On Jeff's first visit Sept 2008, he did a full calibration on my 60 Pioneer Pro-151FD Kuro and an audio calibration. At that time, he pointed out a problem I was having with the lower audio frequencies and how it could be corrected with a second subwoofer and/or additional audio equipment. Even though I still don't have a 2nd subwoofer, I did however buy a new receiver...the Pioneer SC-07. Being aware of the adjustability of my new receiver, I couldn't wait to see what adjustments Jeff would do with my new equipment during his 2nd visit.
With my highly anticipated late December 2008 purchased of the Pioneer SC-07, I knew I would be getting closer to the audio performance I desired. Even so, reaching maximum audio performance didn't come without a hitch. I first had to deal with getting the correct wiring from REL to get a proper ground for my new class "D" receiver.
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showt...1#post16599598
That took about two months. After that, I let the Pioneer SC-07 set up it's own audio calibration via it's MCACC program and the supplied microphone. I felt that the audio sounded "better" and the sound stage was much more "solid", however it sounded overall too bright particularly when compared to my older pre-amp amplifier combination.
Now I was ready for Jeff's arrival. When I checked his schedule, I saw he was already booked for my area. However, I did notice he was taking requests in case of cancellations so I sent him an email. It turned out he was able to fit me into his schedule so I was set.
On May 27th, 2009 9am sharp, Jeff came by for a 2nd visit to do a "simple" audio calibration...at least that was his first impression. What ended up being an issue (and taking up more time) had almost everything to do with how my REL sub bass system was hooked up. To correct most of the problems I was having, Jeff suggested an RCA to XLR (three pin) converter so I could take advantage of the SC-07s crossover (I hope Im saying that right!) And to make sure we were getting the correct connection/equipment, we called around and both ended up traveling to a local music store. I bought the converter and back to my place we went. Overall, his visit was about five hours (about two or three more hours than he anticipated).
When the work was done, I was thrown back into amazement. I've never heard my audio system sound as good as it does today. With a term I like to use, it simply sounds like showroom quality! And what's amazing, is how great it sounded in a room (my room) that is about as bad of a listening environment as it can get. Jeff would never tell me (his client) how much my listening environment sucks, however I took his well meaning descriptive words while he was listening to the differences of the much improved audio and could tell he was surprised how good it sounded in such a bad acoustical environment. We looked at each other at the same time and just started laughing! All I knew, is that the audio was smooth, (something I'm not used to hearing) balanced, detailed, open, realistic, much more depth in the low end and not colored in anyway. On top of that, I was really impressed on how Jeff was able to improve the performance of my older model REL Stadium II. Older yes, however still a fine product and it simply just needed a little help.
If you checked out the link in this story, I want you to know, that the digital cable from Sumiko is still hooked up (for proper grounding) along with the RCA to XLR converter (for the low level hookup).
The bass is now much more detailed, smooth, much more even and the bass produces the same audio levels throughout the lower audio range (there was a lot missing before he worked on it) and I hear much more liveliness in the music.
Jeff put a lot of work into my system. Like I had mentioned when I contacted him, he was simply figuring on a simple calibration, something that would normally maybe only take a couple hours. He ended up being here for five hours because of the audio problems he encountered. Jeff wanted to make sure that all the audio equipment could be brought out to perform at their maximum ability.
The improvement in audio quality was worth much more than I paid. Even though the price ended up being a little bit more than was quoted, it was more than well worth it. There were problems along the way and a lot of time spent sorting them out. HOWEVER, the improvement was as if I had just spent tens of thousands of dollars on new audio equipment. It sounds like I have new speakers, a new subwoofer and I can tell for the first time that the purchase of my new Pioneer SC-07 was well worth the money.
I'll definitely be having Jeff over again when I purchase a new subwoofer and/or center channel speaker. He even said by that time my Pioneer Pro-151FD would be ready for a quick calibration update. And that he would (at no additional cost) go ahead and do that for me. Since he had already calibrated my Kuro and is familiar with this Pioneer product, he assured me that the differences would be small and would not take long at all. It would be interesting to see if my 60 Kuro would need any adjusting at all since I rarely have time to sit and watch TV anymore.
In any case, for those sitting on the sidelines wondering if a TV and or Audio calibration is worth the money or not, I cannot say in enough words how much more value you will get from your equipment when it's set up properly. My own abilities with this hobby can get me further than mosthowever no matter how much I keep up, I simply don't have the background, education and knowledge that Jeff has. His visits to my home has given me lots of confidence in knowing when I listening to music and/or watch a movie, either by myself or with friends, the performance will be better than most have experiencedalmost anywhere!
http://www.accucalhd.com
Oh my God I've been reading this forums for about a year now, a few months back I decided to get my first receiver, so I settled for pio elite VSX-03 , cause that was all I could afford, my wife told me to wait for my birthday so along with my brother they would buy it for me so I waited patiently for this past few months meanwhile I was reading nothing but good things about the pioneer elite receivers. I was well aware of the difference those ICE amps make but there was no way I could even dream to ask for more knowing it was an expensive gift as it was and besides this is my first setup what more could I want. Today at about 8:18 in the morning while my mom was calling me to wish me Happy Birthday (she lives overseas) my father and my brother showed up at my door carrying the pio SC-05 in tow
