Setting up HT for the first time: I get sound....but it doesn't sound very loud...wth

[Snah]

So I recently purchased an entire 5.1 setup (including all speakers which are new)

Pioneer 92 elite receiver.

I get picture just fine, but the sound doesn't seem very...loud.

I have it on -10 to -20 db and it's decently loud but doesn't seem vibrantly loud. Anything from -30 to -80 seems pretty muted and faint.

Is there something wrong? Is that normal? What db level should it be at for it to be decently loud? I've checked everything

[ryoohki]

Did you run the AutoCalib?

It can be you're speakers too, depending on the brand and the sensitivity they have..

[mdabb]

I am sure someone will help you as soon as they can. I do not have your particular receiver or brand of receiver but may be of help. Have you read your manual thoroughly? What speakers are we talking about also.

There are a lot of factors to consider here. Start with they way you have it set up and a complete equipment list.

[Snah]

I did not run the AutoCalib; don't even know what it is -- is it a Pioneer feature?

I have Monitor Audio Speakers.

RS8 Fronts

Silver Center Channel/rears/subwoofer

It cost a few grand, so it's by no means a cheap setup...it should be producing larger sound IMHO.

But I'm really curious as to what db level would be considered easy listening, what would be considered strong, and what would be considered too loud?

[mdabb]

The auto calibration is a good idea and starting point. What about your connections? I.E. HDMI, Toslink, etc.........

are you new to home theater or what is your experience level? It's a little hard to diagnose without knowing the specifics.

[Snah]

I'm using HDMI for my PS3 and cablebox.

Yes I am fairly new to home theatre. This is my very first setup I've ever done.

[ascian]

You'll definitely want to double check your connections, and if necessary your user manuals for PS3 and cable box to make sure that they are set properly. They must be told what format to output audio in. In addition, on the Pioneer receiver, there are a few setting that accept digital sound properly and it needs to be set to the correct mode as well.

As for the auto-calibration, Pioneer calls it MCACC (multi channel acoustic calibration IIRC). All of these things will be outlined in your manual and all are necessary for the correct and balanced sound output.

Also, before running calibration, make sure that your receiver is not in any type of "night mode". Not likely, but it could influence the low sound.

[mdabb]

I would try the auto calibration 1st and see if provides the desired level of output. You should really read the manual as this will help self diagnose.

Remember this is just a starting point and you can always change what you don't like. I would do the same on the PS3. you may have to do some manual adjustments on the PS3.

follow the manuals advice for setting up your subwoofer.

[Snah]

Thanks for the help, I just auto calibrated it.

Perhaps my sound isn't soft at all. I just really did need to turn up the volume.

Can anyone provide me with what volume level (db) you normally have your AVR set at while listening to music or watching a movie?

[crackinhedz]

Originally Posted by Snah

Can anyone provide me with what volume level (db) you normally have your AVR set at while listening to music or watching a movie?

...let your ears do the leveling for you!

different devices produce different levels.

different speakers produce different levels.

different sitting arrangements produce different levels.

etc...

another mans happiness might be your bleeding ears.



There is no right or wrong, so do not worry to much over it. Play it at a comfortable level for your own personal enjoyment.

[mdabb]

I would also add that it depends on the type of movie you are watching too.

Enjoy!

[Snah]

Originally Posted by crackinhedz

...let your ears do the leveling for you!

different devices produce different levels.

different speakers produce different levels.

different sitting arrangements produce different levels.

etc...

another mans happiness might be your bleeding ears.



There is no right or wrong, so do not worry to much over it. Play it at a comfortable level for your own personal enjoyment.

I agree, but is it normal to be listening to casual TV at -20 DB without it being too loud...movies or music at -10 db with it being somewhat loud but not overpowring. And then anywhere between 0 to -5 dB with it being quite loud?

In other words, do you usually keep your listening to between the -5 dB to -20 dB range? I just want to make sure there's nothing wrong with my setup.

[Beta Man]

Different AVR, but I listen at -30 to -35

So I wouldn't worry about a "number"

[MacDaddyOJack]

It also depends on the volume scale on your AVR. Have you tried to turn it up past 0 yet? Some recievers have the 0 mark set to reference and you can actually turn it up past that, to say +20 or something like that. Others have an absolute volume scale where 0 is as high as you can go, it all depends, but in any case, the numbers don't really matter. I would say that your setup should be capable of some pretty loud playback though.

[ryoohki]

On mine i use -20 to -10, Denon 3808ci. -10 is pretty loud.. louder than theater probably lOL!

[Driver_King]

It is normal for it to be like that. My 805 is like that. I love it loud too so when I need to, I crank it up past the + levels. You should absolutely be able to go higher. Don't obsess over the numbers either. You should decide where you like your volume.

[prerich]

Originally Posted by Snah

I did not run the AutoCalib; don't even know what it is -- is it a Pioneer feature?

I have Monitor Audio Speakers.

RS8 Fronts

Silver Center Channel/rears/subwoofer

It cost a few grand, so it's by no means a cheap setup...it should be producing larger sound IMHO.

But I'm really curious as to what db level would be considered easy listening, what would be considered strong, and what would be considered too loud?

Plug-in the calibration mic and run the auto calibration (call MCACC on Pioneer products) This will set the speaker levels for your system and equalize it for your room. Great choice with the Monitor Audio speakers by the way.


:Edit: I see that your problem is solved - belay my last, but your speakers are still great !

[Snah]

Thanks everyone, seems it's just normal.

I was afraid of setting the volume up too high and potentially hurting my components, but I guess I don't have to fear that too much so long as it's reasonable.