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On my receiver, normal TV is set at 30 on the volume knob and the center channel puts out a pretty good level of sound. On DVDs or HDTV, I have to put it at 40 to comfortably hear the voices, but the music and such from the mains blows me away b/c it's so loud! Any suggestions or thoughts?
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Get a clibration DVD such as "Video Essentials", "Digital Video Essentials", or "Avia" and a sound level meter from Radio Shack. Properly calibrated speaker levels are important in a HT.
Hi, IMO, it appears that the center channel speaker is way under-sized, and is therefore unable to obtain an even SPL across the front. Calibration would be impossible, at this point.
But who knows what the future holds?
Hi, My Yamaha has a -10dB cut switch on the rear, for the mains. It also remembers settings for each source input. No help to you, but do you have your reciever manual?
There has to be a way to set the levels for each, without manually doing it each time you change the source.
What ohm rating are your mains and center?
Are they similar, driver or manufacturer wise?
List your components.
My receiver has ways to set each speaker + or 1 up to 10. I have my center all the way up to +10 and the rear speakers are at +5 I think....but the mains is what's so loud.Yes I still have my manual but it didn't seem to be much help. I already knew what it told me.
I have to check on the specs of the speakers, they are all Technics, but the rears are bookshelf size, mains are 3-ways, and center a littler bigger than bookshelfs but horizontally.
My components are listed in "my system"
"My receiver has ways to set each speaker + or 1 up to 10. I have my center all the way up to +10 and the rear speakers are at +5 I think....but the mains is what's so loud."Yes, but what are the *mains* set at? Or are they not included with this?
Are the settings held in memory for *each* source selection?
Ideally the center speaker could be the same as the mains. I think this is where the problem is.
This might be a good example of the importance of a properly sized center channel. If your up for an experiment, pull the rears up to main status, and see if this provides a more seemless stage across the front.
I know about "my system", but as a courtesy to the people that want to help, you could include the pertinant pieces relating to your question in the post. It's just a little easier on our part.
No the mains cannot be changed...
Yeah, I was afraid the mains weren't part of that option.
Did you try the switcheroo? At least you'll know what could be, or is not the problem.
No I haven't done that yet...I'll see if I can play with it some tonight or this week...thanks for the suggesstions!So do you think getting a new center channel would or wouldn't help?
You'll have to be the decision maker on what's best to do, if you find the center is lacking. Technics might not have a good selection to choose from, and then it becomes harder to voice match, when you go with another brand. Although you can get close.
Possible options could be DIY, or post the question as to what other Technics people are using.
The major concern could be accomplished with a similar SPL rated speaker IMO, and the added control of the JVC's level matching should get you a good seat in the ballpark.
If the rears are a better match, you could get another pair of them to use in HT duties, and only use the big mains for 2 channel, provided you have an A-B speaker selector switch.
What size and number of drivers does the current center contain, compared to the mains?
When you say 10" subs on your current mains, do you mean they are independantly powered as a true sub, or that is the size of woofer in the 3-way?
The center has 2 small drivers, one on each side
The mains have 10" subs built in, they are not powered or separateI've heard the EPOS ELS-3s before and they sounded really good. I wouldn't mind having them for my mains or surrouds, but I want the center channel problem addressed first.
1st things 1st. You can't seriously expect a dinky center to keep up with 10" 3-way mains. If you're not size constrained, maybe look for something used, that at least matches the mid-range driver of the mains, like *two* 5-1/4"s or 6-1/2"s + a tweeter. Front ported, to help with bass extention.
Ebay and Audiogon have loads of used stuff that should fill your ears, and not empty the wallet. If you are handy and have some tools or know people that do, I'd also consider DIY, whether from a kit or scratch. It would most likely be the cheapest way to go, and can be fun and rewarding. Be careful though, as once the bug bites, there's no stopping it.
Check out the link
Have you adjusted the circulating teat tones in the receiver? The best way is with a sound level meter at 75 db (you can do it by ear and come close). All speakers should show the same level.
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