Test tone     -71, Weighting C, fast response (Radio Shack digital SPL meter)

Speaker        Distance    Setting

LF                14' 4"                0
RF               14' 9"               -2
C                 13' 3"               -5
SW              14'                   -15
SL                6'                     -1.5
SR               7' 7"                -.5

SPL meter set on tripod in primary listening position. What unsettles me is the huge amount I've had to decrease the subwoofer volume; in fact, my Onkyo 876 won't decrease it lower than -15 in the speaker calibration level menu.

I have Nestorovic 5as towers for fronts, Aperion 6C, Aperion 10D sub, Aperion 5B surrounds (6 feet above floor, slightly behind listening position)

Would you offer me any observations or comments on the figures above? I haven't yet tried the Audyssey mic unit that came with my HTR. Things I've read in Aperion's site suggest a good SPL is more accurate.

Thanks for sharing!

Tom

Interesting... I too am a first time user of SPL's and am hoping to get resolution to a few questions I have as well.  THe one thing; I do know is the SPL should be set to "slow" not fast (Experts; if I am wrong please correct me).  I set my SPL to C and Slow and Volume on my processor to 70...The SPL is on a camera tripod at ear height of listening area. I will report back with the exact readings from my set up.  Thxs

Yes the slow setting is better so the needle doesn't bounce around too much.   

Indeed the SPL meter should be more accurate than the auto set up, but it's not really that accurate for the low freqs of the subwoofer so I recommend doing it by ear.  I can tell you -15 is way to low, and looking at your other settings it's likely that you will end up with it somewhere around 0. 

I hope that helps but let me know if you have any other questions, thanks!
 

 

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Jason Hicks
Aperion Audio Guru

Hi Jason and other Aperion folks..

Thanks for the advice. I've read many good things about Audyssey and since Aperion sells Onkyo receivers, I wonder how people feel about the use of the auto setup. Does it truly attempt more than an SPL meter? There also seems to be varying opinions on Radio Shack's SPL and its accuracy, especially at a sub's low frequencies. 

I understand you point the SPL meter at the sound sources, whereas you point the Audyssey mic to the ceiling for each measurement. My ceiling is a good 20 feet high, so the room acoustics are different and it may make comparing the two methods more complex. Any thoughts?

Thanks, as always!

Tom 

I just hold the SPL meter in front of me pointed straight up when I use it, that way I calibrate everything to the same point.

In theory the Audyssey should take the high ceilings into account when you run it.  Audyssey will effect much more than just level calibration, including your crossover settings, speaker distances and EQ.  Honestly I'm not a huge fan of it myself as it frequently sets crossovers too high and detects speakers out of phase when they aren't, plus I think our speakers sound best with no EQ.  That's just my opinion though.  If you do use it I recommend taking a look at the settings afterwards and making adjustments if necessary. 

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Jason Hicks
Aperion Audio Guru

Great...

Thanks, Jason!

Am really enjoying your speakers.

Tom