all levels at -12dB

I have an ONKYO PR-SC5508 pre-pro. After running Audyssey MultEQ XT32 I double checked the level calibration and found that all five speakers were at -12dB. It would seem that level matching has been defeated. This is clearly audible in movies as the center channel is too prominent. The two subwoofers, which I had adjusted to 75dB prior to running room correction as instructed, were at -4.5dB and -5.5dB respectively.

 

Equipment:

Center: Studio CC-690 v.4

L/R front: Paradigm Studio 60 v.4

L/R surround: Paradigm Studio ADP-590 v.5

Amplifier: Emotiva XPA-5

Subwoofers: SVS PC-13 Ultra DSP

 

What do I do to properly calibrate my system?

Peer Flach -
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4 Comments

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  • 0
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    Peer Flach

    Found an old post of yours that I missed earlier. Not quite clear on the method, just to confirm: Run the automatic calibration first, then re-adjust levels manually?

  • 0
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    Audyssey Labs

    This happens because the speakers have high sensitivity and/or the listening distance is short.  The AVR runs out of range and can't apply the needed adjustment to balance the levels.

    If you don't have a way to turn down the amplifier gain you could add line-level pads that drop the level by several dB.  These would be inserted between the preamp and the amp.

  • 0
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    Peer Flach

    The listening position is pretty close to the speakers and the amp has no gain control. Not sure whether I would describe 88dB and 85dB sensitivity as high, but I understand your point. Using signal dampers is an interesting option.

    I was going back to an old post of yours from July 17, 2011 in this section of the forum where you suggested using an SPL meter to bring the speakers in line with each other. Can I do that without affecting the rest of the Audyssey calibration?

  • 0
    Avatar
    Rob Brooks

    Yes, use the spl meter to get the levels correct.

    the rest of the Audyssey filters will still be in place and operate as normal

    Don;t raise them anymore than you need to. i.e have the "loudest one"set at your -12dB level.

    this will ensure that DynamicEQ  continues to operate correctly with respect to the 0dB reference volume level.

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