Axiom Home Page Forums General Discussion Home Theater Denon 2910 VS Xbox 360?

Some explanation: I own an Xbox 360 with the HD DVD drive. Picture quality is very good(DVD and HD DVD) in comparison to my only other DVD player experience; A crappy $200 Sony HT in-a-box DVD player/reciever combo. It's been heavenly since I've purchased my 60/500 system in september, but of course, after some time when one becomes accustomed to such superior sound I couldn't help but notice how harsh the sound was of almost every live action film I've seen. I can't watch a movie over +3.0db without it hurting my ears -- HD movies included. And I am by no means sensitive to loud noise. I called Axiom about this and they suggested that it very well could be the fact that the Xbox 360 is not a dedicated DVD player. My remedy to this would be to go out and purchase the Denon 2910(or another recommendation at that price point -- I don't like purchasing merely "good" products). But I would like to feel confident before purchasing such an expensive piece of equipment. Here are several questions:

How significant are DVD players in the quality of sound coming through my speakers?
If so would the Denon 2910 represent a significant step up in sound(and picture) quality from the 360?
Is a good HDMI cable worth purchasing? Would a digital signal provide an audible(and visible) difference?
Would a quality pre amp help at all with my system? (Epic 60/500 7.1(M2 back surrounds)

And one last question not exactly related to the above;

Would it be possible to integrate a high end center channel to replace my Vp150? I can't help but feel like the VP150 can't keep up no matter what I try. Would an M22 or even an M60 be a step up as a center channel? One of those RBH Sound Center channels look might tempting.

Is it possible that your receiver is the culprit? Perhaps it is running out of juice at +3 and distorting the sound...which is causing the harshness that you hear.

Are you using the HTIB receiver to power the speakers?

I second the question, what are you using to drive the speakers.

You are not using a digital cable for the audio? Digital is a better signal in my books, especially for movies. I would also suspect that the Xbox has a somewhat weaker signal output than a stand alone player. I noticed a huge difference moving from one brand to another brand DVD player, went from near 0 on my Denon avr to a -20.

I am using a Yamaha V2600. I purchased it when I bought my Axioms.

Where's your center channel located?

I used to have mine mounted with an FMB above my tv, I've since moved it to directly below the screen on a stand and the sound is much much better.

My center channel is located on top of my television. Would it not be possible to use a high end center channel of another company?

It would be possible, but I don't think that that is where your problem lies, and I'm almost certain it's not in the source (ie, the 360). You've outlined several different problems here--harsh sound, VP150 "not keeping up," and having your volume at +3.0dB. What do you mean by the last bit? On my receiver, a volume level (not a speaker level) of +3 dB would mean that it was outrageously loud; almost at the maximum volume the receiver is capable of (+10 dB or +15 dB). Perhaps your amplification is not sufficient?

Placement is always critical (and very frequently overlooked) in audio. Play around with it; that could help you out a lot.

After reading this I decided to do a direct comparison between my Xbox 360 and my Denon 3910 for DVD's.
I found there was little or no difference in sound quality between the two on my system, the Denon provided a slightly better picture, possibly due to the HDMI and upscaling to 720p.
My guess would be that your receiver or placement is the problem.

How loud do you have this turned up?

No, changing to banana plugs would make no difference at all.