I have the above Klipsch speaker package and am seeking suggestions on how I can best output them via several customizable settings. I wired my speakers to the Sony STR-DH790 7.2ch AV receiver and have run several auto-calibration tests using a mic on this receiver. However, I haven’t been able to achieve satisfactory acoustical results. (This receiver doesn’t have Audyssey.) I bought Decibel Meter Pro, which I used this past week to measure the performance of each of my Klipsch speakers. I played a DTS 5.1 demo disc and later Sony’s test tones for two of my height channels while recording. I’ve posted the results of my testing data below along with each speaker’s distance from where I always sit. While I know I can’t reproduce my HT room for you here and recreate what the acoustical experience is precisely like, I’ll provide as much info as possible so I can hopefully get my multi-surround system as close to reference level as possible. My HT is situated in a relatively small/mid-size family room with my couch against the wall. One surround speaker sits directly to my left on a table lamp and the other I have propped up on a box-and-a-stand.
The decibel levels on my Sony receiver range from -10 to +10, which can be modified in the Speaker Settings. Before running my tests, I set each one to “0.” For crossover frequency, I set each speaker to 80Hz. Users on this forum recommended that particular hertz number for the tests. Before I ran the tests, I set the volume control at 30 on the receiver’s display panel because that’s probably the volume I have it set at the most often.
Some info on my four Klipsch satellite speakers, especially for those who don't have them. Their frequency response is 90Hz-20kHz (+/- 3dB). Sensitivity is 92 dB at 2.83 volts / 1 meter. Power handling is 75 watts/300 watts (continuous/peak). Frequency response is 2000Hz. Each satellite comes with a built-in woofer. When I played the Australian Imprint edition of At Close Range, which has a PCM 2.0 Stereo mix, the bass output was absolutely incredible.
On the center speaker, the frequency response is 80Hz-20kHz (+/- 3dB). Sensitivity is 91 dB at 2.83 volts / 1 meter. Power handling is 75 watts/300 watts (continuous/peak). Frequency response is 1800Hz.
I’m just using two height channels on the rears because there aren’t enough ports and binding clips on the back of the receiver to accommodate the other two elevation channels, which would be in the front. The power handling for each of the heights is 40 watts/160 watts (continuous/peak). They are mounted on the top of the satellite speakers.
My sub’s frequency response is 32Hz - 120Hz +/- 3dB, with maximum acoustic output of 112 dB. The amplifier’s power is 150 watts/300 watts (continuous/peak). I had to turn the Gain knob down from 50% to 25% and also decrease Low Pass from around 100Hz to 75Hz because the LFE and bass was too powerful while playing a number of Blu-rays and UHDs over the last three months. The floor often rumbled and caused a wave pattern on the curtains behind the sub while playing 4K discs such as Dragonheart, Everything Everywhere All at Once, and Mary, Queen of Scots. Bass sounded more normal while playing Tár, one of the first titles using my new receiver and speakers.
Speaker Distances from My Listening Position
Front Left 11ft 4in
Front Right 11ft 9in
Center 10ft 7in
Subwoofer 12ft 4in
Surround Left 3ft 3in
Surround Right 5ft 8in
dB: Sound Meter Pro DTS & Atmos Test Results for Klipsch 5.1.2 Speakers
Front Left – avg: 44, max: 67, peak 19
Center – avg: 52, max: 66, peak 17
Front Right – avg: 52, max: 64, peak 33
Surround Right – avg: 57, max: 69, peak 27
Surround Height Right – avg: 44, max 55, peak 55
Surround Left – avg: 63, max: 78, peak 21
Surround Height Left – avg: 44, max 70, peak 26
Subwoofer – avg: 45, max 64, peak 30
Based on the above data, any recommendations for modifying each speaker from zero to either a negative or positive integer in Sony’s settings menu? (Again, I can go anywhere from -10 to +10.) Additionally, there are modifiable bass and treble levels in Sony’s Equalizer menu. I also preset all of those to zero. I will certainly consider experimenting with any of your suggestions.
