Part 3 - Denon AVR-X6800H - Inhouse Review Dirac Live Bass Control Calibration

Part 3 - Denon AVR-X6800H - Inhouse Review Dirac Live Bass Control Calibration. Denon and Marantz now support the Dirac Live Bass Control options for single and multiple subwoofers. The Denon AVR-X6800H is among the first models to receive that support. In this video functionally compare against the built-in Audyssey calibration, the Dirac Live experience and detail the differences by the three Dirac Live types, the Dirac Live that does not address bass, Dirac Live Bass Management and Dirac Live Bass Control. We complete the video showing how all three types of Dirac Live filters can be saved and used on Denon and Marantz AV Receivers and Processors.
Other videos in this series -
Part 1 - Denon AVR-X6800H Inhouse Review Overview Unboxing
• Part 1 - Denon AVR-X68...
Part 2 - Denon AVR X6800H - Inhouse Review - Initial Setup Calibration
• Part 2 - Denon AVR X68...
Ripewave Xpress versions under 10 minutes, available -
Part 1 - Denon AVR-X6800H Xpress Review - Overview First Look • Denon AVR-X6800H Xpres...
Part 2 - Denon AVR-X6800H - Xpress Review - Speaker Layout Planning • Denon AVR-X6800H - Xpr...
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Ripewave Xpress - / @ripewavexpress
Ripewave Audio - / @ripewave
#denon #ripewave #marantz #hometheater

[@1Aquadon]

Thanks John... always rock solid info!!

[@ripewave]

I appreciate that feedback. Glad you find the content useful -Jon

[@the-first-rebirthman]

Thank you so much for the very detailed step by step guide. Please be aware that with DLBC switched on, not all features are usable like Dialog Enhancer or even Multi Channel Stereo mode.

[@ripewave]

I need to explore that lack of capability when Dirac is enabled

[@the-first-rebirthman]

@@ripewave To be precise: I am referring to DLBC and DLBM, but not standard DLRC

[@modixmodnox7083]

Hi, here with Marantz Cinema 40 i can use "Multi CH Stereo" in all Dirac Modes. "Dialog Enhancer" is only in Dirac Live Mode available, not in Bass Management or Bass Control. 🧐 My C40 ist uptodate.

[@the-first-rebirthman]

@@modixmodnox7083 please read the manual. DLBC is not supported with Multi Channel Stereo, It is a design decision to apply Denon's / Marantz own base management in this mode. The low frequences from the front are routed to the subwoofer, but not from any other speaker.

[@fxstd000]

Thank you for all the detailed analysis of these products. Your videos are my go-to source for real reviews of the AV receivers I'm actually interested in. Just when I think I want the Marantz, then I watch the review for the Denon and the Sony. So far, this Denon X6800H is in the lead (in my opinion).

[@ripewave]

Glad these detailed videos are helpful. What is it about the Denon AVR-X6800H that has grabbed your attention from Marantz? -Jon

[@FURognar]

Another excellent video. I cant wait for the sound quality comparison between Dirac and Audyssey.

[@ripewave]

Thanks. I can't wait to sit down for my critical listening session to analyze. I will start this week. -Jon

[@supremeboy]

Thank you for this detailed Dirac guide video. My C40 and Umik-1 are arriving soon and this helped a lot to understand the process what to do for first timers.

[@ripewave]

Congratulations on your purchase. Always excited to receive a new component. Glad this series helped. -Jon

[@marc2055]

Hello, I use Dirac live base control. I used "Tightly Focused Imaging" (9 positions) and when measuring, the recommended distance of two feet between positions gives an error. To correct the error I had to place the microphone more than 3 feet from the central position. I use 4 subwoofers in a 7.4.6 configuration. I am very satisfied with the result and recommend the DLBC.

[@ripewave]

Seems very odd. I have not experienced that error. I wonder what is causing that issue.

[@petexian]

I’m using Dirac Live Bass in an awkward 17x25ft room. I am totally happy with the results. I was surprised what a big improvement it was over Dirac Live and Audessey. A room treatment would have been much more expensive. I’m mostly irritated that I can’t transfer the license to a new AVR if I upgrade to a new AVR.

[@ripewave]

Your point is an important one to raise. The value of the Dirac licenses become more attractive to those who would have otherwise investigate in custom theater design, acoustic treatment and professional calibration services. I agree - the inability to transfer the licenses are an issue. As a reviewer, it lose the license if I return a receiver I tested. Dirac does have a return policy, which I will test out. Jon

[@texxhexxmm]

Did you compare audyssey multi eq X also🤔?

[@ripewave]

I can, I have MultiEQ-x I have not run for this model yet

[@petexian]

@@texxhexxmm I didn't, but I'm curious to learn about John's impression.

[@ripewave]

I think I will try MultEQ-X next

[@gregwillis4001]

Looking forward to your listening test and rankings, which will definitely influence a decision to buy the x6800h, or wait to see the comparable Marantz model when it is released. The only feature I wish the x6800h had would be XLR outputs for subwoofers. Heck, I would pay extra for XLR pre-out for all channels! When can we expect your listening test to drop? Love your channel!

[@ripewave]

First - thanks for tuning in and your support. I feel that AV Receiver should at least have XLR connections for the subwoofer outputs. Of course, all channels would be better, but that would truly be blurring the lines with an AV Processor. Still would like to see it. I think I will have the listening tests after the next one. The next one will be to cover the Audyssey MultEQ-X for full comparison against Dirac sound results. -Jon

[@htenthusiast2897]

Like others are doing, adding XLRs for L, R and Subs would be refreshing plus spacial sound.

[@bearclaw5115]

The price for room correction software is out of hand. $234-$752 and what is it doing? Measuring and correcting a frequency response is not very complicated. I also hate the a la carte pricing. Oh, you want to correct two subs? Cha-ching! Full bandwidth Cha-ching!

[@1Aquadon]

In a year or so they'll put it in as stock and just raise the price to everyone.. but then they risk less initial sales.

[@fascinatedbyeverything]

A couple questions: What's the point of doing Dirac w/ Bass Management (NOT DBLC) versus standard Dirac Live? My understanding is all Dirac w/ BM is doing to setting the crossovers for you (is that correct?), which you could do in the OSD of the Denon with standard Dirac Live. Heck, you could write down the suggested crossovers in the DLBM tab and implement them yourself in the Denon OSD with standard Dirac Live, and then maintain the flexibility to change those crossovers in the OSD. Is that correct? Do you need a DLBC license to do Dirac Live with Bass Management, or is it included in the standard license? Is there a specific boom mike stand you recommend for both Dirac and Audussey? Not sure which to buy. Thanks! This is a very informative channel.

[@ripewave]

My feeling is the Dirac Live Bass Management only makes sense if you haven't purchased the Bass Control option. It does provide the ability to set crossover values which the standard Dirac Live does not. While you can adjust crossovers for standard Dirac Live with OSD of Denon, I like the interface much better in the Dirac Live app. You could copy and manage from Denon, but there could be additional benefits I have yet to discover. You do not need the Dirac Live Bass Control (DLBC) option to use Dirac Live Bass Management. (I will confirm when I get my Marantz Cinema 30 this week before applying a license. You can purchase one boom mike stand, but you will need adapters as the mic clip threads differently. Thanks for your questions and watching. Jon

[@lysol911]

Do the zone outputs (via rca) work separately from the 13.4 channels? If you don’t want to assign the power amps to a zone, can you still use either/both zones rca outputs in addition to the 13.4 channels or do you have to substitute some of the height channels regardless of the amp assignments?

[@ripewave]

I need to test - I haven't played with zone outputs. -Jon

[@lysol911]

@@ripewave Thanks for the reply. The manual leaves some to be desired for zone configurations outside of configuring power amps for one or more zones.

[@ripewave]

It is when the manual is lacking that I like to be able to provide some more guidance. I will see if I can address. -Jon

[@lysol911]

@@ripewave One thing to note with the Pioneer VSX AVR’s is that when using the zone outputs, the source signal must be analog or 2ch PCM which is ridiculous in my opinion.

[@texxhexxmm]

My subs are pretty much same Position in room(mid wall) dirac sets one to -1,5dB ,the other -4,5dB.

[@ddcrocky3831]

Deos dirac measure the distance if not how do you do that

[@user-wm3fp9dn9u]

Thx John. Awesome video. One thing has been always confusing me， do i have to run audyssey first before running dirac?

[@ripewave]

You do not need to run Audyssey before running Dirac, no need to run it at all. The setup assistant will let you skip past Audyssey.

[@user-wm3fp9dn9u]

@@ripewave Ok got it. Much appreciate it. It will save me a plenty of time.

[@user-mp5xk46zq1j-io5-]

Denon 6800 with Dirac bass control Or Onkyo Integra 8.4 with : Improved Dirac Live room correction delay times; Source Based Tone Mapping for HDMI2.1a; Dolby Atmos Music ; Playback Capability for Amazon Music HD (more in the future ) ?

[@jdm724]

what version do you use. DLBC seems not be working great in recent versions.

[@tek8231]

Do I need to first adjust the speaker size? For example, I have two subs. Before I start the measurements, do I need to first make the front speakers small or leave them at full? Thank you

[@michaelnyansafo7343]

Apart from Dirac live is there any alternative app or software you can recommend for Arcam AVR or AV processor?

[@sammy10001]

Hey jon. Can you transfer licenses? Hypothetically, if you upgrade to a marant av10 next year, can you bring your full package that you just bought for the 6800 with you? So it gets deactivated from the 6800 and reactivated on the av10?

[@ekjellgren]

No

[@ripewave]

Unfortunately @ekjellgren is correct. The Dirac licenses are not transferable. The only chance to recover is when you sell your receiver, you get a little more because it comes with the Dirac license. -Jon

[@whbwin]

good video! since the app caculates the phase of the subwoofers, which phase position should i switch to on my subs before running the dirac?0 or 180?

[@ripewave]

It shouldn’t matter but the setting that is closest to what is needed will make the Dirac adjustment smaller. I would start with 0 -Jon

[@whbwin]

@@ripewave thx！

[@whbwin]

@@ripewave why my umik 1 can't hear anything? so annoying😭

[@rolandrohde]

Just a quick question about Dirac...if I have Dirac Live Full Range, but none of the extra Bass addons...what does Dirac do for my Subs? Does it ignore the Subwoofers entirely or does it EQ them like Audyssey does? I have tried to get a definite anwer on this, but depending on who you ask, the answer is always different....🤷‍♂️

[@mauriciob8260]

can someone explain to me why on the Pioneer ELITE 505 Dirac live basic is free and on Denon Receivers which are more expensive you have to paid big money for the license and is not transferable 😫

[@ripewave]

Pioneer/Onkyo/Integra are trying to win customers back after a rough period. Denon/Marantz are leveraging the strength of their brand to command the premium price from their models - then charge even more for features. The Dirac Live Bass Control option is the same additional prices for both sets of brands. I find the lack of license transferability the hardest to accept. Jon

[@gowthamk5392]

Can we expect dirac live bass correction for RZ 50!?

[@ripewave]

I don’t know. Not sure if the hardware could support it. -Jon

[@michaelburton5198]

Given The Way And Specs Of These New Avr Receivers Are Today ( Like The 6800 You're Hosting @ The Moment!) Do Think 🤔 Or Believe It's Necessary, For A Pre Amp Processor 🤔 Like The " Anthem AVM 70" Ect.Ect And Would It Be A DIFFERENCE IS So??????

[@ripewave]

It comes done to 3 elements for me: 1) Price 2) Feature set 3) Sound quality Sound - You are more likely to get better sound quality from an AV Processor, but there are a few exceptions. Features - Feature sets can be more robust on AV Receiver, but lack sound improving elements like balanced XLR inputs and outputs - especially for subwoofers which benefit from noise cancellation on long runs. Price - despite not having onboard amplifiers, the AV Processors are usually more money - just look at the Marantz AV10 ($7,000 - no amps) vs. the Denon AVR-A1H ($6,500 - 15 amps @ 150W rating into 2 channels) Jon

[@michaelburton5198]

​@@ripewave, Yeah ..., That's Weird Part For Me??? It's Just A Processor And No Volume Up Or Down Like A Power Amplifier???? That's CONFUSION For Me??? You Still Need A Avr Receiver

[@ripewave]

A processor has volume control, an amplifier does not

[@michaelburton5198]

​@@ripewave, If U Had To Get A Pre Amp Processor, Would It Be The Marantz Av10 Or The Anthem AVM 90 ?????

[@ekjellgren]

Is ART depending on the previous licences as an add on or is it a stand alone product?

[@HiFinest343]

Based on what ART does, I would imagine it would be most impactful WITH DLBC, because it will include the bass drivers from the larger speakers as part of the target curve calculations.

[@ripewave]

I don't know. However, my guess is this will be an independent add-on to the base Dirac Live without the need for Dirac Less Bass Control. - Jon

[@ripewave]

I just looked up the cost of Dirac Acoustic Room Treatment (ART) for the Storm Audio processor and the cost of the ART upgrade is $299. I suspect that will be the charge if not included with the price of a Receiver or Processor. -Jon

[@vitalismunchen5740]

Can i have Two Dirac Configurations onn Denon/Marantz f.e one Stereo with 3 Presets and one 5.2.4 with also 3 Presets?

[@ripewave]

Yes. Here is an example: Speaker Preset 1 - 2.0 or 2.1 speaker layout with 3 separate Dirac Filters. Speaker Preset 2 - 5.2.4 speaker layout also with 3 separate Dirac Filters. This configuration does not support using Audyssey, which may not be an issue. Jon

[@texxhexxmm]

Dirac Support is very often usure😂​@@ripewave

[@texxhexxmm]

​@@ripewavebut can i have two 5.2.4 configs? One with two Height Pairs and one wirth top Front and rear Height..for Music Atmos Height Pairs are great

[@hiphopodense]

What happened to your predicted response, when you used bass management?.. Looked like it killed the subwoofers

[@ripewave]

Similar to what I just responded to the previous commenter - I think you are right. The default settings that Dirac has for its target curve is close to flat response. I prefer more of a bump on the low end. I am going to compare the 3 bass filter (none, bass management, bass control) this week without altering the tone, then work on an improved target curve. -Jon

[@hiphopodense]

@@ripewave i have a Denon avc-x3800h, when I use bass management, it just kills the bass from my 4 subwoofers. My predictied response looks like yours and sound like it. But try it out, maybe it's the same for you

[@ripewave]

Thanks for the heads up. I have been finding the Dirac is bass poor. Hoping it can be adjusted with the right target curve

[@invisibles362]

I had a dirac live processor before, after lessening, your probably gonna raise the LFE of you subwoofer. I found that Dirac used to kill the bass. I allways used to increase the bass level to about 3db higher in the dirac settings. Your hears will be the judge..

[@ripewave]

I think you are right. The default settings that Dirac has for its target curve is close to flat response. I prefer more of a bump on the low end. I am going to compare the 3 bass filter (none, bass management, bass control) this week without altering the tone, then work on an improved target curve. -Jon

[@mikeschmidt2339]

I’m using the 4800h I decided to keep just need to get base right speakers are bookshelves low to the ground I have a sub running 5.1.2 upfiring I do like it will regular Dirac work ? Or better of audy 199$

[@mikeschmidt2339]

Thanks for everything u put out its been very helpful

[@AmitKumar-ow8ck]

UMIK - 1 Or UMIK -2 which is better ....?

[@ripewave]

UMIK-1 is sufficient for Dirac room calibration. UMIl-2 helps more with near field measurements. -Jon

[@AmitKumar-ow8ck]

@@ripewave Then sir UNIK - 2 is better then Umik - 1 can I buy UMIK - 2 Because this is update model

[@darknessnightfall]

I just noticed this video from Masimo (Denon) about MultEQ-X software. kzbin.info/www/bejne/Y3umloZvdqiKh5Y . Do you use this also?

[@ripewave]

Thanks for sharing I watched. I just started putting together the Audyssey MultEQ-X video. coming soon…. Jon

[@ranakirti]

i don't think any avr this generation can beat the a8a. yamaha is so far ahead of the competition. and it weighs 21kgs. thts got to mean something.

[@FURognar]

Now that Yamaha has Auro3D, its a serious contender. But for me, I need to be able to do 7.1.6 so the Yamaha doesnt work for me. In my price range, its either the Denon X6800 or the Sony 7000ES, and the Sony doesnt have Auro3D, so the Denon is the front runner for me.

[@ripewave]

Yes - the pool of receivers able to process 7.1.6 is small. Yamaha and others do no accommodate the larger layouts.

[@thelonewolf666]

having to get the best out of a receiver that you purchase and having to buy bass control is ridiculous--- it should be able to be done with with the amp for free, i cant imagine why anyone would pay for for this when you only ever use it once or twice

[@ripewave]

It is a marketing game. Denon/Marantz is one of the most recognizable brands, and checks most of the feature boxes. They are counting on brand/feature set to drive customers to pay a premium. They first get their audience to pay more for the base unit, then tack on these feature options to drive their profits even higher. -Jon

[@superhussein]

dirac live bass control insults islam