What is Audyssey compensating for?

[Uniquely]

I know that when Audyssey reports speaker distances that are different from the actual distance, that it could be trying to compensate for a problem with acoustics, speaker angles, etc. Mine reports my all of my loudspeakers perfectly, every time. The sub is physically 12ft from my center listening spot, but Audyssey reports it at 14ft-15ft. Is this pretty normal for subs, or is Audyssey trying to tell me I need to work on placement?

[Sir Terrence]

Originally Posted by robinandtami

I know that when Audyssey reports speaker distances that are different from the actual distance, that it could be trying to compensate for a problem with acoustics, speaker angles, etc. Mine reports my all of my loudspeakers perfectly, every time. The sub is physically 12ft from my center listening spot, but Audyssey reports it at 14ft-15ft. Is this pretty normal for subs, or is Audyssey trying to tell me I need to work on placement?

Keep in mind, the processing for low bass is very intensive which introduces some delay into the mix. The Behinger feedback destroyer used as a parimetric EQ has exactly the same problem. The more filters used, the more delay that is introduced. Also take into consideration that the audyssey may be compensating for late arriving reflections as well as the direct output from your subwoofer. If it is picking up more reflected energy, it will make the subwoofer seem farther away to the processor.

I trust the Audyssey results far more than Pioneers, Yamaha's or any other auto setup tools, but I strongly prefer a tape measure, an RTA, and a signal generator much more.

[welwynnick]

Don't forget that Audyssey will also be measuring the time delay caused by the cross over, as well as the sound propogation delay. This is a real delay that distance measurement won't take into account, and would need to componsated for to achieve proper time alignment.

[jdc115]

If you are a member of AVS, there is a good Audyssey thread over there and one of the technical experts of Audyssey reads and answers questions daily. The thread gets lots of traffic and has a lot of great information on how to best utilize the program. It does more then just set levels and distances of the speakers, it also applies some kind of equalization curve as well which tries to flatten the freq response of the room.

It can help improve a lot of rooms, though it probably would be best to try to properly treat the room first and not just use Audyssey as a replacement for proper acoustic treatment.

That said, i have not properly treated me room and do use it with good results. At the moment i just do not have the budget to fix my room problems.

[Uniquely]

Thanks for the responses. I did also go to AVS and the Audyssey pro over there said it was pretty normal. That is a great thread over there though and I have learned a few things I was doing wrong with my Audyssey, so I've been playing with it and getting some nice results.

[ryoohki]

To go over that some sub have DSP with add even more delay. The Audyssey pick that up and distance to compensate for the delay of bass response.