KEF 3005SE-W + Denon AVR-1910

[admin_exported]

Hey all,

I just installed the KEF 3005SE-W (799 at SuperFi!) with the Denon AVR-1910. After some tweaks (the Denon is an amazing piece of kit, but not the most straightforward setup..) the KEFs are effectively producing that effortless sound that I heard in the store. To be sure that I am getting the absolute most out of the combination, I had a couple of notes/questions:

1. The Audyssey routine was a mixed bag. I did it with 4 locations around the room, but it fails to detect the subwoofer no matter what I do. The good news is that it measured the distances accurately and I've adjusted the individual speaker channels so that I don't have to drive the Denon as hard (-10db initially!); I also noticed when I turned off all of the EQ settings in the EQ Customize section, the sound opened up measurably. Of course, now the red light is off and I won't get MultEQ or Dynamic EQ/Dynamic Volume. Speaker settings as follows:

Front L/R: +5.5db

Rear L/R: +3.5db

Sub: +1.5db

Speaker sizes set to small, speaker crossover frequency at 100hz, sub set as LFE at 120hz. Treble at +4, bass at +3 (not sure they are having an effect though...)

Q: Is there anything else I should consider looking at? Are the channel settings on target? Are there customised EQ settings to consider?

2. Is it recommended to use the bass boost (+6 or +12) on the sub at all? Or should I leave it to the receiver to drive? I ask because I occasionally miss some of the mid-bass impact (appreciating the fact that I am using satellites..)

3. For MP3 music playback (256k compression, streaming from Mac to PS3) are there recommended settings for Denon's 2.1 stereo mode? The bass feels a bit underwhelming in that setup but is normal on Dolby Pro II cinema/music..

4. Currently using QED Silver Anniversary XT cabling throughout (impressive). On the HDMI front, I am using ThatCable HDMIs (one each for PS3 and Sky box going into Denon, and then one coming out of Denon into the TV.) Will the Chord HDMI Supershield (from Denon to TV) be an improvement? Or do they all need to be Chords for there to be an improvement?

5. Any other settings to be aware of for the Denon + KEF combination?

Lots of questions, so I appreciate any thoughts/suggestions. Many thanks!

Mike

 

[Anonymous]

Bueller?

 

[strapped for cash]

What's the crossover frequency setting for the sub? This can make a real difference with sub/sat packages so might be worth having a play with this to see if you can find a sound you're truly smitten with.

With the 1910, the team felt (and I agreed after owning one for a week) that for optimum results the best bet is to turn the Audessey EQ function off after initial set up is complete.

If you were going to buy one Chord HDMI, it would arguably give you the greatest benefit running from Blu Ray player to amp, rather than from amp to TV. I can't say I've owned a Chord Superscreen, but I remember a feature in the mag a few months back where readers were invited to test equipment with different interconnects. If I remember rightly, the consensus was that HDMI cable upgrades offered the greatest improvement in audio rather than picture performance.

Then again, the HDMI upgrade argument rages on (see other threads on this issue) and some forum members wouldn't advocate upgrading HDMI cables at all...

 

[strapped for cash]

Sorry, just read your original post again and you already stated the crossover frequency was set to 100Hz, so ignore my first comment!

 

[Anonymous]

Thanks for the input. Interestingly, the SuperFi rep suggested amp to TV. I'll give both a go and see what results. Although a part of me would be perfectly happy spending 5-7 quid on a couple of HDMI cable from ThatCable. Another part of me would always be happy with better audio performance.

The Audyssey EQ function stays off. It just sounds better. Only drawback is that when playing MP3s through Dolby Pro Logic II, the vocals are sometimes too restrained (depending on the song). But in general..wow.

I've also read that the speakers measurably improve over a couple weeks burn-in...

 

[Anonymous]

I would't play music with pro logic to better on direct or pure direct results are much better.

 

[Anonymous]

I have had mine for over 6 months and like yourself have tried various settings. Personally, I think it sounds better with Audyssey turned on... although I do not drive mine that hard.

 

[Anonymous]

Turning the phase on the subwoofer from 0 to 180 measurably improved the subwoofer's basslines with the F L/R speakers in stereo mode (I don't expect to miss. Are the KEF 3005SEs capable of running well in direct mode instead of stereo? Are there any settings on the Denon to assist with that?