Radio shack SPL meter

[dazzler9000]

Hi,

Has anybody had a experience with the digital Radio shack SPL meter; http://www.t2retail.co.uk/productDet...tCatDesc=Audio


I just want to calibrate my system as I'm in two minds as to whether the Yamaha's YPAO settings are correct!

[Piers]

I don't have any experience with this particular Radio Shack meter but used to have a previous model some years ago. For £37 it may help with confirming whether the Yamaha's settings are correct but I wouldn't put much trust in the readings. When I bought a professional SPL meter there were huge differences between it and the Radio Shack device.

[dazzler9000]

Thanks for you reply Piers,

Probably not going to be any the wiser then by buying the RS one!!!! Or do you think it would be a good place to start (an improvement on the YPAO)

[Piers]

I haven't done a manual setup of an amp with the Yamaha YPAO so it wouldn't be fair to knock it. Most of the cheaper amps with automatic calibration routines got the settings dismally wrong though later generations seem to have improved significantly. For £37 it has to be worth a try.

[DaveChester]

I use the analogue version of that meter and it seems OK to me.

I dare say Piers uses a much more accurate guage but for an amateur I would expect this one to do a better job than the inbuilt Yamaha.

[dazzler9000]

Thanks Dave,

Would you have a preference over the digital or analogue meter? I'm sure I read somewhere that they give different readings.

Originally Posted by dazzler9000

Thanks Dave,

Would you have a preference over the digital or analogue meter? I'm sure I read somewhere that they give different readings.

Get the Anologue one as to the Digital one as the Analogue one is more accurate for the test tones you will be using.When using the subwoofer test tone adjust it so that it reads 75db just like your other speakers you will notice that the needle bounces between 4-5db adjust so that the needle should bounce between say 73db and 77db with 75db being the central reading and keep the meter pointing straight up it should be at your ear level in the central listening position while taking readings from all your speakers inc your subwoofer.You will notice a big difference in sound quality overall.

Regards

Brian

[Neil Davidson]

Originally Posted by Piers

I haven't done a manual setup of an amp with the Yamaha YPAO so it wouldn't be fair to knock it.

Hi Piers,

I have done some and it would be fair to knock it for some of the outlandish settings it applies! No better than any of the other non Audessy auto setups

Neil

[dazzler9000]

Thanks for input.... an analogue Radio Shack meter will have to do then. Can't justify spending any more on one!