Are D- Nice's reference Elite Pioneer settings a substitute for calibration

Absolutely not. Thery are designed to provide you with a much better picture than any of the standard out of the box settings.

As I understand it, D-Nice's settings are a good starting point, but because of differences among individual sets, additional adjustments may be needed whether you do it on your own or get it calibrated. In my experience, a good calibrator with the proper equipment can achieve much better results.

In the end it's a personal choice. If one is happy with the results they achieve on their own and don't want to spend the extra bucks, then they shouldn't worry about it and just enjoy their set. If ,on the other hand, one wants their set to be as accurate as it can be and doesn't mind the expense, then I would recommend they find a good calibrator and go for it.

Just my humble opinion.

Looks like we were posting at the same time.

Just for clarity.....you are saying that your settings are NOT a substitute for a good calibration? (The OP's topic is a difference question than what he actually asked in the body of his post.)

that is exactly what he is saying.
There is no substitution for a good calibration and I am sure that is what D-Nice is trying to say.
He provides his reference settings to help those who are not going to get a calibration, or can't get one right now.
His settings are great starting points and definitly beat the out-of-the-box settings.

It would be best to get a calibration to get thte most out of your set.

That's what I thought.....just wanted to make sure the OP got a clear answer.

Yes its a great start and I always recommend them for clients and then I tell them if you are happy there you go but you do have the option of getting the unit clibrated which is their decision ultimately.

They are not at all a substitute, but if you like them I wouldn't worry about a calibration.

The Elites have all the needed adjustments/settings in the main menu, no need to go into the service menu.