music vs movie

jeff_c · 02-22-2007, 11:21 PM

I have heard people ask should i set up my system for music or movies? Is there a big difference? Thanks

JerryLA · 02-23-2007, 12:11 AM

For me a balance of both is a crucial necessity. I have friends who really don't care about the sound to which I disagree. I watch a lot of music dvd's and the sound on most of them is better than front row seats to a concert. On the other hand I have found that the soundtracks to certain movies bring as much to the movie experience as pristine video. I recently updated my surround speakers and found a whole new experience when I can actually hear what is mixed into the rear surround speakers. I guess it all depends on your viewing habits and your pocket book.

John Garcia · 02-23-2007, 01:14 PM

I agree with JerryLA - tweak it so both sound right. I listen to more music, so my system is geared towards that, however movies sound great as well. So really, test it with both and find a balance between both.

Ed Moxley · 02-23-2007, 01:34 PM

Check your owner's manual, and see if you can get your receiver to save the settings, once you get them right for music.

One big difference between movies and music, is that stereo music doesn't have the .1 (LFE) channel, like the movies do. So, your music won't have the same kind of bass output, and may sound like something isn't right, if you're used to listening to movies.
Good luck!

ChrisWiggles · 02-23-2007, 03:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jeff_c

I have heard people ask should i set up my system for music or movies? Is there a big difference? Thanks

Can you elaborate on your question?

There can be acoustic and surround-placement differences.

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JohnRice · 02-23-2007, 03:56 PM

When it comes right down to it, I want 2 channel music to sound the best it can, so that is where I start. The entire room and particularly the L&R speakers are set up for optimal 2 channel music. Then, the HT is set up the best it can be around the 2 channel aspects. The truth is, I think that doing it this way also tends to give the best surround result as well, because the L&R channels are set up for the absolute best imaging and room response, to the surround benefits from it. Despite impressions to the contrary, the front channels actually build the foundation of the entire surround experience. The surround channels really just reinforce and enhance what starts with the front.

Regarding the lack of a LFE channel in 2 channel music, many, if not most surround receivers have the capability to route all frequencies below the crossover frequency to the sub, so there should be no loss of bass with 2 channel. Simply setting the mains to "Small" and the LFE to "On" should accomplish this.

John Garcia · 02-23-2007, 06:56 PM

That's the way I look at it. I selected my components based on my music listening habits and the side effect was that movies benefited too

bobbyg2 · 02-23-2007, 08:13 PM

I listen to music more than I watch movies, so I set up my system for music.

JeremyErwin · 02-23-2007, 10:04 PM

Sound stage.
Stereo music has to sound three dimensional. Some speakers are better than others at this.

DVD-A and SACD can be really quite demanding of the format. For instance, it is common to skimp on the surrounds, because many people believe that they merely support and reinforce the right left and centre speakers.
But one of my DVD-A's contains a concerto for double orchestra. One orchestra is in the rear. and the other in the front. Skimpy rear speakers would compromise the sound of the "rear" orchestra.

On the other hand, few people expect their music to demand 115 dB peaks on the LFE channel.

bobbyg2 · 02-23-2007, 11:52 PM

I put my worst speakers in the rear because they:

1. Have the lowest volume
2. Have the least use
3. I don't want to put the speakers in the front due to wattage compatibilities.