Channel Balance? Disc or Reciever?

[sbquart]

Is it better to setup channel balance using a setup disc or the built in test tones in the reciever? I'm currently using an HK325. Any help would be great. Thanks.

[MrMcGoo]

My experience has been that a setup disk by Avia or Sound & Vision is better by enough margin to justify the cost. I set the four surrounds a bit hot with the DD Surround EX signal. I set the subwoofer by ear, but be aware that you can set a sub way too hot by ear.

Bill

[michael hurd]

Imo, the test tones ore okay to set the balance, but a setup disc is better. I do not have one yet, but in the future I shall pick one up. If you have a dvd that features the Thx optimizer, you can use that as well. I used the one that is on the Moulin Rouge dvd. There are also video tests for optimizing the picture on yout television.

[sbquart]

I picked up the sound and vision setup disc and everything sounds great. I have noticed though the test tones from the reciever the surrounds tend to be a bit high.

[wheelman]

That's pretty wild everything i ever read said to set it up by your receivers test tones using a spl meter.

[dougdrake]

I also found level differences between the built-in test tones and using a test disk. I opted for the test disk method inasmuch as it was testing all the way from the source, whereas the test tones left the DVD player out of the equation.

[sbquart]

So it is better to use the disc right?

[michael hurd]

Yes, it is the best method, and as wheelman pointed out, using an SPL meter is the best way, in conjunction with the setup disc.

[toddvj]

I have mixed feelings about this. I think using a test disc will get the levels perfect for your DVD player, but may not be the best for your other sources. That said, I use a test disc to set up multichannel. I have my stereo setting set with the test tones of my receiver. I wish there was a set-up CD to calibrate my CD player, and that Satellite Boxes came with Test Tones built into them. But I'm a little crazy.