Newbie Question - Receiver Required? (1 Viewer)

[Chris Swarr]

Hi, all. Very simple question here (I think). I have a Sony XBR-65X750D TV with a Sony HT-NT5 sound bar. The sound bar is horrible! All kinds of problems and I want to get rid of it. What I'd like is a simple 5.1 surround sound system that I can plug directly into the TV. I really don't want all of my devices going into an intermediary device (receiver, sound bar, etc) as I don't like having to mess around with inputs...I simply want to use the HDMI inputs on the TV, switch to each from the TV interface, but then output the sound to a surround sound system. Do I absolutely need a received to do this? If so, do I have to plug all the components into the receiver for the setup to work or can I still plug them into the TV? Just trying to keep the setup as simple as possible but have quality sound. Thanks!

 

[Alf S]

You can find a cheap 5.1 receiver set up to use and then plug all items into the receiver, feed receiver into TV with single HDMI cable, done.

Oh and grab a cheap Harmony remote and you're good to go. I've been using this kind of set up for decades.

 

[Chris Swarr]

Thanks, Alf. In that setup do I switch between devices (cable box, dvd, etc) using the interface on my television or the interface on the receiver? What I'm hoping to do is keep it simple for my family and I'm trying to avoid having to switch remotes for Netflix (built into the TV), cable, dvd, bd, etc...

 

[Alf S]

You should be able to program the Harmony remote to be a one button push to watch "Netflix" or "Watch TV" or "Watch Blu-Ray" etc. It will then switch to the correct receiver/TV input. Plus the TV will send audio and video to the receiver via "ARC" assuming your TV has that on the HDMI 1 input.

 

[Chris Swarr]

Yep, we have an ARC input on the TV. So all devices go into the receiver, then one HDMI cable between the receiver and TV using the ARC HDMI port and we should be good?

 

[Alf S]

It should work, worth a shot.

Either go that route, or upgrade to a beefier soundbar/sub set up.

 

[Mike Frezon]

I'm with Alf. A/V receivers are your friend. They do all the work (kinda like the "brain" of your set up) and also provide the power to pull it all together.

But his suggestion for the Harmony remote is the one to pay attention to. They are very customizable and perform all sorts of tasks behind-the-scenes. The software setup is so easy and the payoff is worth it. Members here regularly report how their wives and family members also find them very easy to use.

I often recommend the Onkyo all-in-one (we call them "home theater in a box" or HTIB) units because they can be upgraded when necessary and are of good quality. My son has had one for five years and I am always impressed with its performance. They are available on Amazon among other places. We generally ask for your budget considerations before making any recommendations. But we do love to help other people spend their money!

Welcome to the HTF, Chris, and keep your questions coming!

 

[Chris Swarr]

Thank you both. I'll check out the Onkyo's. I want a simple unit but it should have BT and 4K passthru. I don't want to break the bank as I already sunk about $500 into the sound bar that I now want to replace. Definitely need to stay under $1000 for the entire kit (receiver and speakers). Would also like some tricks for wiring up an already finished room.

 

[JohnRice]

I'll echo the others. You are fooling yourself if you think using the TV for switching is easier. Something has to do the switching, and receivers are designed for that. A good programmable remote will allow you to control everything with one remote. Use the receiver to switch, get a programmable remote, and take the time to program it. You'll be glad you did.

 

[Chris Swarr]

Thanks, John. I'm convinced - receiver and speakers it is. Where can I find recommendations for equipment. Like I said above, I'm on a budget and not looking for super high end stuff - I need to stay under $1000 for everything.

 

[Mike Frezon]

A good place to look at receivers (many refurbished, but cheap) is accessories4less.com

A place (but there are MANY) for good deals on Polk Speakers is Polk's eBay outlet.

And a lot of people recommend BIC or Dayton subwoofers for the budget-minded. I'm not certain, but I think this one is really popular.

Just some ideas.

 

[Chris Swarr]

Question about "wireless" speakers. Can you really get fully wireless surround speakers? No speaker cable, no power cable (assume they would be battery powered), connect to the system via Bluetooth.

 

[Alf S]

Nope

 

[Mike Frezon]

Re: Wireless Speakers...many have tried, many have been disappointed.

 

[Martino]

One other thing to note - when you do get your setup, ensure that you turn the speakers on your TV off. I had them turned down to a zero volume, but the wife grabbed the wrong remote to turn up the volume, and the result was just horrible....

She thought she broke something until I figured out what happened. After that, I turned off the TV speakers, so even if the TV volume is used, it doesn't mess with anything....

 

[Alf S]

On my TV if I use ARC, the TV automatically shuts down the TV's speakers.