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need more power

Hello all, looking for advice on how to increase the power to my Yamaha 3080 that is hooked up to 6 in ceiling speakers surround speakers (do not know the name), 2 Paradigm signature S2's front speakers, and Paradim C3 center speaker.  I also have an an SVSPB-4000 subwoofer.  75% of the use is for movies and tv and 25% for music. I also have a peachtree 2 channel amp and paradigm s8 speakers for stereo listening in a separate room wehre most of my music listening is done. the Yamaha has to be turned up very loud when watching movies and then it seems to get pitchy, or very loud, and wife is yelling at me to turn it down.  I'm a novice at this stuff and wasn't sure if there was anything that could be done or if i just have to watch my movies with my controller in my hand?    
marrama
millercarbon's avatar
millercarbon
12,531 posts
 
The problem is you're watching wide dynamic range movies on a low dynamic range system that is also very low resolution. So you have to turn it up pretty loud to be able to make out dialog. But then the volume in the action scenes is way too high for the speakers (and everything else) and it sounds bad.   

The answer for now is what you said, vol up, vol down. Longer term the answer is to ditch the AVR and in-walls and get a stereo integrated with some decent speakers. 

This is actually pretty common. I went through the same thing years ago. Stereo integrated, two speakers, four subs. Until then keep the remote handy.
erik_squires
16,058 posts
 
100% treat the room first.

Your opinion about what you need and what is missing will totally change. Talk to GIK Acoustics.  Especially the part about your wife saying to turn it down. It means the room is too live to be intelligible.

Best,
Erik
fuzztone's avatar
fuzztone
5,600 posts
 
You want to keep surround.  Get a better or ribbon center channel speaker where the dialogue is and turn it up on your avr settings.  Cut the subs volume for the wife. If that isn't good enough you'll be forced to watch in stereo with a Terk VR1 or a compander be like a dBx 119.
It will take some work to hook them in line.  Room treatment is mandatory.
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