full?d=1721141117.png

In today’s modern households, entertainment plays a crucial role in family bonding and relaxation. Whether it's watching a movie, playing video games, or listening to music, the experience is significantly enhanced by high-quality audio. But watching that content can become frustrating when you keep missing key dialog or are constantly adjusting the volume. But don’t worry because there are likely some things you can do to improve your existing system, plus I’ll have some follow up content talking about different solutions that can help at any budget. So, let’s get going and see if we can make the topic of dialog clarity, a bit easier to understand…


Dialog Clarity: What Did He Say?
One of the most significant advantages of high-quality audio is enhanced dialog clarity. Often, background scores and special effects overpower the dialog, making it difficult to follow the storyline. Quality audio ensures speech is crisp and clear, allowing viewers to catch every word without straining to hear. This is particularly beneficial for older family members or those with hearing difficulties, as it eliminates the frustration of constantly adjusting the volume or relying on subtitles.

One of the biggest complaints about family room and bedroom systems is an issue with dialog clarity, especially at low volumes. This forces us to turn the volume up, only to be sent scrambling for the remote again when the next commercial or action scene is now too loud. This constant volume adjustment can be annoying and distracting, pulling you out of the scene. Moreover, it can damage the tiny speakers in your TV or lower-end sound bar, which nowadays cannot generally be repaired.


Identifying the Problem
What can we, as consumers, do to improve dialog clarity? First, let’s identify the root causes. It's easy to blame the TV show or movie for mixing the dialog too low, or the TV speakers for lacking size and power, which is often true. However, it's more likely that reflections in the room or around the speakers are creating additional noise and confusing what you hear.

Let’s start with the speakers in your TV. In the era of larger, deeper tube TVs, manufacturers had ample room for larger drivers. These weren't the best, but they were front-firing and relatively easy to hear. As technology advanced to plasma, LCD, OLED, and now mini-LED, the panels got thinner, squeezing the speaker size down and often firing downward instead. This downward direction amplifies the sound by reflecting it off the counter surface, making it louder, but often harder to hear. Combine that with the requirement for these tiny speakers to handle dialog, general effects, and explosions, and it’s no wonder audio clarity suffers.


Best Practices for Clearer Audio
So, what can be done? Here are some best practices for placing a soundbar above or below your TV:

1. Soundbar Placement: If you place a soundbar above the screen, tilt it down towards the listener. Newer soundbars often have up-firing speakers designed to bounce sound off the ceiling, creating an enveloping effect. However, placement is crucial, as reflections can cause echoes, confusing the dialog.

2. Avoid Reflections: Place the soundbar as close to the front edge of the shelf or countertop as possible. This reduces reflections and the volume boost they cause, helping to balance the volume between the left, center, and right speakers. Shelves might seem like the perfect location, but they amplify and reflect sound, creating echoes. Mounting a speaker onto the wall or using an in-wall speaker can eliminate this issue since it doesn’t allow for echoes (reflections) to create additional noise. If you do use an in-wall or in-ceiling speaker, try to get one that has a backbox built in as it will also reduce the amount of volume that bleeds into the room behind it.

3. Atmos-enabled Soundbars: If you have an Atmos-enabled soundbar, try to keep it under the TV. Overhead speakers are designed to reflect off the ceiling. Placing them closer to the ceiling can reduce their effectiveness, since they hit the ceiling at a more direct angle, reflecting your overhead effects into the ground in front of you.

4. 2-Channel Mode: If you're still having issues, try switching your system to 2-channel mode. This can remove competing sounds and help you focus on the dialog. The largest amount of content comes from the Front: Left, Center, and Right (LCR) speakers, so getting this part right is essential before adding additional channels and effects.

5. Lower the Bass Levels: I get it, most of us think it’s all about that bass, but if it interferes with hearing the dialog properly, turn it down 50% and see if that does the trick. Once you can hear the dialog properly, you can slowly adjust the bass back up until you get to the threshold of clearly hearing the dialog, then dial it back just a bit for the perfect ratio of dialog clarity and bass response.

6. Consider Upgrading: For the best sound and experience, consider stepping up to a soundbar or AVR, speakers, and a subwoofer. This setup offers far more adjustment to your specific room and can significantly improve audio clarity. If you’re unsure how to make these changes, consult a local AV specialist or watch some of my other videos where I discuss the product I put in my own home, and the issues it solved.


Can You Hear Me Now?
Improving dialog clarity in your home sound system can significantly enhance your family's entertainment experience. By understanding the root causes of poor audio quality and implementing best practices, you can ensure every word is heard clearly and without constant volume adjustments. Remember, investing time and effort into optimizing your audio setup not only elevates your own viewing pleasure but increases the likelihood that the family wants to hang out together for movie nights and gaming sessions.


For additional content on various technologies designed to improve your life, you can subscribe to my YouTube FAQnatics page, where I discuss topics like audio, video, lighting, shades, security, and anything else important to you and your family. And keep an eye out for more content on the subject of audio best practices as I share a few of my personal media room and theater builds here on AV NIRVANA. In the meantime, check out my FAQnatic video on getting the best vocal clarity from your home sound system.



Brett Bjorkquist (Owner MRKTMKR, Head FAQnatic) has 25 years in the CEDIA industry and is a valued member of the AV NIRVANA community. He got his start at GoodGuys, a local AV business, and was running his first location by 25. He’s been recruited by a variety of manufacturers including Logitech, Bowers & Wilkins, and Kaleidescape, has served as a volunteer co-chair for CEDIA, and has won multiple Quest for Quality awards for training/support. Recognizing the industry's need for better training programs, Brett founded MRKTMKR, offering manufacturers a more effective way to engage Integrators. In 2024, he launched FAQnatics, a consumer-focused YouTube channel educating on technology trends and connecting consumers to qualified products and Integrators.

Definitely
head over to FAQnatics to see what Brett's been up to... and subscribe to keep up to date
when new videos drop!
 
Thread Starter
Joined
Aug 7, 2021
Posts
18
Appreciate you posting this up Todd. I know for some here, this is basic, but dialog clarity is an issue I see getting brought up on so many forums, so I wanted to start with the basics, and then I have follow-up content coming where I upgrade from a sound bar to a system with DSP control to help tame the open space.

Feel free to drop any questions here, or on the Youtube video version. I'll check both to make sure everyone gets an answer.
 

Todd Anderson

Editor / Senior Admin
Staff member
Joined
Jan 20, 2017
Posts
9,869
Location
Balt/Wash Metro
More  
Preamp, Processor or Receiver
StormAudio ISP.24 MK2
Main Amp
Emotiva XPA-5
Additional Amp
Emotiva XPA Gen3 2.8 multichannel amp
Other Amp
Denon X8500H
DAC
THX ONYX
Computer Audio
AudioEngine A2+
Universal / Blu-ray / CD Player
Kaleidescape TERRA
OPPO UDP-203
Panasonic UB9000
Streaming Equipment
iFi Audio Zen Blue
Streaming Subscriptions
Spotify
Front Speakers
GoldenEar Technology Triton One.R
Center Channel Speaker
GoldenEar Technology SuperCenter Reference
Surround Speakers
GoldenEar Invisa MPX
Surround Back Speakers
GoldenEar Invisa MPX
Front Height Speakers
SVS Prime Elevation x4 (Top Front, Top Mid-Front)
Rear Height Speakers
SVS Prime Elevation x4 (Top Middle, Top Rear)
Subwoofers
Quad Array SVS SB16s
Other Speakers
Behringer 1124p; Aura Bass Shaker Pros; SuperSub X
Screen
Seymour Screen Excellence, Enlightor NEO AT Screen
Video Display Device
JVC NZ8
Other Equipment
Sony 65-inch A95L OLED
Sony 65-inch X900F
ZeroSurge 8R15W x 2
ZeroSurge 2R15W x 2
Brett - one of the issues with home theater coverage is a pull toward the complex, which leaves less tech savvy users starved for content that effectively breaks down the building blocks.

Your piece does an excellent job drilling down to the foundational components of dialog performance from the most popular kind of “theater” speaker on the market. Undoubtedly, it’s what many folks are looking for!

I like your suggestion of switching the speaker into a 2-channel mode. From physics standpoint, that makes sense.

Some Atmos designed soundbars with upfiring speakers can also be switched into a 3D mode that helps to elevate the audio image higher on the screen. That’s another option to try.
 

Sonnie Parker

Senior Admin
Staff member
Joined
Apr 2, 2017
Posts
5,892
Location
Alabama
More  
Preamp, Processor or Receiver
StormAudio ISP Elite 24 MK3 Processor
Main Amp
McIntosh MC1.25KW Monoblock Amps
Additional Amp
StormAudio PA 16 MK3
Music Server
ROON Nucleus One
Universal / Blu-ray / CD Player
Panasonic UB9000 4K UHD Player
Streaming Equipment
Kaleidescape
Lenovo X1 Carbon
Apple TV 4K
FireCube 3
Streaming Subscriptions
Lifetime Roon Subscription
Tidal
qobuz
Netflix
Amazon Prime
Other Equipment
Zero Surge 8R15W-1
Zero Surge 2R20W
Front Speakers
RTJ 410
Front Wide Speakers
JTR Neosis 110HT
Center Channel Speaker
MartinLogan Focus C-18
Surround Speakers
JTR Neosis 210RT
Surround Back Speakers
JTR Neosis 210RT
Front Height Speakers
JTR Neosis 110HT-SL
Middle Height Speakers
JTR Neosis 110HT-SL
Rear Height Speakers
JTR Neosis 110HT-SL
Subwoofers
JTR Captivators - 4000ULF-TL x2 + 2400 x6
Video Display Device
Sony 98X90L
Remote Control
AVA Cinema
Cables
AudioQuest - Various
THX PixelGen HDMI
Pangea Power Cables
Custom Cables
Satellite System
Dish Joey 4K
Network/Internet
C-Spire 1Gig Fiber
Omada OC300 Controller
Omada ER8411 10G Router
Omada SG3218XP-M2 10G/2.5G Managed Switch
Omada SG2210XMP-M2 10G/2.5G Managed Switch
SilentPower LAN iPurifier Pro (for Nucleus One)
Other Equipment
Salamander Synergy Equipment Stand
VTI Amp Stands for the Monoblocks
Headphones/IEMs
HIFIMAN HE1000se
Unique Melody Mest MKII
Headphone DAC/Amp
Eversolo DMP-A6
RME ADI-2 DAC FS
HIFIMAN Goldenwave Serenade
Whole House System
HEOS System
Home-150 Speaker x6
Samsung S9 Tablet w/ HEOS
Office/Study System
Office System
Dell Precision Computer
Roon Networked
Vanatoo Transparent One Encore Plus Speakers
Secondary/Additional Room System
AV Test Room System
NAD M33 Streaming DAC Amp
MartinLogan Motion XT F200
JTR Captivator RS1
miniDSP EARS
Zero Surge 8R15W-1
Zero Surge 2R20W
Dell Optiplex
Roon Networked
Secondary/Additional Room System
Sunroom System
Denon AVR-X1800H HEOS Receiver
Soundfield Custom Speakers
Dayton Audio IO8XTW Outdoor Speakers
Roon Networked
Dish Joey
JVC 37" TV
Secondary/Additional Room System
Cabin System
Onkyo TX-SR805 Receiver
Infinity Primus P163 Speakers
RSL Outsiders Outdoor Speakers
Shield TV Pro
Sony 55" TV
Secondary/Additional Room System
Vinyl Room
Accuphase E-280 Integrated Amp
Technics SL-1210GR2 Turntable
Ortofon 2M Blue Cartridge
KLH Model Three Speakers
Zero Surge 8R15W-1
Great article Brett... very interesting.

The key for me was shaping the Dirac Live target specifically for my center.
 
Thread Starter
Joined
Aug 7, 2021
Posts
18
Brett - one of the issues with home theater coverage is a pull toward the complex, which leaves less tech savvy users starved for content that effectively breaks down the building blocks.

Your piece does an excellent job drilling down to the foundational components of dialog performance from the most popular kind of “theater” speaker on the market. Undoubtedly, it’s what many folks are looking for!

I like your suggestion of switching the speaker into a 2-channel mode. From physics standpoint, that makes sense.

Some Atmos designed soundbars with upfiring speakers can also be switched into a 3D mode that helps to elevate the audio image higher on the screen. That’s another option to try.
Agreed. My goal is to have a good, better, and best option for most of the rooms or products. Soundbars are so prevalent, and really are a big upgrade from the speakers in the TV, so people should be applauded for the purchase, but there isn’t much on the topic of soundbar best practices. This system will be getting a bit of an upgrade going into my bedroom, and I think it will sound great in there.
 
Thread Starter
Joined
Aug 7, 2021
Posts
18
Great article Brett... very interesting.

The key for me was shaping the Dirac Live target specifically for my center.
Makes sense Sonnie. As I get ready to put in my StormAudio processor and TheoryAudio amp/dsp/speakers should allow me to do a lot with this open concept room.

Be sure to subscribe to my YouTube FAQnatics page so you don’t miss any content.
 

WillDoLikeMildew

New Member
Joined
Jun 27, 2024
Posts
10
More  
Preamp, Processor or Receiver
Yamaha RX-V385
Front Speakers
Dali Zensor 1
Center Channel Speaker
none
Surround Speakers
Cambridge Audio Minx Min 22
Subwoofers
SVS SB-1000 Pro
Other Speakers
miniDSP 2x4 HD
The fundamental frequencies of the adult human voice typically ranges from 90-155 Hz for males and 165 to 255 Hz for female (90-255 Hz overall). "Fundamental" is a technical sound term and has nothing to do with importance. In my personal experience if these frequencies from 90-255 Hz are too loud on your system this makes dialogue much more muffled and difficult to understand, whereas frequencies from 20-80 Hz do not impact dialogue intelligibility as much. If you're having a hard time finding a balance between intelligible dialogue and the amount of bass that you want, consider doing something to decrease the frequencies from 90-255 Hz while keeping the frequencies from 20-80 Hz as loud as you want them to be. If you're only having a hard time understanding male or female dialogue, then perhaps the problem area is narrower.
 

ddude003

Senior AV Addict
Joined
Aug 13, 2017
Posts
1,613
Location
Somewhere Northeast of Kansas City Missouri
More  
Preamp, Processor or Receiver
PrimaLuna Dialogue Premium TubePre (2 channel+sub)
Main Amp
McIntosh MC152 SS Amp (2 channel)
Additional Amp
Yamaha RX-A850 Pro (the other 5 channels lol)
DAC
Chord Electronics Ltd. Qutest
Computer Audio
MacBook Pro, Custom i7 7700k De-lid 2xAsus1080ti GFX, Audirvana Studio, Hang Loose Convolver, Tone Projects Michelangelo, Pulsar Massive & 8200, LiquidSonics, SoX
Universal / Blu-ray / CD Player
Sony UBP-X700 /M Ultra HD 4K HDR & PS5
Streaming Equipment
Netgear Nighthawk S8000 Streaming Switch, Lumin U1 Mini Streamer Transport
Streaming Subscriptions
QoBuz Studio Premier, Amazon Prime & Netflix
Front Speakers
Martin Logan ElectroMotion ESL
Center Channel Speaker
Martin Logan Motion C2
Surround Speakers
Martin Logan Motion 4
Surround Back Speakers
Martin Logan Motion 4 (yes, another set of these)
Subwoofers
Martin Logan Dynamo 700
Other Speakers
Cifte 12AU7 NOS & Genalex Gold Lion Tubes in Pre
Screen
Elite Screens Aeon CLR3 0.8 Gain 103-inch
Video Display Device
Samsung The Premiere LSP7T UST Laser Projector
Remote Control
PrimaLuna, Lumin iApp, Samsung & Yamaha
Other Equipment
ThrowRug, SaddleBlankets, WideBand & Bass Traps...
Seems a no-brainer to some of us to eq the center channel in a way that optimizes for vocals / dialogue...
Something like https://www.343labs.com/vocal-eq-cheat-sheet/... Is worth its weight in golden sound...

Seems counter intuitive to eq vocals / dialogue almost the opposite of a B&K house curve... And it works...
 

Todd Anderson

Editor / Senior Admin
Staff member
Joined
Jan 20, 2017
Posts
9,869
Location
Balt/Wash Metro
More  
Preamp, Processor or Receiver
StormAudio ISP.24 MK2
Main Amp
Emotiva XPA-5
Additional Amp
Emotiva XPA Gen3 2.8 multichannel amp
Other Amp
Denon X8500H
DAC
THX ONYX
Computer Audio
AudioEngine A2+
Universal / Blu-ray / CD Player
Kaleidescape TERRA
OPPO UDP-203
Panasonic UB9000
Streaming Equipment
iFi Audio Zen Blue
Streaming Subscriptions
Spotify
Front Speakers
GoldenEar Technology Triton One.R
Center Channel Speaker
GoldenEar Technology SuperCenter Reference
Surround Speakers
GoldenEar Invisa MPX
Surround Back Speakers
GoldenEar Invisa MPX
Front Height Speakers
SVS Prime Elevation x4 (Top Front, Top Mid-Front)
Rear Height Speakers
SVS Prime Elevation x4 (Top Middle, Top Rear)
Subwoofers
Quad Array SVS SB16s
Other Speakers
Behringer 1124p; Aura Bass Shaker Pros; SuperSub X
Screen
Seymour Screen Excellence, Enlightor NEO AT Screen
Video Display Device
JVC NZ8
Other Equipment
Sony 65-inch A95L OLED
Sony 65-inch X900F
ZeroSurge 8R15W x 2
ZeroSurge 2R15W x 2
Seems a no-brainer to some of us to eq the center channel in a way that optimizes for vocals / dialogue...
Something like https://www.343labs.com/vocal-eq-cheat-sheet/... Is worth its weight in golden sound...

Seems counter intuitive to eq vocals / dialogue almost the opposite of a B&K house curve... And it works...

Great link. I've not seen before. But.... wow, it nails just about every aspect!
 
Top Bottom