Possible problem with AV receiver or speakers...help needed please

[criswilk]

Hi,

Recently we got gifted a new Panasonic 55" TV but the sound is **** compared to our last TV. We have a Pioneer AV receiver with 5.1 surround which is getting a bit old now (approx 7 years).

So because of the new TV's crappy audio we decided to use the amp for all TV.

Our problem is that then we watch TV or movies is that we need to increase the volume to hear the talking. But then all the other sound is SOO loud that you have to sit with your finger on the volume buttons on the remote and constantly adjusting the volume. After a while it gets quit annoying.

I need some help in finding out if my amp or speakers need replacing.

Thanks for you help

Chris

 

[BIGBERNARDBRESSLAW]

More details please.

Which model is your Pioneer AV Receiver?

What is your speaker set up? 5.1?

There will probably be a way of raising the speech and lowering the background noise, but I'd need to know the above details first before I could offer any help.

 

[spiny norman]

Assuming everything in the system is working properly (it's worth checking speaker connections and running the test-tone sequence on the receiver to make sure all channels are working OK), you could try turning up the centre speaker a bit relative to the other speakers, so the dialogue is boosted.

Or you could use the amp's 'night mode' or whatever it's called, which will reduce the dynamics and level out all the volumes a bit.

Assuming you're taking stereo sound from your TV into the receiver, what listening mode are you using for your viewing? Might be worth experimenting with Dolby Pro-Logic II (in Music mode) if you have it, as this will tend to bring the centre channel up a bit and may give a better overall balance.

 

[criswilk]

My Amp is a Pioneer VSX-D511 and my speakers are DB Dynamics 2 x rear surround and 2 x front (have built in subs) with 1 x front center

 

[criswilk]

That's the problem. I don't think everything is working as it should. I think I need to replace the amp. Sometimes the amp will take a few minutes to turn on.

 

[BIGBERNARDBRESSLAW]

Sometimes the amp will take a few minutes to turn on.

That doesn't sound good, aybe time for a new one.

What would your budget be if you had to get a new one?

 

[criswilk]

Probably around 800 Australian dollars, I would probably still look at a Pioneer though with 3D capabilities and obviously HDMI with optical from the TV. Maybe the VSX528