Scheufele's Surround Sound Source

The ultimate experience in audio is true surround sound. I am not an expert on this subject, but I could die a happy man, after listening to this wonderful pleasure, of which I will now share some of my thoughts. First, I must say, that there is a learning curve to this wonderful hobby. Not so much in the setup, but in tweaking, tuning, speaker positioning, lighting, furniture arrangement, acoustics, volume, etc. It will never end, as each movie, disc, tape, station, etc. requires their own delicate balance, if you want the full enjoyment. So, if your willing to invest the time, your reward will be one of the greatest sensations you have ever felt. I had never heard surround sound, until I actually owned it. My wife gave me a complete system for Christmas in 1996 and it was one of the best gifts I have ever received from anyone. Now my days are spent listening to music, watching movies, and trying to read and learn everything I can about my new hobby. I will now guide you through the essentials, so that you can have as much pleasure, as I am having with this wonderful gift.

A/V Receivers

The heart of your system is your Audio/Video receiver. Invest wisely here. Like computers, the more, the better. There should be enough jacks in the back to handle a TV, HiFi Stereo & Super VHS VCR, Satellite receiver, DVD or Laserdisc, Compact Disc, Cassette (at least 2 sets), Phono, & a Subwoofer. The speaker connectors, AM/FM connectors, & power plugs are usually standard, though some models allow for hookup for additional speakers in other rooms. The surround portion is usually standard with Dolby Pro Logic, Dolby Surround, & DSP (music hall, stadium, etc.). Higher end models offer AC-3 or DTS, good if you have DVD or Laserdisc, uses all 5 loudspeakers. The Highest offer THX, which is Lucasfilm's sound system, again you need a DVD or Laserdisc player to really utilize it's effects with additional speakers. Prices range from $350.00 to several thousand dollars. If you add amplifiers, test equipment, etc., even more. Some companies make entire systems with speakers for around $200.00, their actually good systems, but you get what you get at that price, not may options.

Left/Center/Right & Surround Speakers

The 3 front speakers do most of the work in your system, with the Center speaker doing absolutely the most work. Do not go cheap with the Center speaker. The dialog is filtered through this speaker, along with the background, so get a wide Center speaker and plan to spend at least $150.00. Any price after that is a matter of taste and brand name. Small center speakers do not have the range and discriminating filter capabilities (usually because there is only 2 speakers, rather than at least 3 in the larger size Center speaker) of the larger ones. The left/right speakers are used for different sounds, cars & helicopters going across your screen for example, and utilized to the extreme when it comes to music. These are vital, but not as critical as the Center, $150.00 should get you a decent pair. Finally you need your surround or rear speakers. They don't get much action, but newer movies, and music do use them more. They pick up cars and helicopters and jets speeding or machine gun fire on the screen, to give you that engulfed feeling, that your in the middle of it all. A pair around $100.00 is more then enough. The Center speaker should handle around 80 watts, the Left/Right speakers should handle around 65 watts, and the Surround speakers 40 watts. Your receiver should be at least able to deliver that much power.

Subwoofer

Have you ever eaten cake without icing? It tastes good, but you feel it's missing something? The icing for a surround system is a subwoofer. It takes work away from your speakers and reproduces the base and low tones into something quite extraordinary. If there's a disaster on the screen, such as an earthquake, you will feel it, like you we're there, almost! It is not necessary to get this item, starting around $350.00, they can get a bit pricey, but if you have surround sound and want to put the icing on that cake, get it! It's worth the money!

That's it, really! Make sure your cables & speaker wire are of high quality, listen to systems at the dealers, before you buy. Ask questions. Try to buy components that will take advantage of the system you want and then lay some ground work at home. Check the room you want to have your system setup, tell your salesman your situation, he or she can probably give you several ideas. If you are adding this system to an existing system, will there be harmony? After your set, the fun begins!!!! The main thing to remember is, if it sounds good to you, then it is good, period!

Independence Day

Escape from L.A.

Space Jam

Top Gun

Courage Under Fire

Wall Street

Disclosure

Last Man Standing

The Subsitute

Harriet the Spy

Speed

Crimson Tide

Crash Dive

The Godfather (THX version)

Dead Poets Society

Fargo

This list will grow, as I find more movies that sound excellent. I've watched 100's of movies, and they sound great in surround sound, but these were the best in my opinion. If you noticed from this list, they don't all have to be action pictures to sound excellent! I don't have a DVD player or Laserdisc, so these were viewed on a HiFi Stereo VCR, 4 head. I would love to hear from you, especially, if you've got some favorite movies that sound great, so that I could check them out. Someday, I may get a DVD player, when my budget will allow it. I also hope to have some Surround Sound links in the future.

---

Write to Brian with any questions or comments!

Sail Back to SoHo!

This page hosted by Get your own Free Home Page