2. speakers
  3. 167107-151267

Balancing sound to sharpen dialogue?

I've got a really simple system: an Integra DTM7 and a pair of Totem Dreamcatchers. The Totems are really warm and have surprising bass depth, but when watching movies, dialogue never sounds as sharp as it should. And sometimes music feels bottom-heavy. The DTM7 has minimal EQ capabilities. I've tried simply dialing down the bass, which made my neighbors happier, but I'm wondering if there's some way to improve the balance -- speaker position? something else? -- so I get more clarity for speech.
jmk2

Showing 2 responses by millercarbon

millercarbon's avatar
millercarbon
12,531 posts
 
Can't understand the words?   You're just getting old
I resemble that remark!

millercarbon's avatar
millercarbon
12,531 posts
 
That is called dynamic range. THX set the standard 105dB and since almost all movies are mastered to be played back like this and since nobody wants to hear dialog at 105dB it winds up being way down in the mix. You can hear it just fine with a fine rig, but pretty much everyone else is gonna be turning the volume up and down.   

Probably your speakers are back against a wall, that is both huge bass reinforcement as well as midrange muddling. Pull them out, toe them in, and soon as you are able please, please, please look into replacing the AVR. That one thing right there will muddle your dialog like you won't believe.
More to discover