built in mic or external splm for audio setup

[RobTi]

Hi all
I have a sony stra 1200 and have set it up by using the auto calibration with the supplied mic, but was told today that i really should set it up by using an external meter.
Any help?
Thanks
Robert

[spooney]

Who told you to do so? The usual external meters are quite inexpensive and I think not a replacement for the internal calibration system plus the special microfon.

The analogue gauge is not very exact although still better than trying to do it without it. It does not set the equalizer or suggest proper settings. It is just the sound level...

Unless you spent decent money for a proper meter you hardly will have an improvement. Instead of spending a lot of money for an equipment you will use 2-3 times in the coming years I would go for a professional calibration.

BTW: I still own an old STR-DB 840 and will not replace it for the time being.

[SimP]

Where are you located? I've got a digital one which you could borrow if you're local. It doesn't take long to set up a system using it and if you don't like the results then just use the automatic callibration on the Sony to reset it to the previous config.