I'm moving a discussion that started in another thread to this area (mods please move if i'm in the wrong forum).

I have a Denon AVR-3801 (http://usa.denon.com/ArchivedAVReceivers.asp?archivedModelSearch=true&clearCurrent=true&archivedCategory=AV&archivedModel=AVR-3801&imageField.x=9&imageField.y=10) feeding a Toshiba HDA2 via optical and a newly acquired Pany BD10A via coax. My 3801 is set to auto which will auto detect the best source and play it (i.e. HD-DVD always defaults to DTS, SD-DVD to DD, etc.).

My problem is that the best audio I can get from the Pany is DD. Anonther member here recommended the following:
Doesn't the Panny have 5.1, RCA/analog audio outs? And doesn't the 3801 have the corresponding ins? (in fact, I believe it has 8 of them) Use 3 pairs and get some PCM outa' that puppy!

So I guess I'd use the first three from that section in the image (Ext. In) - upper left corner? matched with the corresponding inputs on the Pany see page 10 (http://www2.panasonic.com/consumer-electronics/support/Video/Blu-ray-Disc-Players/model.DMP-BD10AK) assign the analog input selection (to recognize the connection on the 3801), set the 3801 to PCM and set the Pany to multi channel to get "uncompressed PCM" from the BD movies??

Sorry this is so long winded but I would reeeeeaaaalllly appreciate any wisdom from the vets here, thanks in advance!

http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b212/iamjackspictures/DenonAVR-3801_rear.jpg

Yes, you would run the 5.1 (or 7.1) analog out from the BD-10 to the External ins. Then you have to run the speaker setup on the BD-10 like you would on the 3801 for all other sources.

You are correct... I think your terminology is slightly off so allow me to clarify.

- Your Toshiba & Panasonic players feed the receiver... not the other way around.
- You will be using the 7.1ch outputs from the Panasonic (yes, the ones on page 10 of the user manual) and will connect them to the Ext.In on the Denon (upper left corner in your pic). If you are using HDMI for the video connection then be sure to turn off HDMI audio in the Pansonic's menu (also mentioned on page 10). Pick the input on your receiver that you want associated with the Panasonic (DVD, TV, VCR, etc.) and hit "Ext.In" on the remote... this will associate the external input with that receiver menu selection. If you run video through your receiver make sure the video cable from the Panny is connected to this input on the receiver. If you have a digital display then you may want to bypass the receiver's video switching all together (i.e. HDMI direct connection between Panny and TV)... this will get you the best video quality.

You've got it, Obi Wan!

The only thing you MIGHT run into that I am aware of is an issue with the LFE/sub channel. You may have to boost the sub output from the receiver on that Denon like 10db. You might do a search about this in the Denon 3801 thread (there probably is one or just Denon.) Or someone might chime in here on your thread.

And don't trip on the RCA thing. You're not talkin' about old, 2 ch. RCA here. Most will agree that the best sound you will get from HDM, in your case (no HDMI) is through those RCA jacks. Now better cables might make a slight difference, but not many would notice the difference unless you're making a 50' run.

Good luck and let us know how it goes, but for God's sake, don't buy the HD DVD version!!! At least until you have this setup up and running and tested.

Promise?

:)

Great! Thank you all for the detailed info. I think I have a fair understanding of what I need to do.

As far as the LFE thing I believe I am just running my HSU VTF-3 MK3 into the sub connector under the "pre-out" section. If it's a matter of volume compensation I can adjust that on the rear of the sub... I guess I'll see what I end up with once I get the connections changed on the 10A.

Apologies on the terminology, I should know bett - source first!:D

Great! Thank you all for the detailed info. I think I have a fair understanding of what I need to do.

As far as the LFE thing I believe I am just running my HSU VTF-3 MK3 into the sub connector under the "pre-out" section. If it's a matter of volume compensation I can adjust that on the rear of the sub... I guess I'll see what I end up with once I get the connections changed on the 10A.

Apologies on the terminology, I should know bett - source first!:D
You can adjust your sub with your remote as well (pg. 16 of your manual.)

If you do have this issue, you would not want to change the volume on the sub itself between BDs and regular viewing. It would suck enough if you have to do it with the remote, but it would be well worth it to me.

When you get it all set up, just be conscious of the lower frequencies. You may not even have the issue.

Yes, you would run the 5.1 (or 7.1) analog out from the BD-10 to the External ins. Then you have to run the speaker setup on the BD-10 like you would on the 3801 for all other sources.
Wow! Am I out of the loop!

I didn't know the Panny could output 7.1!!! That's sweet!

So General... if you've got 7 full-range speakers (plus your sub,) you're going to need 4 sets of red and white cables.

Ok, one more question. I'm assuming that since the inputs have different labels (meaning FR - red FL - white) there is not a mono/stereo thing happening and it is just matching names from the 10A to the 3801, correct? One inter connect for FL, one for FR, one for center, etc.

btw - I am only running 5.1 in case I forgot to mention that. My living room lay out and wife will not allow more speakers for 7.1 as they'd have to be dropped down from the vaulted ceiling.

Ok, one more question. I'm assuming that since the inputs have different labels (meaning FR - red FL - white) there is not a mono/stereo thing happening and it is just matching names from the 10A to the 3801, correct? One inter connect for FL, one for FR, one for center, etc.

Also is it ok that I leave the sub connected where it is? This would mean the sub input from the 10A to the 3801 would be empty.

btw - I am only running 5.1 in case I forgot to mention that.
1. Correct. They should match.

2. Yes. The sub cable from the sub pre-out to the sub input is fine.

3. Then you're back to using the 3 pr. of red/white cables for a total of 6 or 5.1. And nothing at all wrong with 5.1, BTW. As far as I know there are no 7.1 outputing HDMs anyway.

Now take off work early and go getter done! Priorities, Man!

:)

Ok, one more question. I'm assuming that since the inputs have different labels (meaning FR - red FL - white) there is not a mono/stereo thing happening and it is just matching names from the 10A to the 3801, correct? One inter connect for FL, one for FR, one for center, etc.

Also is it ok that I leave the sub connected where it is? This would mean the sub input from the 10A to the 3801 would be empty.

btw - I am only running 5.1 in case I forgot to mention that.

They are all one for one. Direct multichannel decodes to LPCM, seperates each channel, and distributes it through it's own RCA. So each out from your panny should connect to it's corresponding input.

FR=Front Right
FL=Front Left
SL=Surround Left
SR=Surround Right
C=Center Front
SW=Subwoofer
SBR=Surround Inside Right (don't use with 5.1)
SBR=Surround Inside Left (don't use with 5.1)

Ok, got it. I have some IC's I can use that were made for me for a headphone amp so I'll test cable SQ while I'm at it.

And, since I'm using the "Ext. in" on the 3801 I can set the audio on whatever BD movie I am watching to uncompressed PCM (which is what I should get in theory once the 10A set-up is set to multi-channel) but this will not be decoded or displayed on the receiver since it is bypassing that circuitry, thus will only show "Ext in". right??

I think I understand... PCM-101:p

Can anyone tell me whether or not I'm blowing smoke about the LFE thing? It's been awhile since I had this discussion so it could've been something else.

Ok, got it. I have some IC's I can use that were made for me for a headphone amp so I'll test cable SQ while I'm at it.

And, since I'm using the "Ext. in" on the 3801 I can set the audio on whatever BD movie I am watching to uncompressed PCM (which is what I should get in theory once the 10A set-up is set to multi-channel) but this will not be decoded or displayed on the receiver since it is bypassing that circuitry, thus will only show "Ext in".

I think I understand... PCM-101:p
Yeah and I'm not sure if your auto-eq or whatever setup will work the same. You may have to set speaker distances and such in the Panny.

Sorry I can't be of better help. It's been awhile.

Can anyone tell me whether or not I'm blowing smoke about the LFE thing? It's been awhile since I had this discussion so it could've been something else.I recall that issue being bounced about several months back. If I recall correctly, the LFE issue only occurred with certain players. I beleive the Toshiba XA2 was one of the units which suffered this problem. Toshiba later addressed it in a firmware upgrade. I thought there was one Blu-Ray player that also had this issue but I do not recall which.

I recall that issue being bounced about several months back. If I recall correctly, the LFE issue only occurred with certain players. I beleive the Toshiba XA2 was one of the units which suffered this problem. Toshiba later addressed it in a firmware upgrade. I thought there was one Blu-Ray player that also had this issue but I do not recall which.
See I was thinking it was the receivers maybe. I thought THEY are supposed to boost the ".1" signal by 10db, but I could be wrong. It's happened once before.

Otherwise it could've been a PS3/HDMI issue I was thinking of.

It worked! It sounds way better too! So much more detail, everything is so crisp and I'm hearing things that I had not heard before in the couple BD movies I tried. Even my wife did a blind test between the TrueHD and uncompressed PCM on The Fifth Element (remastered) and was easily able to tell a difference. I do have to turn the volume up on my sub and flip on the crossover switch but it's no biggie.


No for my problem... I don't know what happened but since I messed with things I am now getting a hum from my speakers. I've disconnected the RCA's for the BD player and have tried chaning the input selector on the receiver but the hum is there on every input. The only thing that makes it go away is when I place both hands on it or if it is mostly touching the carpet. I checked the back and all the connections are solid. I took a peek at the Hum FAQ thread but I got a little lost and it does not look very active so I'm hoping someone who has been helping me here can offer some more advise.:o

It worked! It sounds way better too! So much more detail, everything is so crisp and I'm hearing things that I had not heard before in the couple BD movies I tried. Even my wife did a blind test between the TrueHD and uncompressed PCM on The Fifth Element (remastered) and was easily able to tell a difference. I do have to turn the volume up on my sub and flip on the crossover switch but it's no biggie.


No for my problem... I don't know what happened but since I messed with things I am now getting a hum from my speakers. I've disconnected the RCA's for the BD player and have tried chaning the input selector on the receiver but the hum is there on every input. The only thing that makes it go away is when I place both hands on it or if it is mostly touching the carpet. I took a peek at the Hum FAQ thread but I got a little lost and it does not look very active so I'm hoping someone who has been helping me here can offer some more advise.:o

Damn, dude. Buzzkill!

O.K. Isolation time; scientific method. What did you do different since before the hum?

Is the hum coming from all speakers, sub only or what?

We'll get through this, bro.

:)

Total buzzkill:rolleyes:

I didn't really do anything different. I've pulled my receiver out several times to disconnect and reconnect speakers and components. I simply slide it out far enough to get to the back and make the changes. In this case it was the connecting and disconnecting of the RCA cables to the Ext in. Nothing else was messed with but it did feel tight when I was pulling it out, however I checked the connections and all were ok.

As far as the hum it sounds as if it's coming from all the fronts and is not affected by volume adjustment so I can't tell if it's coming from the sub but is very audible from the fronts and I think the center too.

Ok, I just went downstairs to listen again so I could tell where it was coming from and it's gone! Great news for now but I'm worried it will return when I reconnect the RCA's (once I buy some longer ones). I guess I'll just post a new thread if and when it returns but I'm open to possible cause and solution advice in the meantime:p

Total buzzkill:rolleyes:

I didn't really do anything different. I've pulled my receiver out several times to disconnect and reconnect speakers and components. I simply slide it out far enough to get to the back and make the changes. In this case it was the connecting and disconnecting of the RCA cables to the Ext in. Nothing else was messed with but it did feel tight when I was pulling it out, however I checked the connections and all were ok.

As far as the hum it sounds as if it's coming from all the fronts and is not affected by volume adjustment so I can't tell if it's coming from the sub but is very audible from the fronts and I think the center too.

Ok, I just went downstairs to listen again so I could tell where it was coming from and it's gone! Great news for now but I'm worried it will return when I reconnect the RCA's (once I buy some longer ones). I guess I'll just post a new thread if and when it returns but I'm open to possible cause and solution advice in the meantime:p

Well since you're buying new cables, get decent ones. I've never had any issues with Rat Shack's upgraded cables. Somone told me they were made by Monster, but that was years ago. That said, I can't think of ever having hum issues with cheap cables, either.

You may have a ground fault. One way to fix that is with one of those adapters (usually grey) that allows 3 prongs going in, but only has 2 going out which you plug into the wall. Do some due diligence on what might happen if you have a power surge at your house. A surge protector might still protect you, but maybe not.

Good luck and keep keeping us posted.

I have one of those gray dodads at home so I'll try that first if it returns. All my stuff is pluged into a Monster powerstrip/surge protector so I guess I'd just put the adaptor between the wall and that. As far as cables go I have a friend that works a second job at BB so I'll use him and get monster RCA's for less than eBay;)

I'll post a new thread asking for help if it returns but thanks to all who posted here and helped me upgrade my SQ, I would have been stuck with DD without y'all:D

I have one of those gray dodads at home so I'll try that first if it returns. All my stuff is pluged into a Monster powerstrip/surge protector so I guess I'd just put the adaptor between the wall and that. As far as cables go I have a friend that works a second job at BB so I'll use him and get monster RCA's for less than eBay;)

I'll post a new thread asking for help if it returns but thanks to all who posted here and helped me upgrade my SQ, I would have been stuck with DD without y'all:D
I'm pretty sure the ground is required in order for the surge protector to perform its function. If anything, put the grey dealy between the receiver and the powerstrip. That way, only your receiver would be unprotected. :(

Again, caveat emptor. Don't blame me when a thunderstorm blows your receiver to Kingdom Come.

I'm pretty sure the ground is required in order for the surge protector to perform its function. If anything, put the grey dealy between the receiver and the powerstrip. That way, only your receiver would be unprotected. :(

Again, caveat emptor. Don't blame me when a thunderstorm blows your receiver to Kingdom Come.

Oddly enough my receiver power cable does not have a ground (third prong) on it. Fingers crossed that the hum will not return but if it does I'll probably need to dive further into identifying the specific cause to keep from using a short cut solution that could do more harm than good. Thanks for the info!

Oddly enough my receiver power cable does not have a ground (third prong) on it.
That seems strange to me. It wasn't broken off or anything, was it?

It could be a lack of a ground that's causing the hum... maybe.

That seems strange to me. It wasn't broken off or anything, was it?

It could be a lack of a ground that's causing the hum... maybe.

No, it's clean. If the hum returns that was one of the things I was going to do is swap the cable with another one that has the ground. My buddy is picking up my IC's tonight so I'll know by tomorrow night if I have a problem. I'll test everything after it's connected and give my new copy of Troy a go:p

No, it's clean. If the hum returns that was one of the things I was going to do is swap the cable with another one that has the ground. My buddy is picking up my IC's tonight so I'll know by tomorrow night if I have a problem. I'll test everything after it's connected and give my new copy of Troy a go:p
Is it a separate, detachable computer, power cable, type of deal? If so, does it have 3 prongs at the unit?

Is it a separate, detachable computer, power cable, type of deal? If so, does it have 3 prongs at the unit?

That's probably it, I'll check when I reconnect things tonight, hopefully that hum will not return once I'm done!