VSX-1016TXV MCACC setup

[skads_187]

ok, im creating a new thread, on a different topic.

I ran the MCACC auto setup for the first time tonight. and i made some manual changes and wanted to know if these were ok.

1.) the auto setup set my front and back speakers to LARGE. I then manually changed them to SMALL as the guide says to choose small if I want the bass to go to the sub only, is this ok? (crossover is at 80)

2.) for the db's
the auto setup gave me this as a setup:
L: -5db C: -4.5db R: -3db SR: -6db SL:-5db SW: -10db

I know the auto setup did it this way to consider the distance of each speaker, however i changed it to the following:
L: 0db C: +2.5db R: -2db SR: +6db SL:+5db SW: -9db
Ok, explanation, L + R, brought it to 0 because they were plenty nice and loud before at the 0 setting, put the Right speaker -2 in consideration of the distance.
SL + SR = I was had issued with the back speakers, they sounded too low, so I raised the db's on them completely, and now i can finally hear them. Is the setting too high?

3.) Center speaker, increased it by 2.5 in order to raise the dialogue volume (should i simply use the Dialogue Enhancer feature instead?, which is better?)

sorry for all these questions, i want to finally put all these issues to rest. i've had this receiver for a year now and shouldve done this way sooner, i know.

 

[Adam]

Hi. IMO, you should set your system up the way that you like it. A perfectly flat response is not what everyone wants. To answer your questions:

1) That's very common for MCACC (or any auto routine with which I'm familiar) to set the speakers to large. Setting them back to small is perfectly fine, is often recommended, and is what I do with mine.

2) I would recommend using an SPL meter to get the system balanced, but MCACC has done a good job in my system on both receivers that I've used. It does depend on where you place the microphone and what you mount it on. Again, though, set the levels so that you like them. A note, though - you may want to try the levels that MCACC set for a day or two in order to see if you get used to them and like them. A properly calibrated system might not sound "correct" to someone who is used to having the levels set a certain way.

3) I don't have any opinion on this one.

 

[oppman99]

I have the same reciever. When I initially set it up, I came up with results similar to what you did. I went back and set all the levels myself according to what I thought sounded good (don't have an SPL meter). I ended up setting the fronts to the same level and the surrounds to the same level with the center a little higher than the mains. I had to really crank up the volume on the rears too and haven't had any issues. Been running them that way for a few years. I haven't really used the dialog enhancer. Setting your fronts to small is a good choice as well as the crossover level of 80 Hz. You can always tweak the crossover level depending on your speakers. So basically, what Adam said.

 

[billy p]

I have a qusetion...what is your sub volume set at? Looking at your sub's setting it would appear that you've set the sub's volume to high if your AVR is at-9/-10dbs. If so, I would turn down the actual gain on the sub and increase the SW level from the receiver.

Just my 2 cents, Bill

 

[skads_187]

good question, im gonna check my sub when i get home, but i know for sure i didnt set it too high, ill prob have to put it lower, its always on night mode, the thing is too powerful, its a 12". the whole house moves and my house is attached to one other house, and i feel bad for them sometimes. other times not lol
they havent complained yet so thats a good thing.