SPL readings On My Unscientific DB SetUp for Denons

[kfalls]

I am familiar with Denon owning an AVR-3300 myself. There are several misconceptions here I will try to clear up as to why differnet level and formats may sound different.

First you stated your original settings as (L) -7, (C) -7, (R) -7, (RL) -6, (RR) -9 and sub -9. Just turning the volume control 7db will give you (L) 0, (C) 0, (R) 0, (RL) 1, (RR) -2 and sub -2 which is very close to what you say is giving you better sound (all levels at 0db with the sub @ +2). The Radio Shack analog meter requires +4db of compensation in the bass because it reads 4db low. Adding these corrections provide compensated levels of (L) 0, (C) 0, (R) 0, (RL) 1, (RR) -2 and sub 0 which is not that much different than original except you now have the bass corrected.

The differences in levels and sound could also be associated with room boundaries and materials. A speaker setup in a corner will sound different than one in open air because walls will reinforce some frequencies more than others. Soft or hard surfaces surrounding the speaker will also affect the sound. Also, different receivers handle bass management differently. I know on my Denon the sub is not on in the "Direct" format, but is during the Stereo, 5-channel Stereo and other DSP formats. This may also account for some of your difference is sound.

The comments about testing using a two channel source with multi-channel formats is also valid. A two-channel source playing in a Dolby Pro Logic format will have derived center (L+R) and surround (L-R) channels. The surrounds will not be full range since DLP limits the range to 100Hz-7000Hz and the surrounds are mono not discrete. Dolby Digital has all full-range channels except for the ".1" sub channel and the surrounds are discrete.

Because of strange differences in sound I very seldom use the DSP formats, they either have too little clarity, too much echo, or too much bass. They were cool at first, but lost their attraction quickly. Hope this helps.

[hershon]

[QUOTE=kfalls]

First you stated your original settings as (L) -7, (C) -7, (R) -7, (RL) -6, (RR) -9 and sub -9. Just turning the volume control 7db will give you (L) 0, (C) 0, (R) 0, (RL) 1, (RR) -2 and sub -2 which is very close to what you say is giving you better sound (all levels at 0db with the sub @ +2).

Thanks but I don't quite understand what you're saying as the original settings you mentioned when using the Debnons test tones trying to have each channel match to 75 DBs set the speaker volume/DB level to the same DB as the test. IE left front -7 is set as -7. Where does you 0 come in and so fourth or alternatively how do you come up with your second set of numbers that resemble mine? Any information/clarification appreciated.

[shokhead]

It seems something as easy and basic as setting speakers has gotten out of control. Test tone,master volume at 0db,set each speaker to 75 or 80db,thats what most use and the sub a few db's more. Thats it,you basic speaker level setup.

[Sir Terrence the Terrible]

It seems something as easy and basic as setting speakers has gotten out of control. Test tone,master volume at 0db,set each speaker to 75 or 80db,thats what most use and the sub a few db's more. Thats it,you basic speaker level setup.

Thank you!!!!

[Quagmire]

Thank you!!!!

Yes, I'm about to add an AMEN!!!

Q

[kfalls]

Setting the levels using the internal test tones will set the levels of the internal amplifiers only. It will not take into account any level or freq response discrepencies within the DVD, tape, TV or CD players themselves. Many DVD players have their own bass management which is above and beyond the adjustments made on the receiver. If you want the levels to be precise playing DVDs use a DVD setup disc. The same applies if you have a seperate CD player or cassette, use test media which will allow compensating for the entire signal path, not just the levels of the amplifiers.

[shokhead]

Setting the levels using the internal test tones will set the levels of the internal amplifiers only. It will not take into account any level or freq response discrepencies within the DVD, tape, TV or CD players themselves. Many DVD players have their own bass management which is above and beyond the adjustments made on the receiver. If you want the levels to be precise playing DVDs use a DVD setup disc. The same applies if you have a seperate CD player or cassette, use test media which will allow compensating for the entire signal path, not just the levels of the amplifiers.

Nope. You use the dig out and your not using the dvd bass management.