Inexpensive options for Dynamic EQ (or equivalent)?

[agarwalro]

I believe most AVRs have something similar to Dynamic VOLUME, which to me is similar to the LOUDNESS knob, which is dynamic compression that boosts the low volume up and cuts back on the high peaks.

I don't think Audyssey Dynamic EQ is the same as "Loudness Knob".

I think what you are talking about is Audyssey Dynamic VOLUME.

DynamicEQ is exactly that. It adapts the applied EQ based on Volume and Reference Offset Level setting. It does nothing to the signal's Dynamic Range of the system. There is no compression in the signal. That said, a heavy handed application of DynamicEQ may push the sub driver and/or sub amp into clipping. This is an ignorant user introduced signal compression and no different than if the mains+amp were being overdriven. Further, if someone has a sub that rings (bad sub or room mode issue and/or poor time domain control) the situation may be exacerbated. The last will actually worsen the perceived bass/mid bass quality.

Dynamic Volume compresses the peaks and raises the overall level. This in effect reduces the signal Dynamic Range. 100% marketing speak for compression. It does not change the currently applied EQ.

 

[agarwalro]

You can configure the offset as well, and you might be interested in playing with that setting. My Marantz lets me choose between an offset of 0dB (default), -5dB, -10dB, and -15dB. The farther away from 0dB you set it, the less profound the boost will be at lower volumes. Or I think more specifically, the boost provided by DEQ diminishes to flat at either reference volume, 5dB below, 10dB below, or 15dB below based on the offset setting.

DynamicEQ boosts more if the Master Volume is further away (below) from Reference (0 dB if someone completed auto calibration). What RLO does is, in effect, set a lower Reference Level. For example, if Master Volume is at -35 dB, and RLO is -15 dB (as processing Reference Level), the algorithm will be less aggressive since it uses -20 dB for calculations instead of the -35 dB. So, the boost is less dramatic.

 

[agarwalro]

I think you have to set the AVR up for MCH like 5.1. I don't think it works if you only set it up as 2.0 or 2.1.

I'm using it with only 2.2 connected.
Oddly, I don't see the Bypass LR option.

For Audyssey Room Correction I only see, Audyssey, Flat, Off.

 

[TheWarrior]

Are you sure about that?
I don't see why designers would make it dependent on MCH.

Would ANY kind of digital equalization not be the equivalent of the bass and treble knobs when used solely as stereo? You shouldn't need to modify the time/delay when theres just two speakers in front of a listener, and not trying to balance how long each channel takes to reach the listener.

I'm excited to have you bring one of these fancy pants receivers over and show me why it sounds better for stereo!

 

[TheWarrior]

Ok so this is to help achieve 'reference' quality at any listening level?

 

[agarwalro]

Would ANY kind of digital equalization not be the equivalent of the bass and treble knobs when used solely as stereo?

Digital EQ would be the equivalent of bass and treble knobs if the center frequency is the same and type of curve applied identical. Needless to say, the digital EQ is highly flexible in both those parameters and the knobs fixed. Further, in case of knobs, one does not have a true understanding of the shaping involved unless they measure at pre-outs (if available).

You shouldn't need to modify the time/delay when theres just two speakers in front of a listener, and not trying to balance how long each channel takes to reach the listener.

This would not be the case if the distance is off by as little as 0.5ft. That is easily possible in living room setups (much less so in a dedicated room). Typically, AVRs can do time alignment in 0.1ft or 0.1m increments. Every little bit helps make that sweet spot a little sweeter . IMHO, with the audio DSP wizardry possible in budget AVRs today, unless one is specifically going for analog only + no processing listening, integrated and stereo receivers just don't make sense.

 

[agarwalro]

Ok so this is to help achieve 'reference' quality at any listening level?

Reference is exactly playback at 0 dBR, with signal EQ and room response exactly flat 20Hz - 20KHz and controlled RT60.

Reality is that, 0dBR is too loud, room response of +/- 5 dB is respectable and RT60 is usually all over the place. If anything, DynamicEQ takes the sound away from Reference, but closer to 'pleasing' at any level. It is based on the principle that the ear is less sensitive to bass/treble (when compared to mids) and so at lower listening levels the bass has to be considerably boosted to give the same perceived loudness as when played at higher level.

So, that is exactly what DynamicEQ does, as Master Volume is lowered, boost is added to bass and treble.

Ref: Equal Loudness Curve

DynamicEQ curve to counter ear's sensitivity, from here,

So, if you add the "cut" in the ear's sensitivity to the boost applied by DynamicEQ, you get a line (perceived room respone) that is closer to flat, at all listening levels.

 

[TheWarrior]

Jeez.... I like stereo for its simplicity, despite having 5 matching speakers. If I need more bass I'll turn up the volume on my sub!

Never thought I would so yearn for a set of knobs!

 

[3db]

To me, dynamic eq is simply, a variable loudness control that changes mostly the bass/treble frequencies to the contours of the Fletcher/Munson curves based on volume. The lower the volume, the more the bass/treble frequencies are worked/emphasized/contoured,etc on.

 

[KEW]

Jeez.... I like stereo for its simplicity, despite having 5 matching speakers. If I need more bass I'll turn up the volume on my sub!

Never thought I would so yearn for a set of knobs!

What could be simpler than never having to make adjustments? Knobs are a complication!

 

[PENG]

What could be simpler than never having to make adjustments? Knobs are a complication!

Same here, I prefer to let DEQ do its thing automatically and accordingly.

 

[TheWarrior]

What could be simpler than never having to make adjustments? Knobs are a complication!

But I want control in a hobby that can cost more than a house!

 

[TheWarrior]

Boom! And there's the audio industry dilemma!

 

[AcuDefTechGuy]

If I need more bass I'll turn up the volume on my sub!

I can't speak for the other variations of "dynamic EQ" by other companies, but Audyssey DEQ is not just about volume increase, it is Equalization of bass.

I've experimented with simply cranking up the bass levels by as much as 10dB vs Dynamic EQ when I had dual Funk 18.0 subs.

The Total Volume (measured by digital SPL meter) is louder when the bass level is simply cranked up. But the quality of the bass (punchy, snappy, tight bass) doesn't improve.

With Audyssey DEQ, the quality of the bass improves. The bass is significantly more punchy, snappy, tight. At least to me.

 

[TheWarrior]

Oh you and your features of convenience! Wanting to listen at any volume any time you want!