Guys,
I've noticed a HUGE difference in the sound level of the low frequency content between a digital DD/DTS/PCM source and the analog 5.1 inputs with my 950. I've calibrated the sub level with the digital input but when using an analog 5.1 input, the bass is WAY overpowering and I end up lowering it by 5-6db.

I can only assume that this is because of phase differences for the sub output based on the source, which leads me to believe that I would be better off adjusting the phase for my digital sources. My subs are Velodyne F-1200's and don't have a phase switch (0-180) or adjustment. Can I just swap the polarity of the incoming signal? (ie. is the input floating so that connecting the signal to what would be the sub's gnd won't cause a problem?)

Thanks

Cary

Since the 5.1 direct input it's only afected by the volume control yo have to adjust the volumen level in your player, almost all SACD DVD-A players have shuch controls.

Thanks Julio, it's a Pioneer 578As and the only bass management offered is large/small and sub on/off.

I found an opamp circuit though for a 0-180 degree continuously adjustable phase adjustment that I think I'll build and try.

Cary

JCMCCORM,

You can set speaker levels by setting channel levels to VARIABLE in the Initial Settings Menue.
After Variable is selected you will get a Speaker level menue, Set the 950 to 6 channel, step cusor to right over the speaker icon and a test tone turns on. You can do this for each speaker and SW.

Thanks Paratrooper, I double-checked last night though, there is no place to select VARIABLE in the Initial Settings menu, just speaker size (large/small), sub on/off, and speaker distance.

Cary

Cary- Have you checked the player's manual? All players have the ability to set the levels of their 5.1 analog outputs.

Also, the difference you are hearing is too large to be caused by phase. You need to turn down the sub's level in the player.

Be careful, because there are multiple menus in the player. You have to find the right menu.

Thanks Kevin, I went and reread the manual. There isn't a way to adjust the 5.1 output levels unfortunately. It's a Pioneer 578As universal player and cost all of $129 so I'm not that surprised.

That makes sense the volume levels are two far off to be attributed to a phase difference.

I plan on trying Soundhound's suggestion of running with stereo subs (sub off, run main L & R through the sub(s) and then to the L & R amp). If that doesn't pan out, I'll need to find an easy way to attenuate the LFE output from this Pioneer player so that it will match other sources.

Cary

Cary,

I have the 563As,($70.00)orignal list was around $500.00,which was replaced by the 578As. The 563 has channel level adjustments as I described in my post. I just assumed that since they look exactly alike, and the 563As was discounted by Best Buy when the 578As arrived,that the level adjustment would be included in the 578As. BTW, I use Soundhound,s Sub Configuration and like it very much.

Ah, thanks Paratrooper!

No output level adjustment on the 578As. Strange!

I just started pulling everything out tonight to set the subs up as Soundhound recommended. Thanks for adding that you like that setup. I have no rear access to my audio gear and it's a major pain to break everything down and reconnect. I decided to go ahead and do the 950 EPROM upgrade while I'm at it though. Nice to know that it should be worth the effort.

I'm guessing that this new "stereo sub" setup will make it easier to get the sub calibrated for ANY source. I guess now though I'll need to use the sub's gain control for sub level calibration.

Cary

Paratrooper, one question though.

Since I'll be using 6ch bypass from the 578As, do you think that setting it up for sub "off" will redirect the LFE to the main L/R outputs?? Tough call since they don't even have level adjustments. Did the 563 do this? I'd hate to totally lose the LFE from the Pioneer. I guess I can check it with Avia or DVE (I'll have to check though, I think I remember something about Avia not using the LFE output).

Cary

I did look on the Pioneer's web site, but they don't have the manual up yet. I just cannot believe it doesn't have adjustable output levels for the 5.1 analog outputs. You *need* that for DVD-A and SACD, $129 price or not. That is an oversight on Pio's part.

Kevin, I just finished up with the stereo sub hookup last night. Since I'm no longer using the LFE output, both DVD (digital) and 6ch (well, 5) analog bypass are matched now with regards to bass levels.

I never really thought about having a levels adjustment in the Pioneer since I can trim the levels in the 950. Until that is, you find out that you can't trim levels per input. Clearly an oversight on Pioneer's part and not Outlaw.

Cary

jcmccorm,

not familiar with your pioneer,but when setting up my rca dvd player,gonk suggested leaving the disc drawer open and selecting the menu(to set the bitstream).worked for me,something for you to try.

Thanks Painttoad! Cool idea, I tried it, but it didn't work (I was actually wondering if the presence of a disk would limit my setup options). Thanks for adding that bit of info for me to try though.

Cary

Cary- There can be a disc in the player, but it can't be playing or paused. Has to be stopped. ??