Setting proper speaker output levels is essential to
preserving the imaging and ambience of the listening
material, and getting the most out of your surround-
sound system. Until now, level setting required
the use of a separately purchased SPL meter and
tedious adjustments with the unit’s remote, or was
dependent on one’s success at guessing the correct
level settings. Now, with the touch of a button,
Harman Kardon’s EzSet automatically sets the levels
for you, quickly and accurately.
After connecting your speakers, first make certain
that the AVR is properly configured for “large” or
“small” speakers, and set the balance control to the
12 o’clock position. Next, set the volume level at
–15dB, as shown on the front panel display. Hold
the EzSet remote in front of you at arm’s length,
pointed toward the receiver, tilted upward at a
45-degree angle. Press the SPL button. Release it
when the indicator light stops flashing and you
hear a test tone from the front left speaker.
EzSet will do the rest! Just hold the remote steady,
point it toward the AVR and make sure that you
do not cover the sensor mike holes at the top of
the remote.
EzSet will move the test tone to each speaker,
automatically measure its output, and adjust the
output level to the correct setting. This is also a
good opportunity to check the speaker connections
by making sure that the test tone is heard from the
position shown in the display. As EzSet checks each
speaker’s level, the indicator light will turn amber
when the level is too low.
If the output level for any speaker is too high,
EzSet’s indicator light will turn red, and EzSet
will continue to adjust the output level until
it is correct. The indicator light may
alternate between red and amber while
EzSet is making its adjustments.
When EzSet determines that the level
for each speaker is correct, the
indicator light will turn green.
EzSet will repeat the process for each speaker until
the output from every channel is matched to the
reference level. Once the levels have been set,
the test tone will circulate one more time through
the speakers to confirm the settings and to fine-
tune, if necessary.
When all channels have been set and the settings
confirmed, the indicator light will flash green twice, the
test tone will stop, and your AVR will return to normal
operation. If the resulting levels are uncomfortably
low or high, you can adjust the master volume level
and press the SPL button to start EzSet again. You
are now ready to experience home-theater sound
the way it was meant to be heard!
