Timbre Matching

[Punkuk]

Is there a CD that allows you to test your speakers for Timbre Matching (Or is there a software program that would allow me to burn a CD/DVD using 5.1 or 7.1 through individual channels).

I guess an ideal scenario would be a tone that travels from one channel to the next I do not think that white or pink noise will do it as you would not be able to get a sense of a match with that type of sound.

My fronts are Infinity Powdered Intermezzo 2.6’s the Center is also Infinity but the CC-2 series or I have an Infinity Ellentra as a back up. The surrounds are an older Mission bookshelf and small DPI’s for the rears.

With this mish-match I realize that and exact match is unlikely although the CC-2 Center does offer a voice matching adjustment.

I am using an Integra DTR 9.1 as the processor/amp and my movies and CDs are from a modded Dennon 3910, I also listen to a lot of vinyl through a Thorens TD 145 and the Intermezzos work quite well and I would like to keep em.

I am looking to upgrade to Infinity Beta ES250’s for the surrounds but once again they are not the same series as the Intermezzos or center but the timber should be closer.

I need to get this together soon as the wife is getting suspicious about UPS coming to our door with large brown boxes every month and these Paypal charges on our credit cards

Any thoughts?
Thanks.


"Oh what a tangled web we weave when first we practice to deceive"
Walter Scott

[Leprkon]

The first step would be to check the Infinity website. They have a small section decribing which speakers are matched.

A good movement DVD should help show how well your timbre matches. look for one that has a specific movement (the A10 napalm attack in Courage Under Fire is a good test) rather than one like SW Ep 2, which has so much movement that it's hard to local a single movement. the Phalanx gun attack on the F18 in Under Siege is another good one.

listen for a smooth transition of movement. if the sound doesn;t quite follow the screen, then your timbre is out somewhat.

a couple of tuning tricks to help (not solve but help) matching timbre is to move the center speaker (or alternately the left and right mains) forward and backward a couple of inches to match the timing a little better. you can also try setting the receiver to small and large for the center to see which sounds better. unfortunately, this particular trick depends alot on your source. on my system, the center works best on large for movies, but small for Fox's 5.1 football broadcasts.

timbre matching is less important on your rear speakers. in movies, there is alot more space to transition and usually the sounds are a lot less defined. if you plan to go to (or are already at) SACD or DVD-A music, it makes sense to buy a higher-end rear (either dipole or bipole, but you;re going to need someone smarter than me on that particular subject) and not worry about how the timbre matches as much.