5.1 surround sound, worth it?

[Hintzyboy 5,000+ posts]

You guys still have drive in's operating in your states????? **** that would be cool if we still had one here.....//content.invisioncic.com/y282845/emoticons/biggrin.gif.d71a5d36fcbab170f2364c9f2e3946cb.gif //content.invisioncic.com/y282845/emoticons/biggrin.gif.d71a5d36fcbab170f2364c9f2e3946cb.gif

Yup, got one about 5min away. Double features too. 2 movies for like $6. Hard to beat that deal.

AND NOW, BACK TO THE THREAD

 

[James Bang 5,000+ posts]

there is really no need for a center speaker, you can use the bi-phantom feature. works great. i have an 9835 and the h701, great combo.

 

[Hintzyboy 5,000+ posts]

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I knew it was only a matter of time before someone in this thread brought up the surruound vs. stereo debate. People listen to what they like. Your opinion is just that, an opinion. This thread was about 5.1 in a car. Not about surround vs. stereo. Stay on topic.

Just an FYI, a properly mixed 5.1 surround music mix does NOT put you in the middle of the band.

His post was on topic. This thread is about whether or not going 5.1 was worth the trouble and cost. Since the majority of music out there is not mixed for 5.1 systems, and since music is generally better suited for stereo, his post was completely relevant. Movies are a completely different case, as almost all DVDs are mixed with 5.1

And, just a question, how does 5.1 not put you in the middle of the band?

 

[adam71 5,000+ posts]

And, just a question, how does 5.1 not put you in the middle of the band?

I said a properly done 5.1 mix will not put you in the middle of the band. A properly done mix will have most of the music coming from the front 3 and only ambient effects coming from the surrounds. That is why I said PROPERLY done.

the same as surround music is pointless. When did you listen to a band live and sat in the middle of them so the bass player was behind you, and the other instruments were all around?

This right here is what I was referring to. This has nothing to do with 5.1 in a car. It is his opinion of surround music. Its not a big deal but you brought it up as on topic when it clearly wasn't.

I believe the original poster (thread starter) was referring to 5.1 for movies, not music.

 

[jluv 10+ year member]

And, just a question, how does 5.1 not put you in the middle of the band?

I have several concert DVDs and 5.1 doesn't put you in the middle of the band. It puts you in the front row. The rear speakers play the audience noise. It works very well and is quite realistic in my vehicle. I don't run a center channel and with the H701 you can get by without it. If you have a DVD player, an H701, and rear fill already you might as well do 5.1. I see no reason not to go for it.

 

[bumpin_blazer 5,000+ posts]

5.1 ftl, 7.1 mmmmmm //content.invisioncic.com/y282845/emoticons/biggrin.gif.d71a5d36fcbab170f2364c9f2e3946cb.gif

 

[bumpin_blazer 5,000+ posts]

well i guess in theory 7.1 is great but i don't know of many DVD's that do even 6.1

 

[Hintzyboy 5,000+ posts]

I have several concert DVDs and 5.1 doesn't put you in the middle of the band. It puts you in the front row. The rear speakers play the audience noise. It works very well and is quite realistic in my vehicle. I don't run a center channel and with the H701 you can get by without it. If you have a DVD player, an H701, and rear fill already you might as well do 5.1. I see no reason not to go for it.

But for normal music, it's kind of useless. When speaking of DVDs, 5.1 is always nice, but how many DVDs does the average guy play in his car compared to CDs?

 

[kublkmax 10+ year member]

im asking if anybody had done it and if they thought it was worth it at all? i didnt say i did it, said i was considering...

I was bashing I just don't think it is worth the money to do. I can watch movies in my car now and it simulates surround I see no need to spend the extra money on rear speaker and another amp to push it plus making sure you have the enough processing.

 

[SQChevy 10+ year member]

I would say if you are mainly listening to movies then no it's probably not worth it. If you watch a ton of movies, well maybe, but even then the H701 could be put to better use. I've got one and use it for active crossover. I have Front 1 for tweets, Front 2 for kicks, Rear for front sub, and Center and Sub worked as stereo sub. Yes, I know sub frequencies aren't really in stereo, but used for a left and right input into the amp. It allows a lot of options in a SQ type vehicle.

 

[jluv 10+ year member]

But for normal music, it's kind of useless. When speaking of DVDs, 5.1 is always nice, but how many DVDs does the average guy play in his car compared to CDs?

Think about what you just posted, though. The "average" guy doesn't even know about this board. The "average" guy doesn't upgrade their stereo equipment. Most people don't care about that kind of stuff. If you're going to spend money on amps and speakers and fancy head units, etc etc, what's wrong with doing 5.1? Is it for everyone? No? Is it worth it? Depends on what you like. It's like asking if two 15s is worth it. Or if going active is worth it. Or if sound deadening is worth it.

If you have the processing, doing a 5.1 setup is not difficult or expensive beyond that.

 

[jluv 10+ year member]

I would say if you are mainly listening to movies then no it's probably not worth it. If you watch a ton of movies, well maybe, but even then the H701 could be put to better use. I've got one and use it for active crossover. I have Front 1 for tweets, Front 2 for kicks, Rear for front sub, and Center and Sub worked as stereo sub. Yes, I know sub frequencies aren't really in stereo, but used for a left and right input into the amp. It allows a lot of options in a SQ type vehicle.

If you want both RCA inputs into the sub amp, you're better off using a Y adapter and just doubling the mono signal.

Even with what you're talking about on the 701, using the center for an additional sub output, you are not getting "stereo", just two mono outs. And doing it the way you described does not have anything to do with 5.1. You can still do it. All you need is a rear amp and speakers.

I bet most with the 701 don't use a center channel. There are actually good reasons not to.

 

[Hintzyboy 5,000+ posts]

Think about what you just posted, though. The "average" guy doesn't even know about this board. The "average" guy doesn't upgrade their stereo equipment. Most people don't care about that kind of stuff. If you're going to spend money on amps and speakers and fancy head units, etc etc, what's wrong with doing 5.1? Is it for everyone? No? Is it worth it? Depends on what you like. It's like asking if two 15s is worth it. Or if going active is worth it. Or if sound deadening is worth it.
If you have the processing, doing a 5.1 setup is not difficult or expensive beyond that.

I was speaking about the average owner of in-car dvd players. Average can mean a lot of things. When used in this context, it doesn't include everyone under the sun.

 

[jluv 10+ year member]

I was speaking about the average owner of in-car dvd players. Average can mean a lot of things. When used in this context, it doesn't include everyone under the sun.

Alright. But just because someone may spend 90% of their time in the car listening to music, and 10% watching DVDs, why not maximize that 10% of DVD time? For me, having a DVD player in the ride and 5.1 processing has lead me to begin purchasing concert DVDs. It's the best of both worlds, imo. Bad *** live recorded music and real-time accompanying video. It creates a much more engulfing experience than just music alone.

When the question is "Is it worth it?", I say sure. It isn't like you have to sacrifice anything. You can still listen to your music in stereo. There is no downside, imo. By the time you have a DVD head unit and processing, what more is an amp and speakers for the rear? Lots of people have rear fill already anyway. I say, if you can do it, do it. Why not?

Now, if the question was "Should I buy a DVD head unit and H701 just so I can have 5.1?" my answer would be no. But as mentioned, the 701 is such a great piece for music, and once you have it, why not take advantage of the ability to do 5.1 while you're at it?

In the end, I suppose it's just a matter of opinion.

 

[bikejunkie223 10+ year member]

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I knew it was only a matter of time before someone in this thread brought up the surruound vs. stereo debate. People listen to what they like. Your opinion is just that, an opinion. This thread was about 5.1 in a car. Not about surround vs. stereo. Stay on topic.

Just an FYI, a properly mixed 5.1 surround music mix does NOT put you in the middle of the band.

You know it's funny you take a small snippet of what I said as a reason to bust my balls for not being on topic- if you read the entirety of my post the jist of it was no it isn't worth it and this is why I think so. Last I checked, the point of a forum was to ask for other peoples goddam opinions! So of course that was my opinion, that's what the thread asked for!I don't have a problem with you disagreeing with me, but don't act like he asked about 5.1 and my post was "cheese sandwiches are good" That would be totally unrelated. I would argue your post saying I was off topic was actually the one off-topic. To sum up- No, I do not think it would be worth it , and cheese sandwiches are good. Thank you, goodnight now.