Speaker level problems

mlutanno
mlutanno Posts: 8
edited February 2004 in Speakers
I recently got my HT set up, but I am having a problem with setting the levels on the receiver (Onkyo TX-DS676). Once I get everything how I like it, a different part of the movie throws the sound off. I have tried everything, but to no avail. The rti70's are bi-amped using y-splitters out of the pre-outs to the HK PA5800, and the center and rears are powered by the receiver. Any help would be appreciated.

(I know, I know, I am going to upgrade the receiver as soon as the $$$$$$ is there!)
Left / Right : Polk RTi 70's (bi-amped)
Center : Polk Csi3
Rear surround : Polk RT55 / Polk FXi3
Sub : Under Construction
Receiver : Onkyo TX-SR605
Amp : HK PA5800
Post edited by mlutanno on
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Comments

  • PolkThug
    PolkThug Posts: 7,532
    edited February 2004
    Post what levels you have all your speakers set at.
    Never Forget
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  • mlutanno
    mlutanno Posts: 8
    edited February 2004
    I have the L/R set at +2, the center at +4, the rears at +4 and the sub at +3. Music sound great, and movies do for the most part as well, but from time to time I woun't be able to hear the center as well.
    Left / Right : Polk RTi 70's (bi-amped)
    Center : Polk Csi3
    Rear surround : Polk RT55 / Polk FXi3
    Sub : Under Construction
    Receiver : Onkyo TX-SR605
    Amp : HK PA5800
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  • RVJII
    RVJII Posts: 167
    edited February 2004
    Maybe it has to do with how you bi-amped your mains. How do you have the bi-amp set up? Are you using 4 channels from the HK or are you using 2 from the Onkyo and 2 from the HK? I know when I looked at doing this there were some problems due to gain that caused me to scrap the idea.
    A lack of planning on your part does not constitute an emergency on my part...
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  • PolkThug
    PolkThug Posts: 7,532
    edited February 2004
    Try putting the center at +6.

    The best way to really do this is with a test tone (from a home theater setup DVD) and a Radio Shack SPL meter.
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  • mlutanno
    mlutanno Posts: 8
    edited February 2004
    The HK is an older 5 ch. from a prologic set up I had back in the day. It is still a good amp (for what I need). I am using a y-split out of the preouts on the onkyo to 4 inputs on the amp, and then running two lines to each front.
    Left / Right : Polk RTi 70's (bi-amped)
    Center : Polk Csi3
    Rear surround : Polk RT55 / Polk FXi3
    Sub : Under Construction
    Receiver : Onkyo TX-SR605
    Amp : HK PA5800
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  • RVJII
    RVJII Posts: 167
    edited February 2004
    Ok. In that case I would suspect that the problem is that you are putting double the power into your mains vs. your center (3db limit). 160 (80 x 2) into each main with 85 going to your center. It makes sense that you would notice this during movies since so much of the soundtrack comes from the center. Your mains are most likely drowning out dialog, etc.

    As mentioned by PolkThug you probably should get an SPL meter and calibrate your system. That will most likely fix the problem.
    A lack of planning on your part does not constitute an emergency on my part...
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  • mlutanno
    mlutanno Posts: 8
    edited February 2004
    I will head over to Radio Shcak after work today, and give it a shot this weekend, Thanks for all the help!
    Left / Right : Polk RTi 70's (bi-amped)
    Center : Polk Csi3
    Rear surround : Polk RT55 / Polk FXi3
    Sub : Under Construction
    Receiver : Onkyo TX-SR605
    Amp : HK PA5800
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