The recent animated discussion on the relative merits of the 2242 and 2245 (I have the near-indestructible 2242-HPL ) lead me in another direction.
Having had the chance to observe and benefit from the Synthesis® DACS calibration, I now know the extent to which correct use of this tool improves the overall performance of a great system. I've commented elsewhere about the significant leap such a process is from the now-typical one in receivers and pre/pros:
1. Set speaker size.
2. Set speaker distance.
3. Set speaker crossover points to sub(s).
4. Run SPL calibration either manually or automatically.
4. Boost or cut treble and bass.
And you're done.
Of course, even that process is a big step up from the stereo days when you had a balance control, plus bass, treble, and (maybe) mid controls.
There are more auto setup systems coming out, though most seem to require some human intervention to get everything right. Sometimes they just don't work well at all.
The biggest improvement I got from the Synthesis® calibration was in the LF. In fact, this is an area that vexed me over the years, since the bass can sound fantastic in one spot and be dreadfully inadequate in another, then be overly boomy and intrusive somewhere else. Using the midpoints of the front and rear walls for sub placement, a la the Harman Multisubs white paper, the DACS and its five mics found the right mix for the LF that turned every part of the room into a very good seat.
Since not everyone has or wants a Synthesis® system and calibration, the questions arise as to how the rest of our systems get close to the same great LF and what are the tools we use to get there? I'm aware of JBL's BASSQ™, the Velodyne SMS-1, and Audyssey Sub Equalizer.
Have any of you used these or others? They strike me as different products. I'm considering a BASSQ™ for my Performance Series, since the single-mic, auto calibration on my Outlaw 990 doesn't have what it takes to get it right. IMO
Your useful experience is appreciated. If you haven't done anything in this regard, opinions are welcome, too, though much less useful.