How to properly set channel level (and how that relates to overall volume)

[duck911]

HI all!

My question is exactly what the title implies:

What is the recommended configuration for channel level settings at the AVR, and how does that relate to the overall volume? What's best for sound quality, what's best for the receiver, etc?

Example:

1) FR,C,FL,SW all set relatively low, use more volume control for volume
2) FR,C,FL,SW all set relatively high, use less volume control for volume
etc
etc

thanks!

--Duck911

 

[Pyrrho]

Normally, the level controls are labeled with 0 being the standard, and then positive numbers for higher levels, and negative numbers for lower levels. Normally, it is best to adjust them as needed for proper channel balance. Them all being set high or low is not going to affect the power output capabilities of the amplifier, so there is no point in setting them all high or low.

Basically, they are all of them volume controls, and setting them low and then adjusting the main volume high is not going to help, and setting them all high and then adjusting the main volume lower is not going to help. This is assuming that the equipment is properly designed and properly functioning, of course. If the equipment is not properly designed, there could be issues with the noise floor or overdriving some stage of the amplifier, and to avoid those, it would be best to keep things near 0 or the standard point.

 

[MDS]

The purpose of the channel trims is to balance each channel's output level so that they are all roughly equal.

If the receiver has an auto setup routine that should be run first as it will attempt to get it right for you; if not, then you need an SPL meter set to slow response and 'C' weighting and the receiver's test tones. You adjust the levels of each channel until the meter reads 75 dB. You can't really do it accurately by ear alone.

When every channel level is about the same, it is correct - regardless of what numbers the channel trims end up being set to. It will vary from room to room and speaker to speaker. If for example, your center channel is less sensitive than the front speakers (a common occurrence), the center trim level will most likely need to be higher than the front levels so that its output is at the same SPL as the front speakers.

Adjusting the channel trims will not affect the total power available or max SPL it can put out (that depends more on speaker sensitivity). It will, however, affect the volume display. If any of the trims are greater than zero, the max number on the dial will be reduced by that amount. The range hasn't changed, it's just that the channel was boosted before it gets to the amplifier. So if the range was 0 - 80 and the front trims are at +3, the max the volume display will read is 77, but +3 + 77 = 80 - there are still 80 steps between min and max.

 

[just-some-guy]

run the calibration setup for your receiver. see how you like it.

me. i run my center -1 and my sides +1'ish. the subs, anywhere between +2 to + 6, depends on the movie.

in the end, adjust it to the way YOU like it.

 

[duck911]

thanks guys, much appreciated!