Need some advice in tackling a loudness issue

[george_k]

I have a bit of a problem with my current setup.

When I watch a movie be it a DVD, Blu-Ray or a sattelite feed I find that I need to crank up the volume pretty high (i.e. volume knob is at about 82-85% of max setting) to hear the dialog clearly and easily.

At that volume level I get worried when things like loud bangs and explosions start happening, I'm worried that my amp will clip and mess up my speakers.

My current setup has no sub, my sub is sitting at my parents place across the country. If I were to add the sub and set the rest of my speakers to "small" would that lessen the chance of damaging my speakers during loud passages?

Other alternatives I've been considering are to add an external power amp or upgrade to a more powerful receiver but even at 150w per channel I'd only be gaining ~5dB of headroom...is that enough?

Receiver:
NAD t742 (50wx5)

Source components:
ExpressVu Satellite
PS3 (for DVD/Blu-ray playback)

Speakers:
B&W 603/S3 mains
B&W LCR60 center
Paradigm Micro Surrounds
Paradigm Servo-15 (missing in action)

[Russ L]

I have the same issue on my Rotel RSX-1057 Reciever and all other surround systems as well. Its normal and due to the dynamic range. Its harder to hear the dialogue due to the dynamic range of surround formats. I have a max. setting(Normal) where its harder to hear the dialogue relative to the other sound. A Med. and a Min. dynamic range setting where the frequency range is reduced and the dialogue is boosted. Do you have these settings? I think setting your speakers to small and adding a sub will only prevent extra bass and not boost dialogue. More power per channel will boost both dialogue and other frequency ranges as well. Your speakers should be able to handle the volume (EDIT: I see you are using 50W/Ch so this might be an issue although I have 75/Ch and sometimes to hear the dialogue I have to have my reciever running at 70-75% vol)if you don't have the dynamic range setting which is great at night when you want to hear the dialogue but don't want massive explosions waking up the neighbours. 8O Best regards, Russ

[Russ L]

You could also try boosting setting for the volume for your center channel. If worse comes to worse upgrade your LCR 60 to a LCR 600 to boost the dialogue relative to the left and right 603s. Or get a reciever with dynamic range settings. The low dialogue vis-a-vis the other sound is one of the drawbacks in having great movie sound. I see you are in Canada and with the 600S3 series being phased out there are great specials still available right now. -Russ

[george_k]

My receiver does have a dynamic range setting but I only use it at night otherwise it takes away from the experience I find.

I've already boosted the center channel volume setting by +2dB to match my mains using a SPL meter and a sweeping pink noise test.

I thought of getting the LCR 600 but it just doesn't fit in my stand, that's why I went with the 60 (was a huge improvement over having no center at all)

[servicetech]

Upgrading the center channel helped a LOT when we had this same problem. Our little JBL center channel didn't seem to keep up no matter what we set the center level at. A new Dayton center channel with 2 6.5" woofers and a soft dome tweeter (home made, see DIY mission possible section) really cleared things up.

[Russ L]

It might be a problem with room acoustics. Poor room acoustics can often make dialogue muffled. Acoustic panel treatments might make the voice more audible. Try Sonex UNX-2 Classic. I have 8-2" by 2' by 4' in my setup. About $250. Regards, Russ

[Kal Rubinson]

It might be a problem with room acoustics. Poor room acoustics can often make dialogue muffled. Acoustic panel treatments might make the voice more audible. Try Sonex UNX-2 Classic. I have 8-2" by 2' by 4' in my setup. About $250. Regards, Russ

System calibration, setup and room acoustics are the most common causes of this problem.

Kal

[Fred333]

Yea I would look for a separate volume control that can maintain a constant volume not matter what level it comes in at. I know my brother -in law has one. I think he got it online some where.

[tina]

Speaker volume not as loud as it used to be

Hi,

My mom was dusting around the theatre system one day, and I'm not sure what happened but now for some reason whenever I watch TV or anything, I need the volume to be as high as 70 to hear anything. It's odd because if I turn on the radio through my theatre, the volume is still quite regular. I'm not sure what the issue could be or which wire is loose but I could really use some help. I have an Integra THX surround EX receiver and an Integra WRAT ADM 2.1 Amp. I also have a motorola digital TV box hooked up to the system. If anyone has any ideas I would appreciate it. Thank you

Tina