essential

setup

Before you use your AVR500, AVR600 or AV888 it is essential that you enter some information into the Setup menus about your speaker configuration. This allows the unit to process any surround sound digital source to exactly match your system and give you the ultimate surround sound experience.

There are three pieces of vital information which are outlined in the sections: ‘Speaker Types’, ‘Speaker Distances’ and ‘Speaker Levels’.

The way you enter this information manually into the unit is given later in the ‘Setup Menus’ section on page

34.The settings can also be established automatically

using the Arcam Auto Speaker Setup function. However it is important to understand why these speaker settings must be entered, which is why this section is presented first.

Speaker types

You need to set the type of speakers that you have connected to your AVR500/AVR600 (or connected indirectly to your AV888):

Large

capable of full frequency range reproduction

Small

not capable of full frequency range

 

reproduction at the low frequency end

None

speaker not present in your configuration

The terms ‘Large’ and ‘Small’ do not necessarily relate to the physical size of your speakers. As a rule of thumb, if a speaker cannot reproduce a flat frequency response down to about 40Hz (and very few can!) it is often better to consider them as ‘Small’ for setup purposes of home cinema.

When a speaker is set to ‘Small’, very low frequency sounds are redirected away from that speaker to a ‘Large’ speaker or a subwoofer, which are far better suited to reproducing these low frequency sounds.

Note that it is not possible to set all speakers to ‘Small’ unless there is a subwoofer in your speaker configuration. If you do not have a subwoofer, you will be forced to set your front speakers to ‘Large’.

(Advanced users may wish to automatically override the ‘Small’ speaker setting for purely stereo music listening when not watching movies. This can be achieved in the ‘Input Config.’ menu – see page 36.)

Single Surround Back speaker

If you have just one Surround Back speaker in your configuration instead of two, ensure it is connected to the SBL speaker connector and set Surr. Back L/R in the Spkr Types menu to either ‘1 Small’ or ‘1 Large’ as appropriate.

Crossover frequency

If you have set any speakers as being Small, then you will be required to set a value for the crossover frequency. This is the frequency below which signals are filtered away from these Small speakers and redirected to Large speakers or the subwoofer (if present). A frequency

of 80Hz is often a good starting point, however you will probably have to experiment with different values to find the best value for your system or consult your speaker handbook.

MCH sub level

If a subwoofer is present, this setting allows for a 10dB compensation on the subwoofer output when using the MCH input as required by many DVD-A players with audio outputs.

Use Surround Back channels

If not used in the main zone, it is possible to assign the Surround Back channels to bi-amp the Front Left/Right channels or to provide an amplified output to Zone 2.

Speaker Distances

It is essential for the distance from each speaker to the listening position to be accurately measured and entered into the ‘Setup’ menu. This ensures that the sounds from the various speakers arrive at the listening position at the correct time to recreate a realistic surround effect. The distance can be entered in centimetres or inches.

Speaker Levels

Finally the levels of all the speakers in the system need to be adjusted to match each other at the listening position, again to create a proper surround effect. To help with this the AVR500, AVR600 or AV888 can generate a test noise for each speaker which should be measured with a sound pressure level (SPL) meter. The meter should be set to ‘C’ weighting and slow response. The level of noise measured at the listening position from each speaker should be adjusted on the Speaker Trims page of the Setup menu so that the meter reads 75dB SPL. It does not matter what the system volume setting of the AVR500, AVR600 or AV888 is before turning the test noise on as the volume setting is over- ridden for the duration of the speaker noise test.

There are several basic SPL meters on the market at reasonable prices aimed at home cinema enthusiasts. Check your local technology store, search online or ask your dealer.

If you do not have an SPL meter, you can try to adjust the noise level of each speaker by ear. In this case it is not possible to adjust the speakers to the absolute 75dB SPL volume level, but you should aim for all speakers sounding equally loud. Setting speaker test noise levels by ear is not recommended as it is very difficult to do accurately, but is often better than doing nothing at all!

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Arcam AV888, AVR600, AVR500 manual Essential Setup, Speaker types, Speaker Distances, Speaker Levels

AV888, AVR500, AVR600 specifications

The Arcam AVR600 is a high-performance AV receiver that is designed for audiophiles and home cinema enthusiasts who seek a premium audio and video experience. This receiver stands out with its array of features and technologies that elevate sound quality and user experience.

At the heart of the AVR600 is its high-fidelity amplification system. The receiver is equipped with a robust 7-channel amplification setup, delivering a total output of 120 watts per channel into 8 ohms. This power enables the AVR600 to reproduce dynamic audio with precision, whether it be for movies, music, or gaming. The class G amplifier design offers exceptional efficiency and reduces distortion, ensuring that sound remains clean and focused even at higher volumes.

The AVR600 boasts extensive connectivity options to accommodate various audio and video sources. It features multiple HDMI inputs and outputs supporting 3D video and 4K scaling, providing flexibility for connecting modern devices. The unit also includes analog and digital inputs, a dedicated phono input for vinyl enthusiasts, and support for multi-room audio setups. With its built-in Bluetooth and network streaming capabilities, users can easily access high-resolution audio files from their digital libraries or popular streaming services.

One of the key technologies in the AVR600 is its advanced room correction system, known as Dirac Live. This sophisticated calibration tool analyzes the acoustics of the room and automatically adjusts the output of the receiver to compensate for any sound anomalies. As a result, listeners experience optimized sound tailored to their specific environment, enhancing the overall listening experience.

For video performance, the AVR600 supports a range of formats, including Dolby Atmos and DTS:X, ensuring an immersive home theater experience with enveloping surround sound. It also features advanced video processing capabilities, allowing users to upscale standard-definition and high-definition content to near 4K quality, further enhancing picture clarity.

In terms of user interface, the AVR600 provides an intuitive on-screen display and a well-designed remote control that makes navigating through settings and options seamless. The receiver is also compatible with smartphone apps for additional convenience, allowing users to control playback and settings directly from their mobile devices.

Overall, the Arcam AVR600 is a versatile audio-visual receiver that combines power, connectivity, and advanced technologies to create an exceptional home entertainment experience. Its unique blend of performance and flexibility makes it an excellent choice for those looking to invest in high-quality audio and video solutions for their homes.