Hi all,

Been awhile since my last post. I've sold my Khartago mono blocks and ordered an Onkyo TX-NR3008 here with the newer Audyssey Multi XT32.

I have succumbed to the "Johnk" way...

Since selling the amps, my pioneer has surprised me. Unless cranked beyond "safe listening levels" I really don't hear a difference.

I haven't read much on these forums about the newer Multi XT32 here

Just wondering if anyone already has it and/or what you think of it. I am reading great things about it with 32 times the resolution of Multi XT and new subwoofer filtering, I'm pretty anxious to try it out.

Chime in if you have any thoughts!

Dduval

Very good, Dana. "Thoughts" is about all that I can really offer on XT32. As I've indicated, I'm very pleased with the results I've gotten with Audyssey and the increased filter resolution with XT32 can only make it even better. The question of course would be how much better. Since you'll be getting a new unit now, you'll get any benefit that's actually available, and at this time that's certainly the way to go.

I'm flattered, but of course the "johnk way" is simply the way that a study of amplifier technology and real world power needs shows is the sensible, cost-effective way.

Yea John, I thought you might get a kick out of that. I may patent the phrase "the Johnk way",

I'm sure glad I waited some, XT32 has a lot of people upgrading their year or 2 year old AVR's just for it. Heck, I just purchased my pioneer about a year ago, but only paid $550.00 for it. I'll probably put the pioneer in my daughters room, no wait, maybe I'll sell it and put the funds toward some QS4's/QS8's

Anyway, I'll report back here with a quick review when I get the Onkyo. Should have it next week sometime.

Dduval

WoW! you followed me by selling the Khartagos ( I did like them) and then I got my new Denon some time ago. Like you, unless your pushing the receiver to clipping, wish is unlikely for most, you most likely won't notice a difference at the majority of volume levels.

ps: don't get me started on the Emo junk.

Yes Randy,

Pretty much the same thing you did!

One thing I am wondering while I'm waiting on my new avr is I have some questions about crossovers. I have read the manual a couple times But the only AVR's I've ever had, the crossover setting was always global. Just one setting for all speaker's.

Now that these newer AVR's have individual Xo's, do I just let Audyssey set all the xo's?

Plus the LPF for the sub out only goes down to 80hz, so I'm confused as to how to set it manually as well. Folks over at avs just say to set it 120hz and forget it?? If I set the sub LPF to 80hz, then shouldn't my mains be set at 80hz or lower? If I was to set the mains (speaker setting "small") at 120hz and the LPF to 80HZ, wouldn't I be loosing signal range between 80hx and 120hz?

I guess I have to experiment as it's all relative, but if I remember correctly Audyssey will NOT set my LPF automatically, I have to set it. But it would set the rest of my speakers automatically. So, if I don't like what Audyssey sets my XO's to, and want to tweak, where do I start?

Independent Xo's is new to me, so sorry for all the questions, maybe someone can help me out here...

Dduval

I think I misunderstood the manual...from the manual:

"LPF of LFE
(Low-Pass Filter for the LFE Channel)
􀁠80Hz, 90Hz, 100Hz, 120Hz
With this setting, you can specify the cutoff frequency
of the LFE channel’s low-pass filter (LPF), which can
be used to filter out unwanted hum. The LPF only
applies to sources that use the LFE channel."

I guess this setting is only for sources that use the this channel. "filter out unwanted hum" not sure what that means.

Dduval

you would let Audyssey setup run and review what results it gives you. most likely the m80's and possibly the Vp150 will come back as large, set by the receiver manufacturer after Audyssey reports its results, you will go back in the receiver and change that to small. Then, most likely have to bump up the crossover for those speakers, 60-80hz for the m80's, and 80hz for the vp150. I think the LPF you talk about is something that manufacturers have added recently to receivers. The Dr's at Audyssey say they don't agree with having this, as it confuses people. I leave mine at 120hz I believe, which is what the good Dr. recommends, as some material extends beyond 80hz.

Thanks Randy,

I get it now, I was reading way too much into it, confused myself.

Dduval

I still get confused at times. I remember one weekend I ran the Audyssey setup 3-4 times trying to experiment with different mic placements to get the best results. It takes forever to cycle for each position.

I wonder if it would be possible to update to XT 32 via firmware on my Denon.

Yea I was reading where XT32 can take up to 30 minutes to complete one cycle, that IS a long time...

Dduval

and the room has to be whisper quiet.

Randy,

Do you really notice a big difference with audyssey on?
Do you leave it on always?

It will be my first audyssey avr and I'm not sure what to expect, nervous I'm getting my hopes too high...

Dduval

Personally, I do like Audyssey. I know some folks differ on that opinion. From trial and error I think most people fail by not running the test correctly, placement of the mic, a quiet room, nothing in the way of the mic to cause reflections during the test from all mic sweeps, etc.

There is a document on AVS in the official audyssey forum I followed a long time ago, I'm sure it is updated now, but it has "best" practices for good results.

I believe often it is user error which causes people to not use Audyssey. I learned from a few mistakes my first attempts, and spent one Saturday perfecting my methods.

I also like using Dynamic EQ, and Dynamic Volume.

There is a button on my remote where I can turn Audyssey off/on fairly quickly. When closing my eyes, it is obvious to me when Audyssey is working with positive benefits to help with room acoustic problems.

Axiom will tell you Audyssey makes good speakers like Axioms sound worse, to me the exact opposite is true, it makes them sound just that much better as it accounts for imperfect rooms.

But, don't listen to me, your mileage may vary.

Dana, "filter out unwanted hum" means that that may be the only thing found above about 80Hz in the LFE channel. The LFE channel extends to 120Hz, but in practice, little or nothing above about 80Hz is mixed into it. The question of whether to set the LFE filter at 80Hz or 120Hz is of little significance(I use 80Hz)either way, and as you now understand, this has nothing to do with the crossovers between the speakers and the sub on the regular channels.

As to those crossovers, if for example a main speaker has good measured response at 40Hz, the crossover to it will be set there, but that isn't necessarily the best way to leave it, just because it can do it. It's probably better to raise that crossover manually to 80Hz, to give the sub more of what it does best and not force the mains to cover those lowest bass frequencies.

Yes John, I was just reading quite the debate over 80hz vs 120 at avs. Some say 120hz as this setting lets you hear what the sound engineers intended you to hear. Then Chris from Audyssey states he thinks it's a mistake that mfg's even include this as an option at all, because it just confuses people. haha I was one of them!

Then again, if it can filter out unwanted hum, then that's a good thing. Either way, it will be fun to experiment with.

Dana

I ran audyssey multiple times, followed the setup FAQs exactly, etc. and I never did like the results. However, when I move I'd be interested in trying it in a new room to see if my feelings are the same.

I am actually making some changes to the Plex bacause of the failed sump pump problems earlier this year. I may enclose off the theater area from the rest of the recroom/bar area. It will be interesting to see how this changes my acoustics. Hope I don't get a sucky MarkS type room.

This is what I'm afraid of, heard this several times. I'd be really curious if the new MultiXT32 would ever change peoples mind who didn't get good results with just MultiXT.

Dana

I picked up my Denon 4311CI yesterday. To both my son and I the XT32 sounds much better than the previous version of Audyssey. There is definitely a lot more bass.

And by the way, the XT32 setup is much quicker (cycling through the different positions) than previous versions.

Whoa...good to know Tico.

Are you running any surrounds? 5.1, 7.1 ?

What AVR did you upgrade from?

I'm also anxious to try DSX with Wides and heights...although it will be a challange to mount my wides due to my room layout.

Dana

Good to know Tico, now why did I buy that dang 3808ci, I hate when technology always has to improve.

That's what my MIL told my wife and I whenever we got her very first cell phone a couple of months ago.

I only have a 5.1 system. I upgraded from the Denon 4310CI. I purchased the 4310 and after 30 days the HDMI crapped out - so I sent it in for repairs. Before it even returned the Best Buy manager allowed me to upgrade to the 4311. This was a month ago but the 4311 was on back-order till yesterday.

Wow, that was a good deal, nice customer service with that one.

Couldn't have worked out better!, Good for you Tico.


Dana