Sony STR DG820 and LFE?

[Raikirik]

I was wondering if the Sony STR DG820 applies the correct boost to the LFE channel. I've been reading all over different places and getting different views on whether a SW+10 +15 option is necessary and I usually don't know whether they're talking about it being through an analog or digital connection. Also, people have been pointing out receivers that do/do not do the boost correctly.

I have it hooked up to an older PS3 via HDMI and my only option is to use Linear PCM for the newer codecs. The 820 has an option to give SW+10 for PCM only via HDMI, why is that? Would that mean if I were to bitstream from a blu ray player that I cannot get a boost? I'm really confused on the matter.

I also read somewhere that PCM doesn't get boosted so I tried watching the first Transformers DVD, switching between PCM and Bitsream since it has an older Dolby track and I didn't hear a difference.

I really don't know what I should be setting the receiver to. If I put SW+10 the bass is overbearing. If I don't, the bass becomes too light and if I were to increase the SW level under the level menu it would have to be quite a few dbs higher than the rest of my speakers.

On another note I read that setting the SW to AUTO would enable it depending on the frequencies present. If so, is this the boost that's supposed to happen? Even then, this is still only for PCM.

Can someone please help clear this up for me. It's been bugging me for quite a while!

[progers13]

Originally Posted by Raikirik

I was wondering if the Sony STR DG820 applies the correct boost to the LFE channel. I've been reading all over different places and getting different views on whether a SW+10 +15 option is necessary and I usually don't know whether they're talking about it being through an analog or digital connection. Also, people have been pointing out receivers that do/do not do the boost correctly.

I have it hooked up to an older PS3 via HDMI and my only option is to use Linear PCM for the newer codecs. The 820 has an option to give SW+10 for PCM only via HDMI, why is that? Would that mean if I were to bitstream from a blu ray player that I cannot get a boost? I'm really confused on the matter.

I also read somewhere that PCM doesn't get boosted so I tried watching the first Transformers DVD, switching between PCM and Bitsream since it has an older Dolby track and I didn't hear a difference.

I really don't know what I should be setting the receiver to. If I put SW+10 the bass is overbearing. If I don't, the bass becomes too light and if I were to increase the SW level under the level menu it would have to be quite a few dbs higher than the rest of my speakers.

Can someone please help clear this up for me. It's been bugging me for quite a while!

I have that option turned off for the reason you noted - it's overbearing, and it causes issues with my sub when I listen at my usual level. The values you see in your receiver's display regarding the speaker levels can vary greatly from one another as there are many variables (largely due to room limitations). The best thing I can recommend is to calibrate your system using an SPL meter. Adjust each speaker level so that they all match at 75 decibels. In my case I have my sub level at 80 dbs (75 for the other speakers, 77 for center speaker). The bass just sounds right like this, and the level in my receiver is at -6.0 dbs. I have the gain on my sub set at about 1:00, so I could turn it down to 12:00 position and bump up the level in the receiver a few decibels. But that's the old expression "6 in one hand, half a dozen in the other." SPL meter is the way to go. Once you're calibrated, I wouldn't mess with the sub boost +10.

[Raikirik]

Thanks for the reply, I think now for sure I will leave the SW+10 off.

Even if I were to turn it on and decrease the sw level in the menu, that would be like counterproductive right?

If I may ask, what are your levels at for your other speakers? I know I can't reference it but I'm just wondering out of curiosity. I read the levels should be close to 0 and that things shouldn't be in the negatives, but I learn something new all the time.

Also, I think it's worth to note that I don't even have my setup in an actual room. It's in an open, unfinished basement! I take it that this probably hurts the sound a lot. There's concrete and insulation all over the place but everything in the set up is kind of sectioned off.

[progers13]

Originally Posted by Raikirik

Thanks for the reply, I think now for sure I will leave the SW+10 off.

Even if I were to turn it on and decrease the sw level in the menu, that would be like counterproductive right?

Exactly!

Originally Posted by Raikirik

If I may ask, what are your levels at for your other speakers? I know I can't reference it but I'm just wondering out of curiosity. I read the levels should be close to 0 and that things shouldn't be in the negatives, but I learn something new all the time.

Also, I think it's worth to note that I don't even have my setup in an actual room. It's in an open, unfinished basement! I take it that this probably hurts the sound a lot. There's concrete and insulation all over the place but everything in the set up is kind of sectioned off.

My levels are as follows:
Left Front 0
Center -1.0
Right Front +.5
Side Left +1.5
Side Right +5.5
Back Left -1.5
Back Right +4.0

I know those values look screwy, but it just goes to show how trying to tune them by ear is near impossible. I regularly use an SPL meter to verify them (once every few weeks). When I turn the volume up to 52, this puts them at 75 dbs (again, center at 77 and sub at 80).

[Raikirik]

Thanks for posting your levels. How about the distances? (I'm getting annoying aren't I?)

I think I should invest in a better sub too because my sub gain is way up there and I still have the sw level higher than the other speakers. After all, the sub was from a previous HTIB set up

I've never measured before and my 820 did not have the autocal mic because I bought a display model.

So in order to do this, you have to use test tones right? What test tones are you using?

Also, how do you go about measuring the levels? Do you play the test tone on each individual speaker and turn up the volume until you get 75db or something like that, or is there a reference volume? 52 seems really high to me and that it would blow my speakers if played that high (I have Polk RTi4s for the fronts and surrounds). Is it safe to play it that high? When watching movies, are the speakers supposed to reach 75 db?

[progers13]

Originally Posted by Raikirik

Thanks for posting your levels.

I've never measured before and my 820 did not have the autocal mic because I bought a display model.

So in order to do this, you have to use test tones right? What test tones are you using?

Also, how do you go about measuring the levels? Do you play the test tone on each individual speaker and turn up the volume until you get 75db or something like that, or is there a reference volume? 52 seems really high to me and that it would blow my speakers if played that high. Is it safe to play it that high? When watching movies, are the speakers supposed to reach 75 db?

Well, it does depend on what your speakers are rated at. So I would be cautious on those grounds. However, providing your speakers can handle it, blu-ray discs are mixed at 85 dbs ("reference level") with peaks to 105 dbs for speakers and 115 dbs for LFE.

Just because you raise the volume to 75 for calibrating purposes doesn't mean you have to play your movies at that level if it is too loud for you. I suppose you could calibrate at a lower decibel level, but every resource I've read recommends at least 75 dbs, if not reference level (85 dbs).

I would bet on at least some occasions your speakers pass the 75 db mark (during the peaks). Even if you're watching a movie at a modest level of 55 dbs, a shootout in the movie will likely be one of those peaks that will be 75 dbs.

The SPL meter really helps to get all the speakers to match volume level. How loud you listen at that point is up to you. Again, providing your speakers are up to the task. I routinely watch my movies at 75 dbs.

Edit: If you don't have the autocal mic, it's not the end of the world. You can either contact Sony and order one, or enter your values the old fashioned way. To be honest, once I used the SPL meter it changed all those values anyway. As for the distances, you can measure with a tape measure or ballpark it. That part is not super critical - not nearly as much at the levels.

[progers13]

Originally Posted by Raikirik

Thanks for posting your levels. How about the distances? (I'm getting annoying aren't I?)

I think I should invest in a better sub too because my sub gain is way up there and I still have the sw level higher than the other speakers. After all, the sub was from a previous HTIB set up

I've never measured before and my 820 did not have the autocal mic because I bought a display model.

So in order to do this, you have to use test tones right? What test tones are you using?

Also, how do you go about measuring the levels? Do you play the test tone on each individual speaker and turn up the volume until you get 75db or something like that, or is there a reference volume? 52 seems really high to me and that it would blow my speakers if played that high (I have Polk RTi4s for the fronts and surrounds). Is it safe to play it that high? When watching movies, are the speakers supposed to reach 75 db?

I measure one speaker at a time and bump up or down the level until the SPL reads 75. You can use the receivers test tone for each speaker. I use a test CD I borrowed from a friend that plays as high as 1k Hz and counts down to 20 Hz.

And yes, you will get great benefit from upgrading your sub. I personally recommend Elemental Designs A2-300...I just ordered my 2nd. It's a beast and is very well reviewed.

[Raikirik]

Thanks for all your help.

I'm actually going to go and get an SPL meter now as I've been so cranky with my sound .

I really want everything to sound balanced and I have been ballparking all the values since I've been doing it entirely by ear. I've just gone and read Big Daddy's thread on calibration with SPL meters and I'll give it a go once I've brought in my 820 for a service check. You know how it just makes a click noise when you turn it on? Sometimes mine makes a short buzz sound instead of a click, what do you think the problem is?

Oh and once you get your second sub, are you hooking it up to the 820 as well? I've been reading that using two subs is a good idea but how would you connect 2 of them to the 820?

[progers13]

Originally Posted by Raikirik

Thanks for all your help.

I'm actually going to go and get an SPL meter now as I've been so cranky with my sound .

I really want everything to sound balanced and I have been ballparking all the values since I've been doing it entirely by ear. I've just gone and read Big Daddy's thread on calibration with SPL meters and I'll give it a go once I've brought in my 820 for a service check. You know how it just makes a click noise when you turn it on? Sometimes mine makes a short buzz sound instead of a click, what do you think the problem is?

Oh and once you get your second sub, are you hooking it up to the 820 as well? I've been reading that using two subs is a good idea but how would you connect 2 of them to the 820?

Big Daddy's threads are a GOD SEND!!!

I don't know about the buzz noise. I agree - get it checked out.

The receiver only has one LFE out, but you split it with a Y adapter. Run one to one sub, the other to the 2nd sub. I've got the second sub cable run, just waiting for the sub to arrive.

Feel free to PM me with any other questions. I really think the SPL meter is your best way to go. It made a HUGE difference in my setup.

[Raikirik]

Gotcha, I will PM if I need anymore help, you've been awesome!

[callas01]

Originally Posted by Raikirik

Gotcha, I will PM if I need anymore help, you've been awesome!

So you know, the subwoofer should blend into your system so that it sounds as if your speakers are producing all the bass and not bass coming from the corner near the wall or where ever you put it.

It would really help you if you have the calibration mic. I think you can order them from sonystyle.com, other then that the spl meter as noted above would be the other way to acheive that you need.