I’ve been using Audyssey now for years. I’m on my 4th AVR that features it, currently have the Denon 4300. Prior to my Denon I had the Marantz 7009. I went with the 4300 because I wanted 4K pass through and DTS X. My speakers are Klipsch RP’s. Ive had them 1.5 years. I was strictly using the Flat curve with these speakers and recently decided to try Reference for a bit and to my surprise I much prefer it over Flat. I’ve calibrated many times in the last few weeks, moving my speakers and subs in different locations etc. My reason for trying the Reference curve was because I was considering mounting my 140sa because the Atmos effect wasn’t that impressive. I recalibrated and watched the Superman UHD in Atmos and wow, what a difference. The above effect sounded much more realistic and precise in the Reference curve. I’ve watched a bunch of 4K titles recently and the Reference curve sounded better. Skyscraper sounded incredible, even my wife asked what changed. It just sounds more balanced and realistic. My speakers now disappear into my room. I switched to the Flat curve years ago since modern BD’s are EQ’d for the home and I didn’t want midrange compensation thinking the Flat curve was correct. My theatre room is in basement and has plenty of absorption with carpeting, a thick shag between my front sound stage and a large fabric sectional with 2 ottomans and thick curtains on the side. I switched back to Flat today while watching the Hateful 8 and immediately noticed that the Flat curve draws too much attention. The sound was detailed and crisp but also sterile. It didn’t sound cinematic. Switched back to Reference and bingo, my speakers disappeared once again I was back into the movie. I was regretting getting rid of Marantz since I missed the warmth but now consider the Denon to be superior with more prowess and detail and now with the Reference curve soundtracks have that warmth I was missing.
