Speaker configuration with SPL meter--or not - 02/29/04 05:32 AM
Just this week, I received my new Axioms: M22s, VP100, and QS4s. They sound great. They are coupled with a HSU STF-2 and an H/K 230.
Even after reading lots of posts in the forums about calibration, I'm still somewhat confused. The H/K has a mic for calibration built into the remote. I did what the manual suggested: set the volume to -15dB and let the receiver do it's thing. Strange result: all five speakers were set to +10dB. This doesn't make any sense--it simply made everything sound louder at the same number on the receiver display. (Reminds me of Spinal Tap--"But our amplifiers go to 11").
So, I went to Radio Shack and bought the analog SPL for $40. At the levels I want to listen at, I can hardly get the SPL to register. I guess I have to crank the receiver way, way up to get 75dB on the SPL. But, it seems like I should configure at the volume I plan to listen at--unless the entire system (receiver and speakers) is linear over volume.
BTW, the receiver generates test tones and my Finding Nemo DVD has a THX setup menu as well. I will grab the "Home Theater Tune Up by Sound and Vison" DVD at my next opportunity.
Any advice?
Even after reading lots of posts in the forums about calibration, I'm still somewhat confused. The H/K has a mic for calibration built into the remote. I did what the manual suggested: set the volume to -15dB and let the receiver do it's thing. Strange result: all five speakers were set to +10dB. This doesn't make any sense--it simply made everything sound louder at the same number on the receiver display. (Reminds me of Spinal Tap--"But our amplifiers go to 11").
So, I went to Radio Shack and bought the analog SPL for $40. At the levels I want to listen at, I can hardly get the SPL to register. I guess I have to crank the receiver way, way up to get 75dB on the SPL. But, it seems like I should configure at the volume I plan to listen at--unless the entire system (receiver and speakers) is linear over volume.
BTW, the receiver generates test tones and my Finding Nemo DVD has a THX setup menu as well. I will grab the "Home Theater Tune Up by Sound and Vison" DVD at my next opportunity.
Any advice?