HI! I have m22ti vp150 and three qs8. I use onkyo 601.
I noticed that when you watch movies the dialogue is very low while the action scenes explode and very loud. I did calibrate the speakers with spl meter and moved around center speaker but still no luck. Is it normal that dialogue comes out in a low volume? Also I noticed that when people have high pitch voices it sounds like a squeaking door(maybe bacause I turn the volume up to hear the dialogue). When I watch the movies the volume is usually at -15 db. And calibration I did is 75db. I don't know what to think. Is it my receiver or center speaker or me:) Any advice will be appreciated. Thank you!

What you're experiencing is the difference in volume of the voices on the track and the explosions (which are louder) due to the dynamic range of the audio track. Basically, the dynamic range is the range of volume (from the quietest moment to the loudest moment) played in the track. The mix has been intentionally done this way so that the explosions have the impact that the director/sound mixer intended.

In a theater it usually is not a problem because the volume is turned up loud enough to hear the voices. The loud explosions are relatively louder too, but this isn't an issue in a sound-isolated theater - without babies, roommates and neighbors to worry about.

One thing you can do is limit the dynamic range on your reciever (by making it narrow, rather than wide or normal). The narrower the dynamic range, the less difference there will be in volume between the quietest and the loudest sound. There may be some changes to the quality of the sound - what they may be, I am not sure. The limited dynamic range will ensure that the voices will be loud, but the explosions don't have the neighbors banging on your door.

About the whining of the high pitched voices - that might be caused by the amp straining to produce a lower level signal at a higher volume (guessing here). In any event, you may find the problem solves itself by narrowing the dynamics. But understand that it might come with some negative side-effects with which others may have more experience which they choose to comment on.

hope this helps.

the 601 also has a feature that allows you to increase the volume level of the center channel(mainly voice), without affecting your overall calibration.. wait, that sounded wrong..

you can increase the center volume for whatever you are listening to, then when you turn off the receiver, it will automatically go back to the original settings you have made.. now, i know that seems like its defeating the purpose of calibrating in the first place, but keep in mind, your ears dont care about calibration.. if you cant hear the voices, then turn it up so you can.. and this is a way to do that without raising the total volume, and it defaults back to your original settings once you turn it off..

just another idea?

bigjohn

are you talking about increasing the volume of the center in speaker calibration menu where you assing db difference for each speaker? or there is another option. I think I had onkyo manual memorized but didn't remember this option
Thanks guys for your help!!!!

I mean assigning

before i tell you wrong, let me double check my manual when i get home.. but, i know its not the regular calibration volume setting.. its a different 'mode' that allows you to increase the center channel volume temporarily.. then, once you turn the unit off, it defaults back to what you have it calibrated at..

i have this on my 701, and just assumed you would have it on the 601.. i will check my manual when i get home this evening, and give more details..

bigjohn

thank you very much!

As always BigJohn is right. There is a button on the 510 remote called "Late Night" For the 601/701 it's within the audio adjust menu.
From the manual for the 510:
Late Night (Dolby Digital)
With this function you can reduce the dynamic range of
Dolby Digital material so that you can still hear quiet parts
even when listening at low volume levels—ideal for watching
movies late at night when you don’t want to disturb anyone.
Late Night=Off............no effect
Late Night=Low..........small reduction in dynamic range
Late Night=High .........big reduction in dynamic range
Note that the impact of the Late Night function depends on
the Dolby Digital material that you are playing, and with
some material there will be little or no effect.
This function is automatically cancelled when you set the
HT-R510 to Standby.

Hehe. Sorry, Capt. Credit to you! And a bow to BigJohn for having some humilty.

no offense james, but i think you got mine and capt pickards comments confused.. reducing the dynamic range was his idea, just keeping credit where its due.. what i am speaking of is actually adjusting up the center channel volume without affecting the original calibrated levels.. i know it can be done, i just cant remember how here at work.. i will check the manual when i get home.. although, i DO think changing the dynamic will help also.. but if he still wansts the explosions in FULL sound, then turning up the center might be a good alternative.

but i do like what you had to say.. as always, I AM RIGHT!!

bigjohn

James - It's ok. I was just crapping from the mouth anyway.
John - Thanks for always being right.