I'd like to add an additional thumbs up for the Avia disc. It helped me in calibrating my system and helped the overall sound qualitiy immensely. I used a radio Shack SPL meter as well. I do not have auto cal features with my AVR.
I would also like to point out that the disc has additional benefit when using the video calibration features as well. Do not think that your display device is calibrated correctly from the purchase location. I also recal because I have a DLP device, the bulb dimms with use, it is 4 years old now and most likely in need of replacement.
I have moved my system a few times and used the calibration disc every time to recalibrate the sound and video. This might be perceived as a bit obsesive but I have been accused of worse. I do enjoy my OCD even though others find it annoying ;-).
I suffer from the same delima however, that being that the dynamic recording specs of most newer DVD's tend to give the result you are facing. Yes, the night setting helps this but I tend to like the dynamic effects. The problem is with the signifigant other. She constantly complains of this "feature". I continue to remind her of this being a theater experience....to no avail. (Of couse on movies and events SHE is nterested in this is not as much of an issue, go figure
)
I am going to work on my system again this weekend and I think I will boost my center channel output level to help with the overall "low" dialouge scenes and hopefully it won't blow us away in the boosted/dynamic scenes. I will try and see. I have also considered moving my center channel above the display device as it is on a shelf below it now. I find that it is impossible to place my center and sides/fronts at an equal level. Wouldn't be nice to have entertainment centers designed with the sound system in mind? Yeah, I guess they are out there at a premium price.
Good luck with your adjustments, it is a challenge!!
I would also like to point out that the disc has additional benefit when using the video calibration features as well. Do not think that your display device is calibrated correctly from the purchase location. I also recal because I have a DLP device, the bulb dimms with use, it is 4 years old now and most likely in need of replacement.
I have moved my system a few times and used the calibration disc every time to recalibrate the sound and video. This might be perceived as a bit obsesive but I have been accused of worse. I do enjoy my OCD even though others find it annoying ;-).
I suffer from the same delima however, that being that the dynamic recording specs of most newer DVD's tend to give the result you are facing. Yes, the night setting helps this but I tend to like the dynamic effects. The problem is with the signifigant other. She constantly complains of this "feature". I continue to remind her of this being a theater experience....to no avail. (Of couse on movies and events SHE is nterested in this is not as much of an issue, go figure
)I am going to work on my system again this weekend and I think I will boost my center channel output level to help with the overall "low" dialouge scenes and hopefully it won't blow us away in the boosted/dynamic scenes. I will try and see. I have also considered moving my center channel above the display device as it is on a shelf below it now. I find that it is impossible to place my center and sides/fronts at an equal level. Wouldn't be nice to have entertainment centers designed with the sound system in mind? Yeah, I guess they are out there at a premium price.
Good luck with your adjustments, it is a challenge!!
