RX-V2700 - Normal Volume Level?

[JWhite]

Hey everyone,

I am a newbie to this site so this is my first post. I recently have started a system build, but I will not get into all the details (see my sig). I have an RX-V2700 and am running Paradigm Monitor 9 v.4. Both are connected with ultralink BW - 1412 cable with gold plated banana clips (hi's and lo's are used). While listening in stereo 2 ch (that is all I have connected right now), in order for the stereo to be loud, I need to put the amp on -19, but seems like the speakers could handle more. I have used the auto setup with the mic and the same thing. Can anyone tell me if there is something wrong or if this is normal. If I turn it up louder, will this damage the AMP (the amp is brand new, just connected for the first time yesterday, the monitor 9s are demos and "like new" condition). Any help would be greatly appreciated
Thanks

 

[Ohmen]

My listening levels are -25 to -20 for normal TV viewing. -15 or so for movies. -10 to +5 for Blasting music. The receiver will just go into shutdown if the load is to much for it. No big deal just turn it back on and adjust it down a notch or two.

 

[JWhite]

Alright, thanks for the advice. Just seemed a little odd since the amp starts at -80db. It could be due to the size of the room as well (13' x 19'). Another question is, when I performed an auto setup, the frequency range (displays a a wave graph of the speakers) is not the same on both speakers, and also the level is 0.0 Left and +0.5 Right. Anyways just a few concerns, or maybe they should not be concerns.

 

[MDS]

The channel trims are adjusted to give equal Sound Pressure Level from all channels and it is perfectly normal for each channel to be different. The auto setup did that for you but you can do it manually as well using the test tones in the receiver and an SPL meter.

The auto setup adjusted the levels so that the average SPL is 75 dB when the volume setting is 0. -19 dB is 19 dB below that level and is therefore not very loud at all.

Crank it up to the 'blasting music' levels Ohmen mentioned and it will be very loud - especially if you are playing something that is recorded hot, like most modern CDs.

 

[Ohmen]

I have found that with the channel trim around the 0 area that the volume needs to be at about -10 to -12ish for a 75db level at about 11'. I suppose that would vary considerably from speaker sensitivity and room acoustics. As far as the "wave graph of the speakers" it is part of the parametric EQ. I don't know a lot about this but there is a review of the receiver on Audioholics that goes into detail about it. Here are two quotes from the review that have to do with the peq:

"In almost no circumstance do you want to add gain to fix a problem area as the frequency dip is usually result of a room node and will only eat amplifier power while reducing system dynamic range. If you find bumping the gain up a dB or two actually helped even out the problematic area, then it’s ok to use gain sparingly. If it didn’t make a measurable difference, don’t add gain to fix the problem."

and

"YPAO didn’t drastically alter the frequency response of my reference speakers which isn’t surprising considering how linear they are. I did my best to a/b the before and after results and subjectively felt my system sounded better with the PEQ disengaged, especially in the lower frequency range."

So it is probably likely that the dips in freq. are caused by room acoustics. Like I said I am not well versed in this but that is what I took from the review. You should check it out. It is a pretty good read.

 

[JWhite]

Thanks again to the replies, very helpful. I know my knowledge is not "A+" in this department, but I figure I will have to ask questions to learn more, it's also a very ADDICTIVE hobby

Hey Ohmen, any tips or pointers for the RX-V with my current setup?

Thanks again.

 

[Ohmen]

The only suggestions I could give are of a very basic nature. Primarily, don't rely on the YPAO. After running it, go back in and switch all the speakers to small, check the crossover settings and speaker distances. A radio shack spl meter is a pretty nice item to check levels. This receiver has a lot of bells and whistles. It was just a matter of playing around with the settings to get comfortable with it's abilities.One more thing that is kinda fun if your into computers is using the receiver manager software to play around with the settings. There is a huge thread on this receiver at avs forums.

 

[xboxweasel]

I need to put the amp on -19, but seems like the speakers could handle more.

That number means very little. However, it should be very loud. As in "I am leaving the room" loud.

I would try running the speakers without using the Yamaha Parametric Room Acoustic Optimizer mic settings. I tried both. I like it without. Are you speakers set to large or small. Is that monster sub hooked up already? Try it with / without the sub (if you have it). Try it with the speakers set to large and small. Try moving the speakers around (ie: closer to the wall, further form the wall).

Also check the trim settings for the speakers in question. Set them to zero.

 

[xboxweasel]

The monitor 9's are very efficient speakers. And I don't see running them at full range being a problem (they handle 50-20,000Hz). I think that setting speakers to small or large is personal preference. How can setting the monitor 9's to large be bad. Before receivers were available with those features all speakers were large by default, and you can't tell me that every speaker manufactured before then could handle 20Hz-20kHz. That Yamaha 2700 should have different memory banks. Try a few different settings, save them, then switch back and forth. I keep 7.1 configuration, 2.1 configuration, and 2.0 configuration saved. I switch them around.

 

[Buckeye_Nut]

in order for the stereo to be loud, I need to put the amp on -19, but seems like the speakers could handle more.

Sure they can handle more!!!!

After all, -19 on your dial represents a rough estimate of 19db below reference SPL.

Crank it up to "+0", and you'll really be rocking


Nothing beats soaking in a good movie with the dial turned to somewhere in the neighborhood of "+0"

 

[Buckeye_Nut]

Alright, thanks for the advice. Just seemed a little odd since the amp starts at -80db. It could be due to the size of the room as well (13' x 19'). Another question is, when I performed an auto setup, the frequency range (displays a a wave graph of the speakers) is not the same on both speakers, and also the level is 0.0 Left and +0.5 Right. Anyways just a few concerns, or maybe they should not be concerns.

Never fear Jwhite....

What you're experiencing is completely normal.

My only question is..... why have you not, at least, turned it up to "+0".

LOL

PS.... your wave graphs will NOT be the same for any speaker!! You're just experiencing for the first time the tip of the iceberg known as room acoustics, and how they effect the the frequency response at any single point in your room.

Unless your listening room is positioned inside an anechoic chamber, those graphs can and will look quite different from each other.

 

[JWhite]

Thanks to all who responded

And Buckeye, I don't think my pregnant fiancee would like it if I cranked it that loud (+0.0, wouldn't that hurt my speakers anyways)

So I got my Servo 15 yesterday and hooked it up, had a few issues with it, had to turn it all the way up on the sub and used the amp trim to set the volume, I am still playing around with the phase and contour and stuff but seems to be sounding better.

I am still so new at all this stuff and really want to learn. One thing, I had problems getting sound out of the sub at first (would it matter how the sub cable is plugged in, it is a monster cable), I had to set the speakers size to small (this is still just fronts and a sub connected) and I set the crossover to send anything below 110 to the sub (I know the monitor 9s should handle more than that...just wanted some bass sound). Now how can I save different settings like a 2.0 or a 2.1, I can only select between stereo 2 ch or stereo 7 ch or is there something I am missing. I know I should read the entire manual first but you guys seem to know alot of this stuff so if I ask first, the manual will probably be easier to read and fully understand.

Anyways, I am just frustrated because I know this setup should be louder...and I have no idea what to do to make it sound awesome and louder

Justin