Nut, a confusion sometimes arises because the auto-setup systems have two separate areas of operation: 1)calibrating speaker levels and delays for distance; 2)applying correction for room effects which apply to all speakers, regardless of their quality. As to auto-calibration, this is likely more accurate than can be done manually with a SPL meter, considering the added element of human error. Audyssey room correction, especially when combined with Dynamic EQ to compensate for lower volume levels, has been found to be quite effective by many(including me)and works well regardless of the dispersion characteristics of the speakers being used.
