Need advanced setup help with MCACC

[Whitey80]

Pioneer VSX92TXh

Have not been pleased with the narrow sound of the center channel. Levels are correct....need to get some in-depth explanation of how to change the remaining settings and eq to get it to sound right.

I know you can't come over to my house and hear it and get it right for me, so a good jumping off point to figure it out and what setting are going to help me would be great.

Thanks guys.

 

[Whitey80]

I'm gonna bump this til one of your give up your secrets!

 

[Whitey80]

Bump, dammit!!

 

[Whitey80]

Dr. Mark.....I'm looking in your direction here!

 

[zumbo]

Move the center height as close to seated ear level as possible. Tilt up or down to direct sound towards seated ear level if needed.

Slowly move the mains closer to the center. Try slight toe-ins on the way.

Recalibrate.

 

[zumbo]

I tried to read your manual. I didn't see a clear answer on x-over selection. If you only have one option, choose 70. I you get to choose each speaker, the choose 70 for the center. The mains will handle 60 no problem.

Set all speakers SMALL.

 

[Whitey80]

I tried to read your manual. I didn't see a clear answer on x-over selection. If you only have one option, choose 70. I you get to choose each speaker, the choose 70 for the center. The mains will handle 60 no problem.

Set all speakers SMALL.

Has very in-depth manual settings from any x-over point to ridiculous eq and delay settings that go into the realm of needing an engineer to come help

 

[zumbo]

Has very in-depth manual settings from any x-over point to ridiculous eq and delay settings that go into the realm of needing an engineer to come help

Manually set x-over points.

Manually choose SMALL for speaker size.

Let auto set-up feature take care of eq and delay. I assume your receiver has some type of auto calibration feature, correct?.

 

[Whitey80]

Manually set x-over points.

Manually choose SMALL for speaker size.

Let auto set-up feature take care of eq and delay. I assume your receiver has some type of auto calibration feature, correct?.

It does, but I have been less than pleased with the results.
it auto detects the speakers as large with a frequency sweep, I have manually set them to small, but, for curiositie's sake, what would the difference really be?

 

[GregLee]

it auto detects the speakers as large with a frequency sweep, I have manually set them to small, but, for curiositie's sake, what would the difference really be?

When the speakers are set to large, the receiver sends all frequencies to them; small, and only frequencies above the cross-over (often 80Hz) are sent to speakers set to small. The small setting is generally better, but by all means, experiment and listen. After you've changed a setting between small and large, be sure to re-run MCACC, telling your receiver to use your settings for speaker set-up.

I've gone through 5 or so center channels, and my last three receivers have been lower end Pioneers. I'm getting excellent center channel sound now, but it hasn't always been so. I always use the MCACC auto-calibration and I use Axiom speakers (M2i, VP150) as centers in both my HT set-ups. In the past, I've experimented with center speaker direction and placement, surrounding sound absorption material, as well as fiddling with receiver calibration controls, but I've only gotten considerable improvements in the center channel sound by upgrading my center channel speakers.

 

[Whitey80]

When the speakers are set to large, the receiver sends all frequencies to them; small, and only frequencies above the cross-over (often 80Hz) are sent to speakers set to small. The small setting is generally better, but by all means, experiment and listen. After you've changed a setting between small and large, be sure to re-run MCACC, telling your receiver to use your settings for speaker set-up.

I've gone through 5 or so center channels, and my last three receivers have been lower end Pioneers. I'm getting excellent center channel sound now, but it hasn't always been so. I always use the MCACC auto-calibration and I use Axiom speakers (M2i, VP150) as centers in both my HT set-ups. In the past, I've experimented with center speaker direction and placement, surrounding sound absorption material, as well as fiddling with receiver calibration controls, but I've only gotten considerable improvements in the center channel sound by upgrading my center channel speakers.

I did the same as far as cycling centers. Started out with a VR910-then a VRC- then a VR10, and am now settled on the VR12. Love a big 3-way center. It's currently angled up towards ear level on Auralex Mo-Pads with an Auralex foam panel behind it.
I will experiment with a multitude of MCACC settings and cycle between them again and see where I end up.
You guys have been helpful, thanks.

 

[zumbo]

Both of my Yamaha receivers gave me the option to SKIP the size check in set-up mode. That is why I stated to set your x-over points, and speaker size, and then SKIP this in the auto set-up.

Sorry to be speaking in terms of my receiver, but haven't had the time to skim through your manual again. The first skim gave me a headache.

 

[Whitey80]

Both of my Yamaha receivers gave me the option to SKIP the size check in set-up mode. That is why I stated to set your x-over points, and speaker size, and then SKIP this in the auto set-up.

Sorry to be speaking in terms of my receiver, but haven't had the time to skim through your manual again. The first skim gave me a headache.

Damned manuals.

 

[jostenmeat]

Damned manuals.

I know it sounds dumb, but had you provided a PDF link to the manual, I would have looked at it a lot sooner. So for everyone else's convenience, here it is:

http://www.manualnguide.com/dl/4793/

Where do you want me to start reading, or which particular pages? Starting from pg 36 perhaps?

For full disclosure, I've never once tinkered with a Pio receiver, but I can give it a shot to see if I can possibly offer anything worthwhile at all.

Also for full disclosure, just as an educated guess outta da butt, I predict that you're going to need measuring equipment and software to finally know what tweaks to do beyond the basic/auto stuff.

 

[Whitey80]

I know it sounds dumb, but had you provided a PDF link to the manual, I would have looked at it a lot sooner. So for everyone else's convenience, here it is:

http://www.manualnguide.com/dl/4793/

Where do you want me to start reading, or which particular pages? Starting from pg 36 perhaps?

For full disclosure, I've never once tinkered with a Pio receiver, but I can give it a shot to see if I can possibly offer anything worthwhile at all.

Also for full disclosure, just as an educated guess outta da butt, I predict that you're going to need measuring equipment and software to finally know what tweaks to do beyond the basic/auto stuff.

Ok....make sure to bring that stuff with you when you come over tomorrow to help! I have sandwiches! (awesome sandwiches!)