What Volume levels should be kept

[saurabh]

What volume levels are optimal for speakers in a 5.1 system, more for center or more for surround and less for front or vice versa or in what combiunation. I can set them individually for each speaker.

 

[krzywica]

What reciever do you have, most (even cheap ones) have speaker balance test tones to help you out if you don't have an SPL meter. I your reciever does'nt then you can go to Rat Shak and pic up an SPL meter for like $30 or $40 bucks.

 

[saurabh]

Yes, my system does have test tones, does that mean all speakers should sound the same level of test tones as optimal volume level setting ???? or should I keep higher level of test tones for my surrounds.

 

[krzywica]

No you want all levels to be equal for the DTS and Dolby Digital to sound right. If you want your system to sound right you might want to invest in an SPL meter and the Avia home theater calibration DVD.

I have the Radio Shack analog SPL meter and that DVD and it has become invaluable for for proper system calibration.

http://www.hometheaterhifi.com/volume_6_2/aviadvd.html

http://www.radioshack.com/product.asp?catalog_name=CTLG&product_id=33-4050