly they still don't support DTS or Atmos. Are there other alternatives?

Let's say I ignore Atmos and wireless and I just want a real good affordable home cinema set, which one?

Last but not least, soundbars. Are they worth it for Atmos or will any real good (non Atmos supporting) soundbar do great as well?

Currently I'm using RocketFish for my surround sound speakers and it works great. Rocketfish will transmit whatever 2 speakers are connected to the transmitter to the receiver which connects to the audio receiver.

molnizzle · Jun 25, 2018

Outrun said:
The ones that can power 11 speakers plus the sub without the need of an external amp.

If you have some value options, please let me know :)

Get one that needs an external amp. You can get a super inexpensive stereo amp to power 2 of the heights since they need way less juice than the conventional 7.1 channels. That's the most cost-effective method of getting full 7.1.4, which is exactly why the AVR companies set them up like that. It ends up being way cheaper for the consumer.

Sign up for Fry's email code and jump on the next Denon X4400H for $900. Or order a factory refurb from Accessories4Less for $999. Then when you're ready to move to Atmos, snag something like this to drive your rear heights. All the power they'll need.

MosquitoSmasher · Jun 27, 2018

Guys, if you had to choose...

A Sony HT X 9000f soundbar from 2018 that supports Atmos.

Onkyo 5.1 cinema set from 2016 that supports Dolby Digital but not Atmos?

Both around the same price.

Bumrush · Jun 27, 2018

Any reason you guys wouldn't buy a certified refurbished Denon receiver? They're generally ~40% cheaper and (unless I'm missing something) receivers are not like TVs or cars where the previous owner may have beat the shit out of them

Timu · Jun 27, 2018

Bumrush said:
Any reason you guys wouldn't buy a certified refurbished Denon receiver? They're generally ~40% cheaper and (unless I'm missing something) receivers are not like TVs or cars where the previous owner may have beat the shit out of them

I don't see why not, I love my Denon receiver.

Powerofthecloud · Jun 27, 2018

Bumrush said:
Any reason you guys wouldn't buy a certified refurbished Denon receiver? They're generally ~40% cheaper and (unless I'm missing something) receivers are not like TVs or cars where the previous owner may have beat the shit out of them

I bought a certified refurb avr-3805 in 2005. Has been replaced since then as the main but still works.

CthulhuSars · Jun 28, 2018

Bumrush said:
Any reason you guys wouldn't buy a certified refurbished Denon receiver? They're generally ~40% cheaper and (unless I'm missing something) receivers are not like TVs or cars where the previous owner may have beat the shit out of them

You can never go wrong with a refurbished receiver.

ara · Jun 28, 2018

Any good bluetooth headphones around that are similar to the Sennheiser HD598/599? I.e. open, light, incredibly comfortable and they sound great. I know the BT part kinda makes sure they'll probably never sound as good as the Sennheisers, but I'll take a solid good sound. They need to be really comfortable, though.

Gonna be sticking to the Sennheisers at home, but I'm increasingly loving the wireless future when I'm out thanks to the Airpods. The sound quality on these things isn't the best, however.

Stiler · Jun 28, 2018

Bumrush said:
Any reason you guys wouldn't buy a certified refurbished Denon receiver? They're generally ~40% cheaper and (unless I'm missing something) receivers are not like TVs or cars where the previous owner may have beat the shit out of them

No reason not to, they are generally quite a decent price difference too.

Bumrush · Jun 28, 2018

Timu said:
I don't see why not, I love my Denon receiver.

Powerofthecloud said:
I bought a certified refurb avr-3805 in 2005. Has been replaced since then as the main but still works.

CthulhuSars said:
You can never go wrong with a refurbished receiver.

Stiler said:
No reason not to, they are generally quite a decent price difference too.

Thank you all. Seems like a smart decision

RedlineRonin · Jun 29, 2018

Paging Mr. Bumrush . Mr Bumrush your table is ready...

https://slickdeals.net/f/11749231-ebay-sitewide-coupon-15-off-friday-june-29-2018

Bumrush · Jun 29, 2018

RedlineRonin said:
Paging Mr. Bumrush . Mr Bumrush your table is ready...

https://slickdeals.net/f/11749231-ebay-sitewide-coupon-15-off-friday-june-29-2018

You are an absolute saint. Buying things tonight.

Bumrush · Jun 29, 2018

RedlineRonin what am I missing here...why is this so cheap?

https://m.ebay.com/itm/Denon-AVR-X3...359956&hash=item41ccb85082:g:j1wAAOSwg8taPRiV

RedlineRonin · Jun 29, 2018

Bumrush said:
RedlineRonin what am I missing here...why is this so cheap?

https://m.ebay.com/itm/Denon-AVR-X3...359956&hash=item41ccb85082:g:j1wAAOSwg8taPRiV

Honestly looks legit. Even the fine print for the dealer in the description seems pretty alright. They'll even replace at no cost to you if it's defective. Have to pay w/ Paypal. Looks fine other than that.

You can actually click to see item specific feedback for that vendor and it's all positive. one dude had a defective one and they replaced it and added a 5 yr warranty. pretty solid.

Bumrush · Jun 29, 2018

RedlineRonin said:
Honestly looks legit. Even the fine print for the dealer in the description seems pretty alright. They'll even replace at no cost to you if it's defective. Have to pay w/ Paypal. Looks fine other than that.

You can actually click to see item specific feedback for that vendor and it's all positive. one dude had a defective one and they replaced it and added a 5 yr warranty. pretty solid.

That's what I thought as well! Thanks!

Ponchito · Jun 29, 2018

I've always had 5.1.

Right now I have a pretty good Harman Kardon receiver and speakers with a Yamaha sub. Looking to replace the receiver soon because it doesn't support 4K/HDR. I have the PS4 Pro and had to hook it up directly to the TV and with optical to the receiver for surround sound.

For headphones I have Audio Technica. Love this brand. Very good sound quality, noise canceling and build.

Bumrush · Jun 29, 2018

RedlineRonin said:
Honestly looks legit. Even the fine print for the dealer in the description seems pretty alright. They'll even replace at no cost to you if it's defective. Have to pay w/ Paypal. Looks fine other than that.

You can actually click to see item specific feedback for that vendor and it's all positive. one dude had a defective one and they replaced it and added a 5 yr warranty. pretty solid.

Ordered it. $560 shipped brand new...not bad AT ALL.

Now I need some speakers to see if it's working lol

Timu · Jun 29, 2018

Ponchito said:
For headphones I have Audio Technica. Love this brand. Very good sound quality, noise canceling and build.

Yep, I'm on the Audio Technica ATH-M40xs and sounds great for the price.

Stinkles · Jun 29, 2018

MosquitoSmasher said:
So...... a few things.

A completely wireless home cinema experience that is great for gaming. I'm gonna have to look at the rather pricey Sonos for this eh? Sadly they still don't support DTS or Atmos. Are there other alternatives?

Let's say I ignore Atmos and wireless and I just want a real good affordable home cinema set, which one?

Last but not least, soundbars. Are they worth it for Atmos or will any real good (non Atmos supporting) soundbar do great as well?

If you are getting a soundbar for fidelity there's a lot of decent options -- but if you want one for positional information in games - and Atmos effects - Yamaha is the only brand I've had experience with that actually works in terms of placing the audio in the right locations - but their Atmos bars are really expensive. They work great but it's not a cost saver and it's really only rational for folks who want simplicity or can't place real speakers.

But the YSP models really do work - I use one in my gaming setup and positional audio is perfect -footsteps intended to be above and behind you - sound like they're above and behind you.

Looks like Yamaha owns a lot of patents on reflective audio.

But real speakers make more sense if your setup permits.

Jet Jaguar · Jun 29, 2018

I'll be running my PC to a receiver for stereo output, and wanted some advice

Is it better to run the PC using the HDMI output for sound or would optical be better? Plus would it be better to get a DAC for the PC first?

I'll be running it in a stereo setup on the av receiver and will be for games, music and films.

Will be using a Marantz receiver along with Monitor Audio floor standing speakers

Stinkles · Jun 29, 2018

Jet Jaguar said:
I'll be running my PC to a receiver for stereo output, and wanted some advice

Is it better to run the PC using the HDMI output for sound or would optical be better? Plus would it be better to get a DAC for the PC first?

I'll be running it in a stereo setup on the av receiver and will be for games, music and films.

Will be using a Marantz receiver along with Monitor Audio floor standing speakers

I like optical because it's dedicated and it's one less thing to go wrong in the pass-through horror of HDMI 2.0, HDR and sync issues - but I'm not sure how PCs deal with sound compared to the fairly simply SpIDF out on a console or a dedicated Blu Ray player.

Jet Jaguar · Jun 29, 2018

Stinkles said:
I like optical because it's dedicated and it's one less thing to go wrong in the pass-through horror of HDMI 2.0, HDR and sync issues - but I'm not sure how PCs deal with sound compared to the fairly simply SpIDF out on a console or a dedicated Blu Ray player.

For my blu ray set up I use the HDMI but haven't ever had any sync issues luckily.

I'm just not sure the best way to do it using a PC. I'll probably try out both the HDMI output and the optical.

Stinkles · Jun 29, 2018

Jet Jaguar said:
For my blu ray set up I use the HDMI but haven't ever had any sync issues luckily.

I'm just not sure the best way to do it using a PC. I'll probably try out both the HDMI output and the optical.

I also like optical because it's easy to pull out of my smurf tubes! Not so easy to rethread tho...

Audio Era: Because Sound Matters

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