Muffled dialogue

[darrens]

I bought myself a rather spiffy audio system but am somewhat troubled by the fact that the dialogue is often difficult to hear. I've got a Pioneer AX3, Mordaunt Short 500 THX and have set it all up as per normal.

I normally watch films on Sky+ using the digital audio out.

So, the problem I have is that I often find the dialogue a little bit hard to follow. It isn't garbled or muddled all the time but I would hardly call it clear. The centre speaker is directly below the TV and on the same plane as the two fronts.

I'm not sure if that is simply because the Sky+ box doesn't produce clear audio or if there's something I'm missing with my set up. It's probably slightly clearer when it's digital soundtrack but it still isn't crystal clear. I actually had to give up watching "8 mile" because I literally couldn't hear a word anybody was saying with the heavy accents and my less than clear audio.

Now, I'm just wondering if this is something that is just a fact of life (and I need a better source) or if my amp/speakers aren't a good combination or if there could be something wrong with my set up.

[Londondecca]

I would get a SPL meter to ensure the volume is evenly matched across all the speakers.

Have you checked the speaker is working correctly ie damaged drivers

[darrens]

Thanks for the reply.

I don't have an SPL meter but I have checked all the speakers with the test tones that come with the amp set up and they all seem to be working properly and the volume is evenly matched. Perhaps I should turn up the centre.

[andyAV]

How does the system sound with the DVD player ? If that sounds okay it's probably sky. They do seem to really compress the sound to death sometimes. It's possible they are squashing the dynamic range too much and loosing some of the quieter stuff in the process.

If you put your ear close to the front speakers you'll probably hear a faint sibilant hiss or twitter on Sky+ that won't be around on a DVD or the best Sky+ stuff (like movies 1-3 typically with the DD recordings). Suggests the sound quality is poor enough to upset the prologic processing. I've noticed this on the Pio D2011 and on a Rotel 1068.

I've found forcing the amp to do PCM stereo can often really help in situations like the ones you're describing - sometimes the centre image is stronger and the sound clearer.

Andy

[Richard46]

I use Freeview not Sky but have exactlly the same result as Darrens; esp. noticable on US Movies. In fact gave up and I listen to all TV through stereo! Just use five channels for DVD's which are fine.

Richard

[darrens]

Andy,Richard thanks for the replies. I'll do a bit of playing around trying a good DVD and then trying different processing for the Sky+ stuff. I'll report back my findings.

[karkus30]

FWIW I experience the same problem with DVD's, I have tried some of the worst offenders through all sorts of systems and in the end it seems to be the fault of the dialogue on the DVD itself. If Sky gives a worse signal then its no wonder your struggling.

Im currently using a Denon AVC10SE, 3 matched NEAT petite fronts, pair of Energy rears and an SVS sub connected to a Berhinger FBD. Everything is set up using sine wave test tones and SPL meter.............and guess what??

still has poor dialogue on most DVDs Maybe Im just too picky, as I have a really good HiFi, but it does make me wonder if I should really have spent so much money on a system which is reproducing poor software......................pays your money, takes your choice and it looks impressive and sound effects are brilliant, but the dialogue is still poor.

[Jeff]

It's most likely an acoustics issue, I can't think of any of the hundreds of DVDs I own were the dialogue is poor.

[karkus30]

Originally Posted by Jeff

It's most likely an acoustics issue, I can't think of any of the hundreds of DVDs I own were the dialogue is poor.

Virtually all mine have poor dialogue, its easy to compare if I stick on something like Roger Waters live DVD, the difference is incredible.

I first noticed it on Jurrassic Park, so I purchased the DTS edition, dialogue is still pretty poor, but the bass parts are a lot better (dinosaur footsteps).

In terms of an acoustic issue, I shall soon be able to check as Im moving my system into a custom designed room, which is sized to the 'magic' formula (I would love to get my HIFi in there).

[Joe Fernand]

Darrens

Try overriding the MCACC calibrated setting for the centre channel - I've often found the combination of SKY/AX3 or 5 results in difficult to follow dialogue - you often have to 'lift' the centre out of the mix.

Best regards

Joe

[Londondecca]

Originally Posted by karkus30

In terms of an acoustic issue, I shall soon be able to check as Im moving my system into a custom designed room, which is sized to the 'magic' formula (I would love to get my HIFi in there).

What is the magic formula, is it anything like the Euclid 'golden ratio'

[karkus30]

Originally Posted by Londondecca

What is the magic formula, is it anything like the Euclid 'golden ratio'

same beasty I think, cant remember the ratios, but by a quirk of fate my new HC room happens to be exactly right. Having spent so long in awkward , all square rooms with acres of bare walls, the almost echo-less sound of the new room is a revelation.

[tom_nieto]

Turn up the centre. Even if everything is set up impeccably, it could still sound poor to your ears. Basically, do whatever you think sounds best, just have a fiddle and see what happens!

[booktrunk]

You could also try to put dynamic range compression on... So there is less fluctuation between the high and the lows.

I really think you should invest in a sound meter an analogue one is under £30 and it's such a quick and easy way of testing your setup.

[Richard46]

Originally Posted by booktrunk

You could also try to put dynamic range compression on... So there is less fluctuation between the high and the lows.

I really think you should invest in a sound meter an analogue one is under £30 and it's such a quick and easy way of testing your setup.

It is not clear to me how compressing the dynamic range could stop something sounding muffled. Perhaps I am missing something; I often do. Common sense would seem to suggest that the sound will be more muffled; perhaps you could explain why it will make dialogue clearer.
I have never thought of using a sound meter to help solve problems like this; how do these work? what do they tell you about problems like muffled dialogue. Any info gratefully received; thanks

Richard