Speakers calibration... what source should I trust? (1 Viewer)

[al lout]

I've recently purchased a pioneer vsx-1014. This receiver came with auto mcacc. After I ran the auto mcacc on all the speakers, I've noticed that the speakers level doesn't match w/ the DVE disc + SPL meter. My question is which source is correct? Which settings should I use? Thanks all...

Al,

 

[Justin_D]

Go with DVE. Those "auto-calibrations" are more of an estimate. Using a SPL meter with a DVE disk is much more of a scientific measurement.

 

[LanceJ]

Please elaborate.

Because after reading the stories here of test discs with incorrect levels and testing methodologies & meters that need additional special calculations to make up for their own deficiencies, personally I'm much more inclined to go with the receiver's built-in calibration system.

 

[Kevin C Brown]

DVE has a known problem with the sub channel level.

The receiver has an internal set of test tones, right? I'd run those manually and see what the Radio Shack meter says.

Also, I know that Avia has test tones that are correct.

 

[LanceJ]

Part of the reason I get concerned about this constant hand-wringing over using meters and test discs is because those automatic systems can really take a load off of non-audio-hobbyists minds when setting up these admittedly complicated systems. But when people blurt out that such automated systems barely cut the mustard I think their owners deserve to be told HOW inaccurate they are and in what manner that conclusion was reached. And blowing @$70 for a meter and a test disc is no fun at all if you don't really need to.

 

[WayneO]

Calibrate it both ways and see which one you prefer is probably your best solution. OR.....I'd run the auto calibration, and then check the levels with the meter. If they're right,they're right. If a little off, I'd assume using the receivers test tones would be the way to correct anything. DVE's sub tone is recorded about 10-12 dB too hot in my experience, so you would actually want your sub 10-12 dB higher than the rest of your speakers to correct for that. AVIA has no issues as far as I know.

 

[Kevin C Brown]

Using the autocalibration in a receiver is a tool. Just like using a Radio Shack meter with the receiver's test tones (or with Avia). They are all tools. The problem I have with only trusting the autocal routines, is that I have seen cases where they set "small" speakers as large and mis-adjust levels and/or speaker distances. (I.e., not all autocalibration systems are equal.) It's certainly OK to start with an autocal procedure, but make sure to check what it's doing against some other "standard". EVen if that other standard is just a tape measure and common sense.

 

[Drew_W]

My 53TX brought it in close, but I still "finalized" with an SPL meter and Avia...

 

[al lout]

Thanks for the suggestion all... I did the auto MCACC then finalized w/ SPL meter... Now only if it has auto MCACC for the sub as well... Oh well, saving up for the BFD... Thanks all...

Al,