I am trying to dial in a new setup. I was listening to the James Taylor live DVD and there is overwhelming amounts of bass in it. Is it the recording or my system. Does anyone else have this recording?

I am trying to dial in a new setup. I was listening to the James Taylor live DVD and there is overwhelming amounts of bass in it. Is it the recording or my system. Does anyone else have this recording?

I have James Taylor Live at the Beacon Theater. Strong bass, but not overwhelming.

My guess is that it is a set-up issue, combined with a DVD mixed with a strong dose of bass.

How far up do you have the volume knob on the back of your subwoofer turned up?

Do you have a Radio Shack SPL meter? $45 at Radio Shack for the analog version. You don't need the digital meter.

Even without a meter, have you scrolled through the channels on your receiver using the built-in test tone and do a rough balance of all channels including the subwoofer out channel?

CDs and DVDs vary widely in how much bass content they have in the mix. One way or another, you may have to turn the bass down when you listen to this particular DVD.

This is one reason that I like subwoofers that have a remote volume control. I prefer having control of the sub, via remote, than manipulating the volume of the sub channel in my receiver.

I have used the Audessy (sp?) setup. I have my SPL meter at work. I'll have to bring it home. I am not rushing because the room has no carpet and the recliners have not come in yet. I will spend the time to balance it out when it is finished. I threw down some carpet scraps but it is cement and lawn chairs for now.

I had the bass a little hot for sure, the knob was half way. We watched Iron Man Blyray last night as the premier movie for the theater.

I am thinking of upgrading my 10+ year old Definitive Powerfield 15 tl with a SVS PB 13 Ultra, SBS PB12 plus or HSU 3.3 and midbase unit.