Audio Hd Wall
I have an elaborate 7.1 surround system. How can I get it to sound like the ones I see in the stores?
I have a Denon receiver and all monster wires. HD going to the receiver from the DVD and to the TV. Klipsch speakers in the front, polk audio for my rears and dipole/bipole sides. I can't seem to get the system to sound like the ones in the stores. Oh, also, I have a pre amped 10inch sub facing a corner about 6 inches away from the wall. (That also hums all the time... very annoying and I have tried different outlets.) Is there a product out there that tests the sound fields that is inexpensive?
Not an uncommon problem.
Sound systems are often handicapped by improper speaker placement and room acoustic problems.
For example, there are certain recommendations for speaker placement (See link 1 and 2). Subwoofer placement is particularly difficult and has specific guidelines (see links 3 and 4 for some suggestions).
Once positioned the balance among the various speakers needs to be adjusted to get optimum sound. On many newer receivers/amps this can be done "automatically" via built in acoustic equalizers controlled via software. Or you can do it manually using a sound level meter (See link 5). You will need to adjust volume, eliminate resonances and tweek positioning to eliminate hot spots and holes.
In addition the room may be too "live" or too "dull". You can add furniture, carpet, drapes or acoustic baffles to "tune" the room.
A whole host of hints are available for tuning your system (See last link for one such list). But ultimately it comes down to you ears and your expectations, and your willingness to tinker and experiment.
Hope this provides some ideas.