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Resolved Question

First Timer Home Theater help

by Apr 5, 2015 7:44AM PDT

Hey everyone,

I'll be moving into a new apartment in a month and will have a large living room. Up until now, I've been fine with just listening through the TV's speakers, but I want to upgrade that now. At first I was looking at picking up a sound bar, but then I realized that a home theater system wasn't that much more. I've got a few questions. First off, are the below two items good for a "starter" set. Second, what's the best way to set it all up.

So I own a Sony X850b (4k) tv, a PS4, and will be hooking up a HD cable box.

I'm looking at getting this set of speakers: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001202C44/ref=ox_sc_act_title_2?ie=UTF8&psc=1&smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER

I'm looking at getting this AV receiver: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00BHC7ZTE/ref=ox_sc_act_title_3?ie=UTF8&psc=1&smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER

Do those seem like solid products? They have plenty of good reviews. I'm not looking for top of the line, but I don't want to be wasting my money either.

Onto the second question. What's the best way to set that all up? From the brief research I've done, it seems like I have two options. One is to run the PS4 and cable box through the TV and then run an optical cable to the receiver, and the other option is to run the PS4 and cable box to the receiver and then run one HDMI cable to the TV. Which of those options produces the better sound? Any negatives to either option?

I appreciate all of the help!

-Nick

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4 Posts
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I think those are a great start.
by Forum moderator Apr 5, 2015 7:49AM PDT

However, some TVs don't pass 5.1 so the connection for the PS4 and cable box may matter on your TV. But for most we connect all sources to the receiver, HDMI to the TV for the video duties and a final optical from TV to receiver for what else the TV may be used for (OTA, apps.)

If the worry is input lag then you can still use the PS4 direct to the TV and if the TV doesn't pass HD audio, use the PS4's optical to the receiver. https://support.us.playstation.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/5084/~/ps4-change-audio-output
Bob

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Thank you!
by nabaron615 Apr 6, 2015 7:47AM PDT

Thanks for the help. I will go ahead and hook everything into the receiver and run it that way. Thanks again!

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Answer
Bob's advice is spot on
by Apr 6, 2015 12:58AM PDT

Just run everything through the receiver, since that is how it is intended to be utilized in a HT setup.

Since a digital optical cable is so cheap and easy to add, spend the extra $5 and run it from Sony 4K HDTV back to the receiver. This way you have the option of 5.1 sound from any app that offers it. YMMV.

Enjoy(!)

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Thank you!
by nabaron615 Apr 6, 2015 7:47AM PDT

I will for sure take his advice. Thanks for commenting!

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