Dynamic EQ and Reference Level

If you use a test disc with –20 dB noise then you should set the speakers to 85 dB.  If you use the internal test noise (which is –30 dB) then you should set the speakers to 75 dB.  The result will be identical:

for –20 dB noise you will have 85 dB level (max SPL will be 85 + 20 = 105 dB)

for –30 dB noise you will have 75 dB level (max SPL will be 75 + 30 = 105 dB)

Audyssey is setting the level exactly as required for film.  There is absolutely no difference in either method.  You can do it manually as long as you know what level the noise is on the disc.  If you use the internal AVR test noise and set the levels to 85 dB then the calibration will be way off.

ok thanks chris,

I set mine using the white noise of the amp, and just set each trim to 85db using my meter, so that means mine is +10db to loud, so refrence volume is not 0 no more its

-10db on the volume knob.

The only problem with this is that Dynamic EQ will be out of calibration.  It assumes that reference volume is 0 dB on the volume knob.  It's really best to set the speakers to 75 dB SPL if you are using the internal test noise (that's what Audyssey does automatically when you run the calibration).

thanks chris. will do that.