dvd audio problem - left channel not working

[Harry Paratestikles]

I just hooked up a dvd player to my home audio system, and I am only
getting sound on the right channel. My audio system is about 15 years
old:

yamaha mx-830 power amp
yamaha cx-830 pre amp
sony dvp-ns775v dvd player

The cx-830 has inputs for CD, 2 VCRs, 2 Tape decks, and a Laser Disc
input. When I connect the dvd audio using an rca cable to the
pre-amp, only the right channel works. Oddly, it seems like at one
point I had sound in both channels for a few seconds, and then it was
almost as if the left speaker clipped and now I get nothing.

To prove the left channel of the DVD player is working, I hooked the
dvd player directly to the TV's audio inputs (also RCA), and both
channels are working. Then I connected the TV audio out to the
pre-amp audio in, and once again, no left channel.

The pre-amp seems to be working, since I can play CDs, VCR tapes, and
my DVR is connected to one of the VCR inputs and I get sound in both
channels.

So, any suggestions on if there is something I can do to remedy this
would be greatly appreciated.

Also, based on my current setup, I'd like to upgrade to a Dolby
surround system, but I hate to waste my current separate components (I
also have a separate tuner component), so buying a new receiver is not
my favorite option. Is there something else I could add to the system
to add dolby digital sound, such as a signal processor, a new pre-amp,
or surround processor? I don't know much about that stuff and I'm not
having much luck surfing. Any recommendations would be great. I'd
prefer to keep the cost under $1000.

Thanks!

[Mark D. Zacharias]

Maybe a bad solder connection at the preamp input. Try a different input. If
you were using Aux 1 previously, for example, try Aux 2.

Mark Z.


"Harry Paratestikles" > wrote in message
om...
>I just hooked up a dvd player to my home audio system, and I am only
> getting sound on the right channel. My audio system is about 15 years
> old:
>
> yamaha mx-830 power amp
> yamaha cx-830 pre amp
> sony dvp-ns775v dvd player
>
> The cx-830 has inputs for CD, 2 VCRs, 2 Tape decks, and a Laser Disc
> input. When I connect the dvd audio using an rca cable to the
> pre-amp, only the right channel works. Oddly, it seems like at one
> point I had sound in both channels for a few seconds, and then it was
> almost as if the left speaker clipped and now I get nothing.
>
> To prove the left channel of the DVD player is working, I hooked the
> dvd player directly to the TV's audio inputs (also RCA), and both
> channels are working. Then I connected the TV audio out to the
> pre-amp audio in, and once again, no left channel.
>
> The pre-amp seems to be working, since I can play CDs, VCR tapes, and
> my DVR is connected to one of the VCR inputs and I get sound in both
> channels.
>
> So, any suggestions on if there is something I can do to remedy this
> would be greatly appreciated.
>
> Also, based on my current setup, I'd like to upgrade to a Dolby
> surround system, but I hate to waste my current separate components (I
> also have a separate tuner component), so buying a new receiver is not
> my favorite option. Is there something else I could add to the system
> to add dolby digital sound, such as a signal processor, a new pre-amp,
> or surround processor? I don't know much about that stuff and I'm not
> having much luck surfing. Any recommendations would be great. I'd
> prefer to keep the cost under $1000.
>
> Thanks!

[Harry Paratestikles]

I tried several of the inputs, including the CD input. All of the
inputs seem to work when other devices are attached, just not for the
DVD.

"Mark D. Zacharias" > wrote in message >...
> Maybe a bad solder connection at the preamp input. Try a different input. If
> you were using Aux 1 previously, for example, try Aux 2.
>
> Mark Z.
>
>
> "Harry Paratestikles" > wrote in message
> om...
> >I just hooked up a dvd player to my home audio system, and I am only
> > getting sound on the right channel. My audio system is about 15 years
> > old:
> >
> > yamaha mx-830 power amp
> > yamaha cx-830 pre amp
> > sony dvp-ns775v dvd player
> >
> > The cx-830 has inputs for CD, 2 VCRs, 2 Tape decks, and a Laser Disc
> > input. When I connect the dvd audio using an rca cable to the
> > pre-amp, only the right channel works. Oddly, it seems like at one
> > point I had sound in both channels for a few seconds, and then it was
> > almost as if the left speaker clipped and now I get nothing.
> >
> > To prove the left channel of the DVD player is working, I hooked the
> > dvd player directly to the TV's audio inputs (also RCA), and both
> > channels are working. Then I connected the TV audio out to the
> > pre-amp audio in, and once again, no left channel.
> >
> > The pre-amp seems to be working, since I can play CDs, VCR tapes, and
> > my DVR is connected to one of the VCR inputs and I get sound in both
> > channels.
> >
> > So, any suggestions on if there is something I can do to remedy this
> > would be greatly appreciated.
> >
> > Also, based on my current setup, I'd like to upgrade to a Dolby
> > surround system, but I hate to waste my current separate components (I
> > also have a separate tuner component), so buying a new receiver is not
> > my favorite option. Is there something else I could add to the system
> > to add dolby digital sound, such as a signal processor, a new pre-amp,
> > or surround processor? I don't know much about that stuff and I'm not
> > having much luck surfing. Any recommendations would be great. I'd
> > prefer to keep the cost under $1000.
> >
> > Thanks!

[Braska]

(Harry Paratestikles) wrote in message >...
> I tried several of the inputs, including the CD input. All of the
> inputs seem to work when other devices are attached, just not for the
> DVD.
>
> "Mark D. Zacharias" > wrote in message >...
> > Maybe a bad solder connection at the preamp input. Try a different input. If
> > you were using Aux 1 previously, for example, try Aux 2.
> >
> > Mark Z.
> >
> >
> > "Harry Paratestikles" > wrote in message
> > om...
> > >I just hooked up a dvd player to my home audio system, and I am only
> > > getting sound on the right channel. My audio system is about 15 years
> > > old:
> > >
> > > yamaha mx-830 power amp
> > > yamaha cx-830 pre amp
> > > sony dvp-ns775v dvd player
> > >
> > > The cx-830 has inputs for CD, 2 VCRs, 2 Tape decks, and a Laser Disc
> > > input. When I connect the dvd audio using an rca cable to the
> > > pre-amp, only the right channel works. Oddly, it seems like at one
> > > point I had sound in both channels for a few seconds, and then it was
> > > almost as if the left speaker clipped and now I get nothing.
> > >
> > > To prove the left channel of the DVD player is working, I hooked the
> > > dvd player directly to the TV's audio inputs (also RCA), and both
> > > channels are working. Then I connected the TV audio out to the
> > > pre-amp audio in, and once again, no left channel.
> > >
> > > The pre-amp seems to be working, since I can play CDs, VCR tapes, and
> > > my DVR is connected to one of the VCR inputs and I get sound in both
> > > channels.
> > >
> > > So, any suggestions on if there is something I can do to remedy this
> > > would be greatly appreciated.
> > >
> > > Also, based on my current setup, I'd like to upgrade to a Dolby
> > > surround system, but I hate to waste my current separate components (I
> > > also have a separate tuner component), so buying a new receiver is not
> > > my favorite option. Is there something else I could add to the system
> > > to add dolby digital sound, such as a signal processor, a new pre-amp,
> > > or surround processor? I don't know much about that stuff and I'm not
> > > having much luck surfing. Any recommendations would be great. I'd
> > > prefer to keep the cost under $1000.
> > >
> > > Thanks!

I bought a Yamaha, 3 channel Dolby sound processor on ebay for $48,
ran it into the aux. connection of an intergrated amp, and it works
fine. BTW, have you checked out that the rca wires aren't defective on
that dvd/preamp connection?

[Mark D. Zacharias]

Have you tried another patch cord for the dvd?

mz


"Mark D. Zacharias" > wrote in message
...
> Maybe a bad solder connection at the preamp input. Try a different input.
> If you were using Aux 1 previously, for example, try Aux 2.
>
> Mark Z.
>
>
> "Harry Paratestikles" > wrote in message
> om...
>>I just hooked up a dvd player to my home audio system, and I am only
>> getting sound on the right channel. My audio system is about 15 years
>> old:
>>
>> yamaha mx-830 power amp
>> yamaha cx-830 pre amp
>> sony dvp-ns775v dvd player
>>
>> The cx-830 has inputs for CD, 2 VCRs, 2 Tape decks, and a Laser Disc
>> input. When I connect the dvd audio using an rca cable to the
>> pre-amp, only the right channel works. Oddly, it seems like at one
>> point I had sound in both channels for a few seconds, and then it was
>> almost as if the left speaker clipped and now I get nothing.
>>
>> To prove the left channel of the DVD player is working, I hooked the
>> dvd player directly to the TV's audio inputs (also RCA), and both
>> channels are working. Then I connected the TV audio out to the
>> pre-amp audio in, and once again, no left channel.
>>
>> The pre-amp seems to be working, since I can play CDs, VCR tapes, and
>> my DVR is connected to one of the VCR inputs and I get sound in both
>> channels.
>>
>> So, any suggestions on if there is something I can do to remedy this
>> would be greatly appreciated.
>>
>> Also, based on my current setup, I'd like to upgrade to a Dolby
>> surround system, but I hate to waste my current separate components (I
>> also have a separate tuner component), so buying a new receiver is not
>> my favorite option. Is there something else I could add to the system
>> to add dolby digital sound, such as a signal processor, a new pre-amp,
>> or surround processor? I don't know much about that stuff and I'm not
>> having much luck surfing. Any recommendations would be great. I'd
>> prefer to keep the cost under $1000.
>>
>> Thanks!
>
>

[Harry Paratestikles]

My amp doesn't have an auxiliary input so I'm stuck trying the ones it
has.

I know the cable is fine because when I plug directly from DVD to my
TV, I get both channels from my TV speakers. It's only when I go into
the amp that I lose the left channel.

(Braska) wrote in message >...
> I bought a Yamaha, 3 channel Dolby sound processor on ebay for $48,
> ran it into the aux. connection of an intergrated amp, and it works
> fine. BTW, have you checked out that the rca wires aren't defective on
> that dvd/preamp connection?

> (Harry Paratestikles) wrote in message >...
> > I tried several of the inputs, including the CD input. All of the
> > inputs seem to work when other devices are attached, just not for the
> > DVD.
> >
> > "Mark D. Zacharias" > wrote in message >...
> > > Maybe a bad solder connection at the preamp input. Try a different input. If
> > > you were using Aux 1 previously, for example, try Aux 2.
> > >
> > > Mark Z.
> > >
> > >
> > > "Harry Paratestikles" > wrote in message
> > > om...
> > > >I just hooked up a dvd player to my home audio system, and I am only
> > > > getting sound on the right channel. My audio system is about 15 years
> > > > old:
> > > >
> > > > yamaha mx-830 power amp
> > > > yamaha cx-830 pre amp
> > > > sony dvp-ns775v dvd player
> > > >
> > > > The cx-830 has inputs for CD, 2 VCRs, 2 Tape decks, and a Laser Disc
> > > > input. When I connect the dvd audio using an rca cable to the
> > > > pre-amp, only the right channel works. Oddly, it seems like at one
> > > > point I had sound in both channels for a few seconds, and then it was
> > > > almost as if the left speaker clipped and now I get nothing.
> > > >
> > > > To prove the left channel of the DVD player is working, I hooked the
> > > > dvd player directly to the TV's audio inputs (also RCA), and both
> > > > channels are working. Then I connected the TV audio out to the
> > > > pre-amp audio in, and once again, no left channel.
> > > >
> > > > The pre-amp seems to be working, since I can play CDs, VCR tapes, and
> > > > my DVR is connected to one of the VCR inputs and I get sound in both
> > > > channels.
> > > >
> > > > So, any suggestions on if there is something I can do to remedy this
> > > > would be greatly appreciated.
> > > >
> > > > Also, based on my current setup, I'd like to upgrade to a Dolby
> > > > surround system, but I hate to waste my current separate components (I
> > > > also have a separate tuner component), so buying a new receiver is not
> > > > my favorite option. Is there something else I could add to the system
> > > > to add dolby digital sound, such as a signal processor, a new pre-amp,
> > > > or surround processor? I don't know much about that stuff and I'm not
> > > > having much luck surfing. Any recommendations would be great. I'd
> > > > prefer to keep the cost under $1000.
> > > >
> > > > Thanks!
>

[Gary A. Edelstein]

On 24 Oct 2004 19:42:19 -0700, (Harry
Paratestikles) wrote:

>I tried several of the inputs, including the CD input. All of the
>inputs seem to work when other devices are attached, just not for the
>DVD.
>
Try a different audio cable as well as try switching the L and R
inputs to see if the problem is with the DVD player and the cable or
the preamp. Make sure you have the cable hooked up to the correct
outputs on the DVD player; component vid outs can have similar colors
to the L/R analog audio outs.

Gary E
--
|Gary A. Edelstein
(remove NO SPAM and .invalid to reply)
|"We have met the enemy and he is us." - Walt Kelly's Pogo

[Harry Paratestikles]

I assume the cord is ok since when I plug the same one into my tv
inputs, I get sound on both channels.

I still find it odd that at one point I had sound coming out of both
channels for maybe 30 seconds, then the left speaker seemed to clip
and since then I get no left channel audio with the dvd signal going
into the amp.

Wouldn't the audio coming out of the DVD be similar to the audio
coming out of a CD player or DVR? If so then I would think my
equipment should be able to handle it.

I should probably bite the bullet and get a receiver, but then I'd
have a pre-amp, power amp, and tuner all sitting idle. Not to mention
the fact that my speakers are rated around 200 watts so I would think
the receiver would need to be more powerful than the typical ones sold
(which seem to be 75-100 watts or so).

I didn't expect getting a dvd player would cause me this much trouble
:(

"Mark D. Zacharias" > wrote in message >...
> Have you tried another patch cord for the dvd?
>
> mz
>
>
> "Mark D. Zacharias" > wrote in message
> ...
> > Maybe a bad solder connection at the preamp input. Try a different input.
> > If you were using Aux 1 previously, for example, try Aux 2.
> >
> > Mark Z.
> >
> >
> > "Harry Paratestikles" > wrote in message
> > om...
> >>I just hooked up a dvd player to my home audio system, and I am only
> >> getting sound on the right channel. My audio system is about 15 years
> >> old:
> >>
> >> yamaha mx-830 power amp
> >> yamaha cx-830 pre amp
> >> sony dvp-ns775v dvd player
> >>
> >> The cx-830 has inputs for CD, 2 VCRs, 2 Tape decks, and a Laser Disc
> >> input. When I connect the dvd audio using an rca cable to the
> >> pre-amp, only the right channel works. Oddly, it seems like at one
> >> point I had sound in both channels for a few seconds, and then it was
> >> almost as if the left speaker clipped and now I get nothing.
> >>
> >> To prove the left channel of the DVD player is working, I hooked the
> >> dvd player directly to the TV's audio inputs (also RCA), and both
> >> channels are working. Then I connected the TV audio out to the
> >> pre-amp audio in, and once again, no left channel.
> >>
> >> The pre-amp seems to be working, since I can play CDs, VCR tapes, and
> >> my DVR is connected to one of the VCR inputs and I get sound in both
> >> channels.
> >>
> >> So, any suggestions on if there is something I can do to remedy this
> >> would be greatly appreciated.
> >>
> >> Also, based on my current setup, I'd like to upgrade to a Dolby
> >> surround system, but I hate to waste my current separate components (I
> >> also have a separate tuner component), so buying a new receiver is not
> >> my favorite option. Is there something else I could add to the system
> >> to add dolby digital sound, such as a signal processor, a new pre-amp,
> >> or surround processor? I don't know much about that stuff and I'm not
> >> having much luck surfing. Any recommendations would be great. I'd
> >> prefer to keep the cost under $1000.
> >>
> >> Thanks!
> >
> >

[Harry Paratestikles]

Well I don't know what happened but now it seems to be working. I
used the same rca cable and was able to sustain sound through both
channels for several minutes.

Thanks for everyone's input, I appreciate it!

(Harry Paratestikles) wrote in message >...
> I assume the cord is ok since when I plug the same one into my tv
> inputs, I get sound on both channels.
>
> I still find it odd that at one point I had sound coming out of both
> channels for maybe 30 seconds, then the left speaker seemed to clip
> and since then I get no left channel audio with the dvd signal going
> into the amp.
>
> Wouldn't the audio coming out of the DVD be similar to the audio
> coming out of a CD player or DVR? If so then I would think my
> equipment should be able to handle it.
>
> I should probably bite the bullet and get a receiver, but then I'd
> have a pre-amp, power amp, and tuner all sitting idle. Not to mention
> the fact that my speakers are rated around 200 watts so I would think
> the receiver would need to be more powerful than the typical ones sold
> (which seem to be 75-100 watts or so).
>
> I didn't expect getting a dvd player would cause me this much trouble
> :(
>
> "Mark D. Zacharias" > wrote in message >...
> > Have you tried another patch cord for the dvd?
> >
> > mz
> >
> >
> > "Mark D. Zacharias" > wrote in message
> > ...
> > > Maybe a bad solder connection at the preamp input. Try a different input.
> > > If you were using Aux 1 previously, for example, try Aux 2.
> > >
> > > Mark Z.
> > >
> > >
> > > "Harry Paratestikles" > wrote in message
> > > om...
> > >>I just hooked up a dvd player to my home audio system, and I am only
> > >> getting sound on the right channel. My audio system is about 15 years
> > >> old:
> > >>
> > >> yamaha mx-830 power amp
> > >> yamaha cx-830 pre amp
> > >> sony dvp-ns775v dvd player
> > >>
> > >> The cx-830 has inputs for CD, 2 VCRs, 2 Tape decks, and a Laser Disc
> > >> input. When I connect the dvd audio using an rca cable to the
> > >> pre-amp, only the right channel works. Oddly, it seems like at one
> > >> point I had sound in both channels for a few seconds, and then it was
> > >> almost as if the left speaker clipped and now I get nothing.
> > >>
> > >> To prove the left channel of the DVD player is working, I hooked the
> > >> dvd player directly to the TV's audio inputs (also RCA), and both
> > >> channels are working. Then I connected the TV audio out to the
> > >> pre-amp audio in, and once again, no left channel.
> > >>
> > >> The pre-amp seems to be working, since I can play CDs, VCR tapes, and
> > >> my DVR is connected to one of the VCR inputs and I get sound in both
> > >> channels.
> > >>
> > >> So, any suggestions on if there is something I can do to remedy this
> > >> would be greatly appreciated.
> > >>
> > >> Also, based on my current setup, I'd like to upgrade to a Dolby
> > >> surround system, but I hate to waste my current separate components (I
> > >> also have a separate tuner component), so buying a new receiver is not
> > >> my favorite option. Is there something else I could add to the system
> > >> to add dolby digital sound, such as a signal processor, a new pre-amp,
> > >> or surround processor? I don't know much about that stuff and I'm not
> > >> having much luck surfing. Any recommendations would be great. I'd
> > >> prefer to keep the cost under $1000.
> > >>
> > >> Thanks!
> > >
> > >

[N]

(Harry Paratestikles) wrote in message >...
> Well I don't know what happened but now it seems to be working. I
> used the same rca cable and was able to sustain sound through both
> channels for several minutes.

My guess is that the left RCA input on your preamp was slightly dirty
and that prevented good contact. Plugging and unplugging the cable
cleaned the dirt by scraping the dirt off.

You can buy contact cleaner at Radio Shack, hardware stores, and other
electronics suppliers. It's a good idea to unplug all your gear maybe
every year or two and use the contact cleaner to clean the inputs and
outputs on all your gear. Dirt appears naturally over time and can
eventually cause contact to become just bad enough to prevent good
contact.

OK, as for upgrading your preamp/amp to surround sound...modern Dolby
receivers are so cheap, plentiful, and packed with features that the
easiest (and probably best way, in terms of money) is to sell your
existing amp and preamp and use the proceeds to buy a new Dolby
receiver. As another poster mentioned, there are ways to get a stereo
preamp and amp to integrate and work with a Dolby adapter and added
amps, but I think it's much simpler just to get a Dolby receiver
that's designed to meet your goal of having surround sound. you can
find those for $200 or less new, and even cheaper on places like eBay.

However, many recent receivers have poor tuners, so if you already
have a better tuner, you could hang on to that and plug that into a
new receiver's auxiliary, tape, or other input.

Assuming you're in the US, the December issue of Consumer Reports
includes reviews of surround receivers from $200 to $800. An $800
Onkyo scored highest, but they also liked a $300 Panasonic a lot.
These reviews could be a good place to start. Or if you especially
like Yamaha products, start there.

The cheapest and easiest way to get surround sound is with something
like a Dynaco QD adapter; you can find these on eBay for around $10.
This would work with your existing Yamaha gear. But adapters like this
(which are based on something called the Hafler effect, which is
something like analog Dolby Surround, but without the sophistication
and adjustability of the Dolby circuits) just produce a surround
effect from stereo sources and no true Dolby Digital sound at all. So
although a Dynaco QD adapter would work for stereo sources, I think
you'd be much happier with a real Dolby receiver. But if you happen to
have some extra speakers lying around, you could buy a Dynaco QD
adapter and experiment with that, if you're curious about surround
sound.

So what would I do if I were you? Buy a recent Dolby receiver and
center and rear speakers and experiment with that. Then if you don't
like that and decide to stick with stereo, you can sell the Dolby
receiver and extra speakers quickly and go back to enjoying your
existing Yamaha components.