How do I raise voice volume when playing movies through my Yamaha reveiver

[Drunder40]

I am using a Yamaha RX-V477, Energy CB-20 speakers and a Klipsch SW-350 sub (2.1 setup). From a pure audio perspective (Airplay-CD's etc), I have my system setup the way it sounds best to me. I love it.

When we play movies whether it is from the DVR, TV Streaming or Blue Ray player, it has to be up pretty loud in order to get the Sub to come to life. I found some adjustments and now the sub rumbles nicely at a much lower volume.

Now the issue is that at the lower volumes, we struggle to hear the voices. We hear the background noises/music/sub fine but the voices seem so far in the distance..

I see where in the setup/speaker/configuration there is a level setting. Even raising the Left and Right speaker volume to
like +8.5 from 0.0 makes the speakers louder but that is all the sound coming out of them not just the voices.

I also tried the Options/Volume trim.. Moved the input higher and again not much of a help.

Basically are there any settings that will make only the voices louder through the front speakers..

Thanks in advance

 

[zieglj01]

That is why a lot of people use a center channel - and go 3.1 - so you can adjust the volume on the center.

 

[Drunder40]

Oh nice.. I didn't realize the center channel affected voices so much.. good deal.. thanks a bunch!

 

[agarwalro]

Have you tried the 2ch Stereo mode? It downmixes multi-channel tracks. Some components of the center will be redirected to L, R. You may get better phantom center effect with this.

 

[slipperybidness]

If you have 5.1, then the dialogue is typically routed to the center channel. Most modern receivers, I think will auto-downmix 5ch to 2ch if only 2 channels are connected.

Go through your manual and the audio settings. Many receivers have a "Dialogue" option that attempts to help with issues like what you describe. My Pio Elite has this.

You may also want to experiment with "Midnight/Loudness" settings and/or DRC settings. DRC = Dynamic Range Compression. This might let you turn up the volume higher to hear the voices, but not blow you out when the loud scenes hit.

 

[Drunder40]

Thanks for the info Slippery.. Another question assuming I cannot find a setting to help:

I have what I believe are the original Bose AM-5 Acounstamass speakers (2 double cubes and a Bass Module). I bought them around 1987ish. According to the manual, for the impdedance of the cube speakers, it says "4 Ohms nominal".

With my current setup in my OP, could I use just one cube speaker for a center channel? My receiver is set to 8ohms (can go to 6) due to my current front speakers. I have read good and bad things about running lower ohm speakers on an amp that is set to something other than what the speakers are rated at.

Just curious.. Thanks in advance...

 

[markw]

Four ohm "nominal" speakers mean they are most likely less than four ohms over a goodly portion of their range. Some receivers can handle them at moderate volumes and others don't like them at all.

Being part of a Bose "system", all signals are fed through the subwoofer(or bass module) which is able to insulate the receiver from any problems that the individual four ohm speakers could inflict.

IOW, you try using it alone at your own risk.

 

[Drunder40]

Understand.. Appreciate the explaination.. Not gonna take the chance .. Thanks

 

[agarwalro]

I have what I believe are the original Bose AM-5 Acounstamass speakers (2 double cubes and a Bass Module). I bought them around 1987ish. According to the manual, for the impdedance of the cube speakers, it says "4 Ohms nominal".

With my current setup in my OP, could I use just one cube speaker for a center channel? My receiver is set to 8ohms (can go to 6) due to my current front speakers. I have read good and bad things about running lower ohm speakers on an amp that is set to something other than what the speakers are rated at.

Electrically, the cubes are designed to work with the Acoustimass module. Acoustically, they will do more harm to the sound than anything.