YPAO or No?

[Mkraft]

Hi guys,

I had some questions about YPAO and It's importance.

My current setup is as follows:
Receiver is a Yamaha RX-V377, Fronts are Sony Core Bookshelves, Center is Sony Core CS8, SL/SR are some old Klipsch Quintet II's and Sub is an SVS PB-2000.
Main listening area is 16'x14' with 8 1/2' ceiling but unfortunately opens up to the kitchen and dining area. We're someday hoping to convert one of our extra bedrooms into a "Movie Room" which will be a much smaller 10'x10'.

I've been fairly budget oriented so far and have picked up some of my equipment used because of that. The Receiver was purchased second hand from a gentlemen who didn't have the calibration mic anymore so I ended up downloading an SPL meter app (Audio Tool) to get the levels adjusted and just manually put in my speaker distances.

What I'm curious about is how important the YPAO calibration is to get the system setup properly? I didn't know if it just figures and adjusts volume and distance like I already did, or if it also equalizes based on room and such? I hesitate to buy the mic and only use it a few times if It's not going to make that big of a difference. On the other hand, if it will make the system sound better then I don't think I'll hesitate!

From what I've read, not every auto calibration software is made equal but still probably better than nothing?

Thanks for your help guys!

 

[lovinthehd]

YPAO does do the basic setup of delays/levels plus applies equalization. You may like the results, you may not. Really hard to know and it is largely a preference thing, many feel eq'g above schroder is detrimental, some like it. Manually setting up the delays and levels is just fine, too....bottom line does it sound good to you? I wouldn't worry about it a lot but if really curious order a mic (or maybe someone has a spare they can send you).

 

[Mkraft]

Good to hear.

I think it sounds pretty good to me right now but as I'm not too experienced in audio setup I feel like I don't know what I might be missing out on . Hopefully someday I'll get the chance to hear some real "proper" equipment and get an idea of what it should sound like.

I also hope to slowly upgrade equipment as well with some better mains and possibly center so I can retire the cores to surround duty. I might just end up picking up a mic for it to put my mind at rest....

 

[Ecomatt]

One thing you have to remember is what sounds good to someone else may not sound good to you. People say reference this and flat response that which does not always sound good. Some people like lots of bass, others not so and prefer a more laid back bass. I spent many years changing bits here and there looking for the ultimate sound and I don't really think it made a whole load of difference. I don't get impressed by equipment that costs thousands of pounds or has a certain brand label on it. I would try things with YPAO on and then watch or listen to the same cd/ blu ray etc with it off and see which you prefer. I have audyssey on my denon and I prefer it on as it sounds best to me. Just have fun with it and enjoy what you have

 

[everettT]

That version dosent do much with subs, so beyond distances and level matching, it might not do much for you.

 

[Mkraft]

Good to know. I did read somewhere that the distance it sets your sub at isn't always actual but that it gets the proper delay. After running it, it put my sub at 10 feet away when it's really more like 6. I've left it at the settings it suggested for now but will play with it more and experiment.

 

[everettT]

Good to know. I did read somewhere that the distance it sets your sub at isn't always actual but that it gets the proper delay. After running it, it put my sub at 10 feet away when it's really more like 6. I've left it at the settings it suggested for now but will play with it more and experiment.

Correct

 

[ryanosaur]

I'm not on a yamaha, but I will say I had a positive experience with running Audyssey for setting the distance/delay and levels. I've since turned the room correction off, but have kept those settings in place. For me, the biggest change was in the subwoofer distance. Subtle, but still noticeable. I never would have guessed that the built in DSP of the sub could alter the timing as much as it does.

 

[Needa916]

I just switched from a dying Onkyo with Audyssey, to a Yamaha. The Audyssey definitely made everything sound great for movies. The sub especially was intense and not boomy. In contrast, the YPAO made everything quiet, especially the sub. I have to crank up the main volume to get the same levels, plus increase the sub volume to get the same punch as my old receiver. Even then, everything is muted. Hoping more time tweaking will bring back the punch it had with the Onkyo.

 

[Mkraft]

Interesting. Which model Yamaha do you have currently? I can't say I've had that experience exactly but it does make me wonder...

 

[Needa916]

Interesting. Which model Yamaha do you have currently? I can't say I've had that experience exactly but it does make me wonder...

Onkyo TX-SR607 to Yamaha TSR-7850 hooked up to Sony core series bookshelfs, center, and sub. Please keep in mind, I am a total noob and really don't know what I am doing. It took me a month messing around to finally get the Onkyo to sound good. Today, I turned off the YPAO adjustment as a test and immediately noticed the extra WOW I am used to.

 

[Mkraft]

When you did the calibration, did you put it on a tripod by chance? I guess that's the best way to ensure the mic doesn't get any sound bouncing off the surface it's on and mess up the calibration. Otherwise I'm not sure why it would lower all your levels... I'm also a noob so I'm just regurgitating what I've heard/read .

As everyone else on here says though, what sounds best to you is right!

 

[Needa916]

When you did the calibration, did you put it on a tripod by chance? I guess that's the best way to ensure the mic doesn't get any sound bouncing off the surface it's on and mess up the calibration. Otherwise I'm not sure why it would lower all your levels... I'm also a noob so I'm just regurgitating what I've heard/read .

As everyone else on here says though, what sounds best to you is right!

No tripod. This is how much if a noob I am. I placed the mic on top of several of those couch pillows which I am never supposed to touch, to get it up to ear level. I'll rerun the test once I install the front presence speakers.

 

[Mkraft]

No tripod. This is how much if a noob I am. I placed the mic on top of several of those couch pillows which I am never supposed to touch, to get it up to ear level. I'll rerun the test once I install the front presence speakers.

I think that should work too actually! As long as it's a surface that the sound won't bounce on as far as I know. Couldn't hurt to try it over though and see if the results change.