AV question

[Carolina]

Whenever we watch a DVD, the music is always too loud. This is especially noticeable when there is music and dialogue together. - the music always overpowers the dialogue. Same goes for a music CD.

Our DVD player is an older Sony model. Can anyone tell me why this could be? It's always been like this, and I'd like to fix it if possible. I should note that it's not like this when watching a movie on television. We have external speakers and an audio receiver connected as well.

[clew84]

I would say that you need to check your channel levels to make sure that they are equal. A lot of the dialogue comes from the center speaker and the music tends to come from the L and R speakers and maybe some from the center. The mix assumes that your speakers are all producing the same amount of sound given a fixed signal.

You can usually check a sub menu item in the receiver that will show what your channel (speaker) levels are. What you want to do is sit in your main listening area (usually center of the couch) and adjust the sound levels so that they sound equal to you (this is usually done with a test sound in the receiver menu - it will usually sound like loud static). Normally this is done with a Sound Pressure Level (SPL) meter that will show you exactly the amount of decibels you are getting at that position. So if you set the receiver at a fixed volume level, then start with the left speaker and see what the SPL meter is reading. Then adjust every speaker equal to that level.

That may mean that one of your speakers is at +7, another at +8, etc.

Okay, that may be a little confusing. Let me know what questions you have. I guess I am also assuming that you have more than just 2 main speakers.

[Brunotheboxer]

Originally Posted by Carolina

Whenever we watch a DVD, the music is always too loud. This is especially noticeable when there is music and dialogue together. - the music always overpowers the dialogue. Same goes for a music CD.

Our DVD player is an older Sony model. Can anyone tell me why this could be? It's always been like this, and I'd like to fix it if possible. I should note that it's not like this when watching a movie on television. We have external speakers and an audio receiver connected as well.

you need to manually adjust the output levels on the receiver. I will assume that your system is 5.1 so you need to raise the level on the center channel and maybe lower the level on the main left and right speakers. I hope this helps and I hope you understand what I'm talking about..If you were near me I could do it myself.

[clew84]

Originally Posted by Brunotheboxer

you need to manually adjust the output levels on the receiver. I will assume that your system is 5.1 so you need to raise the level on the center channel and maybe lower the level on the main left and right speakers. I hope this helps and I hope you understand what I'm talking about..If you were near me I could do it myself.

Exactly - much better stated than how I put it. You can get really technical with this or just do what he said - turn up the center channel output level and/or turn down the left and right speakers. This all will be accessed through the receiver's menu.

[Carolina]

This is what we have:

http://www.amazon.com/Bose-Acoustima.../dp/B000069E1H

Obviously, there is no center speaker. Maybe that's the problem?

[clew84]

Yes, that is most likely the problem. The center speaker handles the dialogue. Without it, and if the receiver is processing 5.1 Dolby Digital (or DTS), then you will have the effect you are talking about. My suggestion is finding another small speaker to fit in the center. It will be hard to match the Bose. I am not a big fan of their products but you should find something at Best Buy or your local electronics store that will serve.

[Carolina]

We've had these for years, and if I had to do it over, I would get different speakers. Thanks, though - it's nice to know what is causing this annoying problem. Maybe I can find a bargain on ebay!