Re: Under-powered Speakers

[apcarandang]

The built in test tones is a good place to start with. However you''ll get a better results by using a test tones on the Avia DVD or Video Essentials DVD.<p>That will ensure that any DVD you play will sound good. <p>Tips on using the SPL meter.<p>DO NOT POINT the meter towards any of the speakers.<p>Follow the step by step instructions on the AVIA or VE test disc and you should be okay. Sometimes you won''t be able to balance each speakers exactly but try to get them as close as possible to each other.<p>You''ll have to crank up the volume to get to 70db. I have my system set at 75 db. <p>Once you''re done you can always turn the volume down. <p>Hope this helps. smile.gif border=0

[apcarandang]

Basically setting the speaker levels from a test disc will assure that the signals will be optimized for that source. Once that is set all other componest you have will follow that ideal setting. wink.gif border=0

[h2lentino]

So you won''t be confused, just remember it is your RECEIVER you are setting up - nothing else. Once your set up is done, it will work whatever your source is - DVD, TV, VCR.<p>Below is what I''ve posted in another thread:<p>STEREO REVIEW - June 1998, page 85 (word for word)<p>Once you''ve figured out how to use the meter - read the manual too, and take the unit outside to measure some everyday sounds - you''re ready to balance your system. The procedure is simple and can be broken down into a few steps:<p>1. Activate the speaker-balancing test tones, either by switching on your surround decoder''s internal test tone or playing a suitable test disc.<p>2. Set the meter''s range to 70 dB, Weighting to C, and Response to slow.<p>3. Hold the meter vertically at arm''s length and at the position of your head when seated in your favorite listening position. If you have dipole surround speakers, make sure the listening position is in the "null" of the dipole''s radiation pattern. Be carefull not to stand between the meter and the speaker emitting the test tone. Do not put the meter down on a chair. You can use the meter''s threaded mounting hole to attach it to a camera tripod, if necessary.<p>4. Adjust the system''s master volume control so that the test tone from the front left speaker reads somewhere close to the 0-dB mark, indicating 70 dB SPL. Remember this reading. You want the tones to be at least this loud so that the background noise doesn''t influence the measurements.<p>5. As the test tone moves from one speaker to the next, adjust the level control for each channel so that the reading is as close as possible to that produced by the left front speaker.<p>Remember, you''re tweaking the individual channel-level controls, not the system''s master volume control. With late-model A/V recievers and surround-sound processors, you should be able to get all the readings to fall within a spread of 2 dB or better.

[apcarandang]

Yes newer receivers allow you to balance all channels. You can still do a good job by running thetest tone through the left speaker and try to get that speaker to 70db. Then match the center and surrounds.<p>The SPL meter should be held at an angle up towards the ceiling not at any of the speakers even when setting the surround levels.<p>Great Post H2lentino !!! <p>Anyway your test DVD should have diagrams and pictures to guide you through the setup. smile.gif border=0

[h2lentino]

I would guess that you have a DVD player with Dolby Digital decoder and a PROLOGIC (no Dolby Digital decoder) receiver. And I would also guess that your receiver doesn''t have DIGITAL inputs.<br />If this is the case, then I would suggest setting up your receiver first. This way, it will serve you best while playing analog sources like your VCR and TV. Then probably you can experiment with your DVD settings. But I suspect your DVD is connected to your receiver via the analog output (the red and white RCA jacks).