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audio tests for newbies

O

Oneiros

n00b
Joined
Feb 3, 2011
Messages
13
Hi all,

I've had my audio gear for a good long time now so they're definitely on the old side: Acoustic Research AR-38BX front speakers, Philips PH951SSS center, some cheap crap for rear, Paradigm PDR-8 sub, JVC RX-7030VBK receiver (please don't laugh, I'm poor). Since I've recently connected my computer to the system, I've taken an interest in proper setup and configuration. That said, I'm still new to all this; I'm not getting any sound meters, and Rightmark Audio Analyzer makes me turn away in fear.

I'm just wondering if there are any audio tests for computers that would help me get a better handle on how I could improve my configuration. Of course I've done the speaker level tests on my receiver, Windows, and even that THX optimizer test (whoopdie-doo), but I'm just wondering if there is anything else out there aimed at the budding audiophile. One thing that comes to mind that I'd really like to find, is an application that plays a sweeping tone and displays the hertz of the tone as it goes. I'm not sure if the range of my front speakers is actually what the factory spec says, they're pretty old. In addition, the crossover knob on my subwoofer is labelled 50hz on one end and 150hz on the other with nothing in the middle, which pisses off my inner perfectionist.

Any suggestions, comments and tips are welcome.
 
Is there any reason in particular as to why you're avoiding SPL meters? I snagged a good deal many aeons ago on eBay for a RS digital, around $40 CDN or so. I swear by that tool up and down to get my levels set up right; if my rears are a few dB off, my ears will pick it up and it'll bother me to no end, lol. Sad, I know, but once you've had a dialed-in system, it's hard to have it any other way.

The AVIA calibration DVD also helps wonders for sub calibration - a must if you want clean music. It's one of those acquired tastes though, as it takes some adjustment if you've been used to boosted bass your entire life. Detailed bass FTW, IMO. :)

I've been looking for a program, similar to what you've described. I can't recall the name of the program I've been using (Test Tone Generator?), but the filename is along the likes of "biwavegen.zip" or something. You'll have to enter the frequency values manually - one by one - though (tedious... ), but it works.

As for your sub, I'm assuming you're using the crossover on your receiver? If so, just crank the dial to 150hz to 'bypass' it.
 
I'm not avoiding sound meters, I just don't have that much money to spend, and there are other things I need to save up for. Maybe in six months or so.

I've never heard of cranking the crossover dial on the sub like that (until I googled it specifically). Thanks for the tip. :)
 
Test Tone Generator is a perfect little application for what I wanted, although you don't have to enter the values manually, there's a bar you can move up and down to go through the frequencies. Thanks 12andy.

And that audio website is great, thank you kumquatsrus.
 
Oneiros said:
Test Tone Generator is a perfect little application for what I wanted, although you don't have to enter the values manually, there's a bar you can move up and down to go through the frequencies. Thanks 12andy.

And that audio website is great, thank you kumquatsrus.
Click to expand...

no prob, enjoy!
 
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