The Latest and Greatest in Custom Home Theater

Reference Level

For years I have wanted to put all my front speakers behind the screen – just to be like the cinema. To make it work, though, you need to have at least 45 degrees of separation between the L/R speakers or else the soundstage will collapse. That dictates a picture about 50 degrees wide, which makes even 1080p look like standard definition.

Recently, I decided to try all the speakers behind the screen anyway, regardless of what might happen to the picture. The L/R speakers were 45 degrees apart, and the screen extended just past them. It wasn’t quite 50 degrees, but it was close. As expected, the video looked atrocious, but the audio surprised me.

First, the speakers completely disappeared into the soundfield. There was absolutely no sense that I was even listening to speakers. They were just gone.

Second, I couldn’t turn the volume up loud enough. My previous setup featured a 46” LCD flat panel, and I was happy – happy, mind you – listening about -18dB to -15dB from reference level. No more. When I finally got the volume up where it didn’t seem completely swamped by that massive picture, the volume control was guess where? Reference level! Not only did the sound match the scope of the picture, but the dynamics of the on-screen action became palpable in a way I had not previously thought possible. In short, it rocked!

I have always liked to listen loud, but never that loud. I was one of those people who believe reference level is absurd for small rooms. Well, it appears I might have been mistaken. Volume may not be a function of room size after all. It may be a function of picture size. I think Ioan Allen of Dolby wrote a paper on this very subject a while back, so I’ll read up on the subject and report back. Meanwhile, you might want to look into it yourself.

Chase Walton

Technical Editor

Breakout Loops

Let’s have a show of hands. How many of you know what the term “breakout loops” means? Not many? I thought not. Now, for a tougher question. How many of you have actually seen breakout loops?

It’s time for a little soapbox action. Breakout loops are a very cool feature found in a disappointingly small number of A/V Receivers. Essentially, a breakout loop gives you the opportunity to insert a standalone equalizer (or some other device) into the signal path between the preamplifier and amplifier sections of the AVR. You have up to 8 pre-outs and the same number of direct amplifiers inputs on the back panel. They’re typically right next to each other, connected by jumper pins when there’s no device inserted. Without breakout loops, there’s no way to use an external EQ, which is essential for custom-tailoring speakers to the room’s acoustic signature. You may still have the AVR’s automatic EQ system, but who knows how useful (or accurate) that is. No, you really need to be able to supply your own EQ.

If these breakout loop things are so cool, why aren’t they everywhere? Believe it or not, they’re actually quite expensive to build. I’d estimate we’re talking about adding $200 to the MSRP of an AVR. With competition tight and demand low, manufacturers figure it’s just not worth the extra clams to have breakout loops. The only brand I know of that bucks the trend is Marantz – and not even they do it for every model.

If you’re a fan of EQ – and everyone should be – get on the horn with your favorite AVR maker and let them know that there are at least of few of us out here crazy enough to spring for some breakout loops.

Tony Grimani

President & Lead Consultant

Welcome to PMI's Inaugural Blog!

I'd like to start things off by congratulating Tony for dreaming up the idea of having a PMI blog. Here's to many informative and productive posts in the future!

Chase Walton

Technical Editor