Axiom Home Page Forums General Discussion Home Theater centre channel overpowering...

ok, i have a cheapo yamaha receiver (HTR-5730), m60's and a yamaha centre channel, my question is that during movies my centre channel can seem a bit overpowering sometimes ie. sounds like its the only speaker on in quite scenes, is this because of my receiver? or because the speaker is quite different from the m60's? when i get my VP150 next month will this issue go away because they will be matched with the m60's? also i have the centre channel on -6db on the receiver, still too loud, and no i havent calibrated with a spl meter as i dont have the spare case at the moment...axiom made me broke lol

Darren,

You just may be setting the receiver too high for center. Try setting the center back a little.

The SPL meter is a must. You can try to adjust channels levels by ear, but its hit and miss.

i cant set it back as it is in an entertainment unit below the tv, so i have it right on the edge of it...i know i have to make the trip, but i havent got around to it yet...it would be nice to finally have my sub calibrated to... but im not sure where to buy avia...

No..

Use the channel level settings and set the center back a few dB.

yes as i said, ive done that its at -6db now, but iguess your right it is just hit or miss until i get it calibrated properly...i was going too wait till i get the 150 next month, but now im not sure i want to wait that long...

Darren,

Try and reduce the center-channel level with the menu in the Yamaha and raise the level of the left and right main speakers (relative to the center).

I also suspect the Yamaha center is fairly colored (it may have a nasal "honk"), which could make it seem distractingly loud.

You can order Avia on Amazon.com.

Regards,

Is -6 the maximum setting? Can you change the mains to a higher level?

i cant set the mains higher, but i can lower the centre more (max -20db) so i guess i could try that...the only reason i bought those yamaha's was because i was first getting into ht, and was totally ignorant...now i know the true path..(axiom), also i cannot order avia from amazon as i am in canada, so i guess ill have to keep looking..

Put a dvd in that has the overpowering center. Adjust the center to -9 and replay a scene. Then try -12 and replay. You can usually hear a difference in a 3dB change.

ok, will do thnx much

Keep in mind also, that when playing stuff that's heavily dialog-driven, your Center will often seem to be the only speaker used.... till a little music swells for dramatic effect.

You are listening in Dolby Digital or DTS, correct? PLII seems to use the center more, IMO.

yes i use either dd or dts (via optical cable)

I live in Canada and bought Avia from Amazon with no problems :

http://www.amazon.ca/exec/obidos/ASIN/630551982X/qid=1118696224/sr=8-1/ref=sr_8_xs_ap_i1_xgl/702-3465827-4245634

hmm, i remeber i heard about one they sell at best buy, "av home theater setup" or something like that, but i just looked and cant find it on bestbuy.ca anymore...if anyone finds a link, would that be ok? as i would rather not purchase over the internet if possible

>>as i would rather not purchase over the internet if possible

HOW did you get your M60s ?

Sorry, just yankin' your chain

My understanding is that any of the HT setup DVDs will be fine; every one has pros & cons but none is "best"; Avia is just blessed with a shorter name and is easier to remember.

i actually ordered over the phone, lol (my parents refuse to order over the internet...) i need to get a credit card...but i dont think you can at 17...

i found the one i was talking about: sound and vision http://www.bestbuy.ca/catalog/proddetail.asp?logon=&langid=EN&sku_id=0926INGFSM1881317&catid=
i might go and pick that as well as an spl meter today...