Just purchased a 5.1 A/V receiver system. Can someone help on how best to calibrate the speakers.?

Question

The settings on the A/V receiver enables me to calibrate from -6 dB to +6dB. Should i just set all six speakers to +1 dB or is there a better formula to the settings that will enhance my surround sound. My a/v receiver is Philips Model HTS3357/98. Thank you
gml

Answer 1

You need a Radio Shack SPL meter. A copy of Avia or Digital Video Essential have a tutorial and test tones that show you how to do this.

Basically:

- You get a test tone coming out of your L speaker. You increase the master volume until the SPL meter (at your primary seat) reads 75 db.

- You let the test tone move to the center speaker. You raise/lower the center volume until it also reads 75 db. Move the tone to the rear speakers and repeat.

When the same sound reads 75 db as it moves from speaker to speaker, you are calibrated.

Dont use your ears. People have tried it and then been shocked at how off they were when they used a SPL meter.

Answer 2

First off, you need to measure the distance from the speakers from where you will be sitting.

There is something in set up that will ask you to input the distances, where the speakers are located in reference to where you sit... high, low, middle.

You want the center speaker which directs the dialog to be set a wee bit higher than the front speakers... and the rear to be set just below the fronts.... The rear speakers should barely be heard when you are listening to a movie...

Answer 3

Quality is right. Use the THX calibration to set up your picture also.

Answer 4

The best way is to use a dVD that has THX, DVD's like Cars etc have a setup for THX the sound setup is best for true theatre recreation.

Answer 5

you usally want the middle speaker to be a notch louder cause most of the speach is coming out of it from your movies, and if your like me and like alot of bass, add more bass!