Configuration: Tools, Tips, Resources for Newbie

[SuperCraig]

OK... I just pulled the trigger and ordered an Epik Empire and I'm VERY excited about it!

I am a newbie at the whole audiophile thing, and now it looks like I need to educate myself on sub configuration. It sounds like it's worth the extra time/effort to get it dialed in, correct?

My AVR is an Onkyo NR3007... and it has the built in Audyssey Dynamic EQ... is that enough to set up my system properly, or do I need to get a meter and test CD, etc?

Maybe I'm tired and haven't looked around enough, but I didn't really see any threads dedicated to this topic for newbies like myself. If I missed one, or there's a good website to educate me... please pass along any links, tips, advice. I'd greatly appreciate it!!

Thanks in advance for any/all input!!
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[ParadigmDawg]

Look up at the top of the sub page...

http://forums.audioholics.com/forums/showthread.php?t=65220

 

[SuperCraig]

Look up at the top of the sub page...

http://forums.audioholics.com/forums/showthread.php?t=65220

yeah... I started to read that and it went over my head pretty quickly.. there were a couple of comments like this one "It is assumed the reader is knowledgeable on how to properly use an FFT or RTA analyzer to properly measure system response. Instructions about how to use such equipment can fill an entire article on its own, which is outside the scope of this article." that made me think that was not a "sub configuration 101" article.

I do have two subs, so I do will need to know how to configure both...

And does this mean that the Audyssey Dynamic EQ is for sure not enough to configure my system properly? How much "better" can it be with additional testing equipment and such?

 

[SJTrance]

One easy thing to do is to get something simple like The AVIA II guide to home theater and and Radio Shack SPL meter. Just watching that video would be enough to start at setting the sub up and syncing it along with your other speakers. They're both inexpensive.

 

[SuperCraig]

One easy thing to do is to get something simple like The AVIA II guide to home theater and and Radio Shack SPL meter. Just watching that video would be enough to start at setting the sub up and syncing it along with your other speakers. They're both inexpensive.

Thanks for the tip. This is exactly the kind of simple guide that I was looking for. My only hesitation is that the feedback on Amazon is less than stellar.

But it's the type of tool I want, so I'll probably give it a try.

Thanks!

 

[SJTrance]

Thanks for the tip. This is exactly the kind of simple guide that I was looking for. My only hesitation is that the feedback on Amazon is less than stellar.

But it's the type of tool I want, so I'll probably give it a try.

Thanks!

Look, it may not be the most amazing disc to have been ever produced, but for a newbie, it's perfect. While you're at it, use it for the video portion also. If you want, there are other ways to get test tones and such, but if you don't know what you're doing (as they explain that quite well in the AVIA II), this is a good route.

 

[SuperCraig]

Look, it may not be the most amazing disc to have been ever produced, but for a newbie, it's perfect. While you're at it, use it for the video portion also. If you want, there are other ways to get test tones and such, but if you don't know what you're doing (as they explain that quite well in the AVIA II), this is a good route.

Alright then, perfect. I was hoping that the people who were critical about this DVD were much higher up in the Audiophile food-chain than I am, lol, and your comment solidifies that thought. I just ordered one off of Amazon.

Thanks again for the tip.

Now, of course, when I was on Amazon it also showed me a bunch of similar DVD's for fine tuning your television as well... I was tempted to jump on one of those, but I'll take your suggestion and use this for the video portion as well.

 

[SJTrance]

Alright then, perfect. I was hoping that the people who were critical about this DVD were much higher up in the Audiophile food-chain than I am, lol, and your comment solidifies that thought. I just ordered one off of Amazon.

Thanks again for the tip.

Now, of course, when I was on Amazon it also showed me a bunch of similar DVD's for fine tuning your television as well... I was tempted to jump on one of those, but I'll take your suggestion and use this for the video portion as well.

Great! Let us know how it goes.