IMPORTANT NOTE: The output level can be adjusted for each digital and analog surround mode individually. This allows you to compen- sate for level differences between speakers, that may also vary with the surround mode selected, or to increase or decrease the level of certain speakers intentionally, depending on the sur- round mode selected. Note that adjustments made for any surround mode are effective with all inputs associated with the same surround mode.
Before beginning the output level adjustment process, make certain that all speaker connec- tions have been properly made. The system volume should be turned down at first. While the AVR 8500 allows you to set output levels manu- ally, we recommend that EzSet system be used when the AVR is first installed to establish the initial level settings.
Using EzSet
Harman Kardon’s exclusive EzSet remote makes it possible to quickly and accurately set the AVR’s output levels without the use of a sound pressure meter, although manual adjustment is also available. However, for the easiest set-up, follow these steps while seated in the listening position that will be used most often:
1.Make certain that all speaker positions have been properly configured for their “large” or “small” settings (as outlined above).
2.Turn off the OSD system if it is in use.
3.Select any input associated with the surround mode for which you want to adjust the output levels. Remember that the same adjustments must be made with all other surround modes you´ve in use.
4.The AVR 8500 features a specific Test Tone generator for the Subwoofer, that should be switched off for a proper level alignment by the EzSet system. Press the OSD Button L to open the MASTER MENU, select the CHANNEL ADJUSTline and press Set button Fto open that menu. Make sure that OFFis highlighted in the SUB TEST TONEline; if not, select that line and press
‹/› Buttons E once to turn the Tone off. Then return to the MASTER MENU.
5.Hold the remote in front of you, being sure not to cover the EzSet Sensor Microphone
at the top of the remote and aim it at the AVR, don´t hold it vertically (like a micro- phone).
6.Press and hold the SPL Indicator Select
Button for three seconds. Release it when the Program/SPL Indicator 2 stops flashing and remains lit. Press the 5 Button Hon the remote if your system is configured for 5.1 operation with standard speakers or when it is configured for 7.1 oper- ation but the surround back speakers are not in use with the surround mode currently selected. Press the 7 Button Hon the remote only if your system is configured for 6.1/7.1 operation with a full speaker comple- ment including rear surround speakers and the surround back speakers are in use with the surround mode selected. Note that all speakers currently in use always are indicated by the Speaker/Channel Indicators Ein the front panel display. Once the correct chan- nel configuration button has been pressed the test noise will be heard from the front left speaker.
7.At this point, EzSet will take over, adjusting the output level of each channel so that when the process is complete all levels will be equal and at the set reference point. This process may take a few minutes, depending on the extent of adjustment required.
8.During the adjustment, you will see the loca- tion of the channel position being adjusted appear in the on-screen display (if connected) and in the Main Information Display ˆ, alternating with a readout of the output set- ting, relative to the reference volume level. As the adjustment proceeds, a few things will happen simultaneously:
•The channel position being adjusted will flash in the Speaker/Channel Input Indicators
E. If the test noise is heard from a channel other than the one shown in the Indicator, the on-screen display or the front panel display, there is an error in the speaker connections. If this is the case, press the Test Button 8 TWICE to stop the adjustment. Then, turn the
unit off and verify that all speakers are con-
nected to the proper Outputs and that any connections made to rear surround speakers powered by optional amplifiers through the Surround Back Preamp Outputs are correct. Afterwards start the adjusting process again from the beginning.
•As the individual channels are set, the channel name and the adjustment offset will appear in the on-screen display (if connected) and the Main Information Display ˆ. While the level is changing, the Program/SPL Indicator 2will change colors to reflect the output level in relation to the reference. A red indication shows that the level is too high, while an orange indication shows that the
level is too low. When the indicator is green, the level is correct, and the test noise will move to the next channel.
•While adjustments are being made, the red LED under the AVR Selector fwill flash. This is normal, and indicates that EzSet is operating.
9.After the test noise has circulated once through each channel, it will send the tone to each channel once again, to verify the set- tings.
10.After two complete circulations of the tone, the levels are set. The Program/SPL Indicator 2will remain green at each channel. Upon completion of the second cir- culation, the Program/SPL Indicator 2 will flash green twice and then go out. The tone will stop and the AVR will return to nor- mal operation.
Manual Output Level Adjustment Output levels may also be adjusted manually, either to set them to a specific level with an SPL meter, or to make fine tuning adjustments to the levels obtained using the EzSet remote.
Manual output level adjustment is most easily done through the CHANNELADJUST menu (Figure 8). If you are already at the main menu, press the ¤ Button Duntil the on- screen › cursor is next to the CHANNEL ADJUSTline. If you are not at the main menu, press the OSD Button vto bring up the MASTER MENU (Figure 1), and then press the ¤ Button Dfour times so that the on-screen › cursor is next to the CHANNEL ADJUSTline. Press the Set Button Fto bring the CHANNELADJUSTmenu (Figure 8) to the screen.
* C H A N N E L A D J U S T | * |
F L | : 0 d B | S B R | : | 0 d B |
C E N : 0 d B | S B L | : | 0 d B |
F R | : 0 d B | S L | : | 0 d B |
S R | : 0 d B | S U B | : | 0 d B |
C H A N N E L R E S E T : O F F O N |
T E S T T O N E | : O F F O N |
S U B T E S T T O N E : O F F O N |
B A C K T O M A S T E R | M E N U |
Figure 8
Once the menu appears on your video screen, first use the ⁄ Button Dto move the on- screen › cursor so that it is next to the TEST TONE line. Press the ‹/ › Buttons E
so that ON is highlighted.
