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General discussion

Need help with surround sound

Jul 13, 2005 5:12AM PDT

Hi,

I want to buy 5.1 surround sound system. I already have a Yamaha receiver that supports Dolby Digital. I don't think it has a 5.1 decoder in it. Can I still get good surround sound if I buy the 5.1 speaker set-up and keep the Dolby Digital receiver? Or is it worth it to buy a new receiver? I'm buying a house right now so money is an issue.

Thanks,

Ray

Discussion is locked

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Need more info
Jul 13, 2005 5:27AM PDT

Hello Ray,

What is the model of your Yamaha and does it have 5 speaker connections on back plus a subwoofer connection?

Take Care,

Shawn Mosqueda
WireSmart LLC
www.wiresmart.com
shawn@wiresmart.com

How To Build A Home Theater PC ebook coming soon! Includes 2 years of FREE
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here's some more info....
Jul 13, 2005 6:20AM PDT

well, I have 5 speaker connections and one for the sub. I don't remember the exact model number and I'm working at the moment so I won't know until I get home. I know it supports Dolby Digital but I don't see anything about the 5.1 surround.

I'm a newb with all this so thanks for the reply.

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should be fine
Jul 13, 2005 10:58AM PDT

If you have 5 speaker connections (right/left/center/rear right/rear left) and a subwoofer output, then your Yamaha is fine. The only thing you don't mention, is DTS on your Yamaha? If you felt that you needed DTS then it would be time for the upgrade to a newer receiver. DTS is found on some dvd's, there are people that would argue it's "better" sound than dolby digital, and others that would say only 5 % of a movie would you even possibly notice the difference.