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Stupid Newbie Bass Question

Okay all you audiophiles and aficionados- when you watch local and network TV (HD broadcasts) does your bass sound boomy like you're in a freeking flea market? My recently resurrected set-up sounds great with DVD's and movies on DTV, but LFE's are boomy and bloated during commercials, & news, all HD.

I have a 7.1 set-up, NHT VT-2 Towers, VS-2 Center Channel, iC4 x 4 in-ceiling (side + rear surrounds). All powered by a Denon 3803 and NHT SA3 sub amp to bi-amp the side-firing subs on the VT-2's.

Maybe I need to adjust the high-pass, low-pass and phase controls on the back of the SA3? I find adjusting this amp confusing as hell.

Sounds great w/ HD movies and CD's. Maybe it's just my system delivering crappy sound accurately. Thoughts?
760raptor
savjam
48 posts
 
I have found the sound quality from cable TV to be all over the place. However, the sound from some programming on premium channels such as HBO, Games of Thrones for example, is excellent as well as the sound from the music channels. If your system sounds good otherwise as you state, I would not sweat it.

I have comcast cable box (2-channel mode only) which sounds slightly leaner than my CD/DVD player. Therefore, I use a slightly higher subwoofer setting than for the CD player.

savjam
760raptor OP
2 posts
 
Thanks guys, I adjusted the crossover on the receiver from 120hz to 80hz. I had saved on old article on the VT-2's from the 1990's that said the crossover on the speakers was 125hz. When setting up the receiver again I tried to match that same setting. I thought it made sense to match crossovers or come close. That certainly didn't work well at all. Adjusted back to 80hz there's a huge improvement, much tighter bass on DTV, especially during sitcoms and commercials.

Another revelation I had today - my receiver doesn't have Dolby True HD, so I thought it wouldn't be able to decode BluRays and hear audio at all. I'm relieved that it will play in Dolby D, I just have to set the volume higher than regular DVD's or HD DTV for equivalent sound level. So much to learn again after spending the last 2 1/2 years with only a Sony 32", BluRay Player and Yamaha Soundbar!

Looking forward to further upgrades later this year---I'm considering adding a Marantz AV7005, Emotiva XPA-3, Oppo BDP-93 and 65" LED TV.
mceljo
1,356 posts
 
All blu-ray disk include standard DVD audio formats. You'll notice a huge improvement once you get equipment that will handle the HD formats. Also, an auto setup is a nice feature for the vast majority of people.
vicdamone
850 posts
 
+1Mceljo. Welcome 760raptor. No question is stupid so when your about to upgrade it's always nice to run it up the pole. Taking the time to list your system in your profile is worth the effort.

Many audio video receivers are changing in what seems like a monthly basis so don't rush to make up your mind. IMO an AVR should be your next move. HDMI, room correction, and 7.1 matrixing are going to be a pleasant surprise.

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