Hello all,

I ran the Audyssey set up (per the AVS Forum guide) on my Denon AVR-3808ci today and had a few questions.

First, I had the 5DBs set in "Movie" mode (switch down), where I think the two sides are in phase. Audyssey would complain that they were mis-wired each time, and also would set the two levels equally (+3.5db) despite the fact that one speaker was 2x farther away (can't move the walls). Additionally, it measured the crossover point at 200Hz. So, I flipped them to "Music" mode (switch up, I think). This stopped Audyssey from complaining about wiring problems and also made the two levels seem more plausible (+1.5db and +3.5db), as well as caused Audyssey to pick a more reasonable 80 Hz crossover. The initial measurement position was almost exactly between the two 5DBs. Should I care about these things?

Next, Audyssey measured the 12D Subwoofer distance once at 0.0, once appropriately (10.9 feet, which is very close), once wrong (20 feet). After my final full 8-point calibration, it decided it was 19 feet. Should I change this distance or leave it alone? Why, with nothing else modified, did it get so many different distance readings on my test (1-point measurement) runs?

Finally, Audyssey varied on how it decided to treat the Center 6C channel. The first time, it decided it was Large. All other times, it decided it was Small, including my final measurement. In all cases it measured a 40 Hz crossover, which since it has the same woofers as the 6T (I think) seems reasonable. Should I switch it back to Large or is it irrelevant?

Due to some (good) personal events, I haven't had a chance to do much more than play with the auto calibration, so I can't report on very much. That said, the 12D is definitely a huge, massive improvement on the 8D if your goal is to "feel" the bass. More care in listening will be needed to see if it also sounds better!

Thanks!

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Speakers: Aperion 6T, 5DB, 6C, 12D
Receiver: Denon AVR-3808ci
Monitor: Panasonic TH-65PZ750U
DVD: Denon DVD-1920
Blu-ray: Playstation 3

NYC AV, I am looking at getting a pair of 6Ts, 5C and eventually a 12D. I look forward to hearing more of your opinions of the 6T+12D combination. Particularly the 12D. I haven't read too many reviews on it. It looks to be a great musical sub because of the sealed enclosure. I like hearing your comments on "feeling" the bass. With big action movies, how does it handle? Would love to see some pics of your setup.

I would never trust Audyssey. I had the same problems with mine on my Onkyo 875. It's a lot better to use the SPL meter that Aperion gave you with your setup. Set the distances of each speaker manually with a measuring tape to the closest increment possible. Then go into the calibration area of your Denon and set up the levels properly. You'll be amazed how far the Audyssey is off. At least in my case it was. The SPL meter gives great instructions on how to set it all up properly. But, if it sounds good to your ears, then leave it be, cause that's the most important thing.

I also wanted to add that I recently used the trusty SPL to set up my friends. It was even worse on his. He has some full range towers in his fronts. Infinity Beta's with Dual 8" and 5.25". The Audyssey had his crossovers set up at 120hz. His towers are fully capaple of being fun at large and full band for music. He likes the way it sounds a lot better now with everything balanced out properly. It does give it the "inside the bubble" feeling that Dan talks about so often. It's a great analogy.

Do you have the 100 dollar upgrade package for the 3808ci?  Dynamic EQ?  I had good results using Audyssey.  I also have the 6Ts and 6C center.  Set all my distances spot on and crossovers were right.  Make sure you run all 8 microphone positions.  Also at AVS Forum their is an Official Audyssey thread.  It shows all the positions you should use for setup.  I have a spl meter also but have kept the setting Audyssey saved.  System sounds great with HT.  Make sure everything is quite in your HT room.  Turn off furnace, phone off hook, etc.....good luck.  Also use a camera tripod for the mic.

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24 hours in a day ... 24 beers in a case ... coincidence?

deuce1973:

NYC AV, I am looking at getting a pair of 6Ts, 5C and eventually a 12D. I look forward to hearing more of your opinions of the 6T+12D combination. Particularly the 12D. I haven't read too many reviews on it. It looks to be a great musical sub because of the sealed enclosure. I like hearing your comments on "feeling" the bass. With big action movies, how does it handle? Would love to see some pics of your setup.

First, let me apologize for my delay in responding to my own thread. I became an Uncle and so I have had my family living with me since I wrote, and I haven't had much time to play with the new speakers.

That said, the difference between the 6T+8D and 6T+6C+12D is remarkable on the bass side. I have to say that in my limited opinion I don't think the 8D is needed with the 6-series speakers, but the 12D adds a good kick that you can really feel and is a good addition. I actually think Audyssey (configured per the AVS Forum guide) has chosen to over drive the bass and it is too strong now, or maybe it's just right and I had never known that there was all that bass in the little music I have had a chance to listen to. Of course, Audyssey is set up to normalize for movies and not music so that could also be a problem.

I haven't had any time to play with the 12D electronic configuration, but muting it is very noticeable.

I also rented Master & Commander but haven't had a chance to watch it (on Blu-Ray), which is supposedly a good test.

Another forum member may visit and give his opinion on the 12D at some near point in the future.

Cheers!

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Speakers: Aperion 6T, 5DB, 6C, 12D
Receiver: Denon AVR-3808ci
Monitor: Panasonic TH-65PZ750U
DVD: Denon DVD-1920
Blu-ray: Playstation 3