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I have had to tweak and fiddle though to get the sort of performance output I expect. I've created a "false economy" by boosting digital source output to 12db. I've also increased each speakers output levels to around 5db for the fronts and 7db for the rears. The centre speaker, Jamo S60 seems to require a lot more effort to get parity out of it. I've set it to 8db!!
The Dynamic volume setting caused me a lot of consternation too. With it set to off the net volume dropped about 70%!! Of course the surround effect was accentuated as Dynamic Volume was not interfering with outgoing levels but the net effect was a somewhat muted centre speaker and then rapturous audio coming from front and rear. Setting Dynamic Volume to high had the opposite effect with a distinct sound coming from centre speaker but artificially muted sound coming from front and rear!!!! I settled on light but haven't tested this setting extensively to know the net effect it will have (light happens to be Mike's suggested setting for Dynamic Volume too).
I've also manually altered the speaker distance settings to get what I perceive to be a better result from my perspective in my favourite seat in the room.
So a lot of fiddling was required and at one stage I was experiencing that all too familiar sinking feeling, thinking my impulsive nature was once again going to cost me but these Monitor Audio BX2's are pretty sensational!! Not sure where the seller got them but they were in a factory sealed box so brand new and at R2750 about 30% below recommended retail price!!
EDIT: I don't often listen to music in the room but what actually motivated me to dump the Jamo's I had connected before was music. I just got a new Mede8er 1000X3D and was streaming music over the local network. It dawned on me then just how s hitty these Jamo's are. The BX2's by contrast sound extraordinary and seem tailor made for music, any type at any volume, clean, accurate, precise, jazz, metal, pop, rock or classic...
Posted this in the surround sound thread but perhaps it's pertinent so posting it here too...
Replaced my front and centre speakers with the Monitor Audio BX2's and Jamo S60...
Ok, so if I get the amp, will I be able (until I buy proper speakers) to use the speakers from my old Samsung dvd-player-surround-sound combo with it? I know that if it works, the sound will be terrible, etc, but will it physically work?
Does the Apple TV and WD Live work if you plug them into the BD port? Only asking because you've confirmed that the BD player works on the BD port.Boy I hope the Power Users are still watching this thread. I am having a heck of a time setting up my brand new NR 1402 and need some guidance.
My setup:
Marantz NR1402
2012 Panasonic Plasma (Smart)
2012 Pansaonic BD (3D) Player
WD Live box
Apple TV
My plan was to plug the BD, WD and Apple into the NR1402 using BD, DVD and CD inputs, then an HDMI from the 1402 to the TV.
Well the only thing that works is the BD player in the BD input. The Apple TV and WD Live box are not seen by the 1402.
OK. I thought, just plug the Apple and WD live boxes into the TV then run an optical cable to the OPT input on the 1402 for sound. That doesn't work either. Select CD or any other input does not result in output from the speakers.
I have been fiddling with this AVR for a week now and not making any headway.
Any help at all would be greatly appreciated.
And you mention that the Apple and BD player don't work when connected directly to the TV. So you've isolated your problem there. It's either a user problem (you), or the two boxes in question - unlikely. Or is it just audio not being received by the receiver? It might also be an issue with the auto-HDMI option, although I'm not familiar with this unit so I'll let the those who have one guide you through it instead...
Does the Apple TV and WD Live work if you plug them into the BD port? Only asking because you've confirmed that the BD player works on the BD port.
The Apple TV and WD Live boxes both work properly when plugged directly to the TV, so I know they are functioning correctly. I just cannot get any audio out of the 1402 over the Optical cable from either the Apple or the WD Live box connected to the 1402 optical in.
Yes, both the WD and Apple worked in the BD input spot. So I started again and after checking the input assignments, I have managed to get all 3 devices assigned to ports and working. Yay! It may have been a port assignment, or a handshaking issue. I may need to remember to turn on the TV first, then the 1402, then the other device.Does the Apple TV and WD Live work if you plug them into the BD port? Only asking because you've confirmed that the BD player works on the BD port.
Yes, both the WD and Apple worked in the BD input spot. So I started again and after checking the input assignments, I have managed to get all 3 devices assigned to ports and working. Yay! It may have been a port assignment, or a handshaking issue. I may need to remember to turn on the TV first, then the 1402, then the other device.
I have one more question (for now) if you will indulge me. I use a pair of wireless headphones when watching TV with the family. I need a bit higher volume than the rest of the gang. When I plug into the headphone jack on the 1402, the speakers mute. Is there a setting that will allow both headphone and speaker output at the same time?
I finally got around to trying that. Connected to the TV they work fine, but when using ARC the TV audio out seems to turn off. Now I am wondering if I can hook up my wireless headphones to the Pre Out (red/black) on the 1402. What do you think?Try connecting the headphones to the tv's headphones out put (if available). Dunno if it'll work.
1) It supports audio return so as long as the TV is connected to the receiver via HDMI to the HDMI ARC port on the TV then you shouldn't lose any quality.I also have the NR1402, with revel f12 floorstanding speakers. No sub at the moment. I am hoping that following the setup guide will give the sound a bit more fullness. The auto setup with the mic has way to much high end in my opinion and doesn't sound quite right. Its primarily (80%) used for music (classic rock, electronica, alternative rock, folk).
1) Right now I have our apple TV and PlayStation 3 hooked directly to our new samsung flatscreen via HDMI cables, and then out from the TV to the receiver+speakers via an optical audio out. Am I sacrificing sound/video quality by going through the TV first and then to the receiver? I know the traditional setup is hook everything to the receiver and then run the receiver to the TV...but we just find it easier to use the TV remote to switch back and forth. I will change the setup though if routing everything through the TV first is not getting the most out of our system...
2) Also which sub would you suggest with this setup? Do you think it has to be a revel? I have my eye on the svs SB-1000 at the moment. We live in a smaller condo and dont need wall destroying bass...just something to enhance the low end for music.
3) I also echo Nicky_G, what is the m dax?
Thanks