Home Theater Hacks

Hack #66. Avoid Using Internal Test Tones

Most receivers and preamplifier/processors provide test tones to measure audio levels from each speaker. These tones aren't an accurate representation of your entire system's sounds, and you should consider them to be a rough guideline at best and problematic at worst.

Most receivers have their own internal test tone generator which you can use to set speaker levels. Although this might seem a real convenience and avoid the need for a calibration DVD [Hack #62] , it turns out to be as problematic a solution as the THX Optimizer [Hack #65] . Many people attempt to set their speaker levels using these tones by ear, instead of using a sound pressure level meter [Hack #63] . This will not result in accurate calibration. Even if you subscribe to the value of the receiver's internal test tones, using a consistent sound measuring device is a must. However, even when using a meter, these internal tones aren't always ideal.

There are two schools of thought when it comes to using the internal tones versus disc tones:

• The internal tones are preferred. This comes from some rather important people, such as the folks at Dolby Labs.

• The tones generated by a good test disc are preferred. This is a more popular opinion among hobbyists, and the one to which I subscribe.

In my opinion, the DVD player will be the source for the actual playback of material; you don't invite your friends over to listen to test tones, you invite them to watch and listen to a ...