Trying to get 5.1 thru Android box on pioneer receiver

[Buddymac70]

How do I connect my pioneer vsx305 receiver to get 5.1 sound out of my mxq pro 4k Android box and thru my tv. All speakers connected but only getting front stereo sound

 

[getochkn]

Well how is it connected now? Are you watching a movie encoded in surround? Are you using kodi? Is passthrough enabled.

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[getochkn]

Well i googled your receiver and it has no HDMI, no optical, so I can only assume you have it connect from the headphone 3.5mm jack on the android box to RCA jacks on the receiver. In that case you get no surround, there is no way to pass it. Your receiver should have a way to enable it's "simulated dolby surround" with a button on the remote, but that's up to you to use. IT's an old, old, old receiver. You would need a newer AVR, audio-video receiver that has HDMI or optical on it.

 

[Buddymac70]

Ok I understand. Right now I have the amp RCA's plugged into my tv. With my android box plugged into my tv via HDMI. Is there a way I can get all 5 speakers to work with the front and rear and center ports on the back? I can only get sound from front and center. Tried with Android box and Xbox one Blu-ray player with same results, only front and center. Thanks for taking the time to help.

 

[americanaudiophile]

If you select a surround sound mode on the receiver that is for a stereo input you will get surround sound. Try each and use the one you like.

 

[Buddymac70]

I have tried all settings but can never get sound from the rear speakers. Speakers are ok. Wiring to them is ok. Tried prologic, surround, simm surround, and off settings. All settings. Only time I had them all work was with an Xbox 360 but no longer have it to try.

 

[getochkn]

Well, if center would only work if htere was a surround mode enabled, otherwise it would only ever be front left and right. so if center is working, rear should work unless something is wrong with them.

Fact is, using RCA is never going to give real surround period. No way to pass 6 channel with only 2.

You need a AVR that has multiple HDMI inputs and an HDMI output that goes to your TV, so all your devices plug into the AVR from HDMI and then you'll get full true surround. Anything else is only going to be simulated anyways.

 

[Buddymac70]

Excellent thank you. I will trouble shoot the rear outputs. Speakers work if I wire them to the front. Thought it may be a setting but the old receiver might be finally biting the dust. I understand it much better now tho thank you. Gonna start looking for something newer.

 

[getochkn]

Yes, having a AVR in the middle of all your devices is the best way to go. Look for something with HDMI inputs and outputs, then it can intercept all the surround sound itself and then pass the video onto the TV.

 

[Buddymac70]

Would something like the pioneer vsx 531 k be easier and less frustrating to deal with? https/www.pioneerelectronics.com/PUSA/Home/AV-Receivers/Pioneer+Receivers/VSX-531