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Echo problem with 4.1 + soundbar

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Providence -  
 Providence -
Hello,

I recently got a Philips Fidelio 4.1 speaker system for my TV, and I thought I could improvise a 5.1 by adding a Peaq soundbar as a center speaker, all connected to the TV's jack output via a jack multiplexer. (To be precise, a jack extension runs from the TV to the speakers and splits into three jack plugs, respectively connected to the Philips sound system, the Peaq soundbar, and the base of a wireless headset)
The problem is that the Philips speakers and the Peaq soundbar are not synchronized, and there is a noticeable echo during movie dialogues.
Is there a solution for my "DIY" 5.1 setup to work?

Thank you for your replies!

Configuration: Windows / Chrome 48.0.2564.116

1 answer

  1.
    overdriver33 Posted messages 141 Status Member 52
     
    Hi,
    The echo is perfectly normal because your soundbar is repeating the stereo channels with a latency that is due to sound processing. What you need is a real 5.1 output via HDMI or optical connected to your Fidelio 4.1 system, and connect your soundbar as the center channel. But I doubt that's possible.

    I just looked online, and your Fidelio system has an optical and HDMI connection. These are the connections you should use, not a stereo jack split to get true surround sound.

    Enjoy your listening!
    6
    1. Providence
       
      Thank you for your response!
      If I understand correctly, for the Fidelio, I would need an IN connection in HDMI/Optical, which I indeed have, but also an OUT connection to go to the soundbar? Unfortunately, there is no OUT on my 4.1 system, only IN connections. Except for the HDMI connection which specifies OUT TO TV, so I'm unsure if that would work.
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    2. overdriver33 Posted messages 141 Status Member 52
       
      Yes, it should be an out output to your soundbar, and it should also be a dedicated output for the center voice. But since your system is only designed for 4.1, it will just repeat the two front left and right voices. So not only does it remain fake 5.1, but it will also reduce the spatial dynamics that make a surround system interesting. For me, it's better to forget the jack connection and connect your Fidelio via optical or HDMI and just settle for that. You should notice a difference because until now your Fidelio has only been calculating surround from stereo. Whereas with optical or HDMI, it will play back 5.1 or 7.1 on your 4.1, and we're not talking about the same quality of cinema experience. Personally, I prefer good quadraphony to a low-end 5.1. So keep your soundbar for the little one's console ;)
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