Speaker systems bring a whole new level of fun and excitement when using the home theatre. And one of its main components that ensures that everything is working as it should is the AV receiver. It helps give power to the speaker and helps figure out the many surround-sound modes.
With so many complicated technologies that are available, it is crucial to set this receiver up properly. It would then help in the smooth running of the entire speaker system, and you can enjoy your shows. Hence, after you are done with the connection portion, you need to set up the receiver well. The following are the main steps of the process.
- Connect the TV with the video cable
A lot of the top rated receivers showcase the setup menu on the TV. Thus, it is essential to connect the video output cable from the receiver to the TV set. Some models cannot show these menus through a component video or HDM1 form. For this, you should use the S-video or composite connection. Indeed, check with the model you own and its specifications beforehand.
- Open the Setup Menu
Many people disregard the user manual completely. But it is a significant area to find the necessary information regarding the setup process. Luckily, many AV receivers have a setup mic already that you can plug into the system and run auto-calibration. You have to do that after the prompt appears. This smart technology would check the area and speakers’ measurements, set the levels and distances, etc. More high-priced amplifiers would optimize their performance using this.
In this case, you have to run the auto-calibration after plugging the receiver into the speaker. This is crucial to ensure that the sound system runs smoothly and the sound quality is good. The on-screen instructions are very informative, and you have to follow it. The auto-calibration period would last for a few seconds to a few minutes, depending on the model. You should review all of the setup steps, even if the auto-setup occurs as planned.
- Set the bass
In case you do not have an auto-setup mode, you would have to select the speaker size manually. These range between small, large, and none and signifies the bass capacity of the speaker. According to THX, it is best to set the speaker size as little for every type. In this, the subwoofer would carry the bass frequency from the channels.
- Select crossover points
Whichever speaker you have, you should select their crossover point as Small. The default for most receivers is the THX standard of 80 Hz. You can choose a separate cutoff if your speakers perform well at a different frequency. You should also know that in some receivers, you would have to fit the crossover one by one for each point. And others work well the general crossover for all points.
- Set a delay
One must create a distance or delay so that all the audio quotients can reach the hearing position. You can get a tape measure to check the distance between the listening position and the speaker. Also, you must calculate that in feet or meters, 1-foot distance equals 1-millisecond delay.
- Set up the channel level
Many receivers have a broad volume range of -70 to +15. Several, like the THX, calibrate the volume to 0 for the cinema reference position.
You can use some tools to take the receivers’ test signals, and each speaker would emit slight noise bursts.
Take the sound-level meter and set it to C-weighing and slow response. Point it upwards while standing unwaveringly straight at the listening distance. And then, change the channels to 75-dB readings. In case you prefer a more extended sound range, you can increase this level 2-3dB more. However, for excellent movie watching, set the channel level at the reference volume point.
- Figure out the inputs
There are many inputs on the receivers, and not all of them are already accommodated for a specific source. The names of these inputs appear as Coaxial 2, Optical 1, etc. After all the connections are put in place, you need to set the inputs with the signals they would receive. You can assign the HDM1, video, and audio input settings on separate screens at the setup menu.
- Testing
After everything is set up, you should turn the TV and the source components like cable, DVD, etc. Check all the inputs and if their signal quality is suitable in the sound and imagery. If you did not assign the inputs correctly, this would not work well, and you have to reassign signals.
All in all, you must follow the receiver setup procedure carefully. Make sure that all the steps work appropriately, even if your system has auto-setup technology. After that, you can enjoy the home system quality well.
