Ok folks, I'm thinking about getting one of those AV disks and also a RS meter. In my opinion (my ears) my Denon 2805 has done a fabulous job with its Auto Set up and Room EQ. However, I hear everyone always talking about fine tuning things.

Ok, so I am somewhat techy (at least with computers), can someone explain how to use one of these meters? Do they come with instructions, or can I find instructions somewhere online? Do the AV disks provide additional support, or do you use them along with the meter? I know my Denon has manual setup features and test tones, didn't know if that is all I need? I'm still planning on getting one of those disks, as I want to use it to tune the video on my Sanyo Z2 projector....

thanks Randy

I recently purchased the Avia/RS meter for my pio 53tx...The disc has all the instructions you need ,plus the members here have posted very useful tips on calibration ....just do a search , u would find them all

i was quite suprised that my pio MACC does what AVIA disc wants me to do, I used the avia / RS meter to fine tune the setup, little difference so far but am still playing with it. You may want to use avia to fine tune your setup if thats very very important cause the avia disc + RS meter will put u back by $70+

Randy,

Here are a bunch of tutorials and other goodies relative to the meter and calibration.

AN INTRODUCTION TO TEST & CALIBRATION DVDS This is a good place to start, because it explains the "why" and "what" of calibration. It gives a comparison of the disks available, and their pros and cons.

A Quick Overview of Home Theater Calibration Here is the "how" part.

Essential Accessories: The Radio Shack Sound Pressure Level Meter

As stated above, the disk itself will guide you through the process, and any questions you have, more than likely, can be answered here. I present these tutorials just so you can get an idea of "why", "what," and "how" BEFORE you begin.

Allow some time for this. I can take several hours to work your way through one of these disks. Once you get the procedure down, and learn to navigate the disk, touch ups and recalibrating can go fairly fast. It is a fun process. Enjoy it.

Even if you find that you're receiver's auto setup is just as effective as manual calibration, I promise you'll learn something new. One thing I know for sure. You're receiver's auto setup won't calibrate your video.

Thanks so much gentlemen, I will start my homework right away, and maybe some day I can provide help for some other new kid on the block....

I has the Pioneer 54TX and have heard that they improved the MCACC even over the 53TX... I have also heard that there is very little difference, at least that you can hear, between what the MCACC can do and using a test disc and RS meter. I doubt that I will ever get one, but since I am still waiting for my speakers to come, I may change my tune since I have no personal experience to back up what I have heard from others.

Only a few more days grasshopper, do you remember the lesson?

you are quiet right in what you heard about the MACC...i did the auto cal by the reciever first and then started the configuration steps via the avia/rs meter combo, i realized i was only making very small adjustments to the speaker levels during the process.....sound wise i have not seen any great difference after using the avai/rs meter....

Good work with the links Ajax. Those are essential in making sure a home theater is dialed-in correctly.

Thank you Mini (I feel very silly calling a guy as robust as you "Mini" ) I have a bunch of articles like this bookmarked. But, though some have been updated, I wish I could find some REALLY current tutorials. I'll keep looking.

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In response to:

Poster: sirquack
Subject: Re: Avia/Essentials/RS meter ?

Only a few more days grasshopper, do you remember the lesson?
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Ah, yes master...

Nick, I'm at work and don't have time to search the postings, but Alan has come out several times explaining that the auto setup capability of the various receivers out there come up short in comparison to a calibration disc and SPL meter calibration. There might even be mentionof it in one of the Axiom newsletters.

Curious if anyone has compared the results of the Denon Auto Setup and Room EQ, to the disk/meter methods?

I know that there are a couple of vendors selling receivers with "auto calibration" which may be what Alan is talking about, but from several reviews and first hand experiences that I have read/heard, the Advanced MCACC does a superb job compared to the audio disc and meter. Perfect, never claimed that it was, but about as close as you can get without dedicated metering devices from what I hear. I will have to try it out once the speakers get here next week, and I'll see if I can borrow a meter from someone.