Speaker setup; RM20 system & PSW10

alfa63

First off I'll list the equipment I currently have:

A/V Receiver - Sony STR DA333ES
DVD/CD player - Sony DVP S530D
TV - Sony 27"

Now for the speakers; I just purchased the RM20 system (3 RM201 & 2 RM101) plus the PSW10 subwoofer.

Minus the subwoofer, all the speakers are connected to the receiver... right now

I started with the front speakers, got those connected and tested fine; next I connected the rears. I got the test tone out of the rears but no radio, no CD, and no DVD sound. I then moved onto the center speaker. I got the test tone out of it but like the rears, no music or TV sound.

I was hopeful that at a minimum the fronts and rears would play regardless of music or video source.

More info:
- The subwoofer is going to located at the rear of the room (and this is why I hesitate to connect to the front speakers to the sub because of the additional cable that will need to be purchased and installed).
- The DVD player is connected to the receiver via a coaxial cable.
- I've read the speaker setup instructions that came with the RM20 system; the PSW10, and of course, my Sony receiver.

Any suggestions as to why I can get a test tone out of all five speakers yet no real sound?

Thank you,
Steve
Huntington Beach

mark090852

The fronts should play no matter what the source is. I'm sure you checked this but did you select the correct input for each source when you wanted to listen to it? Also, be sure you didn't accidently hit the mute button or turn the volume down real low.

If the fronts are playing correctly and only the center or rear speakers are not, then you may have selected 2 ch stereo for the soundfield and not DD or surround.

alfa63

I took your suggestion and went back to look at the soundfield setup. Along with selecting the correct soundfield (cinema, normal surround), I also adjusted the speaker volume for the center and rear speakers. The center I reduced and the rears I enhanced.

Next I have to run the speaker wire (along the floor is not ideal:rolleyes: ) and then I'll adjust the volumes again when the speakers are in their final installed position.

Thanks for your help.
Steve

alfa63

Now that I have all the speakers installed, I am somewhat disappointed in the separation of sound between the center and front speakers as well as the front to rear speakers.

So my question is it the location of the speakers or the setup of the speakers through the AVR. The room is rectangular with the actual listening area being 13' deep and 7' wide. The center and front speakers sit on top of the entertainment center about 18-24" from each other.

Example:
LF speaker - 18-24" space - center speaker - 18-24" space - RF speaker

The above speakers are along one wall and the sitting area is on the opposite wall about 13' back. The rear speakers sit on either side of the sofa at ear height and 7' from each other.

Example:
LR speaker - 3.5' - listening position on sofa - 3.5' - RR speaker

Also, the subwoofer is under the RR speaker.

I've done some adjustments with the receiver to try and help the sound separation but I'm wondering do I have more adjustments to make with the receiver or is it the room setup?

Thanks in advance,
Steve

Jim Shearer

It sounds like your speakers are too close together, and probably too high as well. (The tweeter should be about at ear level for your listening position.)

The source material may be a factor as well.

Cheers, Jim

alfa63

I spoke to the manager at Tweeter in Costa Mesa (CA) and he suggested I turn the front speakers outward, move the center speaker under the TV and increase the volume to the rear speakers. After doing all this I can report back that the sound and separation is much, much better.

Now I have to decide whether to run the wires under the house (I have a raised foundation) or through the attic. I guess it will depend if I mount the rear speakers closer to the ceiling or about 5' off the floor on speaker stands.

Thanks for the responses.
Steve