Axiom Home Page Forums General Discussion Advice from Axiom Owners They're here...

I absolutely would NOT use MCACC when evaluating and comparing the speakers. As a matter of fact, I'd leave the subwoofer out of it, too. At least initially. The more variables you introduce, the less likely that you're getting a true A/B comparison.

I agree.

Interesting idea. I was thinking of not using the sub woofer at first anyway. If I don't use the MCACC, do you suggest using an analog SPL meter? The radio shack one is no longer available. I found a Pyle Digital SPL, but it doesn't have many good reviews. Any suggestions? Or should I just use my ear?

BTW, you can check out my blog on the evaluation at http://striperseeker.blog.com
Complete with rants, raves, and pictures.

Just run MCACC. That should calibrate and take care of the trims, bass management, distances etc. Do a quick double check on everything and your good to go. I'm sure there is a setting in the receiver to disable the MCACC equalization. To use or disable that equalization is purely ones preference. I'm not sure exactly what it is called or where to go in the settings for it because I am use to Denon and Onkyo receivers which employ a different technology.

My view is that your comparison, to be most relevant to the way in which you'll actually be using the speakers in the future, should include the sub and the MCACC calibration and equalization.

well, this sucks. My amp seems to have died. I have all the Axioms set up and ready to go. I try to run the MCACC and it quickly goes through each speaker and then dies, while blinking the Phase control light on the AVR. The manual states "your receiver could have a serious problem. Disconnect power and contact tech support." It evan happens playing audio. Oh well. Any suggestions on a new one? I was thinking of the Marantz Sr7005 or the new Yamaha Aventage series. Any suggestions? This really sucks because it cuts into my 30-day evaluation time. And the hits just keep on coming.....

I've had a SR5005 for a couple of months now and i just like it a lot; i use it as a prepro only, using external amps.
it also has Audyssey Multeq;

if the SR7005 has the Audyssey Multeq Xt or better, and everything else you want, then you should be very satisfied.

the sound is first class, construction seems very good as also the looks.

i can recommend it.

as for Yamaha, i've had two pieces of equipment from them before, quite a long time ago, and parts quality was not very good in them; but it could be very different today.

I would check all your connections, even 1 stray strand from your speakers wires can cause protection mode.

I've been over and over the AVR and the speakers. It's driving me nuts. All this equipment sitting around and I can't listen to it. DAMN!!!! I've tinned the ends of the speaker wire AND put them in banana plugs at the AVR end. I double checked each speaker to make sure the polarity was right. I only have my DirecTV DVR and my OPPO 93 into the AVR via HDMI then one HDMI to the TV. No other connections. Oh well...