Did a little playing today with Fellowship of the Ring.
At 65 on the volume (0-100), it was like movie theatre volume, which I usually think is a bit loud during action scenes. But the clarity and surround were awesome...much better than the theatres...and that was my priority goal! (And my son didn't cover his ears like in theatres.)
It was cool because I heard a lot of little details I haven't noticed before. Here's a few:
When Frodo first draws Sting at Rivendell, the metal ringing continues thru the next camera cut.
When the leave Rivendell and the music score builds, my heart raced! The soundstage was expansive. I actually looked right to see the horn section.
When the crebain fly over the hiding fellowship the sound follows them nicely.
When Boromir picks up the ring from the snow, the clicnking of the chain is much clearer and as he holds it up the chain keeps clinking.
Starting trek in Moria, Gandalf talks as he exits stage right. Voice follows him nicely.
In Balin's Tomb, after Pippin's oops, camera move to Aragorn and Legolas. Never heard the sound of Aragorn's torch before.
All the surround sounds during fight in tomb...you always no where that cave troll is!
Walls shake with every step of the troll and really shake when he falls.
When troll is looking around rock for Frodo he snorts. Good bass in that nose!
When Haldir first speaks, it comes from off right to center.
As Frodo enters Lorien and hears Galdriel's voice in his head it was all around me and very spooky! Just like when the black rider says, "Shire? Baggins?" to that hobbit earlier.
Any ways, back to volumes:
75 is way too loud but still sounded clear.
60 was good, but could barely hear torch sound. Wife would like it a little lower during action.
55 pleased the wife, but torch was gone and clinking was getting soft.
Hope this helps.
