When I use the auto setup on my Denon AVR3605 receiver using a microphone I get an out of phase surround speaker error message for my QS8s. I have checked and the speakers are wired correctly.

Hi GregoryD,

Ignore the "out of phase" indication from the auto setup. The auto setup devices are prone to error--they cannot figure out an in-phase multipolar speaker like the QS8/4s-- and are fairly crude in operation, however you can use it to get started (setting the distances and size of speakers and the relative levels of each. The Denon may also indicate your subwoofer is 30 feet away or some unlikely figure. Ignore that as well.

Turn off the auto-Equalization, which may make good speakers like Axioms sound bad. You'll get other helpful advice here about doing a manual calibration using the Radio Shack Sound level meter and a calibration DVD from Avia, Video Essentials or Sound&Vision magazine.

Regards,

I agree with Alan on most accounts. In regards to the sub distance, it says right in the manual that this is a normal outcome. It has to do with the electronic circuitry of the sub. My EP500 is about 15ft away, but the Denon has it at around 25ft. Others have the same experience, and the sound is great.

In my opinion, I would not call the Auto Setup crude. I agree with Alan in regards to the room-EQ portion, I also turn that off. But, the distance, dB levels, AND phase check are very accurate. I have 4 Qs8's, and have never received a phase error on any of my speakers. I tested the Denon's ability for checking the phase by letting a stray wire from the negative terminal touch the positive terminal on the back of my AVR. I then received the same message you did. It is possible that you have all the positive/negative wires correct, however, one wire strand touching the wrong terminal on the AVR OR speaker will give you this message. The speaker terminals on the back of the Denons are so close togethor, it is likely you just didn't see the crossover.

I don't think it has anything to do with the quadpolar design, or others would complain of the same problem. There are many Denon owners with Q's around these parts.

Greg, if you've checked that the wiring is correct(including no loose strands)then don't worry about it. Some of the auto-setup receiver manuals caution that this sometimes happens. In general you should trust the receiver set-up and it's likely to be at least as accurate as a manual setup with an additional human error factor thrown in.