The Outlaws’ Guide to the Marantz AV7005
Audyssey Dynamic Volume and Dynamic EQ Function
Audyssey Dynamic Volume is an excellent feature, particularly when watching TV
programs with objectionably loud commercials. It is not always appropriate, however.
The “DYN EQ/VOL” button on the remote control can provide a convenient way to
engage, disengage, and adjust this function as needed. This same button will engage
and disengage Audyssey Dynamic EQ.
Adjusting Channel Levels “On the Fly”
The speaker levels are set in the
Speakers
Level sub-menu and many can also be
adjusted in the
Channel Level
sub-menu, but it is also possible to adjust individual
channel levels manually without entering the setup menu. To make these changes,
select the “CH LVL” button. The display will list the speakers and their channel trim
settings. Scroll through the available speakers using the
▲
and
▼
buttons, and use the
◄
and
►
buttons to adjust the setting for each speaker. Press “CH LVL” again when
finished.
Using Audyssey and External EQ’s
The AV7005 offers Audyssey MultEQ XT, which is a very sophisticated room correction
and equalization system that evaluates the system based on measurements taken from
up to six different locations in the room. In most cases, users who apply any
equalization will rely solely on Audyssey MultEQ XT. Audyssey MultEQ XT can be used
in conjunction with other equipment, however. Systems such as the Velodyne SMS-1
can provide very effective equalization for the subwoofer, for example. When mixing
Audyssey MultEQ XT with one of these systems, you should first configure the external
device while Audyssey is not engaged. After the external equalization is adjusted
properly, the AV7005’s automatic setup can be run and Audyssey can apply its
adjustments in partnership with the external adjustments.
Lossless Audio Output and Audyssey
Some earlier Marantz receivers were not able to apply equalization modes such as
Audyssey MultEQ XT when decoding lossless audio bitstreams such as Dolby TrueHD
or DTS-HD Master Audio. The AV7005 does not have this limitation. You may use the
bitstream audio output from a Blu-ray player’s HDMI port and still make use of
Audyssey functions such as MultEQ XT, Dynamic Volume, and Dynamic EQ.
Manual Setup
Earlier in the manual, we mentioned that to manually set the speaker levels, a sound
power level meter (SPL meter) should be used. We also mentioned two options for such
an SPL meter. The first is the traditional Radio Shack analog meter, a device that has
been a staple of home theater setup since the 1990s. We also suggested that users not
overlook a possible alternative: smart phone apps. The iPhone App Store offers a
number of apps that can be found by searching for “SPL meter”. Some of these, such
as SPL Meter by Studio Six Digital, even mimic the Radio Shack meter’s appearance.
These apps offer accuracy equal to the analog Radio Shack meter, but at a fraction of
the price.
Tips and Tricks
Marantz AV7005
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