Help Digital Surround Sound Setup

[Chief Ryback]

Hi all

I have a Dolby Digital amp, 2 x small Kef rears, 2 x small Kef fronts, a large centre and a sub. The problem i have is how should i setup the system on the amp so that it sounds optimum.

I know that theres probably no definitive answer to this question but i would just like some advice really.

How should i set up the fronts on the amp (plus or minus setting) in comparison to say the rears?

I think at the moment i have the fronts on zero, the centre on plus 2, the sub on minus 2 and the rears on plus 1. It doesnt sound the best is there a standard setup i should be using?

btw - I have a standard cube type room.

Cheers

The Chief

[Rave]

Has it got a test tone function? I use that to try and get the volume equal between all the speakers. I'll never get the tone the same though 'cos my rears are completely different to my fronts.

If the amp doesn't have a test tone (it probably will though) there's a surround setup program on some THX DVDs- I know there's one on the Raiders of the Lost Ark disc from the Indiana Jones box set, for example.

Depending on how far away your rears are from your seat, you should set an appropriate delay. It's not all that critical though in all honestly.

Hope that answers your questions?

Rich :¬)

[Alex]

If you have small fronts, you really should have a small centre as well to make it sound the best.

Then, set them all to zero. Find a film soundtrack, and adjust them till they sound right. I'd leave the centre and fronts on zero (though that is if you have matching centre and fronts), then do the sub to match them, and then do the rears until they all sound even.

BTW, which amp and KEF speakers do you have?

[Flibb]

On my setup it allows you to set speakers as large or small. If they are small it routes the low frequencys to the sub (you also set the sub to its own channel), you then set the distance between the speakers and the listening position, then fine tune with +/-. My biggest poblem was setting the sub up correctly as its got its own settings on the back, and the settings on the amp. Stupid question, do you have the manual for the amp? If not its well worth gettin it and following the setup instructions, as it should allow you set the distance or delay between the speakers.

[Zak33]

summit else for you to think about....if the rears are quite close to you, aim them AT EACH OTHER.....and put them high up.

That way the rear surround works way better for your ears.

High up is good because most Dolby Digital encoders, when making the disks and editing the film for the disk, put high noises to the rear....dunno why...but they do....its easier for your ear to hear from high behind than low behind too (once again, dunno why)

So fronts aiming toward you, slightly crossing in front of you, centre NEAR THE TELLY, I like it below, but thats up to you...and the rears high up, aiming straight at each other...ie across the back of the room.

[Chief Ryback]

Thanks for all the info guys ill try a few things tonight - Lucky i have the Raiders of the Lost Ark DVD but never knew there was a THX setup part on the disk.

I amp i have is not the best but i think it has a test tone function on so i'll try that.

If all else fails it looks like im off to buy the new pioneer amp with the self setup mic on

[unrealrocks]

Yeah - or just buy a soundmeter and save yourself a packet

Personally do it to your ears rather than some automatic setup, its you who is going to be listening to it ... so whats it matter if its not 'true to how it should be' if you like it better different!

[Howard]

Soundmeter and calibrate all your speakers to the same level at 75dB and you'll be set.

And yes, point your rears at each other, about a foot behind your head and about a metre above

Works beautifully for me, but then again I have bipole speakers

[Zak33]

And yes, point your rears at each other, about a foot behind your head and about a metre above

Works beautifully for me, but then again I have bipole speakers

Works with normal too

These guys know stuff, so you'll be ok