Connecting speakers to a TV, adjusting sound balance, Panasonic receivers
Week of August 14, 2005
Q: I am interested in improving the audio component of my television (now and in the future). But currently I cannot afford the costs of a surround-sound home entertainment center, which requires numerous speakers. Moreover, the tiny speakers in the current systems, with or without a subwoofer, produce inferior sound compared to that produced by high quality conventional two-channel stereo speakers (with a woofer, midrange, and tweeter). So, I would rather invest in fewer speakers that produce higher quality sound – conventional stereo. I have a few questions related to this topic, that I hope you can answer.
Is it currently possible to connect conventional two-channel stereo speakers to a television set?
If yes to question 1, what type of television and additional electronic components (pre-amplifier, power amplifier?, etc.) are required
-Bruce Faust, Pierz, MN
A: You are right on the money when you say the tiny speakers do not sound as good as full-sized conventional speakers. I have devoted numerous columns to this topic.
To answer your questions in order, it is possible to connect speakers to a television, as long as it has audio outputs. Most better TVs have these audio outputs.
The easiest way to drive the speakers is with a receiver. You can get a pretty good receiver for $250 these days, good enough to satisfy most home users.
You have stumbled onto one of my best pieces of advice I can give to those who want to build a really great-sounding system, but have limited funds: take your time and do it in steps.
If you have $1,000 to spend, buying a $300 receiver with a $700 pair of front speakers will yield much better sound than a $300 receiver and a $700 six-speaker surround system. You can enjoy great stereo sound with movies and music, while saving up for the rest of your system. Next, add matching surround speakers, then a subwoofer, then a center channel. You will enjoy each upgrade as it is
Q: My room is arranged in a manner so that my speakers must be placed with one in the corner (about 5 inches from the back wall and 12 inches from the side wall) and one against the wall (also about 5 inches from the back wall, but this time ~3 feet from the side wall). The room is 12 ft square, by the way, and the speakers will be about 7.5 feet apart. Is there any way I can manipulate the distance from the back wall so that I can have equal sound from both speakers?
-Grant Diamond, Maplewood, NJ
A: The easiest thing to do is to use the receiver’s balance control so they match. In the days of stereo, the volume control was a clearly marked knob right on the front of the receiver. In today’s microprocessor-controlled digital receivers, you must balance all of the speakers (usually five or more, plus a subwoofer) using a menu accessed with the remote control. Press the “test tone” button on the remote and adjust the speakers so they all have the same approximate volume. For the most accurate possible adjustment, use a sound pressure level meter. My favorite is the Radio Shack model with the analog readout. It sells for $39.99.
Q: I can’t seem to find the Panasonic SA-XR25. Have they changed the model? Also, it was advertised for surround sound theater… I’m looking more for music, though would be thrilled if it’s good for both. Please advise.. love the column.
-Paula Hopkins
A: The Panasonic SA-XR25 has been replaced with the SA-XR55. It’s an even better receiver and great for music and surround sound. MSRP is $299, and it can usually be found for less.
