AVS › AVS Forum › Audio › Receivers, Amps, and Processors › The Official VSX-1018AH-K Owners, Reviews, and Comments Thread!
New Posts  All Forums:Forum Nav:

The Official VSX-1018AH-K Owners, Reviews, and Comments Thread! - Page 181

post #5401 of 5895
4/29/09 at 8:30pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by tebbens View Post

How do I correctly set the Lip Sync on the 1018 ?

Have you run the auto MCACC program?
Reply
Reply

Gear mentioned in this thread:

post #5402 of 5895
4/30/09 at 1:27am
I posted this in the MCACC forum and got no replies, so I thought I'd post it here as well.
I don't believe this has been asked before and I could use some advice.
I have the 1018 receiver. My sub is an Energy 10.3 that should have output to the low 20's.
I set up MCACC using "Stand.Wave Multi-Point" since our two main listening positions are on either side of the projector, which is on a small table rather than ceiling mounted and takes up the center position. My front speakers are set as "large" and the sub is set as "plus". (speakers, Mirage Frx 9's, have powered subs)
(The center and surrounds are set as "small")
I put on an old Stereophile test cd, just to try the test tones that go from 200hz to 20 hz and see how my sub is performing in the room.
At 31.5hz there is very little sound from the sub when using "Direct" mode, which uses the MCACC settings and no other processing. At 25hz there is virtually no sound energy coming from the sub at all.
If I then change to "Pure Direct" mode, which uses no processing at all, there is a lot more sound from the sub at 31.5hz and definitely energy felt at 25hz.
I can't understand why MCACC would affect the performance of the sub, especially below 40hz.
Also, how does this affect my sub while watching movies in surround? Does it mean that below 40hz I'm missing out?
I haven't done any adjustments other than run MCACC. Generally I'm very pleased with how it improved the sound of movies in my small theater, but now I'm wondering if I should adjust MCACC so the low bass is more audible and how to go about it.
Reply
Reply
post #5403 of 5895
4/30/09 at 12:26pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Tuba4me View Post

Have you run the auto MCACC program?

Yes.
Reply
Reply
post #5404 of 5895
4/30/09 at 1:34pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Phase3 View Post

I did run MCACC once. I think I scared the neighbors, that was loud! However, the audio through my speakers still sounds tiny & frustrating. When I'm watching a typical show, or a sporting event, it sounds decent, but I know there's something missing. When I play a CD, that's when it becomes painfully clear that I'm not getting an acceptable level of low-frequency.

When using regular 2 channel sources like mp3s/cd's with a 5.1 setup; I like the ext-stereo mode in the adv surr options, it will give you the full range stereo sound you are looknig for.
Reply
Reply
post #5405 of 5895
5/2/09 at 7:13am
Quote:
Originally Posted by Larry Hoffman View Post

I posted this in the MCACC forum and got no replies, so I thought I'd post it here as well.
I don't believe this has been asked before and I could use some advice.
I have the 1018 receiver. My sub is an Energy 10.3 that should have output to the low 20's.
I set up MCACC using "Stand.Wave Multi-Point" since our two main listening positions are on either side of the projector, which is on a small table rather than ceiling mounted and takes up the center position. My front speakers are set as "large" and the sub is set as "plus". (speakers, Mirage Frx 9's, have powered subs)
(The center and surrounds are set as "small")
I put on an old Stereophile test cd, just to try the test tones that go from 200hz to 20 hz and see how my sub is performing in the room.
At 31.5hz there is very little sound from the sub when using "Direct" mode, which uses the MCACC settings and no other processing. At 25hz there is virtually no sound energy coming from the sub at all.
If I then change to "Pure Direct" mode, which uses no processing at all, there is a lot more sound from the sub at 31.5hz and definitely energy felt at 25hz.
I can't understand why MCACC would affect the performance of the sub, especially below 40hz.
Also, how does this affect my sub while watching movies in surround? Does it mean that below 40hz I'm missing out?
I haven't done any adjustments other than run MCACC. Generally I'm very pleased with how it improved the sound of movies in my small theater, but now I'm wondering if I should adjust MCACC so the low bass is more audible and how to go about it.

I've noticed too that MCACC affects the low bass notes negatively. I've tried to run MCACC with the sub off. Then manually change the speaker settings to subwoofer plus ("SW Plus") when all the remaining speakers are set to "small". The lower end bass was still lacking.
My solution, I ran MCACC with the mic 1.5 feet further than the center of the regular listening position. Then listen, and if necessary, re-adjust the "SW out db" to -2.00 db and on the subwoofer the "Sub Gain" level knob till satisfactory.

This menu can be found by pressing "reciever" and the button "ch level". It should help.
Reply
Reply
post #5406 of 5895
5/2/09 at 8:04am
Having the microphone near boundaries such as walls or seating furniture will significantly affect the bass measurement. Microphone should be on a tripod and away from these boundaries.
Reply
Reply
post #5407 of 5895
5/2/09 at 10:25am
Quote:
Originally Posted by crosbyct View Post

ALC on the 1018 only works on analog sources such as L/R RCA. So it will only work for TV if you're running analog stereo via RCA cables. It doesn't work for HDMI or optical/coaxial inputs. I don't think it works on the USB port either.

On the new 1019 it works for all sources.

Is there a firmware for the 1018 to get this to work right? Is there a firmware update at all for this receiver?
Reply
Reply
post #5408 of 5895
5/2/09 at 12:55pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by s.bradford View Post

Having the microphone near boundaries such as walls or seating furniture will significantly affect the bass measurement. Microphone should be on a tripod and away from these boundaries.

Also, you can hang the microphone from the ceiling by the cord.

Just so happens that in my room there's a ceiling fan right above where I do the set-up microphone so I hang it from one of the pull cords on the fan. Works out really good this way. Distances are spot-on
Reply
Reply
post #5409 of 5895
5/2/09 at 4:11pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by TnTBigman View Post

I've noticed too that MCACC affects the low bass notes negatively. I've tried to run MCACC with the sub off. Then manually change the speaker settings to subwoofer plus ("SW Plus") when all the remaining speakers are set to "small". The lower end bass was still lacking.
My solution, I ran MCACC with the mic 1.5 feet further than the center of the regular listening position. Then listen, and if necessary, re-adjust the "SW out db" to -2.00 db and on the subwoofer the "Sub Gain" level knob till satisfactory.

This menu can be found by pressing "reciever" and the button "ch level". It should help.

Thanks for this. Before re-running MCACC using your recommendation of moving the mic back 1.5 feet, I think I'll borrow my friends copy of Digital Video Essentials and see if it the sub is affected the same way is surround as it is in stereo.
I was very carefull when running MCACC and used a tripod to hold the mic and also moved the seats forward and towards the walls so they wouldn't be between the mic and the sub or speakers. I also turned off the furnace fan, which is in an adjoining room and didn't use my projector, so the fan wouldn't interfere with the setup. So I believe s.bradfords excellent recommendations were followed to the letter when I ran MCACC.
What I don't understand is how MCACC would affect the lower bass in the first place.
Maybe it isn't the culprit. Is there any other reason "Pure Direct" mode would have more low bass than "Direct" mode?
Reply
Reply
post #5410 of 5895
5/3/09 at 4:23am
If you're having bass issues, you may want to try turning S-Wave On & Off. I've noticed quite a bit of difference with it Off. YMMV.
Reply
Reply
post #5411 of 5895
5/3/09 at 5:41am
I've ran some REW graphs to see the effect of MCACC has "on" and "off" on the bass response from the same listening position. The general trend was a 3db to 4db reduction in output with MCACC "on" while maintaining the same graph shape. It just lowered the bass output.
Reply
Reply
post #5412 of 5895
5/3/09 at 2:19pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by mrgribbles View Post

If you're having bass issues, you may want to try turning S-Wave On & Off. I've noticed quite a bit of difference with it Off. YMMV.

I'll give that a try. Thank you!
Reply
Reply
post #5413 of 5895
5/3/09 at 2:26pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by TnTBigman View Post

I've ran some REW graphs to see the effect of MCACC has "on" and "off" on the bass response from the same listening position. The general trend was a 3db to 4db reduction in output with MCACC "on" while maintaining the same graph shape. It just lowered the bass output.

Hm, could that be caused by S-Wave as mrgribbles mentioned? I wonder if you would get the same results turning S-Wave on and off?
I suppose increasing the lfe output in the 1018 by 3db or so might fix the problem, if I didn't want to change the MCACC settings.
I'll have to try and see what happens. I basically like the way my speakers sound with MCACC on. Makes the sound more open and clear. If all I have to do is increase the lfe a bit, I'd have the bass output I want as well as the overall sound I want.
Sounds like a 3db boost in lfe while using MCACC may be the way to go for many people.
Reply
Reply
post #5414 of 5895
5/4/09 at 5:13am
S-Wave correction should be a good thing. I believe its designed to time certain reverb characteristics via timing. I don't believe it does a 100% job on bass. On or off there is a noticeable difference. I've read in other threads where quite a few have it off. I'm a constant tweaker so I'll A/B a number tracks and what I've found is that the bass LFE effects are a bit sharper, more pronounced with it off. Musically, I tend to prefer it on.

One other thing w' the Pio receivers is, that I'm coming to the conclusion of, is that the xover works differently than in other receivers I've recently had. Apparently the xover not only sets the low pass filters for small speakers, it is also the high pass filter for the LFE channel. So if you have it set at 50Hz you will lose your LFE channel above that. I'm not 100% on this but I've read this from other folks as well, plus it's implied in the manual. This could explain some loss of bass effect. If true, and I have yet to do some technical tests, kinda sucky.
Reply
Reply
post #5415 of 5895
5/4/09 at 7:58am
Quote:
Originally Posted by totalownership View Post

Is there a firmware for the 1018 to get this to work right? Is there a firmware update at all for this receiver?

It works "right". They just didn't offer it for digital inputs on the 1018. They added that to the 1019.

There's no way for us to do firmware updates anyway. It would have to be done by Pioneer.
Reply
Reply
post #5416 of 5895
5/4/09 at 8:47am
Hi again all, I was reading my manual last night and (sorry I don't have it with me here) in the first few pages it says: To play a DVD, set the receiver to DVD and ensure it is set to DVD. I have my DVD player hooked up via HDMI therefore when I am watching my DVD player it is set to HDMI 1. Am I doing something wrong, is there a way to set the HDMI 1 to the DVD input. I dont see why they would have a specific button labeled DVD when if I hook up via HDMI then that button becomes useless. Thanks in advance.

Paul
Reply
Reply
post #5417 of 5895
5/4/09 at 9:11am
I fixed my video upscaling issue. After trying many many variables I called Pioneer tech support. The guy there told me that it would be best to reset the amp and start fresh. That is what I did.

I unplugged everything then reset it and reconnected all the cables and the upscaling from my DVD player worked fine with only one hitch, it won't upscale to 1080p only i.

Other than that I really like the amp and need to have some more fun with MACC and all the other little tweaks you can do.
Reply
Reply
post #5418 of 5895
5/4/09 at 4:31pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Polksterpaul View Post

. Am I doing something wrong, is there a way to set the HDMI 1 to the DVD input. I dont see why they would have a specific button labeled DVD when if I hook up via HDMI then that button becomes useless. Thanks in advance.

Paul

got it backwards.. set the DVD to HDMI 1

. goto input setup..then DVD.. scroll one down.. change to HDMI 1 ..your DVD player outputs both audio and video via HDMI..RIGHT??
Reply
Reply
post #5419 of 5895
5/5/09 at 8:00am
Yes my DVD player does output both via HDMI I will do that when I get home.
Thank you.

P
Reply
Reply
post #5420 of 5895
5/5/09 at 8:20am
Alright, I just read through the first 29 pages of this thread.... way too much reading. I'm going to continue doing so, but if someone can answer my question quickly, then please do so.

I have a sony bdp s301, connected to my 1018 via an hdmi cable. I don't know if it's 1.3 hdmi or what. (is there a difference?)

I'm trying to get truehd, or dts-hd to work. Is this possible? I have the option of setting the sony BD to output pcm, is that what I want to do?

If anyone can clue me in, or point me in the right direction, it would be much appreciated.

Thanks!

Edit: I should have mentioned that I have the latest firmware (4.50) update for the sony.
Reply
Reply
post #5421 of 5895
5/5/09 at 9:39am
the bdp can send the high def codecs pcm, meaning that the player does the decoding, and you get PCM lit up on the front of the reciever, or i believe you could set the player to stream the audio directly to the reciever, and allow it to do the decoding, but not sure about this on your player, i have the s-350, and i do the stream direct. imo there is no real difference between the end result, expect that you get cool lights when you stream direct that tell ou you are getting one of the hd codeces.
Reply
Reply
post #5422 of 5895
5/5/09 at 9:49am
So, if I don't touch the bdp, I can simply choose stream direct on the receiver, and that provides truehd?

Last night I ouput pcm from the player, but I wasn't sure if that was truehd (it did say pcm on the receiver display, but other than that, I had no way of knowing if I was getting truehd or not.)

Thanks for the reply!
Reply
Reply
post #5423 of 5895
5/5/09 at 10:27pm
Stream Direct (which I consider as Direct which is one of the Stream Direct modes) on the Pioneer will run the MCACC settings to what is sent from Sony without additional processing like you would get from most of the rest of the audio settings ie unplugged classical type of sound differences. Pure Direct cuts out some MCACC settings which I enjoy more now (more discrete channels not as even sounding). The Dolby TrueHD is determined by the Sony and of course the disc, your Sony will bitstream Dolby TrueHD but from what I can tell it will not bitstream DTS-HD. Bitstreaming allows Pioneer to decode and you will see what is being decoded on the Pioneer, PCM will have the Sony decode and send it out as PCM which is what will show on the Pioneer. Most discs will not go straight in to playing and will allow you to choose the audio output listed as setup or languages in menu and that would be the way to know what audio is being output in PCM.
Reply
Reply
post #5424 of 5895
5/6/09 at 7:04am
Thanks VagueRant!

So, if I'm understanding this right, my sony player would need to be able to bitstream in order to play trueHD. If not, then I can output pcm (the menu options on the player does have the option to output pcm) If I can't output bistream from the Sony, then I can't truely hear TrueHD.

Is that right?

If so, is there a way to output pcm from the sony, and have the receiver decode into TrueHD?
Reply
Reply
post #5425 of 5895
5/6/09 at 7:10am
Quote:
Originally Posted by Todd Lee View Post

Thanks VagueRant!

So, if I'm understanding this right, my sony player would need to be able to bitstream in order to play trueHD. If not, then I can output pcm (the menu options on the player does have the option to output pcm) If I can't output bistream from the Sony, then I can't truely hear TrueHD.

Is that right?

If so, is there a way to output pcm from the sony, and have the receiver decode into TrueHD?

You can get TrueHD over PCM. Its just that your Sony player is doing the decoding. The lights for TrueHD won't light up on your 1018 but you're still getting the same sound.

The only way to get the pretty TrueHD light on the 1018 is to use bitstream on your Sony.
Reply
Reply
post #5426 of 5895
5/6/09 at 10:33am
Ahhh, now I get it..

Thanks crosbyct, VagueRant, and Jimsurf, you guys are great!
Reply
Reply
post #5427 of 5895
5/7/09 at 11:14pm
I'm sorry if this has already been asked im sorry for being such a new boy i just need some help...ive got a pioneer vsx1018 obv and my tv is a panasonic th-50pz80u and ive got my ps3 hooked up and my wii and all that...i was playing fifa and there was no commentary during the game...I put in planet earth bluray and there was no sound...i have a 5.1 setup polk speakers with a decent center channel...idk what to do i even set up the mcacc it might have something to do when i had to unhook everything and hook it up in my dorm and i hooked it up to a lcd computer monitor and i had no sound just like im experiencing now and then i had the ps3 hooked up through composite cables to a regular tv and now im hooking it back up to the plasma...Do you think this could be the PS3? or something with the reciever and or speakers? I'm sorry for rambling...I'm trying to fix this but I'm in need of input.

thanks
Reply
Reply
post #5428 of 5895
5/7/09 at 11:46pm
Does the FM/AM have sound that would help settle whether it is the PS3 or the receiver. How do you have the PS3 connected cable wise? Have you changed how the PS3 has been connected to the Pioneer in the past?
Reply
Reply
post #5429 of 5895
5/8/09 at 5:21am
Quote:
Originally Posted by Dures View Post

I'm sorry if this has already been asked im sorry for being such a new boy i just need some help...ive got a pioneer vsx1018 obv and my tv is a panasonic th-50pz80u and ive got my ps3 hooked up and my wii and all that...i was playing fifa and there was no commentary during the game...I put in planet earth bluray and there was no sound...i have a 5.1 setup polk speakers with a decent center channel...idk what to do i even set up the mcacc it might have something to do when i had to unhook everything and hook it up in my dorm and i hooked it up to a lcd computer monitor and i had no sound just like im experiencing now and then i had the ps3 hooked up through composite cables to a regular tv and now im hooking it back up to the plasma...Do you think this could be the PS3? or something with the reciever and or speakers? I'm sorry for rambling...I'm trying to fix this but I'm in need of input.

thanks

You said there is no commentary, do you get other sound? If so then it may be your center channel. You could've possibly turned it off in mcacc or a wire is loose. Well if that was the case then the center would be matrixed to LR.
Reply
Reply
post #5430 of 5895
5/8/09 at 9:34am
i get the crowd and playing sounds like the ball but no commentary and on planet earth no sound at all...but, on the Wii, perfect sound im pretty sure...idk about cable i havent gotten my box back i should have a new one within a day or two...its almost like its playing in 3.1 the rear "surround" speakers are not outputting any audio and the center channel only certain sounds...take for example, Dark Side of the The Moon SACD only played in what was 3.1 and when i changed it to a various surround option it sounded quite distorted. It used to play 5.1 no problem. I have the PS3 hooked up HDMI and its completely updated. Thank you for your help so far.
Reply
Reply
New Posts  All Forums:Forum Nav:
  Return Home
  Back to Forum: Receivers, Amps, and Processors

Gear mentioned in this thread:

AVS › AVS Forum › Audio › Receivers, Amps, and Processors › The Official VSX-1018AH-K Owners, Reviews, and Comments Thread!