Yesterday i recieved my new processor. It's been about 5 years since i've upgraded; so, i am quite excited. The new unit is a Marantz AV8801. i am hopeful that i can get it set up enough that it is usable...
Alex, we have total confidence in your ability to render the 8801 "usable". Now open up that box and use!
John, i didn't have any problems at all actually... I was quite amazed at how user friendly the setup interface was. step-by-step with photos and input selections. Verification of video and audio before you lock in the video audio inputs in... I set up the speaker distance and levels. Right now i'm not sure if i want to use Audyssey with the LFR's or not... I may try it, to see what it says... I would have to disconnect the rear drivers on the LFR's though, I'm pretty sure.
I asked Ian about Audyssey+LFR's, he said to stick with the trusty SLP meter. So, for now that's what im doing!
During my time last night, i did notice that the unit seems to only have Dolbe PLII? i will have to read the instruction manual to see if there are other surround sound modes that i don't know how to get to... Right now i am just using the surround sound buttons on the remote..
I was quite amazed at how user friendly the setup interface was.
I'm considering doing a factory reset on my Denon 3808 this weekend, but I'm certainly NOT liking the idea of having to figure out the menu / directions again!
See my other thread.... I didn't want to hijack this one (believe it or not!)
Very good, Alex. Yes, the 8801 has the complete selection of Dolby and DTS modes.
As to using a "trusty" SPL meter, the only thing this would be relevant to would be calibrating speaker levels, and the auto-calibration for levels used at the first Audyssey measuring point(regardless of whether any room EQ measurements are to be made later)would likely be more accurate than manually reading an SPL meter, because of the added element of human error in reading the meter.
"human error" John!!... come on now... I assure you this is an impossibility.....
I just looked it up in the manual. Your suppose to push and hold the "movie" button to bring up the surround options... Just a matter of figuring out which buttons to push, and how to push them..... aka, the learning curve....