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the Analog meter

Go to radioshack.com and type in 33-2050 in the search section. I've used both and, in my opinion, this meter is easier to read from a distance and is just easier to use in general. Get a set-up disc that has either DD or DTS test signals and put it in your DVD player. There is usually a series of tones that can be generated by the receiver, but the discs are more accurate. You may need to move a sofa or chair, but the best place to set up the SPL meter is: on a tripod, at a 45 degree angle facing forward, at the height of your ears (when you sit). It should also be along the center line of the room. You'll need to set the meter for "SLOW" and "A-Weighted" on the 70dB setting. I will not go into details as to why the "C-Weighted" shouldn't be used, but there are some that will disagree. When you start the set-up disc, pink noise (don't use the 1kHz tone) will cycle through all of the speakers. You'll want to bring up the main volume control so that the left front speaker drives the meter to 75dB (theaters use 85dB, but that may be too loud for you or your system and it won't make a difference here). As the pink noise makes its way around the room, you will want to adjust each channel's level control (not the main volume control) so that it drives the meter to 75dB. The "trip around the room" may take several passes before you get them all right, so be patient. Also, unless all of your speakers are the same make and model, the meter is not going to "match" for every speaker, so just get it as close as you can (usually within 1dB). As for your sub(s), there are several variables -- I don't know whether you have full-range speakers, small speakers, a combination, a powered sub(s) or a passive sub(s) -- so I can't tell you in a sentence or two. Let me know the variables and I'll finish.

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