Levelcalibration

The 551R allows level calibration to match the acoustic level between different types/sizes or even manufacturers of speaker that may be being usedforeachchannel.Thisisachievedbyadjustingtherelativelevelofeach speaker.Thiscanbedonemanuallythroughthe‘LevelCalibration’menuin theOSDorautomatically,seethefollowingAutosetupsectionofthismanual. The basic process for manual adjustment is to listen to or measure with a SoundPressureLevel(SPL)meter(moreaccurateandrecommendedbutnot essential)thelevelofsoundproducedbyeachspeakerandsetrelativelevels for each speaker so that they all sound the same loudness at the normal listening position. The 551R incorporates a Test Signal Generator (broad- bandwhitenoise)tofacilitatethis.

Press the OSD button on the remote control then select the ‘Level Calibration’ menu. Now turn on the test signal by highlighting this item and pressingtheLeftorRightarrows:

Level Calibration Menu

Test Signal

:

 

On

Front L

:

0

dB

Front R

:

0

dB

Surround L

:

0

dB

Surround R

:

0

dB

Centre

:

0

dB

Subwoofer

:

0

dB

Surr. LB

:

0

dB

Surr. RB

:

0

dB

 

Return : [OSD]

 

 

YoucannowmoveupanddownthechannelsusingVolumeUp/Downonthe remote.Eachtimeanewchannelisselectedthetestsignalwillbeheardto movetothatchannel.Comparetheloudnessofallchannelsasheardatthe listeningposition.

A“rushing”or“hissy”soundshouldbeheard.

Now adjust the channels so they all sound the same (in terms of loudness only,channelsofdifferentfrequencyresponsescansounddifferentinterms ofthe“tone”ofthesoundi.e.moreorlesshissy).

Pickthechannelthatsoundsmostdifferentandselectittolistentothetest signal. Now adjust the relative level in dB (using Arrow left/right on the remote) and continue comparing it to other channels until it is of equal loudness. Thelevelcan be adjusted up to + or - 10dB in 1dB steps.Repeat the process with the next most different channel. Once all channels sound the same in terms of loudness, press the OSD button again to save the settingsandexitthemenu.

AutospeakersetupforDistance/Level

The 551R includes our simple automatic speaker setup system called 'CAMCAS'(CambridgeAudioMicControlledAutoSetup).Thesystemperforms twosetsoftestsfirstlycheckingwhichspeakersareconnectedandwhether they are wired correctly and in phase then second automatically measuring andadjustingthespeakerdelaytimings(i.e.distancesetting)andlevels. Before activating this feature the 'Decode Mode' (i.e. type of speaker package e.g. 5.1, 7.1) of the 551R and Large/Small/None status of each speakermustbesetcorrectlyaspersection1.Thisisimportantastheunit willonlylookforandcheckthespeakersyouhavetoldityouhave.

ToperformAutoDistance/Levelsetupfirstconnectthesuppliedmicrophone tothefrontLeftfrontpanelaudioinputonthefrontpanelandplaceitatyour normallisteningpositionintheroom.

Press the OSD button on the remote control to access the OSD and then selecttheSpeakerSetupMenu.Nowselecttheoption'AutoSetup'.Thiswill accessthe'AutoSetupMenu'asbelow.

Speaker Setup Menu

Auto Setup

Speaker Configuration

Speaker Distance

Level Calibration

Speaker Crossover

Return : [OSD]

Follow the on-screen instructions and press 'Enter' on the remote control whenreadytostarttheAutoSetupfunction.

Auto Setup Menu

Plug the microphone into the left channel of Video 3 on the front panel and place the microphone at normal listening position and height

Continue : [ENTER]

Once activated the OSD will display the message below and the word 'AUTOSETUP' willalsobedisplayedonthefrontpanelofthe551Rtoconfirm.

Auto Setup Menu

The unit is now checking which speakers are connected and their phase

Please wait........

Aseriesoftestsignalswillnowbeoutputfromalloftheconnectedspeaker terminalsofthe551R(includingtheSubwooferoutput).

Oncefinishedtheunitwilldisplayascreensimilartotheonebelowreporting whichspeakerswerefoundandanythatappearoutofphase.

Auto Setup Menu

The speakers that have been found are:

L C R SL SR LB RB SW

All speakers are in phase

Continue : [ENTER]

If any speakers appear unconnected or out of phase carefully check the connectionsonthespeakerandthebackoftheunit.Alsocheckanybi-wiring links that might be present on the speaker. For any out of phase speakers checkthattherelevant+terminalofthe551Rgoestothe+terminalofthat speakerandsimilarlythe–terminalofthe551Rgoestothe–terminalofthe speakerforthatchannel.

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Cambridge Audio 551R user manual Levelcalibration, AutospeakersetupforDistance/Level, Arushingorhissysoundshouldbeheard

551R specifications

The Cambridge Audio 551R is a versatile and sophisticated A/V receiver that stands out in its class, designed for audiophiles and home theater enthusiasts alike. Combining cutting-edge technology with elegant design, the 551R delivers a remarkable audio-visual experience.

At the heart of the 551R is its robust amplification system, which offers 100 watts per channel across seven channels. This provides ample power to drive a wide variety of speakers, ensuring dynamic sound across all listening levels. The receiver features a high-quality digital signal processing unit that enhances audio performance while accommodating the latest high-definition formats.

One of the standout features of the Cambridge Audio 551R is its extensive connectivity options. With multiple HDMI inputs, the 551R allows for seamless integration with various devices, such as Blu-ray players, gaming consoles, and streaming devices. The HDMI inputs support 3D video and 4K pass-through, ensuring compatibility with modern home entertainment systems. Additionally, it includes multiple digital and analog inputs, allowing users to connect traditional audio sources.

The 551R employs a sophisticated user interface, complete with an intuitive on-screen display. This makes navigating through settings and configurations effortless, even for those who may not be tech-savvy. The receiver also comes with a remote control that offers convenient access to essential functions.

Cambridge Audio places high importance on sound quality, and the 551R is no exception. Its premium components, including a high-grade DAC (Digital to Analog Converter) and carefully selected capacitors, contribute to achieving an exceptionally clean and natural sound signature. The receiver also offers various sound modes and equalization settings, which allow users to tailor the audio output to their room’s acoustics and personal preferences.

Another key characteristic is the inclusion of advanced video processing technologies. The 551R can upscale standard video sources to near-HD quality, enhancing the overall viewing experience. This is especially beneficial for older content or lower-resolution media, allowing users to make the most of their display’s capabilities.

In summary, the Cambridge Audio 551R A/V receiver is a powerful and versatile product that brings together exceptional sound quality, extensive connectivity options, and user-friendly functionality. Whether for music appreciation or cinematic experiences, the 551R is designed to satisfy the most discerning audio and video aficionados, making it an excellent choice for any home entertainment setup.