My 950/775 combo will arrive Friday. I have the Polk RT-55i for main, Polk CS-245 center, Polk FX-300i for surround and Paradigm PDR-10 Sub. Do I really need a SPL gauge to setup the speakers? Can't I just rely on the 950 tone adjustment? Can my sub keep up with the rest of the system having only 100 watt amp.

I currently have a Pioneer VSX-509S, will there be a big sound difference?

I feel like a new father waiting for a new baby...

Rambilt...I am no expert...although I like to think I know a little about Home Theater stuff. As far as Outlaw products go... I am a true Newbie but loving every minute of it. Here's what I can say....

I recently purchased a 950 but couldn't swing the amp yet so I can only speak about differences between my Pioneer ELITE VSX-21 Receiver and the 950. Currently using the Pioneer as an amp (85 x 5).

Once the 950 was set up; speaker distances, crossovers, channel calibration using SPL Meter, etc...I have to say that my system sounds much more alive. More detail heard in my rears...dialog in my center has never been so crisp...tighter bass in my fronts. In a nutshell..it sounds better. Since you also have a 755 arriving (I'm jealous) I would tend to think that you will experience additional improvements...given the 200W into each of your 5 channels.

This Forum is an excellent place to get started with your 950/755 combo as there are many seasoned Outlaw owners who know far more than I. The feedback I have received so far has helped me to maximize my 950 given my current setup. Enjoy!

I strongly recommend the SPL meter, which can be used along with the 950's test tones to achieve equal levels from all channels -- something that will invariably not be as accurate when done by ear alone.

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gonk -- Saloon Links | Pre/Pro Comparison Chart | 950 Review

I would say that the SPL meter is worth it in the majority of cases.

There are both analog and digital versions. The analog is generally prefered because one can see a 'trend' more easily as well as fluctuations of less than 1db if the needle is near the 'sweet spot' of the meter. There are longer discussions of this in other threads on this site and elsewhere. If you are looking to RS for an SPL meter, and a few bucks saved is worth some time to you, it generally goes on sale about twice a year.

even though you can get away without using a meter, the BEST way to balance the output levels would be with one. It all comes down to audiophiles looking to tweak everything to perfection. Myself included. Youl notice the transitions of the sounds around the room become very well balanced when going from speaker to speaker etc. Put it on your Xmas list

Well, thanks guys for all the help. I've surf around and found a few articles on how to use the Radio Shack SPL meter. The more I read about it the more I get intimidated. Can you get away making the adjustments at a moderate volume (-45dB) instead of 0dB? Does it have to be loud to make the adjustments. I really don't want to blow my ear drums while making the adjustments .

You want to be at 0dB, but keep in mind that you are calibrating the 950 to 75dB at that setting using the 950's test tones -- and 75dB's not all that intimidating. If you're nervous, I'd recommend that you switch to an unused input (nice & quiet), set the volume to 00dB, and then go into the 950's setup menu and run through the channels. You can sit in your "sweet spot" listening position or, even better, stand just behind it with the meter held where your head would be and the mic pointing toward the ceiling, set it to "slow" and "C" weighting, and tweak each channel's trim until the meter reads right around 75dB. Once you get into it, you'll find that it's pretty straightforward and quick to do.

There is an alternative to the 00dB volume setting that'll also work -- set the volume for -10dB and trim to 65dB on the meter, or volume at -20dB and trim to 55dB, but I'd recommend sticking with 0dB and 75dB.

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gonk -- Saloon Links | Pre/Pro Comparison Chart | 950 Review

Gonk, thanks!!! I noticed that your name is all over the forum. You have been a lot of help to everyone. Outlaws Audio should include you on their payroll...

Rambit, definatly get an SPL meter.
Along with D.Rowe I just bought a 950 and am using my receiver as the amp for now.

With my receiver I only trimmed the channels about 2db average.
With the 950 I had to trim them about 9db down to get 75db using the test tones.

I was kind of surprised I had to trim them so much. I have setup many home theaters for friends and never had to go more then 5db from reference before.

Hope this helps.

btw the meter is very easy to use once you try it, also get the analog one not the digital.

Okay! Okay! You guys twisted my arms. I'm stopping by at the local Radio shack to pick one. I called them and they have the analog version.

BTW, Outlaw Audio (Steve) disappoint me really bad. He just told me today that only the 950 was shipped via DHL. The 755 amp was shipped via fedEx Ground. This is after talking to him several times to ensure that I get my 950/755 combo this friday (tomorrow). He keeps assuring me that he'll make sure that it happens. But I guess he's all talk and can't walk the walk. I was so disappointed I could barely talk. His excuse was they normally ship 3 days after they received the order. What a lame excuse... He surely did ruin my weekend. I overnight a "cashiers check" why can't they do the same with my order. Oh well... I guess now I have to wait for the amp to be delivered which is on Monday.

you would be fine without a spl meter, it just makes setup more foolproof and gives you the ability to tinker with settings more. however "ideal" may not be how you like the room to sound, so keep that in mind. i would use the "ideal" (based on spl testing) setup just as a reference, and then slightly modify it to suit your tastes. there are a variety of different quality units out there, so be sure to get an adequate one.

youd be better off saving the money and buying a better center speaker.

/hugs his 950/770 combo

[This message has been edited by Outlaw_Tim (edited November 20, 2003).]

I got the SPL meter. I tried setting my pioneer but don't have enough adjustments (it ran out) to get the right measurements. Maybe I was doing something wrong. Or the Pioneer just don't have it. We'll try again when I received my Amplifier. BTW, I received my 950 today. It look so simple but very appealing. I like it so far. Hopefully, when my 755 gets here (Monday) it'll look and sound even better.

Rambilt,

I don't know if overstock.com still has the deal running but I was able to get the Digital Video Essentials calibration DVD for just under $12 shipped. They had a $5 off coupon for signing up with them. I suggest picking up a copy and using that for your calibration. It walks you through everything you need to know to calibrate your pre/pro and tv. I consider having a calibration DVD (whether VE or AVIA) a must have for any system.