Output level Q’s

[CraigV]

On my pre-amp, I can boost/cut the output level for each source. I’m guessing this is to equalize the overall volume for each source. Is there any advantage/disadvantage to boosting the output? As it is, I am having my volume up to -20 for DVD listening (B&K Reference 50 ) Does raising the output have any derogatory effect? Likewise, what about boosting the individual levels for the speakers (with level matching) - will that adversely effect the sound quality?

 

[MDS]

On my pre-amp, I can boost/cut the output level for each source. I’m guessing this is to equalize the overall volume for each source. Is there any advantage/disadvantage to boosting the output?

That feature (eg. Onkyo's IntelliVolume) is to allow you to attempt to keep the volume level roughly the same between sources so that you don't experience large volume increases or decreases when switching sources.

It's nice and can be useful but not exactly foolproof because the level of the actual audio varies even within the same source. For example, CDs range from very conservative levels like -18 dB to the current state of the art which masters them at -12 dB or even louder. If you were to cut the level of the CD input in an attempt to make it more even with say the Cable input, it will be even lower when you play a CD that is of much lower average level than another. Same with Cable channels - some are very loud and some it seems are barely audible.

As it is, I am having my volume up to -20 for DVD listening (B&K Reference 50 ) Does raising the output have any derogatory effect? Likewise, what about boosting the individual levels for the speakers (with level matching) - will that adversely effect the sound quality?

There are a finite number of steps of the volume control. Boosting the channel trims will effectively 'pre-amplify' if you will the input signal and the maximum number on the dial will decrease - the volume range remains the same.

The only issue is once you've calibrated to a target reference level, if you then boost the channel trims, your reference SPL will be higher and thus no longer calibrated to the level you initially set. When you calibrate you are seeking a specific output SPL when the volume dial is at a specific number and the input level is a certain number [eg. -30 dB input (receiver test tones), 0 on the volume scale, output SPL 105 dB (when the digital audio level peaks - ie 0 dB)]. Plus or minus on the channel trims doesn't matter; the goal is simply the desired output level and whatever it takes to achieve that in a given room is 'correct'.

 

[Lordoftherings]

^ Couldn't say it better.

 

[CraigV]

That feature (eg. Onkyo's IntelliVolume) is to allow you to attempt to keep the volume level roughly the same between sources so that you don't experience large volume increases or decreases when switching sources.

It's nice and can be useful but not exactly foolproof because the level of the actual audio varies even within the same source. For example, CDs range from very conservative levels like -18 dB to the current state of the art which masters them at -12 dB or even louder. If you were to cut the level of the CD input in an attempt to make it more even with say the Cable input, it will be even lower when you play a CD that is of much lower average level than another. Same with Cable channels - some are very loud and some it seems are barely audible.



There are a finite number of steps of the volume control. Boosting the channel trims will effectively 'pre-amplify' if you will the input signal and the maximum number on the dial will decrease - the volume range remains the same.

The only issue is once you've calibrated to a target reference level, if you then boost the channel trims, your reference SPL will be higher and thus no longer calibrated to the level you initially set. When you calibrate you are seeking a specific output SPL when the volume dial is at a specific number and the input level is a certain number [eg. -30 dB input (receiver test tones), 0 on the volume scale, output SPL 105 dB (when the digital audio level peaks - ie 0 dB)]. Plus or minus on the channel trims doesn't matter; the goal is simply the desired output level and whatever it takes to achieve that in a given room is 'correct'.

OK, so, if I’m understanding you correctly, if I boost the level for each input while matching (as close as I can) each one, then set individual speaker levels, I’m OK?

 

[Lordoftherings]

OK, so, if I’m understanding you correctly, if I boost the level for each input while matching (as close as I can) each one, then set individual speaker levels, I’m OK?

Yes Craig, you're OK.

But it is almost impossible to level match each source, because it depends of the particular recording playing from that source. Comprende?

Usually, you want to perhaps boost the Phono and Tape Deck sources, as compared to others.

And your individual channel levels are set for each source equally, unless your receiver or pre/pro has individual source's channel levels, or by surround audio modes, like the Denon receivers.

Either way Craig, you're fine to your heart content to experiment with all these different source and channel levels, without any ill effects.*
* The only thing that could happen, is that you loose a bit of Dynamic from the Master Volume level (instead of going all the way to let's say +18db, it could perhaps only go to +12db maximum). But this is not a negative on sound quality itself.

 

[CraigV]

But it is almost impossible to level match each source, because it depends of the particular recording playing from that source. Comprende?

.

Understood, thanks

 

[Lordoftherings]

Understood, thanks

Good morning Craig. Great sir, you have a very nice day.

Bob

 

[bandphan]

OK, so, if I’m understanding you correctly, if I boost the level for each input while matching (as close as I can) each one, then set individual speaker levels, I’m OK?

I would setup each input, even with the variance in materials its nice to be in the ballpark

 

[MDS]

OK, so, if I’m understanding you correctly, if I boost the level for each input while matching (as close as I can) each one, then set individual speaker levels, I’m OK?

No.

When you are setting the speaker levels you are using a known input level: -30 dB (for internal receiver test tones). Other sources will be all over the map and will vary with different discs and broadcasts.

Set the individual channel levels first and then after the fact you can tweak the settings with source offsets but as I said you will never get one precise setting that makes all sources the exact same level.