[Chindi]

Just bought an Onkyo HT-S894 last night at CC. After a quick unpack/setup blitz last night, it's up and running.


A couple of questions...


1) For the rears, I need longer runs of wire than what came with the set. From reading around the net, including threads here (which I can't link because I'm too green

), I'm assuming that 14-16 guage wire would do a suitable job. Could anyone share any gotchas or tips about wire/insulation type or good sources to purchase from?


2) I remember reading somewhere that it's best if you make both rears use the same length of wire, even if it means one has to be coiled up. Is that correct?


3) For calibrating the speaker distance/level in the UI, I've read that even a simple Radio Shack sound pressure level meter can do the job, but I haven't actually found any instructions on how you would do this (well, aside from articles that go into crazy detail and involve laptops and software). Any advice on this front?


-Cheers

 

[Ron Temple]



Quote:
Originally Posted by Chindi /forum/post/0


3) For calibrating the speaker distance/level in the UI, I've read that even a simple Radio Shack sound pressure level meter can do the job, but I haven't actually found any instructions on how you would do this (well, aside from articles that go into crazy detail and involve laptops and software). Any advice on this front?


-Cheers

Set Speaker size (small), crossover (80) and speaker distance from LP on the receiver...go to channel adjustment (trim)...all the values should show 0. Turn the volume somewhere between 40 - 55...run tones.


Turn on the meter, set to C weighted, slow...hold (or use a tripod) the meter at ear level @ a 45 degree angle pointed at the speaker, set the gauge (on the meter) to 70dbs on the dial. Adjust the MV on the receiver to get you in range, up or down, so that the needle or display shows 75dbs, then move on to the next speaker (usually center) and use the trim adjustments to level match each speaker to 75dbs. When you get to the sub you'll notice the needle will wobble...if set to 75 you will actually be 2-3 louder than the rest of your speakers, even so many of us like the bass a little hot...try it at 77-78dbs. You're done...takes about 5-10 minutes.


Tips: On Onkyo HTIBs you might want to boost the center a couple of dbs for dialog clarity, as well as, surrounds if you want a little more action in back.


Don't calibrate any speaker above +5...try to stay around + or -3 for any speaker to insure that you never send a clipped signal that can damage tweeters or the receivers amps.


Remember what the MV gain number you used...that's your reference point...-10dbs from Dolby reference which is 85dbs average, 20db peaks for speakers, 30 dbs for subs. You'll find that this is far too loud for comfortable listening and perhaps damaging (that's why you calibrate to 75).

 

[Chindi]

Thanks Ron! Good detail there. I'm going to give that a shot with a borrowed meter tomorrow night.


Anyone else have any input on questions 1 or 2?

 

[dbrowdy]

1 - If it's under 50' use 16AWG. More than that you should be fine with 14AWG.


2 - I've never heard of this. I'm gonna call BS and say don't worry about it.

 

[Chindi]

All set up now. Thanks for the advice guys.