- Jun 30, 2004
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For years, I have used a JBL Cinema 500 5.1 speaker system with either an HTPC or now -- my Smart TV and a "Media PC". The Media PC doesn't process streaming channels or subscriptions; it is simply a movie and music "jukebox."
In recent times, I may have lost track of whether or not everything is in working order.
I've finally resolved the problem I had for being unable to configure these components as 5.1. This problem seemed to emerge with the update of the Media PC from Win 10 to Win 11. But it may be that because there was a change in drivers, I didn't notice an ongoing problem with the subwoofer I"m about to describe. I know the configuration is correct, and basically "working". The "Test" of my "Sony TV" output gives tones for the five satellite speakers. The sub-woofer is silent. This is not a driver problem, or -- I cannot see how it would be.
The PC feeds the Sony AV Receiver STR-DH590, via HDMI to HDMI input "Media Box" on the Receiver. It passes on to the Smart TV via "ARC/eARC", which is otherwise Receiver HDMI Output connected to the ARC/eARC input on the Smart TV. This is as close to the wiring diagram of the AV receiver as it would be possible.
I bought a new subwoofer coax/RCA cable --- a standard item -- for the subwoofer-to-Receiver connection. I have fiddled with the "Crossover" and Volume settings, the "Normal/Reverse" setting -- everything that could be adjusted on the back of the subwoofer. The AV Receiver is set to Multi-Channel Stereo, and the PC Sound configuration -- as I said -- has tones coming separately -- different pitches and so forth -- from all five of the satellite speakers, but no tone for the sub-woofer.
I cannot tell if this is a problem with the AV Receiver or the Subwoofer. I like having "real" surround sound for the concert-hall quality of music playback, and of course cinema.
I don't know how to proceed with this. AV Receiver and a -- say -- Klipsch 5.1 speaker set are expensive items. I have had the AV Receiver for about 5 years, and the JBL 5.1 speakers for 15 years.
I could switch over to the "TV Speaker" setting and just take the AV receiver out of the equation, but then I don't even have a "5.1 sound bar". The latter, as I see online, comes as a sound bar plus subwoofer plus three other items -- what looks like a pair of rear speakers and a smaller square box that has wired output for L and R rear speakers. I am unfamiliar with this soundbar technology. The Sony kits range in price from $300 to $700.
I would be happier to determine what is wrong with my current equipment so I can replace either the AV Receiver, the entire 5.1 Speaker set, or the Sub-woofer. I"m not sure what I'm getting into with that.
Recommend something, or give me an idea as to what is wrong with my equipment. I'll have to live with what I have until I can save the money over four months or so to pay for it -- if this is going to involve purchases to replace things that are long out of warranty.
Incidentally, the Media PC HDMI output is from an iGPU Intel Graphics on the unit's motherboard. I have a dGPU I could add to the PC, but I cannot see how this is a source of my problem. Open to any ideas.
In recent times, I may have lost track of whether or not everything is in working order.
I've finally resolved the problem I had for being unable to configure these components as 5.1. This problem seemed to emerge with the update of the Media PC from Win 10 to Win 11. But it may be that because there was a change in drivers, I didn't notice an ongoing problem with the subwoofer I"m about to describe. I know the configuration is correct, and basically "working". The "Test" of my "Sony TV" output gives tones for the five satellite speakers. The sub-woofer is silent. This is not a driver problem, or -- I cannot see how it would be.
The PC feeds the Sony AV Receiver STR-DH590, via HDMI to HDMI input "Media Box" on the Receiver. It passes on to the Smart TV via "ARC/eARC", which is otherwise Receiver HDMI Output connected to the ARC/eARC input on the Smart TV. This is as close to the wiring diagram of the AV receiver as it would be possible.
I bought a new subwoofer coax/RCA cable --- a standard item -- for the subwoofer-to-Receiver connection. I have fiddled with the "Crossover" and Volume settings, the "Normal/Reverse" setting -- everything that could be adjusted on the back of the subwoofer. The AV Receiver is set to Multi-Channel Stereo, and the PC Sound configuration -- as I said -- has tones coming separately -- different pitches and so forth -- from all five of the satellite speakers, but no tone for the sub-woofer.
I cannot tell if this is a problem with the AV Receiver or the Subwoofer. I like having "real" surround sound for the concert-hall quality of music playback, and of course cinema.
I don't know how to proceed with this. AV Receiver and a -- say -- Klipsch 5.1 speaker set are expensive items. I have had the AV Receiver for about 5 years, and the JBL 5.1 speakers for 15 years.
I could switch over to the "TV Speaker" setting and just take the AV receiver out of the equation, but then I don't even have a "5.1 sound bar". The latter, as I see online, comes as a sound bar plus subwoofer plus three other items -- what looks like a pair of rear speakers and a smaller square box that has wired output for L and R rear speakers. I am unfamiliar with this soundbar technology. The Sony kits range in price from $300 to $700.
I would be happier to determine what is wrong with my current equipment so I can replace either the AV Receiver, the entire 5.1 Speaker set, or the Sub-woofer. I"m not sure what I'm getting into with that.
Recommend something, or give me an idea as to what is wrong with my equipment. I'll have to live with what I have until I can save the money over four months or so to pay for it -- if this is going to involve purchases to replace things that are long out of warranty.
Incidentally, the Media PC HDMI output is from an iGPU Intel Graphics on the unit's motherboard. I have a dGPU I could add to the PC, but I cannot see how this is a source of my problem. Open to any ideas.
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