Need help calibrating my Krell Showcase processor

[Caemofan]

I just finished piecing together my media room with a 5.1 setup to my Krell Showcase. However, I find that the treble is a little too bright when playing music so I wonder if there is a way to adjust it. I know this processor has a parametric EQ in the Menu but I have no idea how to tweak it as the manual is not very clear/detail. Can someone please provide some input on this? Also is there a way to calibrate this processor without having to call the Dealer to do it?

I currently have the 1.7 version firmware. Is it necessary to upgrade it? I heard the latest is 2.6.
Thanks folks!!

[akbungle]

I have not noticed anyone else on this forum owning the Krell Showcase so you may be better served checking avsforum or doing a google search.

[NorthStar]

^ He already did. He needs a Krell tech guy. Best is to call Krell directly.

[Caemofan]

You think Krell will give me the info since I did not buy new from them?

[klinemj]

I do't know why they would not, so I would certainly try. Best case, they will help...if not, at least you tried.

[Caemofan]

Ok, I will email Krell and see if they will assist me or not. I probably think they will refer me to one of their distributors.

[NorthStar]

Think in a positive way.

[Caemofan]

Not much help, they just told me to look at the manual book.

[rskarvan]

Well, taking their advice and reading the Krell manual would be a very good start!!!

[sbavnut]

Deluxman:

Where are you located?

Perhaps, another forum member who lives close to you can help with the calibration...

[muzicianx]

I had a Showcase in my system for a few years. I have also tried to contact Krell about some sort of 'user guide' for the parametric EQ built in, but to no avail. There is nothing that gives any real help in their manual. What I did figure out, is that you would need some sort of Parametric Analyzer to evaluate your room, then you would know where you need to adjust the three filters and all the frequencies. You can get software off the internet, but I never got it to work right, simply because I don't have the proper microphone set up. What I ended up doing is just going in and fooling around with the different settings, and trying to notice where I hear roll offs, or edginess by cranking the Q up or down to the extremes. It will take some time, but it's a good way to learn how it works, without really knowing the bookwork. Are you listening to music in 2 channel, or 5 channel? I would say if you are using 2 channel, try the Full Range+Sub, Stereo, and Pre-amp selections and see if that helps clean it up. If it's in 5 channel, turn on THX or Dolby music and see if that helps (DTS NEO as well). Also, don't be afraid to use the tweeter defeater on the backs of the 6.2s, you have lots of options, and have fun tweaking! As far as an update for the Showcase, it will cost you. It's something they can do at the factory, but a couple hundred bucks - and since the D's don't work there anymore, it may be a super duper long wait to get it back, instead of a super long wait. I sent mine in to get repaired, and it took them over a month to send me an estimate, I ended up refusing it, and I let them just keep it for recycling (all of the sudden, I just heard several people's jaws just hit the floor).

[NorthStar]

^ Good post here just above.

With Krell you're at the mercy of the name, which is the game. Great products of quality and design, but always behind the curve...

[Dan Laufman]

The UMC-1 seems like a real deal.... with prompt, friendly support!

[mrgreg]

Mar 18, 2010 5:30:52 GMT -5 Dan Laufman said:

The UMC-1 seems like a real deal.... with prompt, friendly support!

If only they were available for purchase.

[NorthStar]

Mar 18, 2010 5:30:52 GMT -5 Dan Laufman said:

The UMC-1 seems like a real deal.... with prompt, friendly support!

Fully agree with you here Mr. Dan.

* And it's about 10 times less expensive too. If only...

[Caemofan]

Mar 18, 2010 2:41:20 GMT -5 NorthStar said:

^ Good post here just above.

With Krell you're at the mercy of the name, which is the game. Great products of quality and design, but always behind the curve...

Musicianz,
If I find the treble is too bright, what EQ do I adjust in the filter? I was thinking of selling this processor and get a Yamaha RX-V765 as my pre/pro. Do you think the Yammie will give a big difference in terms of SQ (I mean not as good as the Krell)?? I just really think that Krell SQ is more on the bright side. Do you agree or is it the setting that I need to mess around?

[Caemofan]

Mar 17, 2010 23:31:33 GMT -5 muzicianx said:

I had a Showcase in my system for a few years. I have also tried to contact Krell about some sort of 'user guide' for the parametric EQ built in, but to no avail. There is nothing that gives any real help in their manual. What I did figure out, is that you would need some sort of Parametric Analyzer to evaluate your room, then you would know where you need to adjust the three filters and all the frequencies. You can get software off the internet, but I never got it to work right, simply because I don't have the proper microphone set up. What I ended up doing is just going in and fooling around with the different settings, and trying to notice where I hear roll offs, or edginess by cranking the Q up or down to the extremes. It will take some time, but it's a good way to learn how it works, without really knowing the bookwork. Are you listening to music in 2 channel, or 5 channel? I would say if you are using 2 channel, try the Full Range+Sub, Stereo, and Pre-amp selections and see if that helps clean it up. If it's in 5 channel, turn on THX or Dolby music and see if that helps (DTS NEO as well). Also, don't be afraid to use the tweeter defeater on the backs of the 6.2s, you have lots of options, and have fun tweaking! As far as an update for the Showcase, it will cost you. It's something they can do at the factory, but a couple hundred bucks - and since the D's don't work there anymore, it may be a super duper long wait to get it back, instead of a super long wait. I sent mine in to get repaired, and it took them over a month to send me an estimate, I ended up refusing it, and I let them just keep it for recycling (all of the sudden, I just heard several people's jaws just hit the floor).

I am located in Corona, CA. If someone would kindly help me tweak the sound, or teach me how to tweak this processor, let me know.

[muzicianx]

If you find it too bright, go with the THX settings. This will add re-equalization which will cut some of the edginess. If you want, do a google search on parametric EQ filters, and there are some helpful articles to understand how they can work. The new receivers/pre-pros that have Audyssey, or Emo-Q, or whatever, are truly a godsend to Q'ing out a theater room. My Onkyo really balances out the sound in my not-so-balanced room... anyway, I do remember when I had the XPA-5 hooked up to the Showcase, I did find it to be a bit on the bright side. The sound did mellow out after about a month of use, so give it some time if you just got your XPA-5. As far as SQ... one of the biggest differences I hear going from a receiver to separates is a much more open soundstage, punchier bass, and quieter overall operation (no crosstalk, tuner interference, stuff like that...). I don't think you would hear a lot of the problems switching back to the receiver as a pre-amp if you keep the volume around 100db peaks, but if you like to crank it up on occasion, you may notice some serious shortcomings in the SQ. As much as I like my Onkyo, I hear it's shortcomings in analog sound, and look forward to the XSP-1 pre-amp with theater bypass to add into my rack.

[NorthStar]

^ Another great post here just above.