How do you listen to your TV?

[Shrek]

I don’t have a tv 😶‍🌫️

can i ask why not ?

 

[Shrek]

I use 5.1 sound bar mainly for tv and DVD other times my 2.1 setup.

 

[Al ears]

I use my ears.....

 

[Revolutions]

can i ask why not ?

A multitude of reasons. Main one being when I do watch things,, I'm happy enough with my macbook.

 

[Entrigo]

I visit a lot of homes with work. It used to surprise me how few people had anything resembling a Hi-Fi system even before the rise of smart speakers.

Since the advent of flat screen TV's I started to see more surround systems and soundbars, but they both seem to be in decline too.

This got me wondering how audiophiles and hi-fi enthusiasts listen to their TV's.


Not sure if this will let vote myself, so I will start- dedicated 7.1 surround system.

After my 5.1 surround failed, I used my hifi speakers for quite a while but with my partner at the other end of the sofa and each with a speaker pretty much in front of us, it was a challenge to get the sound right, as each of use would predominantly hear the speakers in front - I ended up directing the speaker in front of me towards my partner and the one in front of her facing directly towards me so they kinda crossed in the middle of the room. Better but not ideal.

Recently changed TV and bought a soundbar which came on offer with it (LG US60T) which while not as "HiFi" as my Focal speakers, does a perfectly good job and the sound is balanced! Also the subwoofer does actually work quite well.

 

[AJM1981]

5.1+ sound has not really impressed me enough to buy dedicated gear for it . A good stereo or 2.1 system for a good film or series is already an experience.

 

[Navanski]

I visit a lot of homes with work. It used to surprise me how few people had anything resembling a .............

I personally use a dedicated 5.1 home cinema system, nothing very fancy, certainly doesn't match my 2.1 system. I haven't used anything else for many years.
This brings me to something that has been at the back of my mind for a good while. Why do we have to buy a TV with a set of speakers and an amplifier built in, regardless of how poor they are? Why don't any of the manufacturers build a modular design TV which could have the amp and speakers as an option?

 

[Gray]

Why don't any of the manufacturers build a modular design TV which could have the amp and speakers as an option?

A fair question.
Probably because the audio is on a main board anyway - and the speakers are so insubstantial and cheap - less trouble to not offer the option.

 

[GSV Ethics Gradient]

This brings me to something that has been at the back of my mind for a good while. Why do we have to buy a TV with a set of speakers and an amplifier built in, regardless of how poor they are? Why don't any of the manufacturers build a modular design TV which could have the amp and speakers as an option?

Pioneer used to do this with their plasmas. It limits their appeal to others though - I ended up having to give mine away when I upgraded.

 

[abacus]

I personally use a dedicated 5.1 home cinema system, nothing very fancy, certainly doesn't match my 2.1 system. I haven't used anything else for many years.
This brings me to something that has been at the back of my mind for a good while. Why do we have to buy a TV with a set of speakers and an amplifier built in, regardless of how poor they are? Why don't any of the manufacturers build a modular design TV which could have the amp and speakers as an option?

Demand for this that of option is not there, so they don't bother with it. (99% of those that buy TVs just buy something that looks nice, with enthusiasts accounting for about 1% of sales)

Bill

 

[Fandango Andy]

I've a 2018 or 2019 Samsung, 4K model, have set the audio output to Optical in the TV settings, and manage the audio volume using the AVI volume control (as in, not the Samsung's). It seems the frequency of your remote matches that of the amp too. I use a basic 4 component One For All remote as the stand-in for the AVI one, to preserve the latter. Works fine and it doubles up as a replacement TV remote too. Think it was about £20.

I started using optical as I had a spare one at the time I got the receiver. it was fine at first, but when I added extra speakers (7.1) it can't always cope. I got a noise that sounded like a mix between static and baffle rattle. I spoke to the people in the shop who explained optical doesn't have the bandwidth for the data of 7.1. I moved over to HDMI, using the ARC input on the TV meats the receiver comes on when I turn the TV on, and I can use by TV ore firestick remote to control the volume.

 

[Gez]

Most of the time I just use the speakers in the TV. But for watching films & series via Netflix etc I'll often use my system.

 

[record_spot]

I started using optical as I had a spare one at the time I got the receiver. it was fine at first, but when I added extra speakers (7.1) it can't always cope. I got a noise that sounded like a mix between static and baffle rattle. I spoke to the people in the shop who explained optical doesn't have the bandwidth for the data of 7.1. I moved over to HDMI, using the ARC input on the TV meats the receiver comes on when I turn the TV on, and I can use by TV ore firestick remote to control the volume.

Just the two AVI speakers and the subwoofer (connected via the AVI master speaker) for me so no similar issues.

 

[Stuart.W.D]

Hey folks,

I've got a pretty straightforward but punchy hi-fi rig hooked up to my LG OLED CX —nothing crazy overkill, but it turns movie nights and binge sessions into a legit theater experience without breaking the bank or taking up half the room.

The heart of it is the Denon D-M41 mini hi-fi system. This little beast is compact in size but packs a serious wallop with its integrated amp, CD player, Bluetooth streaming, and FM tuner. It's got enough power to fill a medium -- sized room without distortion, though if you're in a bigger space, you will want to add a sub for that extra low-end rumble. I snagged it for under €250, for TV/movies, and Spotify casting it's plenty.

Paired with that are the KEF Q150 bookshelf speakers. Man, these were are a steal at around €350 they're my go-to for that "true hi-fi on a budget" feel. They give killer stereo separation and imaging, so dialogue in shows feels pinpoint --accurate, and action scenes have this wide, immersive soundstage. Bass is surprisingly punchy for their size, handling everything from rock tracks to explosions without needing a sub. They're super versatile across genres too -- vocals in softer stuff come through crystal clear, and they play nice with average amps like the Denon. I think it does a great job for live sports content too getting you closer to that crowd.

To tie it all together for digital sources like the TV's optical out, I run everything through a Rega DAC. The DAC has warmth and natural timbre -- i get great results with it for YouTube listening to bands like Amble, or watching concerts in 4K. I picked it up used for ~€75, and it's elevated the whole chain without overcomplicating things.

The TV's sound is fine, but this budget--friendly set--up elevates the sound and I'm pleased with the price. As Spotify will be available on CD quality come October, I will consider including a Wiim Mini in the chain.

 

[iMark]

I have been using my stereo system for TV sound since the 1980s. I first used my stereo VCR to connect to my stereo. It had RCA out. I've never liked the sound of TVs and with the arrival of stereo sound it always seemed a waste to me not to use that potential.
The stereo VCR had another great trick up its sleeve: I used it as a recorder for FM radio broadcasts. Excellent sound quality and the option to record up to 4 hours of sound while I was away.

Then came the stereo TVs. I had one without RCA out and got a Scart to stereo RCA out adapter to connect to the stereo.

I have never gone for a home cinema setup. Simply too many speakers and cables. But I do appreciate excellent sound when I watch TV.

In our current setup the TV is connected with the Yamaha network receiver by an optical cable. All sound from the TV is routed through the stereo.

Our secondary TV in the bedroom (which we hardly ever watch anymore) is connected to an old Sony mini system by a Scart to RCA adapter. The sound is much better than the TV.

My suggestion for improving TV sound in a relatively cheap way is to find an old mini system with decent speakers and connect your TV to that. You may have to buy an adapter or cheap DAC if your TV doesn't have analogue outputs. Since most TV speakers are nothing to write home about you will get better sound with almost any mini stereo system.