Sherbourn PT-7030 AV Preamp - The OFFICIAL Thread

[Deleted]

I have posted this problem in a separate thread as well...

I hope someone can offer some advice in case I am missing something. as I have recently had an issue with the PT-7030 with regards to the low frequency output...basically when listening to music in stereo mode or watching a movie using PLII, the low frequency is almost non existent. I have had the towers crossed over @ 50 and the sub @ 60 since I set it up in October and this has worked well until a couple of days ago when I noticed that the low frequency punch had disappeared and that the subs were not even on (no signal present to activate them). I have reset the 7030 and have used it with and without the SVS sub eq to make sure that there is not a problem with the SVS sub eq and there is no difference either way...the crossover in the PT-7030 now has to set to 100 - 120 hz in order to get any noticeable low frequency output at 75 db listening level which is completely different from the way it has performed prior to the past couple of days.
Other items of note; I have used it with the Toslink, Coax and HDMI inputs, and PEQ is off.
I had spoken to tech support on Friday and they did not know of a solution but told me that they would pass this on to the Sherbourn specialist and if they had any suggestions or ideas they would let me know.
Just wanted to know if anyone else had had a similar issue to this.

UPDATE:
I watched a Blu-ray and streamed a movie from Netflix (DD 5.1) and in order to get any noticeable low frequency output I had to set the sub level to +9 and the crossover to 200 hz. I did this both with the SVS sub eq attached and disconnected and had the same result.
Another odd situation I came across was when I reset the 7030 to it`s factory setting (tried this hoping it would fix the problem)....I was setting up the crossovers, distances as per usual but when I set up the channel levels the right surround required 4db more in gain than before. This speaker has to placed closer than the other surround, (approx 5 ft from my listening position due to room constraints), so I always have had to reduce it by 3db when level matching. I thought it could be a problem with my XPA-3 so I switched to another channel on the amp but there was no change.
Fearing it was my speaker, I swapped the Right surround speaker with the Left and again, no change. I even temporarily ran another speaker cable to it to eliminate the possibility of a cable problem

[Andrew Robinson]

Jan 5, 2014 14:11:10 GMT -5 @badge said:

I have posted this problem in a separate thread as well...
UPDATE:
I watched a Blu-ray and streamed a movie from Netflix (DD 5.1) and in order to get any noticeable low frequency output I had to set the sub level to +9 and the crossover to 200 hz. I did this both with the SVS sub eq attached and disconnected and had the same result.
Another odd situation I came across was when I reset the 7030 to it`s factory setting (tried this hoping it would fix the problem)....I was setting up the crossovers, distances as per usual but when I set up the channel levels the right surround required 4db more in gain than before. This speaker has to placed closer than the other surround, (approx 5 ft from my listening position due to room constraints), so I always have had to reduce it by 3db when level matching. I thought it could be a problem with my XPA-3 so I switched to another channel on the amp but there was no change.
Fearing it was my speaker, I swapped the Right surround speaker with the Left and again, no change. I even temporarily ran another speaker cable to it to eliminate the possibility of a cable problem

Have you tried another sub (if another is available) to rule out the SVS maybe having the issue? Sorry if you've tried this already and i'm just late to the party. 

On top of resetting the unit to its factory defaults, have you unplugged it from the wall and let it sit for a few minutes? I'd start there. Then try the following (again, sorry if you've done all of these things already). 

1. Check to make sure all your speakers are connected to the right outputs on the back of the 7030. Double check to make sure your SVS is plugged into the subwoofer output, either balanced or unbalanced (XLR or RCA). 
2. On the back of your SVS subwoofer set the volume to 12 o'clock. If your sub has a reference level setting, set it to that. 
3. Defeat your SVS's internal crossover, either by setting the cross over to its max value (usually over 100Hz, maybe close to 200Hz) or by engaging a crossover defeat switch (depending upon your model). Doing this will ensure the cross over point will be determined by the 7030 only. 
4. Any other controls such as phase, LF cut off etc. should be set to their default or defeated states. 
5. Plug in your sub and 7030. 
6. Don't worry about your speakers at this point.
7. Set your subwoofer to on, not auto etc. (for now).
8. In the 7030's setup menu, set your subwoofer's crossover point to 80Hz (first make sure you tell your 7030 you have a sub).
9. Set your 7030's volume to a comfortable level (that you know to be comfortable). 
10. Select the subwoofer channel in test tones and send a tone to your subwoofer. If it puts out a tone that is close in level to what you know the 7030's volume level to be comparable to, then I'd say the 7030 is working properly. 
11. Balance all your speakers -including your subwoofer -to the same SPL level using an SPL meter. 
12. Play some content (don't set any other settings with regards to playback options or DSPs at this point). 

Report back. Hope this helps. If you're still running into issues please give us a call on Monday. Ask for Damon if you haven't already spoken to him already.

[Deleted]

Jan 5, 2014 14:31:33 GMT -5 Andrew Robinson said:

Jan 5, 2014 14:11:10 GMT -5 @badge said:

Have you tried another sub (if another is available) to rule out the SVS maybe having the issue? Sorry if you've tried this already and i'm just late to the party. 

On top of resetting the unit to its factory defaults, have you unplugged it from the wall and let it sit for a few minutes? I'd start there. Then try the following (again, sorry if you've done all of these things already). 

1. Check to make sure all your speakers are connected to the right outputs on the back of the 7030. Double check to make sure your SVS is plugged into the subwoofer output, either balanced or unbalanced (XLR or RCA). 
2. On the back of your SVS subwoofer set the volume to 12 o'clock. If your sub has a reference level setting, set it to that. 
3. Defeat your SVS's internal crossover, either by setting the cross over to its max value (usually over 100Hz, maybe close to 200Hz) or by engaging a crossover defeat switch (depending upon your model). Doing this will ensure the cross over point will be determined by the 7030 only. 
4. Any other controls such as phase, LF cut off etc. should be set to their default or defeated states. 
5. Plug in your sub and 7030. 
6. Don't worry about your speakers at this point.
7. Set your subwoofer to on, not auto etc. (for now).
8. In the 7030's setup menu, set your subwoofer's crossover point to 80Hz (first make sure you tell your 7030 you have a sub).
9. Set your 7030's volume to a comfortable level (that you know to be comfortable). 
10. Select the subwoofer channel in test tones and send a tone to your subwoofer. If it puts out a tone that is close in level to what you know the 7030's volume level to be comparable to, then I'd say the 7030 is working properly. 
11. Balance all your speakers -including your subwoofer -to the same SPL level using an SPL meter. 
12. Play some content (don't set any other settings with regards to playback options or DSPs at this point). 

Report back. Hope this helps. If you're still running into issues please give us a call on Monday. Ask for Damon if you haven't already spoken to him already.

Andrew,

Thanks for the response.
I have unplugged the unit already and let it sit for a few minutes and I have covered all of the points above.
Crossovers, phase, etc on the subs have all been set to defeated states
Test tones for the sub are generated by the 7030 but it is when I am watching a movie or listening to music that the lack of low frequency becomes obvious. I have not experienced this since I purchased the 7030...it has just become an issue over the past few days. It does not make any difference whether the SVS sub EQ is hooked up or if I hook the subs up directly to the outputs on the 7030.
The SVS subs seem fine as I hooked them up to my stereo pre amp to verify this and they have lots of output.
I was just playing around with the crossover settings in the menu and it suddenly started working again at 80 hz....it did this last night as well then stopped working at some point. The fact that it will work fine @ 80hz then after a while I need to increase both the sub level to Max and the crossover to > 120hz in order to get any noticeable output tells me there is likely something wrong with the 7030.

[Andrew Robinson]

So via test tones you're hearing appropriate output? When playing content the subs seem to cut out or not put out any output? That's strange. What are your settings for your source and the input on the 7030? Are you sitting in a null? It is possible to sit in a particular spot in room and hear no bass despite the drivers appearing as if they're going to burst from their cabinet.

[Deleted]

I am getting the appropriate output on the test tones.
I had the sub level at -2db when I set my speaker levels but I have had to increase the sub +9db in order to get any output. The problem seems to correct itself when I play around with the crossover settings and then after a while, it has a decreased output again.
It does not matter where I am in the room, the output or lack thereof is the same...this has been the same setup since I purchased the 7030 so nothing has changed.
The sources are all digital (HDMI, Toslink and where applicable set to bitstream) and the Sub level for all of the various digital formats in the 7030 are now set to +6db.
Could it be a firmware issue and a reflash may fix it?
Also, is there an update on the promised firmware update for the 7030?

[Andrew Robinson]

Do you have any PEQ settings?

DO you have the sub trims set at different levels with regards to specific surround sound formats?

In stereo only do you hear the sub at an appropriate level? Put a CD in and just play two channel music and see if you're experiencing the same issue.

Doubt firmware is the culprit and cannot speak to an update. You may be a candidate for service. You got me stumped at this point.

[Deleted]

When I set up my subwoofer via the test tones it ends up being 8 and 10 db lower than what it should be. If I level set it via the 7030 test tones with the rest of the speakers it ends up at -3 when listening to music or movies I had to turn it up to +6.5 to get proper output with the rest of the speakers. It's a pretty common problem among 7030 owners but the fact yours didn't do this from the start is extremely odd.

[Andrew Robinson]

Jan 5, 2014 15:53:25 GMT -5 fattykidd said:

When I set up my subwoofer via the test tones it ends up being 8 and 10 db lower than what it should be. If I level set it via the 7030 test tones with the rest of the speakers it ends up at -3 when listening to music or movies I had to turn it up to +6.5 to get proper output with the rest of the speakers. It's a pretty common problem among 7030 owners but the fact yours didn't do this from the start is extremely odd.

I don't understand this statement at all. What other test tone(s) are you using that aren't internal to the 7030? Also, I'm a 7030 owner and have no idea what you're talking about when you mention this is a "common problem". I can integrate my sub(s) just fine. I think the user that has sparked this discussion is a special case as it does sound a bit like his unit might be malfunctioning. 

[mgbpuff]

Jan 5, 2014 15:56:46 GMT -5 Andrew Robinson said:

Jan 5, 2014 15:53:25 GMT -5 fattykidd said:

When I set up my subwoofer via the test tones it ends up being 8 and 10 db lower than what it should be. If I level set it via the 7030 test tones with the rest of the speakers it ends up at -3 when listening to music or movies I had to turn it up to +6.5 to get proper output with the rest of the speakers. It's a pretty common problem among 7030 owners but the fact yours didn't do this from the start is extremely odd.

I don't understand this statement at all. What other test tone(s) are you using that aren't internal to the 7030?

I experienced the same thing - see post 694.

[Deleted]

Jan 5, 2014 15:52:14 GMT -5 Andrew Robinson said:

Do you have any PEQ settings?

DO you have the sub trims set at different levels with regards to specific surround sound formats?

In stereo only do you hear the sub at an appropriate level? Put a CD in and just play two channel music and see if you're experiencing the same issue.

Doubt firmware is the culprit and cannot speak to an update. You may be a candidate for service. You got me stumped at this point.

I have no PEQ settings
All sub trims are now at +6 db for the surround formats
The same thing happens in stereo mode, that is where I first noticed the problem
Is Emotiva still planning on releasing a firmware update as per your post in October?

[Deleted]

Ok, I used the test tones in the 7030 to level match my at the time 7.2 setup to 75db at whatever volume it was, I then watched a movie that I'm VERY familiar with and got NO subwoofer output, so I ran some sweeps in rew and got my results using it's charts and tones when I raised the level to +6.5 in the 7030 it was an acceptable level to my ear and in rew. When I ran my sweeps in rew with the level at -3 I could not get over 65db.
So long story short between the 7030 tones and rew tones there was a 10db discrepancy.

When I first received my 7030 I questioned here on the forum about the inaccurate sub test tones and had more than a couple members state they had experienced the same thing and to simply turn up the sub.

[repeetavx]

Mine's fine. With flat EQ my subwoofer levels are flat at -6db. I have noticed a bunch of posts about the PT-7030 sub levels being low. Let's hope mine doesn't join them.

[Deleted]

I hope your unit does not develop these issues.
The other thing I find strange is that after I reset the unit and did my channel level matching, my Right Surround needed to be 4db higher than it was previously. My previous two Denon receivers, Marantz AV7005, Sherbourn PT-7020A and the PT-7030 (until the past few days) all had the Right Surround down 3 -4 db when adjusting channel levels due speaker placement and now with the 7030 I have to bump it up 4db.

[jefft51]

Jan 5, 2014 16:23:03 GMT -5 fattykidd said:

Ok, I used the test tones in the 7030 to level match my at the time 7.2 setup to 75db at whatever volume it was, I then watched a movie that I'm VERY familiar with and got NO subwoofer output, so I ran some sweeps in rew and got my results using it's charts and tones when I raised the level to +6.5 in the 7030 it was an acceptable level to my ear and in rew. When I ran my sweeps in rew with the level at -3 I could not get over 65db.
So long story short between the 7030 tones and rew tones there was a 10db discrepancy.

When I first received my 7030 I questioned here on the forum about the inaccurate sub test tones and had more than a couple members state they had experienced the same thing and to simply turn up the sub.

I was one of those that have the same issue. I previously had the UMC-1 and using it's test tones to match SPL worked well. With the 7030, the sub needs to be turned up about 8-10dB from what was set with the test tones. It's not an issue for me as I have plenty of room to turn up the subs.

[swampfire]

I prefer to set levels using a BluRay disc like S&M or Avia anyway. We may as well use the entire signal path to set the levels.

Andrew, very nice to see you here. 

[Andrew Robinson]

Jan 5, 2014 22:49:50 GMT -5 swampfire said:

Andrew, very nice to see you here. 

Opposed to where?

[swampfire]

Jan 5, 2014 23:43:51 GMT -5 Andrew Robinson said:

Jan 5, 2014 22:49:50 GMT -5 swampfire said:

Andrew, very nice to see you here. 

Opposed to where?

I meant that it's very nice to see you on this thread. Sincerely stated, no sarcasm at all. As an an employee of a larger corporation, I'm not allowed to participate in discussions about "my" products - even when I can help. That's why I admire companies that encourage such discussion.  

[Andrew Robinson]

Jan 6, 2014 17:14:17 GMT -5 swampfire said:

Jan 5, 2014 23:43:51 GMT -5 Andrew Robinson said:

Opposed to where?

I meant that it's very nice to see you on this thread. Sincerely stated, no sarcasm at all. As an an employee of a larger corporation, I'm not allowed to participate in discussions about "my" products - even when I can help. That's why I admire companies that encourage such discussion.  

Oh, fair enough. Glad to be here. 

[traderfjp]

I'm getting my processor delivered tomorrow. I have my fingers crossed that the musicality makes up for the little quirks that some of you have posted about. One thing that strikes me strange is the Sherbourn put the usb drive on the back of the unit. I guess if you stick with the dongle that is fine but to play music via the usb drive it will be a major hassle to get to this port. I'm not sure what they were thinking. I noticed the Rotel RSP-1572 has there USB port on the faceplate. I also like the smaller form factor of the Rotel. I have no desire for balanced inputs. Oh well. The ROtel is also not being discounted unless you buy it on Ebay and I really don't like buying processors used.

[sebastianr]

I think you'll really enjoy the Sherbourn PT-7030. It does have a couple of quirks, mainly the short audio drop when starting a CD or bluray. For my particular PT-7030, that has been it. I love the sound and paired with the Sherbourn PA 7-350 amplifier, it is just what I need.