On your receiver:
There are often confusing and even conflicting set-
tings in a modern AVR. The basics of proper audio setup are quite sim-
ple however.
First, make sure all speakers actually installed in your system are also
selected in the receiver setup menu. Of course if you do not have any
particular speaker (say surround ―back‖ speakers in a 7.1 system), then
these should be set to ―Off‖ or ―No‖ … so your sound is processed prop-
erly. Second, ensure the ―size‖ of the speakers are correctly noted in
your AVR. In most instances, a system which also includes a high-
quality subwoofer will produce better sound with all speakers set to
―Small‖.
Note:
Virtually every consumer audio speaker system, including those
from SVS, requires a quality subwoofer to achieve ―full range‖ sound
reproduction. We recommend you configure speakers in your AVR to
―Large‖
only
if you have
no
subwoofer. Add an SVS sub to your sys-
tem for superior clarity, depth and dynamic range.
If adjustable in your AVR, set your bass management (a sort of elec-
tronic crossover built into your receiver) to 80hz. This eases the deep
bass burden on your speakers and uses your subwoofer properly too.
In some AVR’s your ―LFE‖ (―low frequency effects‖, the ―.1 channel‖)
can be routed to the subwoofer
and
your Right and Left main speakers.
Do not use this feature. LFE should be directed to the subwoofer only.
Be sure to set the ―distance‖ figures for each speaker correctly too. Use
a tape measure to determine what these distances are. If there are any
―peak limiters‖, DRC circuits, or ―Mid-night mode‖ options, disable all
these too. Your SVS speakers can handle the widest dynamic range
possible and ―compression‖ modes should be avoided.
Finally, a word about modern AVR ―auto-setup‖ routines: Many AVR’s
today include microphones which can be used to optimize speakers
with a corrective equalization profile. Such systems will set speaker
―size‖ and the level (loudness) of each speaker. These systems can
and do make mistakes however.
We
highly
recommend you ―double check‖ the results of any such auto-
setup scheme. If your speakers are set to ―Large‖ for instance, go back
into the setup menu and change back to ―Small‖, and consider using a
consistent 80hz AVR menu selection for all speakers. Use a sound
pressure level (SPL) meter with the AVR’s test tones to validate channel
levels as well. More on this critical audio setup step in the next chapter.
SVSound
Chapter 10-2 Audio system configuration
