To audyssey or not to audyssey, that is the ...?

I have the Audyssey stand alone unit and the pro software, but have yet to set it up. Probably will do so in the next couple of weeks. Will post views at that time (this is for stereo only for me).

My own view is that the use of Audyssey or similar is absolutely imperative for room related issues in the bass region. The cost/benefit analysis higher up in frequency, however, seems to be much more variable depending on the individual listener making the decision. So...

The Audyssey/SVS unit is designed to work with subwoofers while allowing a more "traditional" (unequalized) audiophile style main signal path. I use the Velodyne SMS-1 with subs in this fashion. The only interruption in my main path is a (benign sounding - to my ear) NHT active x-over unit. If you're willing to use a subwoofer based system, this may be a "have you cake and eat it, too" solution.

As always, YMMV.

Marty

YMMV is the key. With that principle foremost, I went with the NeptuneEQ. It has a 30 day trial unlike Audyssey. I love the results with my Meridian system. Check Kal's review.

Dave,

To be clear:

When I said Audyssey or similar, I was referring to effective "room" EQ (specifically for issues below 100hz to 150hz). Even though the specific operating principle differs in many ways from the Audyssey, I'd think that effective room EQ would be possible with your Neptune in a lot of rooms so, in the most important sense, the Neptune qualifies as "similar" for the purposes of my post.

Since I have no experience with the Neptune, I couldn't really comment on its effectiveness in any given environment. OTOH, I use the Velo SMS-1 in my 2 channel set-up and Audyssey in my HT room and my family room. In all cases, the improvement in bass response is obvious to me so I won't hesitate to recommend digital, RTA based EQ (subject to the caveat I identified in my earlier post) to anyone who asks, like the OP.

Regards,

Marty

After running Audyssey in my room (8 MIC locations, and using a MIC stand...(plus reading tons of info about it at the AVS forum so that I could set it up correctly)....no contest between with, and without Audyssey.

Audyssey took my 7.2 channel hometheater system to another level in sound quality.

Dave