Can it be done?

[Jerry202]

So I live in a small apartment and already have a decent 2.1 system for the space (Edifier S360DB) but I still crave that surround setup. Can I get an AV receiver, connect my Nvidia Shield to get audio to 2 rear speakers, then HDMI out to the TV and finally optical out from the TV to the Edifiers? Essentially getting like a 4.1 system? These Edifiers image great so I don't feel the need for a center speaker just yet.

 

Will this work or does the AV receiver only output the video signal to the TV with no audio?

[ChrisLoudon]

2 hours ago, Jerry202 said:

Will this work or does the AV receiver only output the video signal to the TV with no audio?

Hi buddy,

 

I don't think that is possible.

 

As far as I am aware, the best you can do with a TV and an existing amp is have sound out of both. I have my bedroom system on an LG OLED TV and a Yamaha WXA-50 and from memory, its either sound out of the TV OR sound out of the amp + speakers or a mix of both and I've never seen an ability to output a single or selected channels to a TV input.

 

It should be noted that apart from a small selection of set-top Blu-ray players that have dedicated audio only hdmi outputs, most hdmi inputs and outputs carry both audio and video regardless of whether you need it or not.

 

I would also say (imho), in any 5.1, 7.1 or full Atmos setup, the centre channel is the most important channel other than a good sub so using the crappy TV speakers is far from ideal.

 

From what I can tell the Edifier setup you already have are 'active' speakers so no amp included or needed. Unfortunately, this does leave you on the position of either sticking with the 2.1 setup you already have or replacing everything with a receiver + new speakers.

 

Personally, if you want a full 5.1 system then get stuck into the used market. Its definitely a buyers market at least here in the UK. It stull hurts but I sold a Yamaha RX-A2060 which new cost me about £2k. I only got £400 for it about 6 months ago. I also sold an RX-V1700 for £70.

 

Not sure how much you could punt your Edifiers for but maybe worth looking at that.

 

Maybe someone else here might have a better solution but I suspect most will say no or have a horrid janky solution.

 

[Omon_Ra]

You could do this if you get the right AV receiver. You'll want to find one with pre-amp outs for the front channels; like these on the Yamaha RX-A2A:

 

 

You'd hook it up like this: Shield to whatever HDMI input on TV, TV ARC/eARC HDMI input to receiver output, RCA from Pre-out front to your Edifiers, and 16/2 speaker wire to your rear left/right PASSIVE speakers. The only thing I don't remember about Yamaha receivers is if the pre-out volume is controlled via the receiver volume or not; that could cause some annoyance if it relies on your Edifiers to control volume.

 

The A2A is selling new for $800US right now, which is a pretty good price for that model; however there are plenty of cheaper used/older receivers that have front, rear, and/or subwoofer pre-out jacks, you'll just need to hunt for it. IMO, I would get a receiver, 4 (or 5) decent used speakers, and run your whole setup from the AV receiver. Use the Edifier sub with it, or use the whole 2.1 system for a separate setup. Trying to mix powered/active speakers and an AV receiver can get a little wonky. And depending on the room, a decent 2.1 system can sound as good, if not better, than a cobbled together 5.1 system.

[Jerry202]

Okay

21 hours ago, Omon_Ra said:

Trying to mix powered/active speakers and an AV receiver can get a little wonky. And depending on the room, a decent 2.1 system can sound as good, if not better, than a cobbled together 5.1 system.

 

On 12/17/2024 at 7:45 AM, ChrisLoudon said:

Maybe someone else here might have a better solution but I suspect most will say no or have a horrid janky solution.

 

Okayyy so let's just ignore the question, seems like too much work/headache soo on to the next question. I've been looking at maybe a Sony DH790 5.1 setup with 4 SS-CS5s and a SS-CS8. The question then is, what to make my subwoofer? Is the SVS SB-1000 any good? I've heard awesome things about the SB-2000 but I wonder if it translates to its lower end sibling. Either of you have good recommendations for a budget friendly subwoofer?

[ChrisLoudon]

7 hours ago, Jerry202 said:

Is the SVS SB-1000 any good? I've heard awesome things about the SB-2000 but I wonder if it translates to its lower end sibling. Either of you have good recommendations for a budget friendly subwoofer?

Ahhh, the good old Sub.

 

SVS are excellent. I have the SB13 Ultra in my main 5.1.4 setup and it packs a real punch.

 

The problem with Subs (and all AV equipment really) is there's almost no limit when it comes to bigger, better and more expensive.

 

The SVS SB1000 vs 2000 answer is probably a 6db increase over the 1000 at 20hz. This just means louder at the low frequency. There's other small differences as well but I just did a quick Google at that seemed to be the one that stood out.

 

Go as big as you can. Ideally, you want one or 2 parts of your setup to remain as you upgrade the rest. A good receiver and sub can last years as you go through 1 or maybe 2 speaker combos.

[Jerry202]

11 hours ago, ChrisLoudon said:

Go as big as you can. Ideally, you want one or 2 parts of your setup to remain as you upgrade the rest. A good receiver and sub can last years as you go through 1 or maybe 2 speaker combos.

I'd love to go big with the sub but I live in a 660 ft^2 apartment, my neighbors would hate me I already had a neighbor knock on my door once cuz of my 8" 75W Edifier sub while watching The Batman and another one ask what kind of setup I had cuz it made his place rumble. That was in the old place though so maybe my new neighbors don't care as much??