is it me, the a/v setting or the speakers?

[avncars]

i just recently completed my theater and am starting to second guess all my decesions in equipment...my current setup is 7.1, for front L/R i have Paradigm studio 100 V.5's, my center is a Paradigm CC-690, side surrounds are Paradigm adp-370's and my rear surrounds are Paradigm studio 10 V.5's on stands, and a Jl f112 and Jl f113. The problem im having is i feel like my front sound stage sounds absolutely incredible along with the subs. but the side and rears arent too noticeable at all. i know the surround channels arent suppose to be over powering and are for surround effect, but unless i get really close to them i cant even tell that there on. to power them i have a Marantz Sr8001 for my preout and a B&K 200.7 amp. i used the Marantz in my previos setup, and lost the manual for it long ago. im not really sure which setting is best to leave the Marantz on, and not sure if that would help make my surrounds become more noticeable. would it be stupid to get another pair of Paradigm studio 100's for my rear speakers or is that overkill? im also wondering if my side surrounds are placed too high, the bottom of the speaker begins at about 6' 6". i have no choice for the height cause i dont want people walking into them, but some dipole/bipoles have a speaker mounted at the bottom. would that help me? any suggestions, help or info would be greatly appreciated...

[progers13]

All of your gear is really good, and so after reading your post, it brought a couple of suggestions to mind.

First, and most importantly (IMHO), have you calibrated your system using an SPL meter? I know, receivers have the auto calibrate function, but those are prone to be problematic. Ideally what you want is for all speakers to be at the same volume level at your listening position. You can get an SPL meter from Radio Shack (or other places). Turn up the volume on your receiver so that your front speakers are at 75 dbs. Then, play test tones through each discrete speaker and monitor the reading on the SPL meter (place it at ear level at your listening position). Make whatever + or - adjustments you need to make in your receiver's speaker level settings so that your entire setup is matched at 75 dbs. You could go higher on subs if you like, but probably no more than 85 dbs.

Second, the height of your rears shouldn't be that big of a deal if you adjust for them. Meaning, when you calibrate, you may have to bump their levels up a few decibels to match the 75 dbs levels of your front soundstage. Also, if possible, try to angle them downward to the listening area (depending on how you have them setup, this could be as simple as putting some wood shims under the back of them to lift the back and angle the front down).

I'd recommend trying these things before changing out speakers. It made a big difference in my setup.

[-DLS-]

I'm with progers13 - calibrating with an SPL meter will probably give you the surround experience you're looking for. Check out Big_Daddy's thread - Calibrating Your Audio With an SPL Meter.. good info and very easy to follow. We've got a very similar audio setup and it will sound much better once calibrated - I was way off trying to set the levels myself and calibrating with an SPL meter has made a big difference in movie watching and multi-ch music listening everything will blend perfectly.

[Blu_balls]

http://us.marantz.com/DFU_SR7001_SR8001_final_eng.pdf

Now you have a new Marantz manual

[ManUtd]

If you calibrated your setup properly it could be the source. What source are you playing when you say the surround speakers are weak?

[ldgibson76]

Hello avncar.

It's time for you to create a thread in the "Home Theater Galleries" section.
With a system like the one you have, it's almost mandatory that you do so!
Plus, it allows for a better platform for fellow posters to express their opinions about your system and room. And you'll definitely will get a lot of feedback with any inquiries you pose. Not to mention, it's a great group of guys over there! You ought to check it out.

By the way, you really need to read the Marantz owners manual. Marantz is very descriptive and helpful in explaining how to get the most out of your rear surround field.

The SPL meter will help no doubt, but your settings for the rears which will be dependent on what surround mode you select, is just as important as the calibration. Trust me on this one!

I also left a comment and rating in your gallery. Great photos!