I want home cinema surround sound but don't want tear the romm to bits ot trip over the cables - are there any decent wireless set-ups or is it better to wait for for new developments
|
 |
 There are a couple of wireless set-ups that are pretty good but I wouldn't particularly recommned them. If you get the cables against the wall and secure them there then they're not really in the way at all and you don't sacrafice any sound quality.
If that doesn't suit you let me know and I'll suggest a wireless option or even a psuedo surround system.
|
 |
Too many doors for the wall option - other suggestions would be welcome though - thanks
|
 |
|
|
 |
I agree with Brucie, the wireless option seems to cause more trouble than its worth. Afraid a bit of wire organisation is the only option, if you have wooden floorboards it can be fairly simple to pass some of your wiring underneath.
Why not try a scart switcher? Made the back of my television look far less like a warzone!
|
 |
Take a look at the Yamaha YSP1 sound projector. I bought one recently having got rid of an old Bose system, and it is amazing! I was apprehensive at first but having read the rave reviews, I decided to get one. Combined with a Yamaha Sub, the whole lot cost me 1000UKP - money well spent (and it's kept 'er indoors happy because I dont need to install more cables with the inevitable decorating....etc.!) Ok, like they say, you cant beat a full 6.1 system but this is the next best thing, it really is that good!
|
 |
Roger - do you have to be sitting in a particular spot for the Yamaha to work properly or does it not matter?
|
 |
Rod - Not really, but the best set-up would be to have the Yamaha under the TV somewhere along a straight wall. Then sit somewhere central about a metre or so from the back wall. The surround effect is bounced around the room and off the wall behind you so it's probably not going to be as effective if you are sat with your back right against the wall. The unit will also work fine if you sit it in the corner of your room, again, under the TV. In the setup options, you can specify the shape of the room, it's general dimensions and also where the unit is sitting in the room. It will then configure itself with some basic settings. If you need to, you can go through the menu and setup up a lot more of the dimensions, your seating position in the room and the "apparent" spacing between speakers, etc., etc. If you are really interested, I strongly suggest you go and hear (and see) one for yourself. I'm sure that you will be impressed!
|
 |
Very interesting, I will endevour to hear one of these in the flesh. As it is hard to get my head around I think it's something that I'll have to experience for myself before all traces of the skeptic are removed!
|
 |
the real solution is probably stereo. You will afford a better amp and speakers and be more satisfied with that than an inferior sound with 5.1.
5.1 only works if you do it without any compromises.
|
 |
Thats a pretty dissmisive statement and one I don't really agree with. While I'm still yet to hear a psuedo surround system in action I'm willing to try. As for for 5.1 not working without compromise thats not strictly true. I have a very cheap, circa £180, all in one 5.1 system in my bedroom and it works very well and really does add alot of benefit over what a stereo set up would provide. So while I have compromised on quality here I still get a rewarding sound experience in 5.1
|
 |
 Apparently Yamaha are planning a budget alternative using the same technology as the YSP-1(the psuedo surround system). Being that that cost around £800 I wonder how huch the budget one will come in at? Circa £400 maybe? Here's hoping.
|
 |
 This is an old thread so don't know if anyone's still there but I find this compromise fascinating.
Cut to the chase, I've ordered a YSP-1000, the latest version after compromising with my wife on a Plasma (Pioneer PDP-436XDE), both to be put on a stand across the corner of my lounge. No speakers or masses of wires or cabling so I'm back in the good books and when she sees the picture...!
I digress.
I will post a review and update the forum once I've run it in but have you guys any updates on your comments?
Thanks
|
 |
Hi Neil - I'm still here and still delighted with my kit. We have the Pioneer beasty with a YSP1 and a Denon DVD-3910 which is a fantastic bit of kit! Combine that with a Yamaha sub, a Slimdevices Squeezebox 2, Sky+(waiting for HDTV) and all in all we are pretty pleased! I'm not an audiophile, I just like to hear, what I think is great sound, and to me and the misses, that's what we got. If you want to test your combo, try it with the film "War of the worlds". Wind it up a bit when the neighbours are out....!
|
 |
 Roger, great comment, thanks! You've hit the nail on the head when you say "you're not an audiophile, you just like to hear", me too, so let's not be religious about this at all. I have War of the Worlds and I suspect when they break out of the ground the first time...!
Just for info, I have Sky+ and I'm also waiting for HD but watch out for the first boxes which may not be HDMI but only component, I've heard. Will wait for HDMI myself (impatiently!).
I posted another note in a forum to check whether my Pioneer DV-656A is progressive scan and thanks to a positive reply it seems it is. The Denon is definitely the next beastie to get, totally agree.
Do you think you need the sub - even the slimline matching Yamaha? I've promised to try without first so we'll see. Then I'll sell my existing Yamaha amp and Kef 'eggs' 6.1 so someone else can benefit!
|
 |
I looked at various wireless systems and eventually went for the Yamaha YSP800 sound projector.By adding a sub woofer the sound quality is in my view is fantastic especially if you play around with the set up menu. You only have the problem of one box which can be fitted on TV stand.
|
 |
 Just a brief update and I'll post a review but I am VERY happy with my YSP-1000. I've got it on a Plasma stand underneath a Pioneer PDP 436XDE with a (replacement) Denon DVD 1920 HDMI. The sound is definitely better than my previous Yamaha amp and Kef KHT2001 - the sound is very clear at both low and high volumes, the DTS Neo 6 works brilliantly along with the DSP modes, particularly 'Sport'.
It's not true 'surround sound' as I'm sure more expensive separates would be better but I'd give it 5 stars (unlike What HiFi? S & V)- I've fiddled with the settings and conned the system to think it's flush against a wall when in fact it's across the corner of the room on the stand. This means I'm running in 5-Beam mode and with the slight manual adjustments I've achieved a sound so much cleaner and better than before. No doubt I'll continue to fiddle but at the moment it's a really good sound, tidy lounge, great picture, oh and yes, Sky HD arrives in 23 days!
|
 |