1014TX Max Volume question

[webhut33]

This may be a lame question but I bought a Pioneer 1014TX many months ago and noticed that when in THX mode it would max out at -7 in volume now why a receiver would max out in the negative is beyond me. But then that probably highlights my ignorance. But today I got fed up when I went to play an mp3 through my PC via Optical output and it maxed at -4. Can anyone explain to me the basics of volume control on this receiver. I had a Sony before this that cost about 3 bills and till this point I cannot get this receiver to surpass the sound quality of that unit. I only got the 1014 to get the THX feature at a reasonable price point and at this time it looks like it may be a mistake unless I can get this Pioneer to perform better.

Thanks for any repleis in adavance. GO SHARKS

 

[rumble]

Did you run the auto MCACC? You know the auto calibration with the microphone placed at ear level at your normal listening position.

The MCACC sets the volume control so that 0 is reference level(85dB) at the position of the microphone when auto MCACC was run.

Therefore -20 on the volume setting would be 20dB below reference and +5 would be 5dB above reference.

Your volume control should be adjustable from -80 to +12. Not sure why it is "maxing" out at -4. Do you mean you can't adjust it above -4?

I can listen to the system quite comfortably at -40 and can rarely approach reference levels(unless everyone else is out of the house).

 

[webhut33]

Correction. It is maxing out at +4. I did use the MCACC and I live in a large studio apartment. I have 7 Speakers. 2 Main 1 Center Infinity's and 4 Satellite speakers. I am using the optical in from my PC and the CD-/Tape/MD. I am listening to PF Animals right now and I could use a little more V if you know what I mean. I get much louder using my TV. But even that Maxes out at +7 in THX mode, but will allow me to go higher in other TV Modes.

 

[Sheep]

Quick question,

You aren't actually listening to stuff at 14dB are you? Thats EXTREMELY bad for your equipment.

SheepStar

 

[brian32672]

Weird that it will 'max' out on those settings.
You may want to go into manual MCACC and turn up the trim levels.
Or possible if you set up the Auto MCACC - maybe try moving the mic back 4' from where it is normally put.
Granted that will throw off the room balance from seating position.
Also is there a midnight button on the receiver - make sure it is off and that loudness is on.
Do you have a spl meter to level match?

EDIT:: Also I have found the THX modes really seem to soften the sound. Try just normal modes.
Specially try the games mode - it seems to add some boost (5db) to the sound.
Also check that the level att. is not set at -10db

 

[webhut33]

I don't know. I am apparently a novice when it come to this equipment. All I know is when I look at the readout on my unit it says the volume is at +4 right now and it is loud but not really loud. Like I said, I had a Sony unit that only cost me 300 with basically the same Watt Output and it was louder than this. A couple times I turned the Sony up to the point it shut off but I have never reached that point with the 1014 and while I like my music loud sometimes I am sure I am not peaking this system.

Maybe I need to recallibrate. However I am still confused why it won't let me turn it past +4 on this setting and lets me turn it up to +7 in DVD THX and much higher in DVR mode (I.E. Advanced Movie Mode).

Thanks for trying to help me with this.

 

[brian32672]

What are your speakers effiency rating????


EDIT:: I really think you need to look for a midnight mode button. And make sure it is off and loudness is set to on... That mode alone will cut it -10db.

 

[webhut33]

I'll have to find my Speaker Manuals. But I am out of energy tonight. I think maybe This level of Receiver needs a Preamp or something. I know the difference between loud and lousy and loud and perfecto. I am not loud but the sound is great. If you have any other suggestions I would appreciate it but I am done for the night.

Thanks again for you time.

 

[brian32672]

I think maybe This level of Receiver needs a Preamp or something. I know the difference between loud and lousy and loud and perfecto. I am not loud but the sound is great.

Glad to hear that it sounds great.
Actually it is a Preamp. You mean a seperate amp.
But I don't think that this is the issue.
I have the 1015tx and it has plenty of power - yours should as well.
Try the suggestions I gave. Also I am sending a PM (private message).

 

[MDS]

If the normal range of the volume control is -80 to +12 and the max setting you can reach is now +4, then at least one of the channel trims is at +8.

As to why the max setting changes with surround mode, that is a new one on me, but I would assume that it is because the receiver allows you to save different calibrations for different inputs and/or surround modes and for those modes the channel trims aare also greater than zero (but different from the other one that gives you a +4 max).

 

[j_garcia]

I tested out the 1014 and found it's power rating to be fairly exaggerated. With just 2 bookshelf speakers full range, MCACC off and pure direct on, it really didn't have the balls that it's power rating would suggest. What you're saying doesn't surprise me at all. At low volume, it sounded fine, but when I cranked it to see what it was capable of, it didn't do as well as I expected.

Try Brian's recommendations. Also, consider calibrating it manually. Make sure your mic is in the correct location when running MCACC, then check the settings that it made once it is done to see what it did.

 

[brian32672]

I tested out the 1014 and found it's power rating to be fairly exaggerated. With just 2 bookshelf speakers full range, MCACC off and pure direct on, it really didn't have the balls that it's power rating would suggest. What you're saying doesn't surprise me at all. At low volume, it sounded fine, but when I cranked it to see what it was capable of, it didn't do as well as I expected.

I keep seeing you say this... I wonder if the unit was ok.
I mean with my 1015 I can easily hit 120+db and with no distortion.
Very clean sound IMO. The distortion #'s are whats inflated.
I see some of the Yamaha's with inflated power #'s. And most certainly Sony crud.
As well some of the B&K #'s are overboard, granted some are under-rated.

Anyhow, I really think the problem is user error in this case....

 

[rumble]

I tested out the 1014 and found it's power rating to be fairly exaggerated. With just 2 bookshelf speakers full range, MCACC off and pure direct on, it really didn't have the balls that it's power rating would suggest. What you're saying doesn't surprise me at all. At low volume, it sounded fine, but when I cranked it to see what it was capable of, it didn't do as well as I expected.

Try Brian's recommendations. Also, consider calibrating it manually. Make sure your mic is in the correct location when running MCACC, then check the settings that it made once it is done to see what it did.

I also have to disagree with your assesment. I have the 1014 running fairly low sensitivity bookshelf speakers and get the volume high enough to cause discomfort. The 1014/1015 amp is the same one that is in the Elite 52tx.

I mean this reciever is THX certified so how in the world could they manage to "greatly exaggerate" the output?

 

[brendy]

I used to own a Pioneer receiver.Follow MDS's advice and make sure all the channels levels are at 0.

 

[MDS]

I didn't mean to imply that the channel levels should be at zero. They should be at whatever setting it takes to balance the levels. But, if they end up greater than zero, then the max volume setting will change.

BMXTrix and I discussed this in a recent thread.

 

[xboxweasel]

As per what webhut33 was saying about the receiver maxing out at different volume levels, I noticed something similar in my Yamaha. But IMO I can't believe that anyone could stand listening to something turned up that much. I too figure it is a setup issue.

Or (just a thought) when you connected up the pioneer did you reverse any off the speaker wires. If 2 were out of phase would that not cause them to cancel one another out? Would that not make it quieter?

And one more question: why did you want to go with THX? As far as I can see it is nothing special. When I switch my receiver to THX it's quieter than Surround Standard (DD, DTS) mode. It did not leave me with a good impression. And do you have THX rated speakers, cable, DVD player, CD player, etc, etc?

 

[brian32672]

And one more question: why did you want to go with THX? As far as I can see it is nothing special. When I switch my receiver to THX it's quieter than Surround Standard (DD, DTS) mode. It did not leave me with a good impression. And do you have THX rated speakers, cable, DVD player, CD player, etc, etc?

This has been talked about super extensively, and usually having THX certification is not a bad thing at all.
I would not base my only buying opinion on it, but it is a important factor.

 

[xboxweasel]

It's just that I have read an article a while back about certifying a receiver for THX. It comes right down to the looks of the display. What does that have to do with sound. It just seems like a farce.

I'd like for someone to show me the benefits/advantages of using THX over regular surround sound.

Of topic: I'd like someone to do the same with DTS over DD. And I hear the presence speaker option with the yamaha's is supposed to be awsome too.

 

[brian32672]

Here are a few you should read......
http://forums.audioholics.com/forums/showthread.php?t=15216&highlight=thx+certification
http://www.audioholics.com/FAQs/THXp1.html

And most certainly read ALL PAGES of this one - http://forums.audioholics.com/forums/showthread.php?t=13065&highlight=THX

EDIT:: And here is DTS & DD http://forums.audioholics.com/forums/showthread.php?t=14955&highlight=DTS+Dolby+Digital

 

[rgriffin25]

There is no reason that your 1014TX Pioneer receiver should be anywhere close to the +4db range if set-up properly. You might want to check the speaker size setting in the set-up menu. If they are set to large set all your speakers to small. This change alone could make a noticable difference. Every time I do the auto set-up with my receiver I go back in and set the speakers to small.

I upgraded from a $400 Sony receiver a couple of years back to a Pioneer Elite and I must say the difference was remarkable once I had everything tweaked.