Stop Using Your Receiver's Auto EQ! Do This Instead (Audyssey App Guide)

Summary

This video provides a hands-on guide to calibrating a Denon AVR and RSL 5.1 home-theater system with the Audyssey MultEQ Editor app. The host explains that calibration does not have to end with the receiver’s automatic setup: the app lets users review and adjust the results before transferring them back to the AVR. The app costs about $20, which the host considers worthwhile.

Measurement Setup

The walkthrough uses a Denon AVR-X1700H, the supplied setup microphone, and an RSL 5.1 system.

• Connect the app and receiver to the same Wi-Fi network. The host recommends using a proper microphone stand instead of the included cardboard holder.
• Keep the room quiet during measurements. Place the microphone at ear level, starting at the main listening position. The host notes that this first position is especially important for calculating speaker distances.
• Take eight measurements. For later positions, move the microphone in small increments and keep them within about two feet of the first position.
• Keep the microphone at least 20 inches from the back wall, as directed by the app.
• After measuring, the app offers Dynamic EQ and Dynamic Volume. The host leaves both on:
  • Dynamic EQ adjusts perceived tonal and surround balance as the volume changes.
  • Dynamic Volume can be useful for listening at lower volume, such as at night.

The host presents these settings as personal preferences rather than universal recommendations.

Reviewing and Adjusting the Calibration

Speaker Configuration and Crossovers

The app shows whether speakers are set to “Large” or “Small.” The host recommends setting speakers to Small when using a subwoofer, since many speakers are not truly full-range.

In the walkthrough, the front speakers are detected with an 80 Hz crossover and the surrounds with a 110 Hz crossover. The host notes that automatic detection can sometimes classify capable speakers as full-range, so users should check the settings.

Levels and Distances

The app displays measured channel levels and speaker distances. The host raises the subwoofer level slightly to suit his preference and notes that the RSL Speedwoofer 12S can also be adjusted with its remote.

Room-Correction Graphs

The app displays before-and-after results for each speaker.

Target and Filter Settings

The host leaves the curve editor unchanged, selects high-frequency rolloff 1, and limits correction for the front, center, and surround speakers to roughly 500 Hz and below. He leaves the subwoofer’s filter range unchanged.

The host also notes that midrange compensation introduces a dip, but does not focus on adjusting it.

Saving and Transferring

After naming and saving the calibration file, the host sends it from the app to the receiver and selects preset 1. He emphasizes that completing the measurements is not enough: the customized file must be transferred to the AVR for the edited settings to take effect.

Main Speaker and Source

One host from the What the Frick? channel demonstrates the Audyssey app and AVR setup.