Audio video instalation?

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tonyou812

tonyou812

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North New Jersey
I was asked by a customer today if I was interested in installing a new flat screen with componets and surround sound. Ive installed plenty of flat screens in my time but I cant say the same for surround sound equipment. What would be a good place to find some info on how to handle this type of work. Or any advice would be greatly appreciated. Im thinking a 50" flat screen. But what would be a good surround system to accompany this? Would a box set be ok? Are wireless speakers worth the price? How do you go about placing the speakers in the room? Where does the bass go?
 
tonyou812 said:
But what would be a good surround system to accompany this? Would a box set be ok? Are wireless speakers worth the price? How do you go about placing the speakers in the room? Where does the bass go?
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So many variables; where to start?

First, you have to make a list of source components, such as DVD player, cable or satellite box, VCR, etc., and include the best video and audio connections for each one.

Then you need to decidee whether the A/V receiver will do the source-component switching, or if you'll be using the TV to switch between source components.

You also have to decide whether the TV will be used as a monitor only, requiring firing up the system every time, or if they'll want the option of using only the TV at times.

If you want to talk on the phone, PM me via the forum's messaging function, and I'll give you my phone number.


Added: I'm a member of the AVS forum, too, although I haven't posted there in a while; it got boring.
 
The instruction manual for my Sony STR-DG500 surround sound system shows how things should be layed out on page 13. Since I can't hand you a copy of my manual, how about instead you go to this link and look at page 13...
http://www.docs.sony.com/release/STRDG500.pdf

I also have a Sony SA-WX700 subwoofer which has two speakers! One of these speakers points to the floor. I live in Oregon and the closest store I could find to buy one was New York! Everyone else was sold out. Anyway This thing will rattle your bones...

As to where to place the subwoofer, my audio "expert" friend says this is best placed in a corner of the room (he is qualified as an "expert" because he is in his 20's - I am not an "expert" because I am in my 40's!)

As to selecting the best system and how to do this, I have an easy system...
"Listen to what it sounds like!"

I know this may sound a bit radical - most people prefer to look at the "name" to determine if it is a good system or not, but you can find a very good system by just listening. (Sony is not a "name" according to my "expert", but he sure likes the way it sounds... :smile: )
 
Billy_Bob said:
As to where to place the subwoofer, my audio "expert" friend says this is best placed in a corner of the room (he is qualified as an "expert" because he is in his 20's - I am not an "expert" because I am in my 40's!
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I hope you're kidding (or at least wrong :grin:). I'm 53, and I do okay in the A/V department.
 
Billy_Bob said:
(he is qualified as an "expert" because he is in his 20's - I am not an "expert" because I am in my 40's!)
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Does he work at Safety Orange or Big Blue? :wink: :D
Tony,

AV is one of those things that can get tricky fast if you aren't 100% sure of what you're doing. I would take Larry up on his offer, if you haven't already, since a good AV Engineer can make a 10" speaker sound better than 4 20" speakers and a bass tube.:cool: Good luck!

Oh, as far as names, it doesn't really matter. Go with specs. There's a huge difference between 6Hz-23kHz @ 16 Ohms and 20Hz to 20 kHz @ 32 Ohms.
 
Want to know one way to pick a sub location? Place your sub where you sit, right on the chair or sofa, and raised up a foot or two so it's near your ear level when seated.

Play a song or other sound with a relatively steady deep-bass sound. You can even use the white-noise channel-leveling sound if yours will stay on the LF channel.

Now, crawl around the room, especially along the walls, and listen for the best bass response. Listen for quality of sound as well as level. Place the sub where the bass sounds best.

You should also experiment with the phase switch or control, and crossover settings. Many speaker-subwoofer interactions sound better with less than maximum bass boom.

Remember, good sound is about overall quality and realism, not just maximum sound levels. We've all heard the car-rattling booming garbage on the street. That's not high fidelity.
 
THanks everyone, I think I will take Larry up on his offer though. I want to draw a blue print of the room so you can have a better Idea. But Im not at home yet. I will pm you to set a time that is good for you.
 
Any time up till 10pm is okay with me. I'll PM my number now, in case I'm not online when you're ready.
 
Place your sub where you sit, right on the chair or sofa, and raised up a foot or two so it's near your ear level when seated.

Play a song or other sound with a relatively steady deep-bass sound. You can even use the white-noise channel-leveling sound if yours will stay on the LF channel.

Now, crawl around the room, especially along the walls, and listen for the best bass response. Listen for quality of sound as well as level. Place the sub where the bass sounds best.
Click to expand...

Wow, that's certainly an interesting way to tell, never seen that before, impressed...

Have you had good success with that?

Jim
 
Security101 said:
Wow, that's certainly an interesting way to tell, never seen that before, impressed...

Have you had good success with that?
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Yes, but it gets strange looks from people if you haven't explained what you're doing. :roll:
 
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