Turn on dynamic compression, or turn up the center?

[Grayson73]

I have 340SEs across the front, 170SEs in the rear, and Panasonic SA-XR57 receiver.

When watching movies, in order to clearly hear dialogue during quiet scenes, I need to put the receiver at around -25db to -30db. The problem with this is that loud scenes are too loud so I have to turn town the sound to -35db to -40db.

Should I turn on dynamic compression or make the center channel hot? I'm guessing dynamic compression since making the center hot will imbalance the front soundstage?

[Quinn]

I would use the dynamic compression. Have you calibrated everything with a sound meter and a set-up disc like Avia?

[Grayson73]

Yes, I used DVE and Radio Shack SPL meter, although some have said to use the receiver test tones instead.

I read that the SPL meter doesn't read the sub correctly. Does that mean that if I calibrate everything to 85db (including the sub), the sub is actually too loud?

[curtis]

First I'd ask how low is low? What is the volume setting on the receiver when at reference level/85db?

Quiet passages do not seem to be a problem for me. I calibrate to 75dB, which is set to 0 on my pre/pro, and I generally watch movies at 15dB below that...which is not really that low.

[bikeman]

Should I turn on dynamic compression or make the center channel hot? I'm guessing dynamic compression since making the center hot will imbalance the front soundstage?

For movies on my XR 55, I run the center channel 3db hot. I have a pronounced "dip" in my hearing center around 1000hz (human voice). Even with the 3db bump, I don't have it as loud as you need to. I suspect something else is at work. Possibly placement or room interaction.
For music DVD's, I run the center channel at 0db. For redbook CD's I don't use a center channel.
Is this a problem you've encountered with all movies?

David

[BradJudy]

DVE has a known problem with the subwoofer test tone, so even if you correct for the meter, it will not be calibrated correctly. I believe the problem is a known, consistent value that can be corrected for if you do a search. IIRC, it's either 10db too loud or too quiet.

[Gov]

I think its more like 15db?

[jermy4]

It sounds like you need some room treatments. The "loud" scenes are probably reflecting all over your room making them louder than they should really be.

[MichaelG]

I have a different AVR (Sony) and listen to a lot of music but do make adjustments for movies. I don't have a significant issue with dialogue but more controlling intensity while keeping the voices clear for my wife. First I usually turn off the equalizer (usually set to higher bass and treble for music), turn on dynamic compression, and kick up the center channel 1-2 db. That usually puts it into a zone that is best for movies.

Michael

[BGHD]

I'd say use dynamic compression/midnight mode, so everything's balanced but just the peaks are cutoff.