SPL meter

[erict]

Will I gain anything from using an spl meter to set up my home theater? Is it worth the investment?

[Cisco in HD]

My vote is a big YES. Auto setups are great to have your AVR think how your gear sounds in your room, but a SPL meter let's your speakers shine as they were meant to be.

Crossovers and levels always seem 'off', IMO. Also, you'll never get the same results if you repeat the auto setup. Once you dial in your speakers with a SPL meter sound seems uniform, the soundstage is more prominent, and you can make the center speaker a bit louder if you wish.

I'm sure others have their own reasons and will add more.

[Big Daddy]

Originally Posted by erict

Will I gain anything from using an spl meter to set up my home theater? Is it worth the investment?

I bought the Radio Shack Digital SPL meter about 10-15 years ago and it was one of the best investments I ever made. I have used it nonstop ever since. It gives the user a great deal of flexibility, particularly for a crazy tweaker like me.

Everytime you move a speaker or listening seat, buy a new speaker/subwoofer, build a riser, use wall trearment, add new furniture, etc., etc, stc., you can use the SPL meter to measure the results and use it to quickly calibrate the level of your speakers again.

If you are not aware, there is an SPL thread with sticky in the Receivers section.

[crazyBLUE]

Originally Posted by Big Daddy

I bought the Radio Shack Digital SPL meter about 10-15 years ago and it was one of the best investments I ever made. I have used it nonstop ever since. It gives the user a great deal of flexibility, particularly for a crazy tweaker like me.

Everytime you move a speaker or listening seat, buy a new speaker/subwoofer, build a riser, use wall trearment, add new furniture, etc., etc, stc., you can use the SPL meter to measure the results and use it to quickly calibrate the level of your speakers again.

If you are not aware, there is an SPL thread with sticky in the Receivers section.

Good to know BD ! I need one soon & need to learn how to use it !!

[jomari]

ABSOLUTELY. this is the definitive tool for every starting enthusiast.

then the research on the net.
then comes the books.
then proper placement.
then the acoustic treatments.

the opportunities are endless.

[rkolinski]

Originally Posted by crazyBLUE

Good to know BD ! I need one soon & need to learn how to use it !!

I second the recommendation about the Radio Shack SPL meter! Even though I have a new Onkyo which automatically adjust audio in my 7.1 system, I still use the Radio Shack SPL meter to tweak my audio. It is a very cheap, good investment if you want outstanding and balanced audio from all of those speakers!

[crazyBLUE]

Originally Posted by rkolinski

I second the recommendation about the Radio Shack SPL meter! Even though I have a new Onkyo which automatically adjust audio in my 7.1 system, I still use the Radio Shack SPL meter to tweak my audio. It is a very cheap, good investment if you want outstanding and balanced audio from all of those speakers!

What speakers ! J/K ! This next month will be Crazy & that will be A must !!

[erict]

OK guy's, I think you convinced me to purchase one BD, nice write up in the receiver section on SPL meters, thanks

[kingofgrills]

Originally Posted by Big Daddy

I bought the Radio Shack Digital SPL meter about 10-15 years ago and it was one of the best investments I ever made. I have used it nonstop ever since. It gives the user a great deal of flexibility, particularly for a crazy tweaker like me.

Everytime you move a speaker or listening seat, buy a new speaker/subwoofer, build a riser, use wall trearment, add new furniture, etc., etc, stc., you can use the SPL meter to measure the results and use it to quickly calibrate the level of your speakers again.

If you are not aware, there is an SPL thread with sticky in the Receivers section.

A big +1 for me. Anytime I add anything to the home theater room, such as gear or furniture, I crack out the SPL meter. It takes YPAO or Audyssey calibration a step further.

[Fors*]

I just ordered a digital SPL meter yesterday from Radio Shack and can't wait to check it out.

[StimpsonJCat]

Have had my analog RS SPL meter for years and used it often. Friends always appreciate when I bring it over to balance their setups. I still use it in my game room and after Audyssey runs I check my levels.