newbie HTS hookup

[greibo1]

I have some questions about my initial hookup. They're basic so please bear with me. I have a Sony 60" XBR1, Yamaha R-XV1600 amp, Rti6s front(couldn't fit the RTi8 towers), Csi5 center, FXi3s surround, and PSW505 sub.

1st question - Should I bi-wire the RTi6s in the front and if I do what will that give me?

2nd question - Should I run my sub output from the amp to the LFE input(unfiltered) or y-cable it to the line inputs and what would either of these choices afford me? I also have a monster mpsw200 surge protector for my sub with RCA inputs to run my audio signal through. Should I run my audio through that, or is it just another opportunity to introduce noise into the system?

3rd question - I plan on setting up my equipment in an in-wall rack. I will have access from a closet behind the rack. My breaker box is in that closet. Will that panel affect sound quality?

4th question - Any advice on cables (HDMI, sub, speaker, etc.)- I have been looking at Blue Jean cables, they seem to be good. Does anyone have experience with the products at monoPrice.com, are they just as good?

Thanks.
greibo1

[Schwingding]

Welcome to the club.

1. Up to you. Will it help? Probably not, but it can make a diff if done properly. If you are willing to sacrifice your surround back amps, you may be able to reassign them to support your fronts - a form of bi-amping. That made a difference to my RTi10s, which my receiver (Yamaha 5990) really didn't have enough juice to make shine. I no longer do things this way though. This article may help http://sound.westhost.com/bi-amp.htm#basics

2. Use the LFE input. I would not run the audio through the surge protector. The AC power cords, sure.

3. Doubtful that it will affect your sound, and if you ask me, you're lucky to have your power source so close. I would not hesitate to run dedicated circuits for your stuff - put nothing on it but your HT system. The common ground will help keep noise down, too. I have run two dedicated 20 amp circuits for my stuff - video components on one, audio on the other.

4. I buy all of my cables from monoprice.com . Their premium cables are at least as good as what you get in the stores and way way less expensive.

[greibo1]

Thanks for the info. I'll let you guys know how it turns out!

[greibo1]

now the x-mas is over I have some time to work on my system set up. I have a polk PSW505, what should I set the level to, and where should I set the crossover? It is being feed by a yamaha rxv1600.

[polktiger]

Many people use 80. I would also run the YPAO on your receiver to see what it comes up with. I usually just start with 80 and adjust up and down from there to see what I like better.

[greibo1]

So I should turn the level all the way up on the sub and let YPAO do its thing?

[danger boy]

So I should turn the level all the way up on the sub and let YPAO do its thing?

On the sub.. i'd start with the volume dial at about 9 O'clock or at the 10 O'clock position. treat the volume dial like a clock.. where 9 O'clock is about a quarter of a turn up. 12 O'clock being straight up.