How to make the Onkyo Home Theater System (HT-S590S) rear channels more effective?

Question

I have the Onkyo Home Theater System (HT-S590S) and I have connected it using 16 gauge speakers. But I think am doing something wrong, as the rear channels are pretty weak. When I send the test tone, it sounds ok. Should I change any settings in the receiver to make it sound better. THis is my first 5.1, so not very conversant with the featues.
Thanks

Answer 1

You should be able to adjust the volume settings in your
receiver's on-screen menu. Refer to your owner's manual
for how-to information. Your troubleshooting guide should
be able to help you too if need be.

If you have a very long run of speaker wire going to your rear
channel speakers, you may want to consider going with larger
gauge (i.e. 14 ga. or 12 ga.) speaker wire for an improved signal.
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Answer 2

First make sure you have the proper signal from your DVD and cable box. Best thing to use is the fiberoptic cable to connect them if not you can use the digital coax. Then set your dvd player and cable box to bit stream if it has the option so that Dolby Digital and DTS formats will work. Then set your receiver to Dolby and adjust the level for the rear (see your owners manuel) You should get what you are looking for. For DTS in your DVD menu go to audio or setup and check to see if its available. You will not always have sound coming from those speakers so dont worry Just read your manuel and get familiar with the controls and you can get the sound you want

Answer 3

I found that the test tone is helpful, but you should always feel free to tweak the levels after wards if your not satisfied with the results.
Also, you may need to try changing the rear speakers placement if adjusting the levels doesn't do the trick. The rule with home theater and audio is to experiment.

Answer 4

I would recommend that you go to Radio Shack and purchase a sound level meter, this would give you no doubts as to whether your speaker levels are all equal in all five channels. It is more precise than the human ear.