Help - simple audio setup for LED tv

[alex]

Hi Friends,

I am pretty new to audio systems.. so pl go easy on me.. need ur help with the basics..

I have a 32' Samsung series 5 LED tv.. which i mostly use for
1. watching 720p/1080 movies (connected through my external HDD through USB to tv)
2. Dish TV HD

As of now, sound output is through TV.. I need some help on what all equipment i would needto improve my sound experience.. Can i simply buy some good speakers and plug them to the TV for the sound output? If yes, could you suggest some good speakers.. I do not require DVD player (as most of movies are downloaded).. so not sure if home theatre is the solution..kindly enlighten..

Budget: Max 50k though would like to close it as low as possible for decent sound suiting my requirements..

regards

 

[jk_chaos]

Well start off with a decent HTIB, get an onkyo HTS 3400 or the denon HTIB, one costs around 24k and the other 30k.. Get introduced to the AV receiver concept, enjoy the difference and think of upgrades later on. That would be the best thing to do at this stage since you are quite new to the whole stuff.. But always remember the rule that your ears are the best judge, go around to all these shops n audition as many gear as you can, and browse the forum too, its very informative..

 

[ajayk]

Hi Alex,

HTIBs are the safe bet and an entry into the hifi music world. That being said, If budget is 50K, you could do better than HTIBs. For e.g. you could go for an entry level receiver like denon 1312 or yamaha 371 paired with satellite speakers like Boston acoustics soundware xs or tannoy sfx or tannoy HTS101. They should all work out to more or less your budget.

Else, you could go for a soundbar option from sonodyne or yamaha which will save you the money otherwise spent on a receiver.

Auditioning the speakers is important and please take time to do so.

-Ajay

Hi Friends,

I am pretty new to audio systems.. so pl go easy on me.. need ur help with the basics..

I have a 32' Samsung series 5 LED tv.. which i mostly use for
1. watching 720p/1080 movies (connected through my external HDD through USB to tv)
2. Dish TV HD

As of now, sound output is through TV.. I need some help on what all equipment i would needto improve my sound experience.. Can i simply buy some good speakers and plug them to the TV for the sound output? If yes, could you suggest some good speakers.. I do not require DVD player (as most of movies are downloaded).. so not sure if home theatre is the solution..kindly enlighten..

Budget: Max 50k though would like to close it as low as possible for decent sound suiting my requirements..

regards

 

[alex]

thanks.. i am getting a little hang of these post the replies and on reading thru the forum.. my main requirement is clear sound.. for mostly movies n hd cable with wifey.. sometimes mp3s.. not concerned about really loud sound n all.. so, a few more questions pl..
1. I think both teh onkyo HTS 3400 and the denon 1313xp would be having wires for the rear speakers as well? Unfortunately I live in a rented acco n need to move from time to time. wifey is already hesitant at having wires running all over the room is there a solution?
2. Is there a 2.1 htib which wnt have this issue? i understand they wnt be as gud as 5.1.. but still.. for movies and hd cable..are they any good.. which ones.. indicative prices?
3. how bout direct speakers for the tv.. my samsung has optical out i think.. like the CineMate Series II Digital Home Theatre Speaker System from bose.. 41.5k.. or the audio engine 5..like someone had written in the forum.. has good sound.. can they be plugged directly from tv to speaker or u need a av receiver as well? i assume they should cost less (except the bose J) than the 5.1 htib?
4. lastly can someone from delhi guide me on where to get an audition for the speakers?

regards

 

[baijuxavior]

1. All these are 5.1 systems and require cables for surround speakers. However you can use 2.0, 2.1 or 2.1 setup. My suggestion is to buy an avr and a pair of book shelf/tower speakers now. You can add a subwoofer if you are a bass freak.
2. As mentioned above buy a good avr and use it as 2.1
3. You will not be able to add any other devices later. With an avr, you can connect various devices like hd stb, dvd player, media player etc. I am sure you will be wanting for more after your entry into the HT world.

 

[milestoneseeker]

For a cheap and (to an extent) effective solution, try out sound bars. Hunt around some AV shops and see if you can get hold of Sony CT100 (it is an outgoing model). When I had started looking for an audio set-up, I had looked it up ... retailed for 10k post discounts 3-4 months back (MRP was 20k). But not readily available.

 

[varthurravi]

Alex,

Yes, the built-in speakers that come with LCD/LEDs TVs are just crap. Speakers used to be much better in CRTs. Probably the sleek design of the LCD/LEDs panels don't allow the makers to fit a bigger/better speakers.

The other issue with these TVs is that they can't drive external speakers directly, you would need an amplifier for that. So, in your case, you may try either of the following if you DON'T intend to have a 5.1 set-up with wires running all around the room or/and don't want to spend too much on improving TV audio.

1. Buy a good pair of 2.1 powered PC Speakers and connect the stereo jack of the speaker set to 'headphone-out' of TV.

2. Try Tripath amp (suppose to cost around Rs. 4K on ebay) or a similar cheaper amp like Norge and good bookshelf speakers. I read on this forum that TP20 Amp goes well with speakers like Cambridge audio S30 and JBL Control One, where each pair costs under 10K. This will again be a 2.0 set-up.

These are just my thoughts ....

 

[Yogesh]

1. All these are 5.1 systems and require cables for surround speakers. However you can use 2.0, 2.1 or 2.1 setup. My suggestion is to buy an avr and a pair of book shelf/tower speakers now. You can add a subwoofer if you are a bass freak.
2. As mentioned above buy a good avr and use it as 2.1
3. You will not be able to add any other devices later. With an avr, you can connect various devices like hd stb, dvd player, media player etc. I am sure you will be wanting for more after your entry into the HT world.

I agree. This will be afuture ready move with best results.

Sent from my GT-I5801 using Tapatalk

 

[manniraj]

Hi

I just use a pair of Bose companion book shelves with volume control. They are just superb for the crisp sound clarity. I think these have inbuilt amplifier so I just connect using the TV rca out. I have a sony bravia tv so I just use the option to change the sound settings to output from both inbuilt (tv) speakers as well as external connected speakers. I got the bose speakers from US for $99 way back in 2007 and they are still serving good and superb. You may try this option as well if you are tight on budget..To update you this bose speakers have 2 rca inputs. So one set i have used for tv and the other i use it for playing music either from my laptop or ipod..

Thanks..

 

[omishra]

Alex,

Yes, the built-in speakers that come with LCD/LEDs TVs are just crap. Speakers used to be much better in CRTs. Probably the sleek design of the LCD/LEDs panels don't allow the makers to fit a bigger/better speakers.

The other issue with these TVs is that they can't drive external speakers directly, you would need an amplifier for that. So, in your case, you may try either of the following if you DON'T intend to have a 5.1 set-up with wires running all around the room or/and don't want to spend too much on improving TV audio.

1. Buy a good pair of 2.1 powered PC Speakers and connect the stereo jack of the speaker set to 'headphone-out' of TV.

2. Try Tripath amp (suppose to cost around Rs. 4K on ebay) or a similar cheaper amp like Norge and good bookshelf speakers. I read on this forum that TP20 Amp goes well with speakers like Cambridge audio S30 and JBL Control One, where each pair costs under 10K. This will again be a 2.0 set-up.

These are just my thoughts ....

+1

I used WF9.2 BookShelfs and DIY Tripath amp for Pana plasma. See the pics here. If your budget/space permits and have plan to upgrade to 5.1 HT then start with simple amp and floor standers. Then you can add-on more.

 

[alex]

Alex,

Yes, the built-in speakers that come with LCD/LEDs TVs are just crap. Speakers used to be much better in CRTs. Probably the sleek design of the LCD/LEDs panels don't allow the makers to fit a bigger/better speakers.

The other issue with these TVs is that they can't drive external speakers directly, you would need an amplifier for that. So, in your case, you may try either of the following if you DON'T intend to have a 5.1 set-up with wires running all around the room or/and don't want to spend too much on improving TV audio.

1. Buy a good pair of 2.1 powered PC Speakers and connect the stereo jack of the speaker set to 'headphone-out' of TV.

2. Try Tripath amp (suppose to cost around Rs. 4K on ebay) or a similar cheaper amp like Norge and good bookshelf speakers. I read on this forum that TP20 Amp goes well with speakers like Cambridge audio S30 and JBL Control One, where each pair costs under 10K. This will again be a 2.0 set-up.

These are just my thoughts ....

Thanks for that.. I read a bit on the Topping TP-20 amp in this forum.. looks a good one to me.. can you pl clarify couple of things..
1. can this be bought in india or is ebay the only option?
is this the one?
2010 New Model TOPPING TP20 MK2 TA2020 T Amp + Adapter | eBay

plus i have never bought using a paypal account.. can we use my inr credit card for these? sorry for hte basic questions

2. Read different speakers that were clubbed with these.. Cambridge audio S30 and JBL Control One like u said.. whaferdale 9.1.. where do u buy these? are these available at croma, reliance,ezone etc

thanks in advance

 

[theironhorse]

Hi Friends,

I am pretty new to audio systems.. so pl go easy on me.. need ur help with the basics..

I have a 32' Samsung series 5 LED tv.. which i mostly use for
1. watching 720p/1080 movies (connected through my external HDD through USB to tv)
2. Dish TV HD

As of now, sound output is through TV.. I need some help on what all equipment i would needto improve my sound experience.. Can i simply buy some good speakers and plug them to the TV for the sound output? If yes, could you suggest some good speakers.. I do not require DVD player (as most of movies are downloaded).. so not sure if home theatre is the solution..kindly enlighten..

Budget: Max 50k though would like to close it as low as possible for decent sound suiting my requirements..

regards

for your kind of setup please check if the tv has optical out and will it be able to give 5.1 sound else the whole purpose of getting a HT is waste. if it does not. get your self an avr and make a 2.0/2.1 setup. later when you add say a media player/bdp you can add remaining speakers and get surround sound.

else right now you will end up spending 50k for a 5.1 and getting rca /stereo optical out you will end up getting only 2 channel audio and rest channels will be no more than attracting the guests.

 

[baijuxavior]

Thanks for that.. I read a bit on the Topping TP-20 amp in this forum.. looks a good one to me.. can you pl clarify couple of things..
1. can this be bought in india or is ebay the only option?
is this the one?
2010 New Model TOPPING TP20 MK2 TA2020 T Amp + Adapter | eBay

plus i have never bought using a paypal account.. can we use my inr credit card for these? sorry for hte basic questions

2. Read different speakers that were clubbed with these.. Cambridge audio S30 and JBL Control One like u said.. whaferdale 9.1.. where do u buy these? are these available at croma, reliance,ezone etc

thanks in advance

1. You can buy from ebay GEB using your credit or debit card. tripath | eBay

2. Wharfedale speakers are available as a groupbuy offer in our forum.

 

[alex]

1. You can buy from ebay GEB using your credit or debit card. tripath | eBay

2. Wharfedale speakers are available as a groupbuy offer in our forum.

Thanks..

Took the plunge and bought Topping TP20 amp from ebay for 85usd.. too bad, the rupee depreciation hit me

anyway, how long before i can expect the delivery? any ideas?
Also, can someone guide me as to which speakers pair well with this amp.. have read a lot about cambridge audio s30.. are these not available anymore? what bout jbl creative one.. i can go upto 20k max for speakers if it justifies the price (or else 7k jbl is also gud nough).. kindly guide..
also wharfedale 10.1is listed at 14.7k in the groupbuy.. read somewhere in this forum itself they retail for 12k.. is it? the groupbuy is no use then..
can someone from delhi guide me where to find the speakers? any numbers?

cheers
Alex

 

[alex]

another query

i am going crazy just reading about diff wires that are required for all this setup..

samsung led -> topping tp20 <=> ca s30 or sm other speaker

i have an rca cable that came with dish tv hd box.. i can use that to audio out of samsung tv and the other end to the topping tp20.. is this suffice for quality or i need to buy some other rca ic cable.. like mx no 1111 or smthing..?

now topping tp20 has two pairs of sound outputs..
Output
Speaker OUT (Left) x 1 pair (+ / -)
Speaker OUT (Right) x 1 pair (+ / -)

photo here... 2010 New Model TOPPING TP20 MK2 TA2020 T Amp + Adapter | eBay

my query is (1) will the ca s30 come with a speaker wire that will connect it to the tp20.. ca s30 itself is bi-wired..hw does this work?

if speaker wireis not given with the speaker, then what wire to use for s30 to tp20? i need 1m length max.. read on mdr elec site 100m cable!!!

basic questions
pl guide.. also is ca s30 a reasonable buy at 8300 odd?

regards

 

[Calvin]

pl guide.. also is ca s30 a reasonable buy at 8300 odd?

regards

If it is a brand new piece, go for it. The price is more than reasonable.

 

[alex]

If it is a brand new piece, go for it. The price is more than reasonable.

Got the CA S30-N today for 8k.. looks like a brand new piece. was well packed n all.. hoping for the best

I hadn't read well on the cables.. so the dealer got me.. not sure if these are good or too pricey for this tp20+sa30 combo..

1. ca atlantis interconnect cable 900/-
2. Norstone speaker wire 4m for 425/-
3. Norstone gold plated banana plugset 4*2 connectors.. for 1575 odd..

had to rush back to ofc.. so didnt bargain too much.. also didn't want to go to chandni chowk for the cables n all.. so nyway done deal..

in all, 10.9k.. now eagerly awaiting the tp20.. plus 4.5k for the tp20..
Hope it all ends well:licklips: thanks to all in the forum for the guidance..

 

[Calvin]

Congrats!! Please post your impressions of this combo after you get the amp.

 

[alex]

Congrats!! Please post your impressions of this combo after you get the amp.

Dear all,

Got the Tp20 from ebay.. delivered in arnd 8 days.. nice packing n all.. hooked it up with ca s30 that i had bought earlier.. am no sound expert.. but the sound is def good.. little less bass for my likin though.. but i have one issue.. the amp even at 12' clock position hardly gives out any sound.. for a decent table thumping volume, i have to take it all the way close to max.. there's a more visible change in voume closer b/w 3'clock to max position.. i hv connected it to my laptop audio out through ca interconnect (laptop running winamp - say hotel california)

read in the forum taht it gives a decent vol at 12' clock.. well mine doesn't.. am i missing something?