Wildly Different Sub Decibel Levels- DVE, THX, Receiver Tones (1 Viewer)

[James Edward]

Sub levels are all over the place- my receiver's tones for the sub show it about 6-8 db below the level of the other speakers.

Then using THX Optimizer, sub levels show 6-8 db above the levels for the others.

Lastly, Digital Video Essentials pins the meter when measuring the sub, making it at least 10 db hotter than the other levels.

Which is correct? My initial judgement is that using the receiver's level seems to make the sub too hot, while the others seem way too low. It seems that it sounds best at about 3 db below where the receiver's tone says it should be- maybe this has to do with the meter's sensitivity at bass frequencies. Ultimately, I'll go with my ears as the final say, but I'd like to at least be in the ballpark first.

BTW, receiver is NAD T752, and the sub is a PSB 6i. Speakers are PSB Image Series.

Thanks for any insight.

 

[Brian L]

Search for DVE here and you will find evidence compiled by several members which conclude that the sub tone on DVE is in fact recorded about 10 dB too hot. Joe Kane does not admit to that, however.

As for the 752, I have a 762, and if its test tones are alike, I would agree that it is too low, resulting is elevated sub level.

So, what to use? Avia is considered to be correctly encoded, as is the Chesky Ultimate DVD.

Or you could use the internal tones for the main channels (lots of pros, such as Roger Dressler of Dolby labs advocate using internal test tones), and just balance the sub by ear using material known to have good solid low end, such as Finding Nemo or SW Attack of the Clones.

BGL

 

[James Edward]

Thanks Brian,
I did a search and this is one of many quotes- this one from Edward J M:



I feel better now...

 

[Brian L]

Yup...Edward did most of the heavy lifting in terms of analyzing the problem.

Its a shame that Joe Kane gave us chapter and verse on why its NOT a problem, when it so clearly is.

Oh well...other software if available that does the job right.

BGL