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Post by omuracada on Aug 7, 2021 21:24:55 GMT -5
Well I really wanted that to work! I left it unplugged for 20+ minutes and after plugging it back in I took the spl and without the tone trim it measures about 68db when at +12db from MLP. If I bump that to 6 and increase the tone trim to +12 then I get a strong 75+db from MLP and the movie dialog sounds crystal clear and loud! Are you certain that the power supply for the panel is working? Are you able to play a 1000Hz tone through it? Not pink noise, it needs to be a single frequency tone. This is to determine if the panel is not active. 1000Hz is far enough away from the crossovers in the speaker so the woofers and tweeter won't be active. Otherwise, you'd be forced to put your ear very close - but not touching - the panel, while covering the tweeter with a hand. Stupid question, however what is the best way to play that sound via the XMC2?
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Post by ttocs on Aug 7, 2021 21:27:32 GMT -5
Not sure however on my way home and will find out. Is there any chance that this is due to the focus breaking in. It's a month old and was not sure if it takes a bit for it to settle into itself. No, the output level isn't going to change much, definitely not 12dB. Is the Status LED on the back next to the On/Off Wall switch illuminated? You'll need to verify that the tweeter, stat panel, and woofers all are operating.
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Post by ttocs on Aug 7, 2021 21:36:10 GMT -5
Are you certain that the power supply for the panel is working? Are you able to play a 1000Hz tone through it? Not pink noise, it needs to be a single frequency tone. This is to determine if the panel is not active. 1000Hz is far enough away from the crossovers in the speaker so the woofers and tweeter won't be active. Otherwise, you'd be forced to put your ear very close - but not touching - the panel, while covering the tweeter with a hand. Stupid question, however what is the best way to play that sound via the XMC2? Go to: Menu:Setup:Speakers:Preset1:Equalization:User:Center:Filter 11:Tone Frequency: then change the frequency to 1000 or something close, then arrow left once, up once to Test Tone Level, then choose Sine Low. edit: After choosing Sine Low you can back out and go back to frequency to change the frequency to test woofers and tweeter. To stop quickly you can press the Menu button to exit the Menu or go back to Sine Low and change to Off.
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Post by omuracada on Aug 7, 2021 21:42:35 GMT -5
Stupid question, however what is the best way to play that sound via the XMC2? Go to: Menu:Setup:Speakers:Preset1:Equalization:User:Center:Filter 11:Tone Frequency: then change the frequency to 1000 or something close, then arrow left once, up once to Test Tone Level, then choose Sine Low. edit: After choosing Sine Low you can back out and go back to frequency to change the frequency to test woofers and tweeter. To stop quickly you can press the Menu button to exit the Menu or go back to Sine Low and change to Off. Ok going to try this tonight. Just getting home and will post what happens! Thanks again for the assistance as I hope its not the speaker itself and that I end up needing to call Martin Logan direct:)
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Post by omuracada on Aug 7, 2021 21:44:47 GMT -5
Not sure however on my way home and will find out. Is there any chance that this is due to the focus breaking in. It's a month old and was not sure if it takes a bit for it to settle into itself. No, the output level isn't going to change much, definitely not 12dB. Is the Status LED on the back next to the On/Off Wall switch illuminated? You'll need to verify that the tweeter, stat panel, and woofers all are operating. Yes it illuminates Blue
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Post by ttocs on Aug 7, 2021 22:14:38 GMT -5
No, the output level isn't going to change much, definitely not 12dB. Is the Status LED on the back next to the On/Off Wall switch illuminated? You'll need to verify that the tweeter, stat panel, and woofers all are operating. Yes it illuminates Blue That's a good start. I need to clarify something for a moment so you don't mix two variables in the diagnosis. When you responded to AudioHTIT you said that you did put the Focus on the amp output normally used for another speaker, correct? His point being that if you take the speaker cable from another speaker that has good output, then if the Focus still has poor output then you know the problem is with the Focus. If the output is good, the the problem is something in the chain just for the Center channel. It's a good diagnostic isolation test, change one thing at a time. So since you kept the Center Speaker cable with the Center Speaker and still got low output, then it's not a certainty that the problem is the speaker, it might be the cable. You should connect the Focus to the end of a speaker cable you know has good output, which he also suggested. Have you done this? You need to rule out the speaker cable that was originally connected to the Focus.
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Post by omuracada on Aug 7, 2021 22:25:57 GMT -5
Go to: Menu:Setup:Speakers:Preset1:Equalization:User:Center:Filter 11:Tone Frequency: then change the frequency to 1000 or something close, then arrow left once, up once to Test Tone Level, then choose Sine Low. edit: After choosing Sine Low you can back out and go back to frequency to change the frequency to test woofers and tweeter. To stop quickly you can press the Menu button to exit the Menu or go back to Sine Low and change to Off. Ok going to try this tonight. Just getting home and will post what happens! Thanks again for the assistance as I hope its not the speaker itself and that I end up needing to call Martin Logan direct:) ok so I went to Filter 11 and followed your exact directions. The result was fantastic as I could hear the 1000Hz and as I lowered it to hit the woofers and tweeter I could hear everything with clarity. I then went back to use the spl and no luck still very low and I can not get it where I need it unless I use the trim tones on top! I also tried to take the front left speaker wire and pluck it into the Center and again no change! I wonder why it rocks once I leverage the trim tone combined with setting the level at 6db permanently. Once I do that it purs like a cat!! its just supper odd that it just started this last night. I can try to vacum or clean the speaker tomorrow two however it does not appear to have dirt and the area is super clean. I will try again in the morning! I wonder if it is the pre amp or the speaker itself..........
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Post by omuracada on Aug 7, 2021 22:28:50 GMT -5
That's a good start. I need to clarify something for a moment so you don't mix two variables in the diagnosis. When you responded to AudioHTIT you said that you did put the Focus on the amp output normally used for another speaker, correct? His point being that if you take the speaker cable from another speaker that has good output, then if the Focus still has poor output then you know the problem is with the Focus. If the output is good, the the problem is something in the chain just for the Center channel. It's a good diagnostic isolation test, change one thing at a time. So since you kept the Center Speaker cable with the Center Speaker and still got low output, then it's not a certainty that the problem is the speaker, it might be the cable. You should connect the Focus to the end of a speaker cable you know has good output, which he also suggested. Have you done this? You need to rule out the speaker cable that was originally connected to the Focus. Yea i did that a minute ago(swapped out the left speaker cable and plugged into the center) and the center was still playing low! I guess if it is the speaker I need to call Martin Logan monday and see what we can do.
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Post by ttocs on Aug 7, 2021 22:53:07 GMT -5
That's a good start. I need to clarify something for a moment so you don't mix two variables in the diagnosis. When you responded to AudioHTIT you said that you did put the Focus on the amp output normally used for another speaker, correct? His point being that if you take the speaker cable from another speaker that has good output, then if the Focus still has poor output then you know the problem is with the Focus. If the output is good, the the problem is something in the chain just for the Center channel. It's a good diagnostic isolation test, change one thing at a time. So since you kept the Center Speaker cable with the Center Speaker and still got low output, then it's not a certainty that the problem is the speaker, it might be the cable. You should connect the Focus to the end of a speaker cable you know has good output, which he also suggested. Have you done this? You need to rule out the speaker cable that was originally connected to the Focus. Yea i did that a minute ago(swapped out the left speaker cable and plugged into the center) and the center was still playing low! I guess if it is the speaker I need to call Martin Logan monday and see what we can do. So did the tone test seem to you that all 3 ways of the speaker were about the same amount of output? I would do the following just to reset the processor. If yours is like mine, the Center Speaker will be weak compared to the L&R. My L&R are reduced by -5dB, while the Center remains at 0.0dB. Factory Reset. Cold boot for two minutes. Upon restart, don't change anything, don't change speakers to large or small or even change which channels are active just leave them at the default values, go directly to Levels and level just the channels for speakers you have. If the Center channel is the weakest, that's not a problem as long as the other speaker channels can be made to be equal to the Center. If you don't have an SPL meter, you can use your cell phone and get an app. It'll bounce around a bit, so it's a judgement call for determining a value. After Levels, just watch regular tv for a bit to get a sense of how the Center Speaker is working vs Left/Right. Commercials are sometimes a good test as well with the possible changes in audio and mixing.
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Post by omuracada on Aug 7, 2021 23:52:56 GMT -5
Yea i did that a minute ago(swapped out the left speaker cable and plugged into the center) and the center was still playing low! I guess if it is the speaker I need to call Martin Logan monday and see what we can do. So did the tone test seem to you that all 3 ways of the speaker were about the same amount of output? I would do the following just to reset the processor. If yours is like mine, the Center Speaker will be weak compared to the L&R. My L&R are reduced by -5dB, while the Center remains at 0.0dB. Factory Reset. Cold boot for two minutes. Upon restart, don't change anything, don't change speakers to large or small or even change which channels are active just leave them at the default values, go directly to Levels and level just the channels for speakers you have. If the Center channel is the weakest, that's not a problem as long as the other speaker channels can be made to be equal to the Center. If you don't have an SPL meter, you can use your cell phone and get an app. It'll bounce around a bit, so it's a judgement call for determining a value. After Levels, just watch regular tv for a bit to get a sense of how the Center Speaker is working vs Left/Right. Commercials are sometimes a good test as well with the possible changes in audio and mixing. OK will do that first thing in the morning. My question to you, is when I use the SPL meter, do you use a low tone or high tone to take the measurements with. I am always confused on which one is the right one to us. I have been using the low one, however I am wondering if this is one of my mistakes in taking proper measurements with the meter.
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Post by ttocs on Aug 8, 2021 7:45:03 GMT -5
So did the tone test seem to you that all 3 ways of the speaker were about the same amount of output? I would do the following just to reset the processor. If yours is like mine, the Center Speaker will be weak compared to the L&R. My L&R are reduced by -5dB, while the Center remains at 0.0dB. Factory Reset. Cold boot for two minutes. Upon restart, don't change anything, don't change speakers to large or small or even change which channels are active just leave them at the default values, go directly to Levels and level just the channels for speakers you have. If the Center channel is the weakest, that's not a problem as long as the other speaker channels can be made to be equal to the Center. If you don't have an SPL meter, you can use your cell phone and get an app. It'll bounce around a bit, so it's a judgement call for determining a value. After Levels, just watch regular tv for a bit to get a sense of how the Center Speaker is working vs Left/Right. Commercials are sometimes a good test as well with the possible changes in audio and mixing. OK will do that first thing in the morning. My question to you, is when I use the SPL meter, do you use a low tone or high tone to take the measurements with. I am always confused on which one is the right one to us. I have been using the low one, however I am wondering if this is one of my mistakes in taking proper measurements with the meter. I use Medium to overcome ambient room noise level by enough so every speaker isn't struggling to be heard. Menu::Setup::Speakers::Preset 1::Levels::Test Tone::Medium The objective here for you right now is to figure out your problem, so extreme accuracy isn't needed, just be close enough. I don't think anyone asked this yet, did you level the channels prior to the problem?
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Post by omuracada on Aug 8, 2021 8:03:39 GMT -5
OK will do that first thing in the morning. My question to you, is when I use the SPL meter, do you use a low tone or high tone to take the measurements with. I am always confused on which one is the right one to us. I have been using the low one, however I am wondering if this is one of my mistakes in taking proper measurements with the meter. I use Medium to overcome ambient room noise level by enough so every speaker isn't struggling to be heard. Menu::Setup::Speakers::Preset 1::Levels::Test Tone::Medium The objective here for you right now is to figure out your problem, so extreme accuracy isn't needed, just be close enough. I don't think anyone asked this yet, did you level the channels prior to the problem? I believe we are now cooking with a little more gas! I followed your directions and in doing a reset and unplugging the device after for about 15 min I believe we made something happen! I touched nothing and went into levels. I set the tone to medium and my front and left had to be at -1.5db to hit a consistent 75db from the MLP and the center had to be at +8.5db to hit a clear 75db. When i then played movies I was able to hear the dialog clearly and without ever having to touch the tone trim!!!! Prior to this I had to set the level to +6 on center and the tone trim to +12db. This is no longer the case??!! I am wondering why the center channel needs such a boost, however I am happy that I can hear dialog again without the need for tone trim assistance! A few questions, should I go back in and set up the distances, as I am almost nervous to make any more changes:) In doing this what do you think the challenge actually was and with me still needing the center channel at +8.5 do we think I have a center channel physical problem. I also played the sine tones again and man were they all very loud and clear through the center channel. If I need to replace the focus I will as I can still look to return it for a new one if needed. I rather not as its a process however I will if we believe having it at +8.5 when all the other speakers are at -1.5 is a sign of a possible defect. Then again does the center channel have the same challenges with placement as the L and R do? Should I bring it closer to me and farther from the wall? Lower it or raise it on its stand? All in all I am much happier with this mornings outcome, however want to make sure I am getting what I am paying for as this stuff (in my opinion) is not cheap!
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Post by omuracada on Aug 8, 2021 8:04:00 GMT -5
OK will do that first thing in the morning. My question to you, is when I use the SPL meter, do you use a low tone or high tone to take the measurements with. I am always confused on which one is the right one to us. I have been using the low one, however I am wondering if this is one of my mistakes in taking proper measurements with the meter. I use Medium to overcome ambient room noise level by enough so every speaker isn't struggling to be heard. Menu::Setup::Speakers::Preset 1::Levels::Test Tone::Medium The objective here for you right now is to figure out your problem, so extreme accuracy isn't needed, just be close enough. I don't think anyone asked this yet, did you level the channels prior to the problem? yes I had set the levels prior to this happening!
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Post by ttocs on Aug 8, 2021 9:13:33 GMT -5
I use Medium to overcome ambient room noise level by enough so every speaker isn't struggling to be heard. Menu::Setup::Speakers::Preset 1::Levels::Test Tone::Medium The objective here for you right now is to figure out your problem, so extreme accuracy isn't needed, just be close enough. I don't think anyone asked this yet, did you level the channels prior to the problem? I believe we are now cooking with a little more gas! I followed your directions and in doing a reset and unplugging the device after for about 15 min I believe we made something happen! I touched nothing and went into levels. I set the tone to medium and my front and left had to be at -1.5db to hit a consistent 75db from the MLP and the center had to be at +8.5db to hit a clear 75db. When i then played movies I was able to hear the dialog clearly and without ever having to touch the tone trim!!!! Prior to this I had to set the level to +6 on center and the tone trim to +12db. This is no longer the case??!! I am wondering why the center channel needs such a boost, however I am happy that I can hear dialog again without the need for tone trim assistance! A few questions, should I go back in and set up the distances, as I am almost nervous to make any more changes:) In doing this what do you think the challenge actually was and with me still needing the center channel at +8.5 do we think I have a center channel physical problem. I also played the sine tones again and man were they all very loud and clear through the center channel. If I need to replace the focus I will as I can still look to return it for a new one if needed. I rather not as its a process however I will if we believe having it at +8.5 when all the other speakers are at -1.5 is a sign of a possible defect. Then again does the center channel have the same challenges with placement as the L and R do? Should I bring it closer to me and farther from the wall? Lower it or raise it on its stand? All in all I am much happier with this mornings outcome, however want to make sure I am getting what I am paying for as this stuff (in my opinion) is not cheap! Using math, I come up with a 10dB difference between your Fronts and Center. I just looked and when using the User EQ, the difference between my Fronts and Center is 5dB. Right now it's my multi-channel Krell that is powering the LCR channels, so this is a fair test of speaker output. With your system you have two different types of amps for Fronts and Center, so it would be interesting to know if the output of the Focus would be different if using a HC-1 and compare to a Expression using a HC-1.
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Post by omuracada on Aug 8, 2021 10:12:51 GMT -5
I believe we are now cooking with a little more gas! I followed your directions and in doing a reset and unplugging the device after for about 15 min I believe we made something happen! I touched nothing and went into levels. I set the tone to medium and my front and left had to be at -1.5db to hit a consistent 75db from the MLP and the center had to be at +8.5db to hit a clear 75db. When i then played movies I was able to hear the dialog clearly and without ever having to touch the tone trim!!!! Prior to this I had to set the level to +6 on center and the tone trim to +12db. This is no longer the case??!! I am wondering why the center channel needs such a boost, however I am happy that I can hear dialog again without the need for tone trim assistance! A few questions, should I go back in and set up the distances, as I am almost nervous to make any more changes:) In doing this what do you think the challenge actually was and with me still needing the center channel at +8.5 do we think I have a center channel physical problem. I also played the sine tones again and man were they all very loud and clear through the center channel. If I need to replace the focus I will as I can still look to return it for a new one if needed. I rather not as its a process however I will if we believe having it at +8.5 when all the other speakers are at -1.5 is a sign of a possible defect. Then again does the center channel have the same challenges with placement as the L and R do? Should I bring it closer to me and farther from the wall? Lower it or raise it on its stand? All in all I am much happier with this mornings outcome, however want to make sure I am getting what I am paying for as this stuff (in my opinion) is not cheap! Using math, I come up with a 10dB difference between your Fronts and Center. I just looked and when using the User EQ, the difference between my Fronts and Center is 5dB. Right now it's my multi-channel Krell that is powering the LCR channels, so this is a fair test of speaker output. With your system you have two different types of amps for Fronts and Center, so it would be interesting to know if the output of the Focus would be different if using a HC-1 and compare to a Expression using a HC-1. Solid point, I am just going to order another HC-1 for the center and this way I am using the same amp for everything as you bring up a solid point. Up until Thursday all speakers were on one amp. Now the center and fronts are seperated on two different type of amps. I will add another monoblock just for the center this way all three are on the same equipment and we will see if I can a few db back! Worst case I return it within the 30 day trial and best case it fixes everything:)
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Post by AudioHTIT on Aug 8, 2021 10:55:24 GMT -5
Using math, I come up with a 10dB difference between your Fronts and Center. I just looked and when using the User EQ, the difference between my Fronts and Center is 5dB. Right now it's my multi-channel Krell that is powering the LCR channels, so this is a fair test of speaker output. With your system you have two different types of amps for Fronts and Center, so it would be interesting to know if the output of the Focus would be different if using a HC-1 and compare to a Expression using a HC-1. Solid point, I am just going to order another HC-1 for the center and this way I am using the same amp for everything as you bring up a solid point. Up until Thursday all speakers were on one amp. Now the center and fronts are seperated on two different type of amps. I will add another monoblock just for the center this way all three are on the same equipment and we will see if I can a few db back! Worst case I return it within the 30 day trial and best case it fixes everything:) If the two amp types you mention are the ones in your signature, the HC-1 and the XPA-7G3, they are indeed the same amp, and both have 29 dB gain — which is the useful spec to know in this discussion. I wouldn’t expect any difference in level by replacing the XPA-7G3 with the HC-1.
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Post by omuracada on Aug 8, 2021 11:33:22 GMT -5
Solid point, I am just going to order another HC-1 for the center and this way I am using the same amp for everything as you bring up a solid point. Up until Thursday all speakers were on one amp. Now the center and fronts are separated on two different type of amps. I will add another monoblock just for the center this way all three are on the same equipment and we will see if I can a few db back! Worst case I return it within the 30 day trial and best case it fixes everything:) If the two amp types you mention are the ones in your signature, the HC-1 and the XPA-7G3, they are indeed the same amp, and both have 29 dB gain — which is the useful spec to know in this discussion. I wouldn’t expect any difference in level by replacing the XPA-7G3 with the HC-1. Thanks for the info as I am very new at this level of sound. I used to just have a Marantz then a pioneer elite receiver and went separates and upgraded speakers a few months back. Does this mean it was a waste to separate out my fronts onto the HC-1's. Would have it just been as good to keep them on the XPA-7G3? It feels like a rabbit hole that never ends, as there is so much to take in and learn. I know I am not good at it, however I am trying to put in the time to learn as much as I can so I make less mistakes. In the end I am just trying to find the appropriate amps to run my type of speaker well. I was told I should separate out my 3 fronts onto separate amps, however if there is no difference then I would happily return the HC-1's and keep everything on the XPA-7g3 and as I upgrade my Theater with more speakers I can grab a new amp for the Atmos\rears. If I need to look at a different pre-amp then that is something I would consider, however I have enjoyed the XMC-2 thus far. originally it was that or the Anthem pre amp. Again just trying to learn how to best put together a environment that will be 95% movies and 5% music. Sticking with 5.1 and eventually 9.1.6. I also went with XMC-2 cause I heard DIRAC was better than ARC (another rabbit hole, I know)!
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Post by ttocs on Aug 8, 2021 11:48:56 GMT -5
omuracada, while the 7 channel amp uses the same components as the HC-1 single channel amp, there is a distinction in the usage of them. First, the Expressions are very demanding speakers and using mono amps is the best way to feed them. Second, the 7 channel amp has different specs based upon how many channels are active, to the power will vary quite a bit and again, not the best for the Expressions. As I said to you elsewhere listen to music with just the two Expressions and HC-1 amps and see if any ear fatigue sets in. This is my favorite "test". If the amps and speakers love each other there will be no fatigue. The Focus however is different, not as demanding, and "can" remain on the 7 channel amp, but, how about just trying one of your HC-1 amps just to find out what happens? See if it is at all different than one Expression in Levels. I know I'm curious. With my tube amps vs Krell vs Emotiva XPA-200, I've compared them all just to see how they differ vs each other. The Levels app in the processor is one way to compare and it's easy to use.
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Post by omuracada on Aug 8, 2021 12:34:46 GMT -5
omuracada , while the 7 channel amp uses the same components as the HC-1 single channel amp, there is a distinction in the usage of them. First, the Expressions are very demanding speakers and using mono amps is the best way to feed them. Second, the 7 channel amp has different specs based upon how many channels are active, to the power will vary quite a bit and again, not the best for the Expressions. As I said to you elsewhere listen to music with just the two Expressions and HC-1 amps and see if any ear fatigue sets in. This is my favorite "test". If the amps and speakers love each other there will be no fatigue. The Focus however is different, not as demanding, and "can" remain on the 7 channel amp, but, how about just trying one of your HC-1 amps just to find out what happens? See if it is at all different than one Expression in Levels. I know I'm curious. With my tube amps vs Krell vs Emotiva XPA-200, I've compared them all just to see how they differ vs each other. The Levels app in the processor is one way to compare and it's easy to use. Gotcha, yes so far with 3 days of listening I get no Fatigue at solid volume levels and this is all in reference stereo mode. I am not a music guy and by doing this I am absolutely Loving listening to all kinds of music. Its like nothing I have ever experienced with music. I would say the HC-1's are doing the Job. I will head down now and switch center to the HC-1 and see what happens when I measure the levels. Will report back shortly.
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Post by omuracada on Aug 8, 2021 15:02:25 GMT -5
omuracada , while the 7 channel amp uses the same components as the HC-1 single channel amp, there is a distinction in the usage of them. First, the Expressions are very demanding speakers and using mono amps is the best way to feed them. Second, the 7 channel amp has different specs based upon how many channels are active, to the power will vary quite a bit and again, not the best for the Expressions. As I said to you elsewhere listen to music with just the two Expressions and HC-1 amps and see if any ear fatigue sets in. This is my favorite "test". If the amps and speakers love each other there will be no fatigue. The Focus however is different, not as demanding, and "can" remain on the 7 channel amp, but, how about just trying one of your HC-1 amps just to find out what happens? See if it is at all different than one Expression in Levels. I know I'm curious. With my tube amps vs Krell vs Emotiva XPA-200, I've compared them all just to see how they differ vs each other. The Levels app in the processor is one way to compare and it's easy to use. OK so I spent a good amount of time testing the levels with a sound meter and this is what happened. When I swapped the center to the HC-1 and the right channel to the XPA 7 gen3 I immediately had to lower the right speaker (now attached to the XPA7 Gen3) by 1 to 1.5db. In summary it was at -1.5 to -2db and I had to bring it to -2.5 to -3db to get it to measure at 75db as it did when on the HC-1. The center channel when on the HC-1 had to be placed at 8.5 when it started on 8.0db on the XPA Gen3. This was odd to me as there was not much of a difference, however there was much more of a difference with the right front speaker. Not as much as I would have believed there would be. After awhile i swapped the right channel back to the HC-1 and had up it from the -2.5 to-3db back up to -1.5 to -2db to get it to measure 75db (all on medium tone). The center then had to go back to 8.0db to hit the 75db. Is this a situation where I may want to use a filter to try and get the level db down a bit more? One question I have is I was told by emotiva that due to the nature of the expressions that getting the 3 channel differential amp would probably not be as good as the HC-1's. I am wondering if this is actually true. My original plan was to go with the 3 channel differential and not the HC-1's. In doing this test I am not sure the HC-1's are the right fit? I am not giving up on them just yet, however a part of me wonders what it would be like if I returned them and picked up the XPA-DR3 Differential Reference™ Three-Channel Power Amplifier instead. Any thoughts on taking that route? Or do we believe that after all this it could be a physical challenge with my center channel and I may have to return it to get a new one? Honestly right now its not horrible as worst case and for any movie that may have subtle dialog or the FX overshadows dialog if I use the trim tone on the center the dialog can get even louder and clearer. Just trying to make sure I am making the right choices for the hardware I committed to. If that means trying a new amp I am cool with that. If I have to play with filters I can try that too. If this is just the way it is and you have to wait till your ready to spent 5K to 10K a monoblock to hear a difference then so be it I wait and save:)
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