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Energy Owners Thread - Page 1261

post #37801 of 47738
3/7/12 at 10:54am
Quote:
Originally Posted by gibsonpa View Post

Thanks for the help. Sounds like it is not a very good idea. The large center is hidden in our entertainment center...so it is "out of sight" But the L/R's are wall mounted and she is used to the smaller Takes. Could avoid the whole issue by going V minis...but would love to step up to the V5.1/V5.2 or RC10/LCR. I am going to keep working on her before I give up

BTW...got a second sub yesterday (SVS PC12) and she was not happy with how big it was. The SVS PB12 is behind the couch...but the PC is in the open...it was not pretty...but she did like how it sounded

wowza! TWO SVS subs! now you definitely need to upgrade the quality of the speakers to match!

can you do in-walls? The RC-6W in-walls are only $99 each at Crutchfield and you could match with the RC-LCR center. That would be super low profile for the WAF.
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Gear mentioned in this thread:

post #37802 of 47738
3/7/12 at 10:55am
Quote:
Originally Posted by tomtoo View Post

some real classics - acoustic research p315 hos ive had for over 15 years, with sunfire powered side firing woofers that i can't find anyone to fix, so they are only putting out the higher frequencies that the tweeter and two mid range speakers in it's sealed enclosure can muster - not much. I need to upgrade regardless - its just a question as always of where to put your money on these hobbies.

the bottom line is that nobody is going to be able to predict how well the RC-70's match with the B&W center. But there is no doubt they are an awesome value at the current price, so if you'd rather save your money for other parts of the system go for it. It certainly won't sound worse than the broken AR speakers!
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post #37803 of 47738
3/7/12 at 11:03am
Quote:
Originally Posted by McSpike View Post

First time post...

I recently picked up a pair of Veritas 6.3's, a 5.2 Center and a pair of V-S surrounds. I am very happy with the sound, a huge upgrade over my previous speakers.

I have an Onkyo TX-SR805 which is 7.1. I am currently running 7.2, with a set of old Infinity Reference E-L's as the rear surrounds.

My room is 22' 8" by 16' 4" with the monitor set on the long wall. The short wall opens to the kitchen up 4 stairs.

What would be the recommendation for replacing the Infinity's? I am looking at the Veritas 5.1's or the V-Minis. The Mini's are really small, but for channels 6 & 7, is that very important? I like the 5.1's, but I have my Infinity's hanging from the ceiling, and would hate to drill into that pretty finish on the 5.1's to hang them. Not sure a shelf would work, and stands are out of the question.

Thanks!

Well, the main question is how "bad" do the current back surrounds sound? Do they stick out as the "weak link" in the system, or do you not really notice that they aren't a perfect match for the Veritas speakers?

If they blend in fine with the current setup and you are happy with them, then I might just leave it as is and focus resources elsewhere (e.g. better or second subwoofer, newer receiver, etc).

If you really want to upgrade them, the 5.1's or another pair of V-S will obviously be better than the Mini's, but you could probably "get away" with the Mini's if necessary. Another option, since you mention they are currently ceiling mounted, is to get a pair of in-ceiling speakers and exploit the cheap pricing on RC models: http://www.tigerdirect.com/applicati...7BBTkwCjCECjCE
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post #37804 of 47738
3/7/12 at 11:09am
Thanks for the response.

There are actually a couple pairs floating around at Futureshop locations in the GTA for anyone that is interested (according to their inventory system). I went to one location and got them to check all locations for me, and picked up a pair the following week (yesterday). The $400 deal is good until tomorrow.

In regards to the bass, I think you have a point there. I have the fronts set up as "small" so it could be the way the crossovers have been setup. I am not sure what frequency they are filtered at. Overall though, when the sub is put into the mix, the bass is very good. I actually have the gain and sub volume turned pretty low. I was under the understanding to set the front channels to "small" and let the sub handle the lows. I wonder if it would be better (to the overall sound) to set the fronts to large. This is all in reference to my Denon receiver - so I hope what I'm saying makes sense.

So I guess it will be quite challenging to get my hands on the centre channel from what you're telling me. I am in no rush to get it, but didn't know I would have such a hard time. The best option is probably to get it while in the states, which will definitely take some time. I guess ebay is the other option? There's one going for $340 new, shipped to the states.

CalgaryCowboy - thanks for your input as well.
Is there anything recommended to play during the break-in period? Or at what volume?
I've just been playing music and trying to mix it up as much as I can without turning it up too high.

Quote:
Originally Posted by neutro View Post

Congrats on the purchase, and you're lucky you found a FutureShop with remaining RC-70s.



You can try it but the RC-70s are quite sensitive so the general consensus here seems to be that it's not really worth it.



That's somewhat surprising as the RC-70s go really low (34 Hz) and I think it's rather impressive. Do you use your receiver for bass management? What is your crossover setting?



Bad news for you. The matching center is the RC-LCR and it is not available in Canada. You have a few options to get it. You can try to get it used but there's actually more demand than offers for that center due to FS's sale of the RC-70s.

You can also try getting it from Overstock.com. This option should cost you around $470 with shipping to Canada. That would include a 2-month warranty from Overstock.

Then you can try buying it in the US outright, waiving any other warranty. Your best option is go through Vann's (vanns.com) with Amazon Payments or through Amazon.com (Vann's is part of Amazon Marketplace). This is because Vann's refuses canadian credit cards but Amazon.com will happily take them. Vann's is probably not the only online store but it's the one with the best prices (280$ for the LCR) as it has contracted Energy to continue production of the RC line.

Vann's has free shipping in the US but authorized Energy dealers in the US cannot ship to Canada. So you must provide a US shipping adress. If you don't have a trusty amerifriend that can help you there, there are various border mail services (try Kinek.com -- three of us in this thread used that with success including me) that will accept the package and store it for a small fee. But you then have to physically go to the store in US territory and bring the package back home (paying taxes on the way back). This may or may not be an attractive option depending where you live.

Good luck with that and let us know what you do.



If you find your RC-70s too boomy (doesn't seem to be the case), e.g. like if you're forced to put them very close to a wall, these can be used to reduce the bass.



You're right that a lot of content now goes through the center channel. But there are occasional stereo content on TV. And the most obvious point: generally in movies, the musical score is sent to the fronts.
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post #37805 of 47738
3/7/12 at 11:17am
Quote:
Originally Posted by batpig View Post

wowza! TWO SVS subs! now you definitely need to upgrade the quality of the speakers to match!

can you do in-walls? The RC-6W in-walls are only $99 each at Crutchfield and you could match with the RC-LCR center. That would be super low profile for the WAF.

batpig...i never thought of in-walls...but that could work real well! The $99 price is really attractive as well. How do the RC6W compare to the RC10's (or v5.1). Assuming they would be a big improvement from my 12+ year old Takes.

Only potential issue I see is that my L/R are about 15 feet apart...so my Takes are "toed in" towards the MLP. Never had in-walls before....not sure if/how they could be toed in....or if it would be needed. I have a Denon 2112 w/Audy ...thanks to you and jdsmoothie
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post #37806 of 47738
3/7/12 at 11:20am
Quote:
Originally Posted by gibsonpa View Post

am going to keep working on her before I give up

BTW...got a second sub yesterday (SVS PC12) and she was not happy with how big it was. The SVS PB12 is behind the couch...but the PC is in the open...it was not pretty...but she did like how it sounded

How do you like the PC12 ??
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post #37807 of 47738
3/7/12 at 11:24am
Quote:
Originally Posted by gtp3 View Post

In regards to the bass, I think you have a point there. I have the fronts set up as "small" so it could be the way the crossovers have been setup. I am not sure what frequency they are filtered at. .

Set the 70's LARGE. Play some music, and then try your phase setting (0 or 180) or let your PEQ take care of it. My 70s are in a 2.1 system so it is easy to set up by ear.
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post #37808 of 47738
3/7/12 at 11:28am
Quote:
Originally Posted by neutro View Post

So is the PC12 pretty much the same sound-wise as the PB12? I hesitated a lot when I bought my SB12. PB12 was right out of the question, but the lower footprint offered by the PC12 was tempting. Still the water heater form factor would have been hard to get approved. One day when I have a HT room -- I guess I'll have to build an underground bunker in the back yard -- I'll get a PC13 Ultra

EDIT: Oh and does it sound twice as good with two subwoofers? Did that have noticeable effects, say, on bass evenness in the room? Did you buy the 2nd sub mainly to add output?

I only had time last night to watch about 10min of a movie due to all the setup of the PC and integration with my PB12 (trying locations,running rew,audyssey,phase adjust,etc)....but it sounded really good with both subs. With one sub...some spots were good...but many had nulls...and when the wife says "i dont hear much bass"...you know something is wrong I did get a better location for the PB...but decided adding the PC would help even things out...which it did (based on 10min of listening).

As for the PC form factor...I sold it as nice looking...but once she saw it...she said it "was huge and messed up her decorating"....but I think it will grow on her. I think it looks great!!

Here are a few pics of my HT...before the PC...it is next to the stairs now by the railing in that little corner...next to the movie posters.

BTW...you can see the Takes in these pictures on the white shelves.
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post #37809 of 47738
3/7/12 at 11:31am
Quote:
Originally Posted by CalgaryCowboy View Post

Anybody help identify this Veritas center? Only information other than the picture is that it says "signature series"

If that is the original grill and from the looks of the shape, that could definitely be the 2.0C "i" version! Making it worth a bit more. The regular 2.0C has a pronounced circular shape for each driver in the grill, whereas this one seems to only have the subtle protrusion at each side like the "i" version. What's the asking price?
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post #37810 of 47738
3/7/12 at 11:40am
Quote:
Originally Posted by gtp3 View Post

The $400 deal is good until tomorrow.

I think it will be good until they clear that inventory. FS get RC-70s on Christmas and just sells all of them. That deal is in place since early February and is renewed each week. It's just hard to find any in most regions.

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In regards to the bass, I think you have a point there. I have the fronts set up as "small" so it could be the way the crossovers have been setup.

Most probably.

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I was under the understanding to set the front channels to "small" and let the sub handle the lows. I wonder if it would be better (to the overall sound) to set the fronts to large. This is all in reference to my Denon receiver - so I hope what I'm saying makes sense.

You absolutely make sense. If you use a subwoofer, you should probably stick to "small" and adjust the crossover so that your setup sounds best to you. But in the case of the RC-70s, you can cross them quite low if you want. It all depends on your subwoofer. SVS suggest a crossover of 60 Hz with their subs and the RC-70s; I've gone with 80 Hz and like it.

Some small subwoofers (e.g. Energy ESW-C8, which I got as a bonus when buying the RC-70s of all things) are not very usefull with RC-70s. The 70s actually go lower (34 Hz) than the C8 (36 Hz).

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So I guess it will be quite challenging to get my hands on the centre channel from what you're telling me.

Just not as straightforward as walking in a FutureShop.

If you're in Toronto, you're pretty close to the border so you can find a Kinek point or another similar service in Niagara Falls. It worked pretty well and it's not complicated at all.

The only problem is for people far from the border (it's a 3hr drive and back for me, so that does not come free so to speak). Or, it would become a problem if the speaker was damaged -- you'd need to arrange to send the package back with Vann's and the border mail service.

But then you get to have the RC-LCR for less than 300$ which is pretty amazing I also ordered RC-10s for surrounds (also not available in Canada).

Quote:


I am in no rush to get it, but didn't know I would have such a hard time.

Yeah it's kind of a bad surprise for many new canadian RC-70 owners. The deal was too good to pass up but then you either have to live with a mismatched center or go to the US.

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The best option is probably to get it while in the states, which will definitely take some time. I guess ebay is the other option? There's one going for $340 new, shipped to the states.

If you sometimes stay a few days in the US then you're entitled to "gifts" which are not taxed. I think the maximum is something like 700$ if you stay for a week. Else you'll pay the taxes according to the province you go back to. Nobody here got to pay duties for speakers.

As for Ebay, why go that route if you can get the same for 280$ at Vann's / Amazon?
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post #37811 of 47738
3/7/12 at 11:43am
Quote:
Originally Posted by gibsonpa View Post

batpig...i never thought of in-walls...but that could work real well! The $99 price is really attractive as well. How do the RC6W compare to the RC10's (or v5.1). Assuming they would be a big improvement from my 12+ year old Takes.

Only potential issue I see is that my L/R are about 15 feet apart...so my Takes are "toed in" towards the MLP. Never had in-walls before....not sure if/how they could be toed in....or if it would be needed. I have a Denon 2112 w/Audy ...thanks to you and jdsmoothie

It's sort of an "unknown" as to how they compare to the RC-10's, but they will DEFINITELY be a HUGE upgrade over the Takes.

We just had a discussion about this a few days back. The RC-6W actually has a better driver complement than the RC-10 (larger 6.5" woofer, 3-way design with a dedicated 2" midrange like the RC-LCR) and theoretically would "match" the RC-LCR center better as a consequence.

The speakers should have nice wide dispersion so I don't think "toe in" is necessary, especially with Audyssey XT to correct the freq response. Although looking at your photos I would recommend bringing them in a bit closer to the center, the L/R are pretty wide right now.

If you want to improve performance more get the "Back box" enclosures to go with them: http://www.amazon.com/BB-M-WM-Ceilin.../dp/B003ZMJ4PC

Total cost would still be only around $300 (about the same as a pair of RC-10) and you would get a major upgrade while making the wife happy. Tell her you made a compromise just for her (make it sound like it's her idea! )

If you want to go whole hog you can replace the surrounds too with the RC-6C for only $49 each... they have "aiming" tweeters so you can target them towards the listening area: http://www.nextag.com/Energy-RC6C-ea...55/prices-html

If you want to go FULL ON whole hog get two more RC-6C and install them as "height" speakers up front to go to 7.1.

the nice thing is that you already have the wires run in-wall to the ceiling surrounds. Beautiful room BTW! I can tell you that the room is definitely too large for the Takes, you will be very happy with an upgrade to RC's.
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post #37812 of 47738
3/7/12 at 11:50am
Quote:
Originally Posted by gibsonpa View Post

Here are a few pics of my HT...before the PC...it is next to the stairs now by the railing in that little corner...next to the movie posters.

BTW...you can see the Takes in these pictures on the white shelves.

BOY is that room begging for some RC-70's .... Sorry, I had to spit that out. I understand WAF and all... just felt it had to be said, that's all

Very nice room - tell her she did nice work...
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post #37813 of 47738
3/7/12 at 11:52am
Quote:
Originally Posted by gibsonpa View Post

I did get a better location for the PB...but decided adding the PC would help even things out...which it did (based on 10min of listening).

Well as soon as you can try it more thoroughly, I'd like your honest take on this. I'm not ready to upgrade but I'm slowly planning... I wonder if adding a second SB12 would be wiser than spending money on a larger sub (thinking of a PC Plus or Ultra) + sub EQ.

I know everybody will say that two SB12 won't equal a PC Ultra at all and I know that. It's just a quesiton of general direction. Right now with a toddler I don't listen at high volumes so output is not a problem. So I'm only missing 1) very low frequencies and 2) evenness in my small living room. I think evenness is more a problem than the 16-22Hz region, but still an Ultra would be so cool

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As for the PC form factor...I sold it as nice looking...but once she saw it...she said it "was huge and messed up her decorating"....but I think it will grow on her. I think it looks great!!

I got to admit your HT room is *very* nice Still, considering it's pretty large I'm sure the PC will just... disappear... somehow

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BTW...you can see the Takes in these pictures on the white shelves.

Also nice of your wife to have put beanie bags as placeholders for RC-70s.
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post #37814 of 47738
3/7/12 at 11:57am
Quote:


I wonder if adding a second SB12 would be wiser than spending money on a larger sub (thinking of a PC Plus or Ultra) + sub EQ

well, the question is what is the shortcoming? do you need more output, or do you want smoother, more even response? It sounds like the latter....

two subs (if positioned well) can provide much smoother coverage, but may not increase total output as much as upgrading to a monster sub. So if you feel you have good output, but just want the bass smoother and less "lumpy" across the listening zone, I would go with a second sub.

also note that (not to hate on your receiver again ) that MCACC does not calibrate the subwoofer region. So unless you are willing to get some measuring gear and play around with the dual sub locations, you may or may not end up with better results, as you are basically at the mercy of your room acoustics and the interaction of the two subs.
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post #37815 of 47738
3/7/12 at 12:19pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by batpig View Post

well, the question is what is the shortcoming? do you need more output, or do you want smoother, more even response? It sounds like the latter....

As I said evenness is, I think, the most glaring "problem" now that I have a good sub. Since my living room is quite small, nulls and peaks are physically very close and every seating position has a different "flavor". Worse, since the couch is back to a wall/window, our heads are close to the wall "peak", and moving the head is sufficient to get a different bass arrangement. Most obvious example is when I'm playing games and hunch forward -- my head is then much closer to the center of the room and there's much less bass there.

Sounds terrible as I describe it but really it's more a detail So no I don't need the added output so I don't need the raw 1000W RMS that an Ultra can deliver. However I just wonder how much I miss under my sub's cut-off at 24 Hz or so. I think I'll go with a very big sub once I have the freedom to listen to movies at high volumes -- maybe in a future room / house or when the kids will watch the movies themselves. Not anytime soon.

The thing is, adding an SB12 would cost almost the same as getting, say, a PC12-Plus, since in this case I will probably be able to sell the SB12 for a good chunk of money.

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So if you feel you have good output, but just want the bass smoother and less "lumpy" across the listening zone, I would go with a second sub.

I think I'd do that too. Harder to explain to the GF though

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also note that (not to hate on your receiver again ) that MCACC does not calibrate the subwoofer region. So unless you are willing to get some measuring gear and play around with the dual sub locations, you may or may not end up with better results, as you are basically at the mercy of your room acoustics and the interaction of the two subs.

I know I know Well I already began taking steps toward EQing my SB12. I got a laptop in February -- so I'm now able to run REW in the living room. I just received an SPL meter ordered last week, so I'll be able to take room response measurements (hopefully next weekend). Finally, I found a BFD locally at a very good price so I grabbed it -- not even knowing if I'll need it, but considereing the above, it would be very surprising if I can't attenuate a peak or two with it. I'm still waiting for a few adapters and a USB/MIDI interface for the BDF ordered through Amazon. The EQ gear will still be available if I ugprade or add a sub, so I guess it's worth the shot.
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post #37816 of 47738
3/7/12 at 12:43pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by batpig View Post

It's sort of an "unknown" as to how they compare to the RC-10's, but they will DEFINITELY be a HUGE upgrade over the Takes.

That is good to know. I think this might be the best option for me. So glad you mentioned them...would never had thought about this angle!!

Quote:
Originally Posted by batpig View Post

Although looking at your photos I would recommend bringing them in a bit closer to the center, the L/R are pretty wide right now.

I assumed wider was better..opps. I will install the in walls a little closer.

Quote:
Originally Posted by batpig View Post

If you want to improve performance more get the "Back box" enclosures to go with them: http://www.amazon.com/BB-M-WM-Ceilin.../dp/B003ZMJ4PC

That looks good, but reading the desc it might be for pre-construction. I have insulation in those walls so probably ok as is.

Quote:
Originally Posted by batpig View Post

If you want to go whole hog you can replace the surrounds too with the RC-6C for only $49 each... they have "aiming" tweeters so you can target them towards the listening area: http://www.nextag.com/Energy-RC6C-ea...55/prices-html

Very cool...might do this as well.

Quote:
Originally Posted by batpig View Post

I can tell you that the room is definitely too large for the Takes, you will be very happy with an upgrade to RC's.

That is what I was hoping for...was not sure if the room was too large for Takes or not.
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post #37817 of 47738
3/7/12 at 1:50pm
Hi all! I Just bought an Onkyo tx-nr609 and want to take advantage of the Audyessy DSX feature. I currenty have the rc-micro 5.1, A friend offered to sell me his CB-10s. My question is....how would the CB-10s sound with the rc-micros? I figure my these are my two choices below:

Option 1) use the CB-10s as the left/right channels, with the rc-micros for the center, sub, rear surrounds and front heights

Option 2) Use the RC-micros for Left/right channel, center, sub,front heights and use the CB-10's as rear surrounds

Which config would sound best?
Thanks!
Mac
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post #37818 of 47738
3/7/12 at 1:55pm
I just listened to V6.2 and the SQ was very good. Does anyone have these speakers paired with the Anthem MRX500 and like the sound. It will be used for 70% HT and 30% music.
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post #37819 of 47738
3/7/12 at 3:03pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by mac5217 View Post

Hi all! I Just bought an Onkyo tx-nr609 and want to take advantage of the Audyessy DSX feature. I currenty have the rc-micro 5.1, A friend offered to sell me his CB-10s. My question is....how would the CB-10s sound with the rc-micros? I figure my these are my two choices below:

Option 1) use the CB-10s as the left/right channels, with the rc-micros for the center, sub, rear surrounds and front heights

Option 2) Use the RC-micros for Left/right channel, center, sub,front heights and use the CB-10's as rear surrounds

Which config would sound best?
Thanks!
Mac

first off, just to be clear, you do NOT have "rear surrounds" with the configuration you describe. The "rears" or back surrounds are the additional two speakers in a standard 7.1 arrangement. So you have SURROUNDS, not "rears". Which are supposed to be more towards the side.



that said... the CB-10's are MUCH better speakers than the wee little micros, so using those as surrounds with teeny tiny micros as fronts would be silly. Definitely go Option 1, and also consider upgrading the center to the C-series (e.g. CC-5 or better yet CC-10) to match. The center is very important for home theater and the little micro center isn't going to keep up with the CB-10 mains.
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post #37820 of 47738
3/7/12 at 3:18pm
Thanks for the reply, batpig!

The Infinity's aren't that noticable from a sound field perspective. I listen to music in stereo, and watch mostly blu-rays for movies, so the rear surrounds don't get a lot of work. The Infinity's are more of a WAF deal. She likes the rosenut of the new Veritas, but the Infinity's are oak. At this point, I'm leaning towards leaving them be, and savign towards a newer AVR, or maybe seperate amps. I'm itching to try bi-amping my front sound stage!
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post #37821 of 47738
3/7/12 at 5:42pm
Finally, I decided to sell my pair of RC-50s. It's in a great condition. If anyone is looking for these in NJ/NY/CT area, please let me know.

http://cnj.craigslist.org/ele/2890426030.html
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post #37822 of 47738
3/7/12 at 5:44pm
Excuse my ignorance, but what is WAF? I can usually figure out the web abbreviations, but that one has me lost.. lol

Also, does anyone have a picture of the V-Minis with the rear bracket mounted? I already have 2 front stands from Monoprice that work great for my Micros, but see no way to mount the V-Minis and I dont want to wall mount them.
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post #37823 of 47738
3/7/12 at 5:54pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by batpig View Post

wowza! TWO SVS subs! now you definitely need to upgrade the quality of the speakers to match!

can you do in-walls? The RC-6W in-walls are only $99 each at Crutchfield and you could match with the RC-LCR center. That would be super low profile for the WAF.

Thanks Batpig!! Your idea was perfect...just had a WAF session...its a go. I just got done ordering the LCR, RC-6W, and even the RC-6C for surrounds Would never have thought of that solution!!!!
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post #37824 of 47738
3/7/12 at 6:16pm
Got the S10.3 from newegg today. It sounds impressive, but i'm surprised that you have to 'eye' the phase control to set it to 0. Typically there should be a mechanical cue to let you know its set at 0, which I assume is the default. Any tips you guys have regardging this?

Also, after running the audyssey calibration, can I adjust the phase setting, or will that invalidate the calibration?

Thanks in advance.
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post #37825 of 47738
3/7/12 at 6:26pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by abuhafsa View Post

Got the S10.3 from newegg today. It sounds impressive, but i'm surprised that you have to 'eye' the phase control to set it to 0. Typically there should be a mechanical cue to let you know its set at 0, which I assume is the default. Any tips you guys have regardging this?

Also, after running the audyssey calibration, can I adjust the phase setting, or will that invalidate the calibration?

Thanks in advance.

Congrats man, I have the same one and love it. Typically from what I have seen it's better to have a infinitly variable phase swith like the S10.3 has then just for example 180 and 0. I don't know the first thing about Audyssey so I can't help you out there lol. I think mine is on the verge of breaking in being that i'm right around the 50 hour mark, of course I have no complaints whatsoever as is!!
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post #37826 of 47738
3/7/12 at 6:30pm
The s10.3 is on sale again for $199 using promo code EMCNGND83

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16882269026
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post #37827 of 47738
3/7/12 at 7:49pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by caper_1 View Post

I use an external USB sound card (dongle) from Turtle Beach with an optical cable to the avr. A world of difference let me tell you...

I had a very bad experience with Turtle Beach headphones, but it seems that nobody else has. I'll check out their USB sound cards.

Quote:
Originally Posted by cel4145 View Post

Yep. Onboard audio is not very good for analog output. I recently upgraded my internal sound card on my PC and gave my 12 year old son my Asus Xonar D1 for his. HE could tell the difference in his machine after the upgrade

However, are you running digital out from your PC to your receiver (optical or HDMI)? If so, then you should be getting comparable sound because your receiver is doing the digital to audio processing.

I'm running digital optical.

Quote:
Originally Posted by neutro View Post

I wasn't bad at all at Quake 3 at the time Spent most of my nights as a student on a great server called Burial Grounds.

Well in that case either your perceived problem comes from processing (e.g. EQ) applied globally on all apps by your audio driver, or as you say, the DACs are not that good on your sound card.

Exactly. If your sound card has a digital out (either optical or coax), or if you can get audio on an HDMI output, then the source won't be analog-converted and your receiver will do the DAC job. When I'm using my laptop as an HTPC, audio goes through HDMI anyway. It won't necessarily be the end of your headaches as it's still hard to see what funky effect is applied by the audio driver, but at least bypassing the DACs on your sound card will help you pinpoint the problem. If the problem persists even when you use a digital connexion, then the problem is software, and if it's not in the player app, it will be an audio driver setting.

Quote:
Originally Posted by CalgaryCowboy View Post

This is what I thought as well. The trick though is to software that can use WASPI or similar to bypass windows completely. If not windows processes it before output order digital and you loose quality. By using this set up I can play dts or dd files converted to flac and when I play them my AVR detects them properly.

Thanks for all your advice! I feel pretty confident that I'm not imagining it, and also that it seems to affect all media player software, even games. I'll see if I can look up the specs and details about my onboard audio driver; maybe I can disable some layer of Windows processing that's sucking the soul out of the playback.

Neutro--for me, Quake 3 was all about a little-known mod called Alliance CTF. Plus RTCW. Those were the days, man.

Now Imma head to the next room and take turns with Mass Effect 3 and Gears of War 3. Ever since I got my HT sub I always have a taste for explosions. Later, guys.
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post #37828 of 47738
3/7/12 at 7:59pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by SaviorMachine View Post


I had a very bad experience with Turtle Beach headphones, but it seems that nobody else has. I'll check out their USB sound cards.

I'm running digital optical.

Thanks for all your advice! I feel pretty confident that I'm not imagining it, and also that it seems to affect all media player software, even games. I'll see if I can look up the specs and details about my onboard audio driver; maybe I can disable some layer of Windows processing that's sucking the soul out of the playback.

Neutro--for me, Quake 3 was all about a little-known mod called Alliance CTF. Plus RTCW. Those were the days, man.

Now Imma head to the next room and take turns with Mass Effect 3 and Gears of War 3. Ever since I got my HT sub I always have a taste for explosions. Later, guys.

I use the usb sound card too and it works great!
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post #37829 of 47738
3/7/12 at 10:01pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Carl Lee View Post

Excuse my ignorance, but what is WAF? I can usually figure out the web abbreviations, but that one has me lost.. lol

Also, does anyone have a picture of the V-Minis with the rear bracket mounted? I already have 2 front stands from Monoprice that work great for my Micros, but see no way to mount the V-Minis and I dont want to wall mount them.

WAF = Wife Acceptance Factor.

Also pertains to GFs (Girlfriends), MOMs (Moms), or GRAMs (Grammas). Whomever is currently not wearing the pants where you reside.

Most of us just know them as SWMBO (She Who Must Be Obeyed).
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post #37830 of 47738
3/7/12 at 10:20pm
Hello again,

I was wondering what the experts thought of a 5.1 setup consisting of Take 5 CCs for Front Left and Right, Take 5 surrounds for 2 Rears, and RC-Mini CC for the center speaker. I watch exclusively movies through my PS3. I just want to make sure that they will sound good together. I will be getting an AVR and subwoofer soon to complete my HT setup. Thanks for any input.
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