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.