Calibrate speakers
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Joined: Mar 2008
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OP
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Hello, I recieved my speaker system about a month ago. 2 M80'S 2 QS8 1 CENTER 1 350 EPV3 I need to know how to calibrate them. I got a digital sound level from radio shack.I am a neebie to the world of HT. Thanks Pat
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Re: Calibrate speakers
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Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 10,420
shareholder in the making
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shareholder in the making
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What receiver are you using?
If it has a pink noise generator, you turn on the pink noise and adjust each speaker level to read the same on the meter. Ideally the meter is on a tripod and positioned in your favorite seating postion about ear high. I usually stick the meter into the cushions of the couch, as I do not have a tripod.
The meter should be set to 'C' weighting and slow speed.
Jason M80 v2 VP160 v3 QS8 v2 PB13 Ultra Denon 3808 Samsung 85" Q70
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Re: Calibrate speakers
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Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 47
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OP
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I'm using a onkyo 705. Thanks
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Re: Calibrate speakers
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Joined: Apr 2007
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connoisseur
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connoisseur
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I always wondered, should you point the meter to the speaker that is generating the tone?
Or do you just point it forward even when you are calibrating the surrounds?
It seems to me that pointing the meter at the surrounds would be more like a real ear facing to the side.
-David
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Re: Calibrate speakers
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Joined: May 2008
Posts: 200
local
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local
Joined: May 2008
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Use the included MIC to run Audyssey MultEQ XT. This will set the trims to make your speakers close to 75db and will do wonders for your overall sound. After running Audyssey, you should manually set your crossovers if the Onkyo sets any to FULL.
The included test tones are -30db. This means your meter should read 75db when using the tones.
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Re: Calibrate speakers
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Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 1,189
connoisseur
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connoisseur
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I always wondered, should you point the meter to the speaker that is generating the tone? I always leave the meter pointing forward. You could always compare a test tone from a surround with the meter pointing forward and then again with it pointing direct and see if it really makes much difference.
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Re: Calibrate speakers
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Joined: May 2003
Posts: 18,044
shareholder in the making
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I leave it pointing up, on a tripod on the couch in the center position (which almost never gets used). But I'm weird.
I am the Doctor, and THIS... is my SPOON!
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Re: Calibrate speakers
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Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 602
aficionado
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aficionado
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SPL should be pointed straight up (towards the ceiling)
-- Denon 4520, EPIC80/500/VP180 Speakers
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Re: Calibrate speakers
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Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 108
veteran
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veteran
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My Yamaha RXV 3800 comes with a SPL. Is it best to use the one Yamaha supplies or should i use a disconnected one like your all talking about?
M60 M3 VP100 VP150 EP175 Q4 PanyPTAE1000U LCD HD projector 120" Yamaha RX-V3800 PS3 20g, 360 ELITE
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Re: Calibrate speakers
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Joined: May 2002
Posts: 10,654
shareholder in the making
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shareholder in the making
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Pat, the auto-calibration system on your 705 is excellent and gives results that should be at least as accurate with respect to calibrating sound levels as you could accomplish by setting the levels manually(taking into account the added factor of human error)with the aid of the SPL meter. Rather unrealistic comments are sometimes read concerning checking the auto-set levels with an SPL meter to see how far the auto setting was "off", when in fact it's the user who's off.
The digital RS meter(which I also use)is very useful for things such as checking average and maximum sound levels when playing various sound sources, but isn't essential for the calibration process if the receiver can do the job.
-----------------------------------
Enjoy the music, not the equipment.
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Re: Calibrate speakers
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Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 16
frequent flier
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frequent flier
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I believe the instructions with my receiver was to point it straight up in the air (if it wasn't there, I know I read it somewhere...).
However, the directions that came with my meter say to point it at the source of the sound when at all possible.
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Re: Calibrate speakers
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Joined: Jan 2004
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shareholder in the making
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shareholder in the making
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The radio shack meters are omni directional, your supposed to point them straight up. I usually just hold mine in my hand at ear level.
M80s VP180 4xM22ow 4xM3ic EP600 2xEP350 AnthemAVM60 Outlaw7700 EmoA500 Epson5040UB FluanceRT85
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Re: Calibrate speakers
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Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 4,877
connoisseur
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connoisseur
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interesting... I notice about a 1 db difference if I point it straight at my surrounds vs straight forward...
Will see if pointing it up has an impact
-David
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Re: Calibrate speakers
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Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 5,210
axiomite
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axiomite
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I've always calibrated with the Radio Shack SPL meter mounted on a tripod and pointed directly towards the ceiling from the listening position but I've found a couple of sources stating that the SPL meter should be pointed 45 degrees above the center channel speaker or pointed at the angle where the wall and the ceiling meet above the center channel speaker. I'll have to give that notion a shot. Source 1Source 2.
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Re: Calibrate speakers
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Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 4,877
connoisseur
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connoisseur
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why a tripod? shouldn't you be sitting in the seat holding the meter, since you will be sitting there when listening/watching? Hey, you never know how much your shoulder getting in the way might impact the soundwaves yah know
-David
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Re: Calibrate speakers
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Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 5,210
axiomite
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axiomite
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The tripod frees yourself up to be able to adjust settings or to do other task during the calibration process without disturbing the location of the meter. Also ... how'n the heck else are you going to be able to go to the fridge, grab a beer and continue with the calibration process if you have the SPL meter in your hand the entire time?
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Re: Calibrate speakers
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Joined: Feb 2008
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connoisseur
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connoisseur
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Isn't the fridge supposed to be within reaching distance?
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Re: Calibrate speakers
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Joined: Jun 2005
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connoisseur
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connoisseur
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Yes, but if the meter is still in one hand then you can only grab one drink.
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Re: Calibrate speakers
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Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 5,210
axiomite
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axiomite
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Yes, but if the meter is still in one hand then you can only grab one drink. Truly spoken from an experienced audio calibrator.
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Re: Calibrate speakers
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Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 602
aficionado
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aficionado
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why a tripod? shouldn't you be sitting in the seat holding the meter, since you will be sitting there when listening/watching? Hey, you never know how much your shoulder getting in the way might impact the soundwaves yah know If you hold the SPL, you can introduce unwanted sound (moving around etc)
-- Denon 4520, EPIC80/500/VP180 Speakers
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Re: Calibrate speakers
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Joined: May 2003
Posts: 18,044
shareholder in the making
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shareholder in the making
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Yeah, mainly because I can't sit there and use the remote and be sure I'm holding the remote at the same level/in the same place.
I am the Doctor, and THIS... is my SPOON!
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Re: Calibrate speakers
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Joined: Jul 2006
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connoisseur
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connoisseur
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I point my SPL towards the ceiling.
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Re: Calibrate speakers
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Joined: Feb 2006
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axiomite
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axiomite
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So does CV, but only when he listens to Regina Spektor.
Bears, beets, Battlestar Galactica.
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Re: Calibrate speakers
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Joined: Mar 2005
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axiomite
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axiomite
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So does CV, but only when he listens to Regina Spektor. I bet he does a lot of calibrating.
*********** "Nothin' up my sleeve. . ." --Bullwinkle J. Moose
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Re: Calibrate speakers
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Joined: Jul 2006
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Founder, Axiom Upgrade Club shareholder in the making
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Founder, Axiom Upgrade Club shareholder in the making
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Ha ha. Come on now. I'll calibrate to anything with a voice.
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Re: Calibrate speakers
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Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 6,471
axiomite
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axiomite
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Ah, to be young again, when all that I had to worry about was who I'd be calibrating tonight ...
Bears, beets, Battlestar Galactica.
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Re: Calibrate speakers
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Joined: Mar 2005
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axiomite
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axiomite
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Apparently, when I was younger (just able to walk) I was into tuning. My parents said they were at a pool party once. I managed to get away from my mom, found a lady wearing a bikini on a chaise lounge, crawled up in her lap, and tried in earnest to get some reception out of her. She must have had nice tuning knobs.
*********** "Nothin' up my sleeve. . ." --Bullwinkle J. Moose
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Re: Calibrate speakers
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Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 6,471
axiomite
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axiomite
Joined: Feb 2006
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Yeah, I found out the hard way that only works when you're a kid.
Bears, beets, Battlestar Galactica.
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Re: Calibrate speakers
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Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 7,463 Likes: 1
axiomite
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axiomite
Joined: Mar 2005
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Being a perv when you are young is acceptable. Ah, those were the days. . .
*********** "Nothin' up my sleeve. . ." --Bullwinkle J. Moose
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Re: Calibrate speakers
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Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 12,077 Likes: 7
Founder, Axiom Upgrade Club shareholder in the making
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Founder, Axiom Upgrade Club shareholder in the making
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 12,077 Likes: 7 |
Hey, get old enough and it's tolerated again.
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Re: Calibrate speakers
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Joined: Mar 2005
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axiomite
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axiomite
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*********** "Nothin' up my sleeve. . ." --Bullwinkle J. Moose
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Re: Calibrate speakers
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Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 5,210
axiomite
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axiomite
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I wouldn't push the issue Sean, you may find that old age ain't all *that* much fun.
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Re: Calibrate speakers
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Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 7,463 Likes: 1
axiomite
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axiomite
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I hear ya. . .so does my hairline. . . *sigh*
*********** "Nothin' up my sleeve. . ." --Bullwinkle J. Moose
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Re: Calibrate speakers
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Joined: May 2003
Posts: 18,044
shareholder in the making
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shareholder in the making
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So you're saying your avatar is a tad inaccurate, then, huh?
I am the Doctor, and THIS... is my SPOON!
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Re: Calibrate speakers
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Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 7,463 Likes: 1
axiomite
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axiomite
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No, my hair doesn't seem to be quite as full up front anymore. Or, I've just lost that youthful bounce to my bangs. Hopefully it stays right where it is and just turns grey. That effect is already happening above my ears. At least it'll help me look more distinguished.
*********** "Nothin' up my sleeve. . ." --Bullwinkle J. Moose
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Re: Calibrate speakers
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Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 6,471
axiomite
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axiomite
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Pretty soon you'll be telling the Starbucks barrista, "Tea. Earl Grey. Hot."
Bears, beets, Battlestar Galactica.
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Re: Calibrate speakers
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Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 7,463 Likes: 1
axiomite
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axiomite
Joined: Mar 2005
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LOL! I like Earl Grey and it has oil of bergamot in it. I always say "oil of bergamot" in my best snooty English accent. Try it, you'll like it.
You have to stretch out the "er" part though--Oil of berrrrrgamot.
Last edited by St_PatGuy; 06/25/08 08:14 PM.
*********** "Nothin' up my sleeve. . ." --Bullwinkle J. Moose
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Re: Calibrate speakers
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Joined: Apr 2003
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shareholder in the making
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shareholder in the making
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I've just lost that youthful bounce to my bangs That's what she said.
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Re: Calibrate speakers
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Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 6,471
axiomite
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axiomite
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She bangs! Not as bouncily as when she was younger, but, hey, she moves, she moves ...
Bears, beets, Battlestar Galactica.
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