Audyssey and other auto-setup systems

Many receivers have an auto calibration feature. I like to do it manually with an SPL meter, others don't. Audyssey is not a standard receiver calibration tool. It's more like an EQ that uses fuzzy logic to make every seat have optimal acoustics. As far as I know, you still calibrate conventually, then use Audyssey. Others that actually own one (I do not) may chime in. Some like what Audyssey does, others don't.

I used to consider myself pretty good at HT setup and speaker position, etc. I just got the New Onk SR605 and I was floored by what this EQ brought to the surround experience. I agree with cecaa850 that there is audio manipulation taking place so I guess if you're a hard core purist this may not be for you but it adds more of everything to the surround experience, bass, fullness, seamless sound and you can still tweak the settings to your preference. I'm a neophyte with this and there is a whole thread on the subject that I will get to, but for now three thumbs up.

With the Denon 2807 which has Audyssey, you don't calibrate conventionally first if you're using Audyssey. You plug a mic into the receiver, let it take the measurements (you need to move the mic to different positions) and let Audyssey do its thing. Alternatively you use an SPL and either the receiver's test tones or a test disc and you adjust both channel levels and any EQ you want completely manually. It's one or the other. Manual EQ options are nowhere near as flexible as what Audyssey can do and you can't manually duplicate Audyssey results.

As you said, some like Audyssey and some don't. I like it and I use it. Others don't. The aim is enjoyment and the right way to go is the way which gives you the most enjoyable results.

David Aiken

Back to the original OP's question, is there any systems that are considered better than others?

Also, can someone fill in my list if I miss some?
Denon/Onkyo/Integra has Audyssey
Pioneer has MCACC
Yamaha has YPAO
Sony has Digital Cinema Auto Calibration
H&K has EZSet/EQ

Lexicon has a version too. Different than H/K. (Same parent company though.)
Meridian too.

Also some standalones like Tact, Rivas (or something), etc.

Be careful too, in that there are different versions of Audyssey out there that may work better (or worse) than others.

Well, neither the TacT nor the Rives nor, in fact, the Meridian are comparable as they are not auto-setup but, rather, hands-on equalizer systems.

Good to know.