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Do these sound levels seem strange?

post #1 of 3
Thread Starter 
Hi all. I am a newbie when it comes to configuring HT audio and it's my first time calibrating the speakers with a SPL meter. I have the following audio components.

Onkyo TX-NR807 receiver

Older Klipsch speakers
KSF 10.5 Towers
KSF-C5 Center Channel
KSF-S5 Surrounds

SVS PB13-Ultra subwoofer (on order as of today)

I calibrated my speakers using the AVR test tones and my RadioShack SPL meter mounted on a tripod pointed toward the ceiling. The meter was situated equal distances away from the mains and also equal distances between the surrounds. To even them out at reference levels, it ended up looking like this in my receiver setup.

Front Left: -8dB
Front Right: -10dB
Center: -5.5dB
Surround Left: +1.5dB
Surround Right: -4dB

Now I can see having some variations between speakers, but what surprises me is that 5.5dB difference between the left and right surround speakers. Does that seem strange? If so, what could cause that?
post #2 of 3
Those settings can be normal. Differences is surround levels may have to do with speakers closeness to walls and way sound reflects off them. Does one of the speakers have a curtain close by?

You should calibrate your system from the main listening position not some place equidistant from all speakers. If you don't sit wherever you had your tripod placed, you should do it again.

Actually, your NR807 has Audyssey MulitEQ. You should take advatange of that and use the provided microphone. You're allowed to calibrate up to six listening positions.
post #3 of 3
Thread Starter 
The readings were taken close to ear level in the main listening area. The surrounds are actually mounted on the side walls. There aren't any curtains, but the left surround is on the edge of wall that leads out to a hallway around the corner (if that makes a difference).
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