Quiet center channel in 300 and Transformers?

dbaldus

Does anyone else have problems with their center channel being very quiet during the movies "300" and "Transformers" on DVD? With both of those DVDs (Dolby Digital editions), the dialogue is very quiet coming from the center channel, so I typically turn it way up to hear the people talking, but then as soon as an action scene starts (very typical in those two movies in particular), I have to turn it way down because its too loud. This is a very annoying problem that I have had with a few other DVDs in the past, but these two seem to be worse than usual so I was just wondering if anybody else was having these problems?

Here is my setup:

H/K 247
RTi70s
CSi40
R15s
PS3 (as DVD Player)

By the way, I'm running my center 3dBs hotter than all of the others, which were all set by the EZSet/EQ on the receiver, and it is still too quiet.

Thanks...

Sherardp

Seems youre making or thinking of doing some nice additions in your setup. I read the post about the SVS sub and the Parasound Amp, both will do great things in your setup. As for the low volume, I'd suggest you buy into the Radioshack SPL meter at this point, run the calibration and see if you notice improvement, I have both of those titles and have zero probs. If you do end up with the Plus/2 the LFE is going to blow you away.

danger boy

it's ok to run your center channel hotter than the other's... but for proper set up.. you need to use the receviers auto calibration or get yourself a Radio Shack sound level meter. doing it by ear isn't very accurate at all.

there is not right or wrong setting for each home theater system.. lots of things come into play.. also aim your center channel directly at you. that may mean, aiming it up or down depending on where you sit to watch movies.

I'll check out 300 tonight and see what I find out.. but it's not impossible that dialog is lower in volume than sound effects and music. also, most receiver had a midnight or nighttime mode buit in.. turn that on if the music or sound effects explosions, etc are to loud.. this will help you from getting blown out of your skin when the loud parts come on screen.

dbaldus

danger boy wrote: »

it's ok to run your center channel hotter than the other's... but for proper set up.. you need to use the receviers auto calibration or get yourself a Radio Shack sound level meter. doing it by ear isn't very accurate at all.

I used the EZSet/EQ on the Harman Kardon for calibration. Might have to check out the Radio Shack SPL (how much does that cost, by the way?).

danger boy wrote: »

there is not right or wrong setting for each home theater system.. lots of things come into play.. also aim your center channel directly at you. that may mean, aiming it up or down depending on where you sit to watch movies.

I have my center channel propped up with door stops aimed directly at my listening position.

danger boy wrote: »

I'll check out 300 tonight and see what I find out.. but it's not impossible that dialog is lower in volume than sound effects and music. also, most receiver had a midnight or nighttime mode buit in.. turn that on if the music or sound effects explosions, etc are to loud.. this will help you from getting blown out of your skin when the loud parts come on screen.

I appreciate you checking it out for me. As for the night time mode - yes, the H/K has it, but it was my understanding that the night time mode just cut the LFE down a bit so the bass wasn't as loud?