Hey all, my hands itchy... saw cables on the cheap... wanting to try optical output to my house home-theater... So... is the improvement worth the jump?

If i'm not mistaken that's the only way the 360 can output dolby digital signals...

comparing dolby digital and stereo/dolby prologic is like, VCD to DVD.

it depends on wat gear u have. My stereo system will beat the crap out of your 5.1 THX certified sony mini combo or those logitech PC Speaker ala home theater.

Stereo beating a surround sound? If you're talking about volume and punchiness, that might apply, but if you're talking about surround sound, no stereo speaker system can satisfactorily work even at Dolby Virtual Surround.

5.1 Dolby Digital Surround vs plain vanilla stereo? It's like HD video vs SD video. Can you live without it? Yeah, probably. Is it better with it? Hell, yeah!!

Yea, 5.1 def. beats stereo... but does optical 5.1 thrash "normal" 5.1 (as in I just plug the red and white cables from the 360 to my home-theater amplifier)?

This post has been edited by Pepperboy: Dec 20 2006, 06:02 PM

Yes. And on the box it is most noticable when you play Viva Pinata , GOW has too many explosions and bass booms...

The convinience of having a single connection to your amp simplifies your connection setup, avoiding that "maggi-mee" mess behind your HT setup.

I plug mine using the RCA cable from my 360 to my Yamaha RX-393 amp. I can hear moozipan behind my through my rear speakers while playing viva pinata. So means normal 5.1 still works but I would like to try using optical someday when I upgrade my amp. Current amp no optical input.

methinks that might be dolby prologic or something... unless the 360 manual is one big lie...

tech junkies, any comments?

Yes optical is good. I even go out and buy an amp just to replace my 3 year old Logitech Z680. Needed the 2 optical inputs on my amp. Now cannot on louder cos my neighbour will bising

the 360 don't support 5.1 via those red/white rca plug la bro... only via optical, then u have the option of dolby digital 5.1 or dolby digital 5.1 with WMA Pro.

using red/white rca plug the best u can get is dolby pro-logic only... if you have a dolby digital capable receiver with speakers, subwoofer and all and your question is: will the discreet dolby digital 5.1 kick the matrixed dolby pro-logic? hell yes

some articles from wikipedia:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dolby_Digital
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dolby_Pro-Logic

oh, don't wet your pants yet... soon there will be an update to support dts(tm) output (source: go search the xb360 thread or google urslef lah, i want go eat already...)

This post has been edited by hikaru_x: Dec 20 2006, 06:58 PM

can 4.1 use optical cable ? And im using it for the pc as well. Plugged the jack into the soundcard's line in. ANy idea ?

The only way to get discreet 5.1 output is via optical. When you use the stereo connections the 360 with mix all the 5.1 channels into the stereo. You can virtual surround, but not true 5.1 surround.

Can't wait for DTS support hehe.

thx string fellow for clearing this out.
i lazy to explain to stereo-lovers, stereo is fun for songs, musics and etc, but not enuf to recreate the ambients for modern games & movies lah.


yeap


unless ur soundcard take optical in, and decode them into 4.1. or u meant something else?

I like playing with 7.1 surround sound...when playing GoW u can know where people coming cause can hear their footsteps...but Using Grenade Really BOOOM my subwoofer...hehe Was alone the whole weekend so i try using my TV and Home Teater....Very COOOL !!

fuah 7.1, sure damn syok 1

btw, tmr dun FFK~! go check the thread i posted in Unofficial Meetup

Er... what's this WMA Pro?

no wonder you pwn everyone.... cheat ehhehehehehe jk jk

are you guys all using Home theather in a box solution?
those are very affordable...

good question, actually i dont really know since my receiver tadak WMA Pro

so i found this, from an xbox.com page :

try pin point where's the enemy come from when playing shooting games with only stereo. in games, 5 channel beats 2 channel anytime.


yup, thats pro-logic 2 only, 2 channel upmix to 5 channel never win against true 5 channel.


if your sound card support optical-in and then can downmix 5.1 to 4 channel, you're good to go.

shit la! no wonder siebel so keng

Can recommend some good and affordable one ? (<1.5k)

i using optical out to my onboard sound car

then green line to my speker

sonic gear..2.1...look for replcement.....

wow...rm88 speaker boom my rooommmm.....

lol get real, that puny speaker mana boleh, fast fast go upgrade

Some of the Options,

1. Sony HTK5, HTiB RM 1599

2. Sony STR DG500 AV Receiver - RM 899, then find some local made speakers, should last you for a while.

there are a lot more u can do with just 1500.

Well, i just got myself psb 5.1 mts+Yamaha RX-V359 amp from Sg Wang. same place my dad bought his HT. so far so good. i like the punch of the active woofer. damn yummy

This post has been edited by alkt: Dec 21 2006, 10:06 AM

HTK 5 is more for karaoke... had a look at it earlier this month, choke full of karaoke functions if that is your cup of tea! ALso, it has hugely oversized front speakers and 5.1 didn't sound all that great either.

In the end I settled on a much cheaper HTK-Genki set (RM 999 without the dvd player) that comes with two free rear speaker stands. I think I posted the product link here b4...). Doesn't sound that much worse but a lot CHEAPER. Actually it sounds great, just not all that loud.

If you are not willing to go above RM1500, another option will be the pioneer sets (see their malaysian webpage for details). RM 1600 plus will net you the entry level Yamaha HTIB which is pretty decent too.

is that a 3k setup?
look promising

i am now waiting for http://au.shopping.com/xPF-Wintal-International-SW9000

fuh that woofer is huge

i know someone here using KEF satellite speakers. i wonder where is he

This post has been edited by alkt: Dec 21 2006, 10:20 AM

As long as we are talking woofer here, do you guys think that the Lancer in GOW sounds kinda gay? ALmost like the carbine in CS... how to describe it... suppressed?

The hammerburst on the other hand rocks?

I'm using this one.



Sony HT-DDW670. Last time Sony Style have it for RM999. Good for small rooms and if you're not too fussy with custom settings. They have a new version going for RM1099.

Hey I'm talking about the new version of this unit!
Upgraded to two optical inputs... only visible difference is the black faceplate for the subwoofer.

Wah now got 2 optical inputs already? Good good.....

This post has been edited by MK84: Dec 21 2006, 10:51 AM

looks like MK84 sudah gatal

LoL running out of optical inputs.

My amp also got 2 thats why i got it. Needed the both inputs for MS and Sony

anyone has yamaha htib models + prices?
ehm.

K5 cannot pigi kah? i have no idea, was not looking at that hahah

Hmm that Sony model is looking so tempting...

there's one version in jusco mid vallye for RM1699, basically amp + speaker combo. Sounds quite decent too

This post has been edited by madmoz: Dec 21 2006, 11:06 AM

Optical output sound quality is definitely much better than the normal red white cable connection, it is crispier and carries less distortion.. of course it also depends on your sound system..

btw anyone knows if there's a optical input splitter? I want to connect both my xbox and ps2 with optical but my sound system only has one optical input..

This post has been edited by teckc: Dec 21 2006, 11:29 AM

http://www.crutchfield.com/S-7VGGNlwWdwu/c...&display=XL#Tab

wahhh the more i lok at this RM 899 amp, the more stim i am, so low priced, so rich featured, and so classy look. no fancy look

This one?
http://www.tvcables.co.uk/cgi-bin/tvcables...nu=0/ml=50.html

interesting toslink splitter. the finishing look weird though

Do u think this thing works both ways? E.g I have a 360 and a PS3 but only 1 optical INPUT. If yes, I'm definitely getting one.

Nobody looking at Yamaha RX-V1600 or RX-V2600?

Got very tons of inputs and 2 HDMI input. Good for ppl with PS3 and HDMI HD-DVD/DVD player.

After reading all the post I think I'm using dolby pro logic. Darn, now I'm itching to invest in another av receiver. Tot I can tahan with the current for another year or so.

Pricey ler.... add up the costs of 7 speakers and 1 sub....

dolby prologic has its limit

i am on dolby prologic as well, can hear pinata from behind, but u know u cannot just stop here

I'm using This 3 Way Optical Switch bought from Ebay for less than RM 60 (include shipping). Works well for my XBOX 360, PS3 and DVD on my single optical input HTiB



This post has been edited by Zerg1008: Dec 21 2006, 01:43 PM

this looks good

^ Thx! You're my savior. Me go ebay to order now.

Dang! Going to ebay now too!

Enjoy.. Save lots of $$$ than get a new AV Receiver.

Bulk order wei

My amp got two input but i'm using both atm

Is there a different between Optical and Digital coaxial output in term of sound quality? I know you get more signal loss using coaxial than optical. But will we notice the quality different?

My philips HDMI DVD player has no optical output, only can use coaxial.

Guys, what about this one?



Dang!! can't link to Ebay. Just search for "component switcher" USD 79.99. I wonder how much is the shipping.

Best for those with just one component inputs (E.g Dell LCDs)

This post has been edited by welwitchia: Dec 21 2006, 02:17 PM

Damn it ! Now my hands really gatal already. Aiyo pening pening. HD-DVD or sound system ?

Fariz, just get both

How about u sponsor me 50% of the total cost ?


MK84, the set u bought includes the speakers as well ? Just like in the picture ar ?

Ok i found it in sony website, not sonystyle

This post has been edited by munky: Dec 21 2006, 02:43 PM

Yup got speakers. HTiB system what hehe. Now discontinued already.

Yea la. And all the new models start at RM1299 something like that. Where got money wei ?!!

Any other brands to recommend guys ?

I notice too that any speaker (PC or Hi-Fi) with "standards" thath as optical input will go up to RM 1,500.00

get a budget RHItB (Room Home Theater) Yamaha TSS-15. redbull_y2k already mention b4 and i oso posted to ask ppl's opinion, but it seems no users can share impressions here? too lousy for a small room? not enough oomph? maybe have to post at audiophiles section & ask for opinions?

http://forum.lowyat.net/index.php?showtopi...dpost&p=9289347

This post has been edited by acougan: Dec 21 2006, 03:00 PM

Hey MK,

How does the Sony HTiB sounds for Jazz, Pop music? Boleh tahan ah?

So so only when it comes to music. Only tested with Blues and Jazz.

judge-the once mentioned he's interested to buy the TSS-15, fast fast judge..... buy the speaker then give review.

Got a quote for marantz sr4001 for Rm1990. Reason I ask cause it has 2 hdmi input and 1 output. Then there is a question of speakers and the guy recommended the AE-Aego T which made me choke on my coffee. I like Marantz cause its gives the warmth.

Suggestions?

actually i am interested but no kawan2 wanna follow along go check it out in that shop lah. heard from another forumer before long time ago that desa home theatre got 1 branch like gangster...

AE Aego?

Redbull, where in KL are the selling the TSS-15?

It does not sound that great... for RM999 we are looking at 'gaming' quality speakers...

But I do recommend them... looks better than 'computer' speakers, dirt cheap and very decent when calibrated properly (has auto calibration too!)

Meaning? care to give opinion.

hehe... one of these days maybe can go together...

Desa Home Theatre Lowyat.... selling for RM399.

The Aego's were were popular among LYN forumers. I believed its now discontinued.
I actually bought a pair of them after hearing all the good stuffs. Well, I wasn't impressed to say the least. They sounded way too bright for my liking. I ended up selling it away.

Wah, so cheap? Where's this shop located? Ground floor of LY?
Thanks!

anyone wanna go check out the rm399 yamaha 5.1 please let me know too i wanna come along

yeah.... ground floor of LY, at the corner near Sg. Wang.

[poison]come come, demo str-dg700 at my house.... it's basically the same thing, only dg500 no component/hdmi switching... should sound the same mah... come la[/poison]

I was just wondering, I'm using the Logitech Z-680, do u think by replacing it with the Yamaha, it'll actually be a downgrade instead?

Ahh ok cause the Aego T series got a higher rating from what hi fi compare to B&W MT-20 and the KEF KHT3005

Desa seems to have good prices as that is where i bought my Philips 42" and cant complain on service

From Z-680 to Yamaha TSS-15? That's obviously a major downgrade man.

Wah TSS-15 for RM399? Must check it out.... hmm....

^ Lol, ok ok... I'll spend my money else where. I love my year end bonus.

Wel, for music you might as well get dedicated AV processor and separate speakers. Hehehe. I think around 3k can get.

Guys, need your opinion. Would a 7.1 system considered overkill for a small room? Wel, u have been to my cramped room, is 7.1 even feasible?

^ How about u move u'r TV to the back of the room? Then space might not be an issue. U'r TV is like in the middle of the room now. 7.1 speakers in that area might be a bit too cramp, don't u think?

U need to clear u'r room. Remember u can always dump stuffs that u don't want in my house. I'll gladly accept them with open arms.

I forgot to add.. u need an air conditioner and a nice couch in your room!!! Where got ppl view HD movies on the bed one. Imagine, dimly lit room, nice ambient temperature, and top it all with 1080p video..Fuah, heaven.

This post has been edited by welwitchia: Dec 21 2006, 04:23 PM

MK, for RM 3K, I think i rather get a PS3 or Wii.. i can't have too many speakers in the room. Currently I have 7 now. If I add in more, my father will whack my head with a stick.

This post has been edited by welwitchia: Dec 21 2006, 04:21 PM

Fcuk it, im gonna stick with the current conFig then.

How small is small? Bedroom sized?

Wel, nemind can handover the 7 speakers to me. Hehehe

How much is the Aego T going for at the moment? That day I went to audition the KHT3005, the big bro of my KHT2005.2 at Tong Lee, they want RM8000 for the sats and sub

Guy was quoting RM4999 so RM5k comes in silver or black.

Nice.... an RM5k set gets a higher rating compared to an RM8k set

Gonna cross over the road to KLCC now for the playtest

what you guys think of the Yamaha RX-V450 + NS50F & NSP70 speakers on offer @ desa home now. is it a good buy for a small room HT? (approx 8ft x 8ft size room).
im thinking to use it for the 360 & casual movie watching

This post has been edited by carimari: Dec 21 2006, 10:09 PM

Erm, newbie question here.

I have some random sony 5.1 htib, has optical input (that I've never used). If I want to hook up my 360 to it, what cable do I buy? I have the ori component/white&red cable, a 3rd party VGA/white&red ... is it I have to buy yet another cable?

You only need to get an optical cable. On the 360 component cable there's already a port for the optical cable.

Yamaha TSS-15... hmm... somewhat familiar... YES... it's the upgrade for bloody set I had for my xbox, gamecube and ps2 set up in Perth! Had to fork over 399 dollars to Myers for it... darn rip off... only RM 399 now with new face/amp unit as well

I'll give my two cents on it then...

1. For RM 399 you can't go wrong
2. It sounds quite decent, not very loud, bass not that strong (up the bass and the set tends to... errr hum? not sure what's the technical term but this might have been due to my speaker placement... hard to fit everything plus 32 inch sony crtv into dorm room!)
3. It beats my current 'budget' set up (Sony ht-ddw780) hands down when it comes to music - very refined and surprising because the current set costs more than double $$
4. It has tiny wooden speakers which are very light (somewhat ciplak) but are magnetically shielded (if I remember correctly, or maybe the sony tv i had was... )
5. It looks ciplak (sorry guys, you must see this for yourself)
6. It is great for movies (unless if you're a bass freak)
7. TV, 3 consoles and this will fit nicely on the cheapo IKEA birch finish TV rack... the low one with two open compartments...

8. If I knew this was selling here for RM399, I would have gotten it instead of the Sony especially as this model now has 3 digital inputs (mine had 1 only methinks)

Bottom line, think of them as an elegant set of computer speakers

For RM8k, u can get the KHT5005.2 here in HK.