Does useing an SPL meter make a difference? - Blu-ray Forum

Jase Fox · 07-03-2008, 02:35 PM

Id just read on here the thread about SPL meters & although it was a very interesting & well put together explanation, do they really make a difference? For e.g. ive always trusted my ears were test tones are concerned & to me my test tone pattern all appear to sound the same from every speaker i have, now these meters are around £60 to by new & id hate to buy one & it not make much of a difference etc espec if my test tones were accurate in the first place, ok im trying to talk myself out of buying one just to use once but if i was sure it would make a difference in my sound & everything sounded much better or even then id go for it, so can anybody give me there experiences on using an SPL & IF SO ARE THEY WORTH IT? Was you sceptical at first like me? Id love your views? Thanks

Beta Man · 07-03-2008, 04:28 PM

Given your equipment list, I'd say you should absolutely invest the money into getting one..... I even set up my small 5.0 set-up in the bedroom using mine, not that I really care too much about my bedroom's sound-field.... but I did it anyways because it made such a marked improvement on my main theater setup.

It's a small cost really, but I wouldn't say it's necessary for a HTIB type of setup....

It's also important even more-so if you listen to a lot of SACD/CD/vinyl, etc.

EDIT.... 60 pounds? really? They can be had for half of that at cheap retailers here.... I'd shop around, or order via the internet.

Pelican170 · 07-03-2008, 04:59 PM

I definately get one when compared to judging just by ears...

jomari · 07-03-2008, 05:07 PM

most definitely.

to some degree, no matter what the equipment is, this tool definitely brings out the best out of a home theater.

like cooking, you can go by ear, or by recipe. the recipe was 'built' for a reason.

another thing to consider is acoustics.

great, you've got yourself a 3 million dollar setup, yet you're rooms acoustics is terrible, might as well go HTIB.

Reverbations, frequency cancellations, decoupling.... the list goes on and on.

May it be a hobby or a more devout form of science, the SPL definitely can help in a lot of ways to balance out your current setup.

kingofgrills · 07-03-2008, 06:13 PM

Using an SPL meter in your speaker positioning and calibration can significantly improve the quality of sound you get from your system. It absolutely makes a difference. If you run a calibration test with an SPL meter, you'd be amazed at the audible difference moving a speaker just an inch or two can make. The meter will pick up differences that your ear cannot detect. You'll end up with much better imaging and a more immersive surround experience.

Buying good calibration equipment, like an SPL meter or HD video calibration disc, can go a long way to improving your overall experience with HD audio and video. It can make your gear perform better than you've seen or heard it perform before.

Woody · 07-03-2008, 06:50 PM

Just buy a receiver/pre with Audyessy, and scrap the SPL meter.

On a serious note, if you don't have Audyessy, an SPL meter is the best way to get speaker distances right.

wem003 · 07-03-2008, 06:57 PM

I'd just like to add a question....

What about the setup mic that comes with many receivers? Is the SPL meter going to give significantly different results?

I've read tons of threads on this, and am curious to hear from someone that has gone from the setup mic to an SPL meter.

Still on the fence on this one...

Beta Man · 07-03-2008, 06:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wem003

I'd just like to add a question....

What about the setup mic that comes with many receivers? Is the SPL meter going to give significantly different results?

I've read tons of threads on this, and am curious to hear from someone that has gone from the setup mic to an SPL meter.

Still on the fence on this one...

I've always had an SPL meter, so I've never used a "set-up mic" it's the same principal if I'm not mistaken..... but again, I've never used a setup mic.

Woody · 07-03-2008, 07:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wem003

I'd just like to add a question....

What about the setup mic that comes with many receivers? Is the SPL meter going to give significantly different results?

I've read tons of threads on this, and am curious to hear from someone that has gone from the setup mic to an SPL meter.

Still on the fence on this one...

Does the receiver have Audyessy calibration?

jomari · 07-03-2008, 07:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wem003

I'd just like to add a question....

What about the setup mic that comes with many receivers? Is the SPL meter going to give significantly different results?

I've read tons of threads on this, and am curious to hear from someone that has gone from the setup mic to an SPL meter.

Still on the fence on this one...

although not as accurate as the spl meter, nor as flexible, it can help as well.

a few drawbacks ive seen with it are
- not as accurate (go figure - you have to consider placement, where the other speakers are, flexibility as well comparing it to a dedicated spl meter)
- runs certain speakers a little hot
- cant always tell it what your speakers are, even if you list em as small (ie. you're quick setup would 'see' that your fronts are large, and yet you want them set as small at some point)

'mic calibrations' done by your receiver can be considered an improvement your current settings have, but i have to argue it wouldnt replace your handy spl meter.

btw, i prefer analog vs the digital. ive heard the digital isnt as accurate.

wem003 · 07-03-2008, 07:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Woody

Does the receiver have Audyessy calibration?

Nope - its an old Onkyo 702.

wem003 · 07-03-2008, 07:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jomari

although not as accurate as the spl meter, nor as flexible, it can help as well.

a few drawbacks ive seen with it are
- not as accurate (go figure - you have to consider placement, where the other speakers are, flexibility as well comparing it to a dedicated spl meter)
- runs certain speakers a little hot
- cant always tell it what your speakers are, even if you list em as small (ie. you're quick setup would 'see' that your fronts are large, and yet you want them set as small at some point)

'mic calibrations' done by your receiver can be considered an improvement your current settings have, but i have to argue it wouldnt replace your handy spl meter.

btw, i prefer analog vs the digital. ive heard the digital isnt as accurate.

Thanks for the tips. Seems like everyone recommends the radio shack analog meter to go with DVE.

I'll give it a shot.

Jase Fox · 07-03-2008, 07:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wem003

I'd just like to add a question....

What about the setup mic that comes with many receivers? Is the SPL meter going to give significantly different results?

I've read tons of threads on this, and am curious to hear from someone that has gone from the setup mic to an SPL meter.

Still on the fence on this one...

ive used the set up mic that came with the amp so my speaker distances etc are all callibrated but during the set up to me the amp set the speaker levels far to low, so in the instruction manual for the amp it tells you that if your not satisfied with the results (which i wasnt) then use an SPL meter & set every speaker to 75db from your listening position, so its only for the speaker levels i need it for. Ive done this with just my ears & to me it sounds spot on but would you guys still recommend i use an SPL meter??

Jase Fox · 07-03-2008, 07:53 PM

[QUOTE=Beta Man;995777]Given your equipment list, I'd say you should absolutely invest the money into getting one..... I even set up my small 5.0 set-up in the bedroom using mine, not that I really care too much about my bedroom's sound-field.... but I did it anyways because it made such a marked improvement on my main theater setup.

It's a small cost really, but I wouldn't say it's necessary for a HTIB type of setup....

It's also important even more-so if you listen to a lot of SACD/CD/vinyl, etc.

EDIT.... 60 pounds? really? They can be had for half of that at cheap retailers here.... I'd shop around, or order via the internet.[/QUOTE 60 pounds is the cheapest from the store in my area if i could get one for half the price i wouldnt hesitate in getting one but 60 pound!!!!!!

Woody · 07-03-2008, 08:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wem003

Nope - its an old Onkyo 702.

I would just use an SPL meter then.

The only time I wouldnt is if your receiver has Audyessy.

The_Snowman · 07-05-2008, 09:13 PM

How could using a SPL meter NOT make a difference?

coolmilo · 07-05-2008, 10:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by The_Snowman

How could using a SPL meter NOT make a difference?

I agree with Woody...

You don't need a SPL meter IF you run an Audyssey calibration. Sound Level calibration is handled by the Audyssey software and an Audyssey calibrated microphone and so the SPL meter is not required. However, use a SPL meter if you plan not to run Audyssey.

By the way, buy a Pre with Audyssey Pro next time you replace your Pre. Audyssey is quite amazing.

CasualKiller · 07-05-2008, 11:07 PM

Going between Audyssey or a manual calibration of levels I'd have to say stay away from Audyssey if you have the means to do it yourself.

Audyssey has no way to calibrate personal tastes or preferences and leaves audio sounding "empty" and somewhat generic.

Woody · 07-05-2008, 11:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CasualKiller

Going between Audyssey or a manual calibration of levels I'd have to say stay away from Audyssey if you have the means to do it yourself.

Audyssey has no way to calibrate personal tastes or preferences and leaves audio sounding "empty" and somewhat generic.

Audyessy calibrates to what it "should" sound like. It takes no personal preferences of course. It also does FAR greater calibration than an SPL meter does.

SPL meter can only account for speaker levels.

kingofgrills · 07-06-2008, 04:23 PM

Audyssey and Yamaha's YPAO calibration systems will do a good job of measuring speaker distances, capabilities, and levels. Audyssey probably does a better overall job due to its use of readings from multiple listening positions, where YPAO measures from just the prime listening position. I use YPAO and follow up with an SPL meter to fine tune everything. If anything, there's minimal tweaking when using both, but it can make a difference.

If after using either system you're not satisfied with the sound you receive, an SPL meter can help fine tune your system for your particular tastes. If your system doesn't have an auto-calibration setup that is microphone based, then you'll really benefit from an SPL meter and a tape measure to properly input listening distances. Your "blind" ear will not be nearly accurate enough to properly set up and calibrate a 5.1 - 7.1 multichannel system.

07-03-2008, 02:35 PM	#1
Jase Fox Active Member Member since:Mar 2008 Location:N.E Lincs England Blu-ray reviews:2	Does useing an SPL meter make a difference? Id just read on here the thread about SPL meters & although it was a very interesting & well put together explanation, do they really make a difference? For e.g. ive always trusted my ears were test tones are concerned & to me my test tone pattern all appear to sound the same from every speaker i have, now these meters are around £60 to by new & id hate to buy one & it not make much of a difference etc espec if my test tones were accurate in the first place, ok im trying to talk myself out of buying one just to use once but if i was sure it would make a difference in my sound & everything sounded much better or even then id go for it, so can anybody give me there experiences on using an SPL & IF SO ARE THEY WORTH IT? Was you sceptical at first like me? Id love your views? Thanks

07-03-2008, 04:28 PM	#2
Beta Man Moderator Top contributor Member since:Jan 2008 Location:Juuuuuuuust A Bit Outside.... Home Theater Gallery:4 Blu-ray collection:268 Blu-ray reviews: 18 Trading Score:25	Given your equipment list, I'd say you should absolutely invest the money into getting one..... I even set up my small 5.0 set-up in the bedroom using mine, not that I really care too much about my bedroom's sound-field.... but I did it anyways because it made such a marked improvement on my main theater setup. It's a small cost really, but I wouldn't say it's necessary for a HTIB type of setup.... It's also important even more-so if you listen to a lot of SACD/CD/vinyl, etc. EDIT.... 60 pounds? really? They can be had for half of that at cheap retailers here.... I'd shop around, or order via the internet. Last edited by Beta Man; 07-03-2008 at 04:30 PM.

07-05-2008, 09:13 PM	#16
The_Snowman Member Member since:Mar 2008 Location:Saudi Arabia Blu-ray reviews:1	The question should be............... How could using a SPL meter NOT make a difference?

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07-03-2008, 04:59 PM	#3
Pelican170 Blu-ray Samurai Member since:Jul 2007 Location:Newtown, CT 4K collection:127 Blu-ray collection:735 DVD collection:256 Trading Score:13	I definately get one when compared to judging just by ears...

07-03-2008, 05:07 PM	#4
jomari Moderator Top contributor Member since:Nov 2007 Home Theater Gallery:18 Blu-ray reviews: 2 Trading Score:2	most definitely. to some degree, no matter what the equipment is, this tool definitely brings out the best out of a home theater. like cooking, you can go by ear, or by recipe. the recipe was 'built' for a reason. another thing to consider is acoustics. great, you've got yourself a 3 million dollar setup, yet you're rooms acoustics is terrible, might as well go HTIB. Reverbations, frequency cancellations, decoupling.... the list goes on and on. May it be a hobby or a more devout form of science, the SPL definitely can help in a lot of ways to balance out your current setup.

07-03-2008, 06:13 PM	#5
kingofgrills Blu-ray Guru Top ranked HT gallery Member since:Dec 2007 Location:PDX Home Theater Gallery:31 4K collection:5 Blu-ray collection:81 Trading Score:31	Using an SPL meter in your speaker positioning and calibration can significantly improve the quality of sound you get from your system. It absolutely makes a difference. If you run a calibration test with an SPL meter, you'd be amazed at the audible difference moving a speaker just an inch or two can make. The meter will pick up differences that your ear cannot detect. You'll end up with much better imaging and a more immersive surround experience. Buying good calibration equipment, like an SPL meter or HD video calibration disc, can go a long way to improving your overall experience with HD audio and video. It can make your gear perform better than you've seen or heard it perform before.

07-03-2008, 06:50 PM	#6
Woody Power Member Member since:Jun 2007 Home Theater Gallery:60 4K collection:175 Blu-ray collection:415 DVD collection:165	Just buy a receiver/pre with Audyessy, and scrap the SPL meter. On a serious note, if you don't have Audyessy, an SPL meter is the best way to get speaker distances right.

07-03-2008, 06:57 PM	#7
wem003 Active Member Member since:Jul 2007 Location:Apex, NC Blu-ray collection:29 Blu-ray reviews:1	I'd just like to add a question.... What about the setup mic that comes with many receivers? Is the SPL meter going to give significantly different results? I've read tons of threads on this, and am curious to hear from someone that has gone from the setup mic to an SPL meter. Still on the fence on this one...

07-03-2008, 07:53 PM	#14
Jase Fox Active Member Member since:Mar 2008 Location:N.E Lincs England Blu-ray reviews:2	[QUOTE=Beta Man;995777]Given your equipment list, I'd say you should absolutely invest the money into getting one..... I even set up my small 5.0 set-up in the bedroom using mine, not that I really care too much about my bedroom's sound-field.... but I did it anyways because it made such a marked improvement on my main theater setup. It's a small cost really, but I wouldn't say it's necessary for a HTIB type of setup.... It's also important even more-so if you listen to a lot of SACD/CD/vinyl, etc. EDIT.... 60 pounds? really? They can be had for half of that at cheap retailers here.... I'd shop around, or order via the internet.[/QUOTE 60 pounds is the cheapest from the store in my area if i could get one for half the price i wouldnt hesitate in getting one but 60 pound!!!!!!

07-05-2008, 11:07 PM	#18
CasualKiller Blu-ray Samurai Member since:Feb 2008 Location:Brooks Alberta Blu-ray collection:54 Trading Score:15	Going between Audyssey or a manual calibration of levels I'd have to say stay away from Audyssey if you have the means to do it yourself. Audyssey has no way to calibrate personal tastes or preferences and leaves audio sounding "empty" and somewhat generic.

07-06-2008, 04:23 PM	#20
kingofgrills Blu-ray Guru Top ranked HT gallery Member since:Dec 2007 Location:PDX Home Theater Gallery:31 4K collection:5 Blu-ray collection:81 Trading Score:31	Audyssey and Yamaha's YPAO calibration systems will do a good job of measuring speaker distances, capabilities, and levels. Audyssey probably does a better overall job due to its use of readings from multiple listening positions, where YPAO measures from just the prime listening position. I use YPAO and follow up with an SPL meter to fine tune everything. If anything, there's minimal tweaking when using both, but it can make a difference. If after using either system you're not satisfied with the sound you receive, an SPL meter can help fine tune your system for your particular tastes. If your system doesn't have an auto-calibration setup that is microphone based, then you'll really benefit from an SPL meter and a tape measure to properly input listening distances. Your "blind" ear will not be nearly accurate enough to properly set up and calibrate a 5.1 - 7.1 multichannel system.

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