How To Set Up An AV Receiver HDMI, Bass Management and More 

Gene this video was VERY helpful for me to set up my new SVS SB2000, thank you!!

Gene, thank you so much for taking the time to post this. I am not even a rank beginner audiophile but I know what I like when I hear it and I've never understood how to balance my surround system (installed in 2001) without someone else being paid to do it. That all completely changed today when I watched your video, made the suggested changes and I was simply blown away that your suggestions immediately brought back the beautiful sound environment I had enjoyed in the past before numerous recent changes. I have the following in my system and you just saved me $150 from having someone come out to do the balancing and it didn’t hurt at all that I DID have an SPL meter, I’d just forgotten! Panasonic Plasma 3D 65" HDTV TC-P65VT50 Marantz AV7701 pre-tuner and receiver Marantz MM7055 5 Channel Power Amplifier Surge Protector Panamax M8-AV-PRO Hi-Definition 8 Outlet (receiver, amplifier and TV are protected) LG UBK80 HD Blu-ray Player Velodyne EQ-Max 15 Subwoofer front speakers B&W CDM 1NT center speaker B&W 700 Series HTM71 S2 surround speakers B&W WP 1 I can now enjoy concerts and movies and everything else - so thank you!

I learned so much from this, I really appreciate this! Thank you!

HI Gene: I just bought a Denon AVR X3600H; and the MENU looks a lot different...you think you can make an updated new Denon MENU walkthrough? Please! I’m still learning and I thank you for your help thus far!

Fantastic video, and the audio quality was very clear! These instructional videos are what the community require to ensure everyone knows how to do the basics and get them right!

I’m completely new to home audio, thank god for these videos.

Just what I was looking for. I greatly appreciate the tutorial!

Excellent tutorial with common sense instructions. I am building a new home and designing a home theater with several zones. Like most of your videos, this provides very important insight and technical aspects that are never articulated in the owner’s manual. Thanks for another round of audio education.

Thanks for all the videos you do. I can’t learn enough.

Cool video! I’ve had over 10 AV RX and still find it helpful. Especially new tech.

I'm watching this now and it's still so helpful! Thanks!

Good stuff Gene, as always

thanks for that good info I'm going to try that tomorrow on my receiver

Great video and looking forward to more one-one!

Super Video. We definitely need more such videos, Please.

This is more like it! Hands on real time tutorial. The best way to show how it's done. Hope you will continue like this for any future topics.

You are awesome! I've had a denon receiver for a few years and could never figure out how to set it up. I don't like the way it sounds and I cannot put my speakers the distance that it requires of me when I use the auto set up. I have looked at a lot of videos and couldn't find anything. I might be coming back if I run into any issues. Thanks again!

Thanks!! Wow! I just Learned a ton thank you very much.

Excellent video Gene! Love all the " how to" step by step videos! Thank you for taking the time to explain this!

very informative as usual. thx

Excellent video! Thank you.

Now that is a tutorial...great narration...thanks

Great video, Gene. I enjoyed the straightforward approach sans the clowning around with Hugo. Any thoughts on doing a subwoofer calibration video using REW?

Thanks, just what I needed 👍🏻

Very clear and concise. Thanks!

Brilliant! Wish I had done this two years ago! Thank you

The video was nice. Can you explain what is the zone 1 and zone 2 setup in denon 1912 , which I am using

Audioholics, could you please do a for dummies video on Room Measurement, MiniDSP setup and something like DIRAC live set setup There are a stack of people that would really benefit from these sort of instructional videos

I have large mains with tons of lowend. I also have plenty of power on tap. I set my mains to small X-over at 40Hz and LPF of LFE at 120Hz. I also use a PEQ, 20Hz and 80HZ being the worst offenders. I have gotten so much B.S. over this, but I have told everyone that 80Hz is not for every setup and why would I kneecap my towers. I have tried it X-over many ways and also measured the room about 1000 times. I stand by my settings. Long story short your video made me feel vindicated. Great video!

I have the Marantz SR8500 7.1! works great up to now!

Hey topgun. I just installed the Yamaha Aventage a6a. I was apunipressed with the power output. I do have it running as a 5.1.4. It’s one thing that I don’t have it tweeked right. I tried opening the web editor confirmation but I was unsuccessful. Since I’m home I decided TO purchase the Emotiva Basx2 and call for reinforcements. I really appreciate the reviews,testing n new finds. Happy Thanksgiving! Thanks Berto

Good and useful video. Please consider producing a video for setting an AV receiver for the special needs of people with hearing losses, for example, the great many people who suffer a high frequency hearing and sound definition loss as they grow older. What settings would change to improve audio definition and increase volume at the affected frequencies? In other words, how can someone set a receiver to perform like a hearing aid through a sound system? Thank you very much.

Gene you are awesome man. I had my Marantz 8801 set to LFE +main. I now set it to LFE only. BTW on LFE+main does the bass also go to the main towers or is it added to all of the speakers. All of the other tips you mentioned I had set. I re-metered everything after the change. I don't do room correction. I let room correction do the distance which was accurate checking with the tape measure and sub adjustment for group delay but the outputs are set with an SPL meter.

Great Video brotha

very interesting and informative video. i am still a little fuzzy on the base setup. the options of combining lfe and regular bass with your main speakers and how the crossover setting affects them isn't really clear to me. my v2700 yamaha has a separate lfe level control and i dont have a clue where it should be set. someone told me that the lfe is typically 10db over the sub base. i think this subject could use a video by itself. you guys do a great job of translating some very technical information into plain English thanks.

Hi Gene, I'm new to the channel but I have watched many of your videos and I love all of the info. I have a question concerning the Graphic EQ on my Denon receiver. I noticed in this video that you have yours set to off, is there ever a reason to set up the Graphic EQ?

Always very informative videos. Can you recommend ideal settings using Denon X4400 with Elac's Uni-fi UF5/UC5/UB5+4 A4s. A 5.0.4 setup (no sub at the moment). Thanks.

Great video!

Gene, great video thanks for taking time to do it. I recently purchased a MiniDSP UMIK-1 and the MINIDSP 2x4 after hearing your testimony on how it helped you balance out the seat to seat consistency of your Bass. I watched your video and read through the write up that you did and it's still a bit dvanced or better yet assumes that the reader is familiar with some of the ways to manipulate the software's. would it be possible for you to do a video tutorial on the various steps to achieve results like you did. right now I have 2 Subs and two rows of seating in a barn shaped room. I'm still learning how to use REW and it would be a great help to see a video from someone like yourself explaining how to actually measure the room . and more importantly what to actually measure for the seat seat consistency . since my Pioneer sc-99 can send out two separate signals to the subs like your Dennon AVR, I'm confused as to how to best apply that feature. for example did you calibrate each sub for 1 sitting position or did you measure each sub at all seating positions and then use an average? did you instead calibrate all subs for the main listening position and then measure all of the subs at once at each sitting position and do an average of that? seems like there's endless measurements that can be done so I'm wondering what in fact isbeing finally inputted into the MiniDSP 2x4? thanks again for all the great info you and your team put out.

Great video and super informative! By the way if I used audessy to set up speaker levels, should I still use the spl meter? Also, I have def tech bp9020 that have powered subs, should I set those up 80hz or 240hz? Thank you for all your help!

Hey I love you man. Thanks for your help. I did everything in this video and it sounds great, I have large front speaker and the rest small but you guys left out something important. Where should I set my crossover on the subwoofers?

Still using Denon AVR-3805 and analog 7.1 inputs, glad OPPO's have 7.1 outs.

Thank you so much.

great video

Any chance we could get some info on: #what sound level did you run the test tone at? #input channel gain?(on denon) #any chance for an update on Dolby atmos enabled (bouncy house speakers) crossover (have not been able to find a real answer / have them on 150hz now)

Hi! Thanks so much for this video. I noticed you passed up the manual eq option, are we not supposed to touch this at all? Simply leave it as is? On my Onkyo I have the option to turn it off and on so I just want to make sure no adjustments are to be made here. Thanks again for all your help! I hope you continue to feel better.

Thank you sooo much !!!

I'm measurements using mind set up 5hours Dolby digital, Dolby Atmos, DTS, DTS X..all balance..when listening amazing.

Excellent video and very clear explanation of bass management concepts! Thanks

On both home theater setups I have auto calibration always sets my subwoofer farther than it really is. Should I leave it at that or set the actual distance?

Nice video that helps alot. I have the klipsch R280f series for my fronts do you think I should set those to large? Thanks

Hey . I was wondering what will be the best setting for the test tone db cuz I've more sound coming out in the center than my front l&r

I always wondered if I was supposed to make the rear speaker levels the same on an SPL meter as the front speaker...

Thank you so much

I didn't know about the 120hz crossover for the LFE channel, I've always set mine at 80hz along with my speakers.

Great video. Got a question. I like you have a Denon (720). In your video in Channel Level most of your settings are 2 to 4. I don't even hear pink noise until I move my volume up to at least 3/4. Then to balance everything I am starting about 10 to 12 . Your 2 to 4 and my 10 to 12 is a big difference. Can you explain why the difference? BTW ordered a meter. Thanks for the tip

This is great. And this info is all over the web now. But what I and I think allot of others want is an eq set up guide. Have searched the web for days and nothing. Is it just by ear? Is there a app I can use. I have a denon avr 791 but no set up mic. If this comment gets to you guys I would love to see a eq walk thru. Thank you. P.s buying used receivers that don't have a set up mic is a common occurence now. So i think this could help allot of ppl

Do you have a separate video on hiw to set up zone 2 on Denon? I have a Denon AVR X2300W and I couldn’t make the zone 2 work.

What do you suggest for manually setting the distance of the subs? I noticed audessey puts them farther than they really are.

Hi!I saw your many videos and was able to setup my Onkyo receiver to its optimal performance. I require some assistance on how to setup Marantz SR 4002.The User manual is not of much help to me. Thank you!

Great video, so thank you for that. I been struggling to understand the crossover concept. I see a lot of video saying about setting the crossover to 80 Hz etc. but non really explains what happen if I set it to 80 vs 150 for instance. Does 80 all the lower frequencies below 80 will be transfer to the Sub? I see that you set the main to 250, does that mean your main speakers won't be performing much bass? Greatly appreciate if you could elaborate on this. Thank you!

Hi guys. Thank you for your videos. I have suscribe to your channel and I will be having a look on all these nice information. So far I have seen you know very well the Denon receivers. I have am AVR 1611 and I am experiencing problems with sound quality. I have set the unit with audyseey auto eq. I prefer to use if for music from CDs and for movies. For radio listening and for internet audio streaming like Spotify I am using manual setup for eq. Nevertheless let's talk you about my problem. Let's say that I been listening music, so I was using audyseey , dinámica eq. and dynamic volume. Let say I have turned the unit off. Then next day when I turn it on again, I feel the sound very flat, and no powerful. I have realized tha even the display of the unit is telling me that audyseey is being use, that dynamic eq. and dynamic volume are ON, I can realize that that functions are not working. So what I use to do is turn some of these functions off and on again and the good sound came up again. I have already reset the microprocessor, and set up all again (is not so fun to do it frequently). The questions are: Do you know that the AVR 1611 have been realizing factory with bugs like these in the software.? Have you ever ear about a failure like this in Denon..? Doy you know how to check if my unit have installed the latest firmware available? I will really appreciate your comment and advice. Regards. Osvaldo

I would like to know about the eq adjustments and if possible in a detailed way.

I have an Integra DTR40.3 and noticed that whenever I chose a THX option such as cinema the bass almost disappears. Do I most likely have something set wrong? I used the Audessy system to set up the 5.1 surround. Audio source is HDMI. Thanks in advance and for all the great information you share.

Awesome video Gene, I have watched quite a few of your videos. I have a question it`s been bugging me for some time now. I relay hope you can help me with some info or advise. I have been looking to upgrade my receiver and surprisingly for me I can`t find a receiver in the $400 - $600 range that will allow me to adjust the frequency of my speakers. At very best they have a bass & treble adjustment, and of course all the distance, level, sub crossover frequencies etc. I thought one of the very basic features a amp/receiver should offer is graphic eq. even $25 car audio systems offer at least 5 band eq. Am I missing something or they have become that arrogant/ignorant to overlook the very basic sound adjustment options? Is there a receiver on the market that can get me at least 5 band eq? I don`t pretend to know too much about audio, but i know enough to be able to adjust the sound to my personal preferences and not what they think it is a good preset - especially for music.

Great video, I have a maranta SR5013 receiver with def tech BR9020 towers, CS9040 center & SR9040 surrounds. Any tips?

Hi Gene. I'm hopeful you can help me or point me in the right direction. I purchased a Denon AVR-1507 receiver just over 10 years ago, and chose to go component wiring rather than HDMI. I happened to purchase and have installed/setup several other Denon receiver at the same time--the 1507 was the smallest of the lot. We actually used HDMI with my largest receiver which was used with an overhead projector in a home theater setting. Well, many years passed before I wanted to do something different--I decided to add an android video streaming box which requires an HDMI connection. Upon attempting to get my video and receiver to work together, I learned that I had no idea how to select one of my HDMI connectors with the receiver so I could run my video thru it. I consulted the manual and did see some info on designating the HDMI connector, but, could not get it to work. I, then, called Denon and the technician told me it could not be done due to difference between the early HDMI connectors and those used in recent years. I accepted this initially, but, one day it occurred to me that I was running HDMI with the components connected to my projector, and since I was no longer using my DVD player, I disconnected the HDMI cable from the DVD player and connected it to my android video streaming device. It worked like a champ, and has been working ever since. So, now I knew it was not an outdated technology--I just need to understand how to designate the HDMI connector so I can select it when I want to play my video. I've been unable to locate the audio tech who did my installation. Please advise. Thanks

thanks for nice tutorial and just have question, with my 2 tower RP 280FA atmos klipsch speakers what should be my setup in onkyo rz800? crossover and level calibration? thanks

Thank you

Hi. Thanks for the video. I have one question about my pioneer av receiver. I can only choose one cut off frequency on my pioneer for all the speakers and for the LFE channel. So what is the best choise having small speakers? Thanks.

Every time I watch this video I learn something new. One question on crossover. I've got pioneer dolby atmos add ons. Should the crossover be 80 hz or 90 hz. I have them set at 80 hz, but it seems like maybe I'm feeding them too much info. If that makes sense. They sound great but the atmos effect is somewhat lacking IMO. I maybe expecting too much.

I wondered, why my sorround R was so much more silent (more than -3 dB) than my L. Then I touched the speaker cable and it got equal again.

Little confused about the 'Levels' bit Gene. Two comments/ questions: 1) You mentioned that you like to calibrate to 80 dB (instead of the inbuilt 75 dB calibration). Isn't the 75 dB in place to allow enough headroom for the receiver, so that it has enough power during the peaks? 2) Isn't using the SPL meter with this pink noise incorrect, as the pink noise is sans Audyssey? I think you had mentioned in another article, that we should always calibrate levels using pink noise from a disc, not using the pink noise from the receiver (as the noise via the disc is post the Audyssey processing). Please clarify - thanks!

Is there any application that you would hookup a single sub by using the high level speaker inputs on the sub so the full freq receiver output would output to both front tower speakers along with the subwoofer?

Are you able to use a HDMI Sound Bar as a center channel speaker? I wasn't able to figure this out as my sound bar only has HDMI and no speaker wire terminals.

Great video. I have a Yamaha rx -v675 receiver 7.2. Nuance powered front speakers/built in subs and amps. Nuance center and rears. My problem is that I have no idea what most of this new technology does and settings that I don’t understand. My old Sony receiver from 2006 used to absolutely crank my speakers. This new receiver doesn’t seem to be giving me the same volume of sound. I’m pretty sure I do not have the receiver set up properly in the settings. If you are able to help me set this up properly I would really appreciate it. I’m setting it up manually.

how do you adjust the manual EQ. and how do you find the settings for the different speakers.

muito bom, com certeza vai me ajudar muito, mesmo meu sistema sendo 5.2

Thanks Gene, Excellent job. I have a Marantz AV7701 Pre/Pro and dual Hsu STF2 subs. I'm wondering what method you would use to get the output level of the two subs equal before running any of the speaker setups routines? TIA

Plz do vedio on onkyo tx-sr 601.

I've just got the 2 channel's atm. I see you've set your fronts at -4.5dB why is that and what should I be setting my fronts to?

crossover speakers setup question: higher number HZ vs lower HZ means more bass? what is going to be for my rp280 fa klipsch ? (if i"d like to have more bass) Thank You

eh, imo, the best setup is whatever sounds best to your ears. I use that method after setting virtually every option in nearly every combination of subtle to extreme to determine what sounds best. FYI, it's never what the mic/speaker setup determines the best settings are, , my manual setups tweaked to what I think sounds best rules the day every time....Takes a while , but if fun if you're into tinkering lol.

Q: will the separate 2 channel stereo out of the player play full range - including all bass w/o db loss when playing SACD? Or will using that output result in reduced bass from the SACD (unless you also engage base mngt.? Thanks

Great video Gene , I have a question, hope u can help me out , I just finished setting up my 5.1 surround sound system , Martin Logan motion 4's ( front L&R ) motion 8 ( center ) Electro motions IC 6-1/2 rear surround, and 2 dynamo 700 subs ... Denon avrx 1300 . I have the crossover set to 80 htz and all the speakers set to small , LFE+ Main 120 htz ( subs ) my question is how high should I set all the db on the speakers? + or - ? Is 80 htz ok for my set up ? Any help would be greatly appreciated! Thanks

When calibrating manually, at 80hz ( meter at listening position and pointing up ) does the subwoofer have to go also at 80hz ?

Hi thx for the video . If i measure distance and levels manually do i not use Audyssey movie ?

Spock is indeed a technological wizard. 🖖

Hi Gene, I have Denon AVR X3100W. I would like to adjust the Graphic EQ for music. What is the best / Recommended settings? Please let me know in values..

Ok question should I use my treble and bass on my sony home theater????

My fronts are Polk RTI 8's , should they be set to small or large? The rest of my setup includes Polk CSI3 center , Def tech pro monitor 800's for my rears and 4 Polk psw505's for subs all running on a denon 510bt.

Love your videos and thank you for sharing with the rest of us. Have a question. I get the level adjustment with SPL meter but what are the settings for under options not setup button on remote where it has channel level adjustment and picture mode. Should the levels under that be adjusted as well.have a Denon

Hi Gene great show my question is I have a DENON X6400H and I have the Polk audio RT 5000 system , I don’t know if you’re familiar with this speaker system binging an older System , there are three subs that I am currently running the two front subs on the RT 3000 The Polk manual says to set the speaker to large but I know in the video you mentioned running them small any suggestions on the system there are several ways to run the subs and it’s very confusing

I have Atlantic Technology THX Ultra in wall speakers. Do I calibrate it the same way as mentioned in video? Or do I use the THX options?

Can I set my AVR to LFE+Main even though I have all speakers set to small? Because I like the subwoofer supplementing the small front left and right when in 2.0 stereo mode for music. Thanks.

Can you play music in surround mode instead of just 2 channel mode? With multiple subs as well?

How does the newest Denon without Pro logic handle a 2 channel source.Do you get some kind of equivalent pro logic for listening to normal tv in stereo?Would be much obliged for this information if you have time.Your small logo which looks like a compass and a square looks ominous..Possibly not..Very good explanation of manual setup..

great video,but i need some help to set up a wireless microphe, i have a denon avr 300 ,old fashion,,,,,thank uuuu

I ran audessy calibration on my onkyo tx nr5010 with all klipsch speakers, 7.2 sys., klipsch rp280f fronts, rc 64ii center, It gave me 150 crossover, don't understand why.

I have a couple of questions. 1st: I'm confused about your mains setup. You set them to Large with LFE +Mains so that your mains get the lowes as well but then you set the crossover for your front speakers to 250 Hz. Doesn't that defeat the purpose of setting the fronts to Large? 2nd: I just got a Denon AVR-A110 to go with my Revels & was curious if you knew anything about the Audyssey MultiEQ app. I had to call Denon support for a bad remote so I asked them which to use the on board setup or the app and their reply was the on board setup. I was curious what your opinion was on that. Did I waste money on the app or do they really just deliver two different sounds that is user preference? 3rd: You said the distance measurement of the auto setup was fairly accurate but I have found that on both my AVR-A110 & my old AVR-5308 that the measurements are 1 to 2 feet short which brings another question. If you run the auto setup but then go back & manually change say the speaker distance or front speakers from large to small, does that screw up your auto setup? It doesn't seem to but I wasn't sure if I just been lucky & the settings worked good anyway... lol Thanks