best way to calibrate the vtf-2

[trapper]

Finaly have all of my speaers calibrated--- the vtf-2 is set at -3db below speakers using osd of the receiver. I have the volume on the sub set very low. The room is 13x 14 -- or 13x25 --- it only has a 1ft. beam across the ceiling and sides that define it from dining room. Even at this low setting this sub can send our cat into the ceiling fan on some movies----- and we don't even begin to crank up the master volume----- usualy around -20 to -25. In my opinion not only is this sub powerful-- it makes home theater so realistic, that we would much rather watch dvds now than go to a theater. Can't imagine a better sub for our system and house. As I said earlier the sub is set up by " ear " and I would like to calibrate it using radio shack spl meter----- and need someone to help. Maybe I'M good where it is ----- but if I can get it better I will. THANKS Ddavidson and SashaG for all of your posts that have gotten me this far. rex Lsi9s mains------------------- Lsic center Rti38s rear Hsu VTF-2 sub---- H/K 520 receiver

[Sorny]

Calibration is easy. Get an SPL meter from radio shack, and a copy of Avia on DVD. (I use my receiver tones to calibrate, then check with Avia).

Avia explains in great detail how to use the meter to set the speaker levels. It is also full of other helpful turorials and explains some of the less understood parts of home theater.

The quick 'n dirty method:

1. Go to setup menu of receiver. Zero out all trim values and gains for every channel. Hold the meter at head level at the listening postion with the meter pointed straight up.
2. Turn on the test tones and turn the master volume up until you get either 75dB or 85dB on your meter. (most receivers use -30dBFS tones, so use 75dB). This volume on the receiver is "reference level". Make note of it.
3. Adjust all speakers so they read the same.
4. The SPL meter is inaccurate down low, so figure about 3dB added to whatever the meter shows for the subwoofer.

Many like to run their subs hot by a few dB, in that case, calibrate the sub to read the same value on the meter as other speakers (this would run it about 3dB "hot").

Sorny

[tomes]

Does anyone sell Avia locally?

Also, I know YPAO isn't perfect, but do you think it is worth it spending money on Avia and SPL meter, when my receiver will have this function?

[Sorny]

I've seen Avia at a local Suncoast. I decided to get it from Amazon instead and save myself $15 in the process.

My Elite 45TX has MCACC and I use Avia to double check it. FWIW, MCACC is always spot on as far as SPL and EQ goes.

Sorny

[tomes]

Thanks Sorny!

I will eventually buy Avia/SPL then, but start out with YPAO. I am running into problems explaining to the wife why I need to spend so much money! :)

[trapper]

Sorny, Thanks for the help---- I'm getting AVIA soon .

[Sorny]

Glad I could be of some help.

Sorny