I bought my AVR after doing a lot of research online, including the measurements done here at ASR. I really appreciate the work done on these measurements and the publishing of the results.
Having owned my AVR for a while, I’m struck by how differently I use my AVR from how AVR performance is measured. I run 3.1 and maybe soon 5.1. In terms of % of use, the most important issue is clarity of dialogue from the center channel. Because AVRs are reviewed primarily on front left/right performance, it makes sense for manufacturers to optimize FL/FR and save money on the other channels. I think that is a great trade-off for surround channels, but not for the center. It would be great if reviews could verify that center channel performance is equal to FL/FR, both when bypassing the amps (using pre-outs) and when using the amps (direct speaker connection).
Because dialog clarity is so important, it makes sense to try to use the AVR’s dialogue enhancement features, when available. This requires DSP processing. Similarly, I can’t watch TV or movies after 9pm in my house without dynamic volume, which is another DSP feature. Finally, one of the major reasons to get an AVR is the room correction, which again requires DSP. But, AVR performance reviews tend to focus on performance when DSP is bypassed. It would be great if reviews could present the performance figures also with DSP enabled, but with all the effects set to neutral/0 to the extent possible.
I understand that what I’m asking for here is a doubling or so of the work to review an AVR. OTOH this would make the performance figures a lot more relevant to more people, so it’s worth finding a way to make it practical to do.
Having owned my AVR for a while, I’m struck by how differently I use my AVR from how AVR performance is measured. I run 3.1 and maybe soon 5.1. In terms of % of use, the most important issue is clarity of dialogue from the center channel. Because AVRs are reviewed primarily on front left/right performance, it makes sense for manufacturers to optimize FL/FR and save money on the other channels. I think that is a great trade-off for surround channels, but not for the center. It would be great if reviews could verify that center channel performance is equal to FL/FR, both when bypassing the amps (using pre-outs) and when using the amps (direct speaker connection).
Because dialog clarity is so important, it makes sense to try to use the AVR’s dialogue enhancement features, when available. This requires DSP processing. Similarly, I can’t watch TV or movies after 9pm in my house without dynamic volume, which is another DSP feature. Finally, one of the major reasons to get an AVR is the room correction, which again requires DSP. But, AVR performance reviews tend to focus on performance when DSP is bypassed. It would be great if reviews could present the performance figures also with DSP enabled, but with all the effects set to neutral/0 to the extent possible.
I understand that what I’m asking for here is a doubling or so of the work to review an AVR. OTOH this would make the performance figures a lot more relevant to more people, so it’s worth finding a way to make it practical to do.