upgrade your surround for 35.00

NO NO DO NOT USE THE DIGITAL METER only use the analog meter C-weigh -- Slow responce.

While were here maybe its best to inform those who are unfimiliar with the SPL Meter (analog NOT the digital meter), how to use it. First, its best to also use a camera tripod (1/4 in for Radio Shack analog meter). Set the tripod at the listening position, ear level. Screw down the meter to the tripod. Start your test tone generator on your processor (reciever). Best to use in manual. Set the spl meter to C-weigh, Slow Responce. Set the dial to 75 or 80 (or what your manual recommends). Take notice that there is a + and - for the settings. Now balance out all the channels one at a time. Best to perform this with no outside noise, the meter will pick up any other external noise. PS; don't forget to turn the meter off when your finished. Also this can be performed with a test disc and for 2 channel stereo.

Bmpnyc, have always read not to use the digital meter. Have read that a more accurate calibration is achieved using the analog meter. The analog meter set to "C-weigh - slow responce" is slower than the digital meter and will be more accurate. I believe what Bigwood is saying is that using the test disc he mentions will work with the digital meter. The digital meter will not be accurate using the test tone generator on the AV/pre or receiver. Also its best not to just place the meter in your hand while calibrating. Sound waves will be bouncing off you and affecting the spl. I do find that using a test disc instead of the test tone generator on the AV/pre results in obtaining a better balance. Maybe someone with a better explaination can jump in and explain why its best to use an analog meter set to C-weigh - slow responce than to use the digital meter. Anyhow according to Bigwood you can use your digital meter with a test disc he describes. I used Video Essentials with the analog meter and never had to adjust. But i do recalibrate once a year or if i change cables, reposition the speakers etc. Using the meter is the only way to go for balance, but after all channels are the same level you can than fine tune to your taste by ear, say add a little more to the rears of compensate for some hearing loss etc. Hope this helps

Angela, Yes to your question. Get the 35 Radio shack (analog spl meter) and a surround set-up test disc, follow the instructions in the previous post and have fun.