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View Full Version : Surround sound "projectors"...



Tony
12-11-2007, 09:05 PM
A while back there was a very informative thread about HDTV's and such.
I'm hoping a few of the "AVphiles" on our board will give me their opinions on this topic.

I'm looking at virtual surround sound projectors like the Yamaha YSP-800 (http://cgi.ebay.com/New-Yamaha-YSP-800-Sound-Projector-Factory-Sealed_W0QQitemZ110203266958QQihZ001QQcategoryZ327 6QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem), YSP-1100 (http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&item=260191124418&ssPageName=STRK:MEWA:IT&ih=016), and YSP-3000 (http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&item=180190015751&ssPageName=STRK:MEWA:IT&ih=008).

All the Yamahas get pretty good reviews from various sites. The 800 is a discontinued model, the 1100 is newer, and the 3000 gives HDMI connectivity. All will require a sub-woofer, add about $150 to the total.

* Do these units offer enough decoder systems?
* Is HDMI connectivity all that important to audio quality?
* Are they worth the price? I accept paying a couple hunny extra for the cleverness of an "all-in-one" sound bar...but $800??...geez-o-pete!

Then there are some cheaper options like theBoston Acoustics TVee Model Two (http://reviews.cnet.com/surround-speaker-systems/boston-acoustics-tvee-model/4014-7868_7-32572358.html), and the ZVOX 325 (http://yhst-9301186439366.stores.yahoo.net/zv325hisisus.html).
Prices are more palatable, but I wonder if they will sound as good as the larger, heavier, (and pricier!) Yamahas.

Please don't suggest that I go with a true 5.1 (or 6.1, or 7.1) surround sound system...I have that in my basement already. For my living room I want a good looking, simple, self-amplified system that improves TV, DVD, and occasional music audio. BTW, my HDTV is a 42" Sharp LC-42D64U.

Any thoughts or opinions are greatly appreciated!

THANKS!

:beer:

vonkamp
12-11-2007, 09:22 PM
I usually go to avsforum.com to research electronics. There you will get information overloaded on just about anything.
Here's a thread on the Yamaha's
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=888518&highlight=ysp-800
Crutchfield.com sells some too. I talked to a guy who installs home theatre for a living and he gets his install stuff from there.

:beer:

Tony
12-12-2007, 10:26 AM
Thanks for the link, that is a good forum with a lot of info.
It is boiling down to the ZVOX or the YSP-1100.
Hmmmm...$350 or $1,000+ ???

DonziJon
12-12-2007, 06:54 PM
Can't respond to the previous posts because I have not connected to the links that were posted. I've already made my purchase. It's DONE.

Tonight I was listening to XM Radio....recieved on my DirecTV. I have a newly purchased Surround 5.1. I think it doesn't matter what the brand was at this point. I ONLY have 3.1 hooked up so far.

I Think Surround Sound depends on the listener "sitting" at a specific location...or "CENTER" within the Surround envelope. When the listener "SITS" at the required position...the sound sounds good.

When I move OUT OF the "Surround Envelope" .......(I like to listen to the XM music while I am cooking dinner in the kitchen.....around the corner). The sound is tinny. The old fashioned speaker systems were much more forgiving and produced well rounded sound....in spite of variatons in listening location.

Anyone noticed this?? John

Bob
12-12-2007, 10:26 PM
I have a Yamaha YSP-1000. (I think that's the model) Two years old and love it for concert video, ballgames etc. Sound is much better than the factory speakers on my Philips. Haven't messed to much with the settings since it sounds great out of the box.