So I just watched Master & Commander for the first time, Blu Ray, after reading about the epic bass scenes. After setting up the speaker levels and sub level with an SPL meter (finally).
I did use the SPL Meter app for iPhone (since I can never get around to buying the RS meter) but it's supposed to be "more accurate than the Radio Shack meter".
Anyway. First went through the receiver's test tones and set to 75db. Then popped in Avia DVD and went through it's audio setup. The Avia (played through Blu Ray player) was slightly louder but the levels were still equal. In both the Avia and the receiver test tones, the subwoofer signal came in at about 59-60db when the other channels were measuring 75-76db.
Now this was with the receiver sub level at 0db and the sub amp gain at about 1/3. I had been listening to the sub at this level for both music and movies till now, I couldn't imagine it being that much louder. I cranked the gain on the sub amp and still only got it to the low 70's with the test signals.
I put it back to around 60db and figured I was doing something wrong, because at that gain the sub kicks yer ***.
*side note* while doing the low freq sweep in Avia I learned my room has terribly UNflat bass. Big boomy bass at certain freq and some nulls as well. That'll be for another day, or another house.
Watched the movie, turned down the master volume -5db (from where I set it at 75db) and it was LOUD. The cannon scenes kicked my ***! I mean, couch shaking, windows buzzing, kick you in the chest, bass. It was awesome.
Question is: is the sub level on the test signal seriously supposed to be @ 75db as well? I can't imagine it being anywhere near that loud. I use the sub as a side table and it was literally shaking the remote off the top of it.
Bonus question: does anyone actually watch movies at 'reference level' at home? 85db? Seriously? I like my music/movies loud and I like my bass but I dunno......
Cliffs:
Finally set speaker levels w/ SPL meter.
Bass was way low, but still loud.
Watched movie, bass blew my brains out, reference level for real?
Gear:
Sony ES receiever @120 wpc
Klipcsh KLF-20 mains
SVS PB12-2ISD