Volume Level Calibration

[windmiller]

This is my first Rotel (1057) and I am really impressed with the sound quality. I am working on calibrating it and came across an intersting situation that I wanted to see if others have experienced on Rotel or other receivers.

With other receivers I have always had to calibrate the volume levels for each channel. Usually one or two channels are off by a small amount but with my new 1057 I have one source (Optical Out 2) where the left channel is barely audible.
The device connected is a HTPC and anything I play is like this. So my guestion is...is this normal for one channel to have such a drastically different level?

[Nuthed]

This is my first Rotel (1057) and I am really impressed with the sound quality. I am working on calibrating it and came across an intersting situation that I wanted to see if others have experienced on Rotel or other receivers.

With other receivers I have always had to calibrate the volume levels for each channel. Usually one or two channels are off by a small amount but with my new 1057 I have one source (Optical Out 2) where the left channel is barely audible.
The device connected is a HTPC and anything I play is like this. So my guestion is...is this normal for one channel to have such a drastically different level?

Are you using an SPL meter? From the factory I would assume that all levels were set to zero, is this the case?

Depending on your listening position, I don't think it's uncommon to have levels adjusted by as much as 6 or 7 dbs.

What procedure are you using to calibrate?

[Kevin D]

If the built in tuner is fine, then it's either that optical input (doubtful) or the HTPC. Are you sure the balance setting on the computer isn't off to one side?

Kevin D.

[windmiller]

I will be using an SPL meter but I loaned it out to someone so I havent had a chance to check them. I was more curious if it was out of the ordinary for the levels to be this far off out of the box. I havent checked to see if the actual setting is at zero. I will tonight and post.

As far as the HTPC is concerned I checked the basic sound settings and everything looks correct. Thanks for the replies!

[PewterTA]

I'd say it's more something either with the optical cable, connection (Rotel or PC side), or a setting on the PC.

If everything sounds normal on the tuner or any other input, then everything *should* be good with the Rotel.

Do you have anything else optical that you can put into that input on the Rotel (just to test)? That would tell you if it's something with the HTPC or not.

-Dan

[chrispy35]

If were an optical cable issue, there shouldn't be any sound at all. Remember that there's only one 'channel' of bits to carry both channels of audio on SPDIF.

I'm leaning towards Kevin's suggestion that it's an HTPC issue as well but, just in case, have you tried a different optical input on the receiver?

[imbeaujp]

So my guestion is...is this normal for one channel to have such a drastically different level?

The answer is NO.

Check the source if there is a balance setting to adjust. Check on the rotel if the balance is well set. Try to use another optical IN on the Rotel...

There is someting wrong.

JP

[windmiller]

Finally got the SPL meter back and started calibrating and noticed something interesting. With the Rotel it seems that the built in test tone is for all sources. With my old HK AVR120 I thought I could adjust volume levels for each source (Optical 1, Optical 2,etc.). Am I missing something here?

[Kevin D]

Nope, it's a global setting. You can temporaily change changes from the remote, but they reset every time you switch inputs.

Kevin D.