Monitor 40, why not use Large setting?

Mon40CSMM10

I've recently noticed that the Polk Monitor 40 speakers can output bass all the way down to 30 Hz almost as well as the PSW 110 with the amp dial turned up to the 10:30 position at the receiver speaker calibration reference volume.

So in theory, I wouldn't even need the subwoofer, but of course, I still use it.

Why is it recommended that the Small setting gets used rather than the Large setting? Is it just because of being conservative, in the event of not using clean power to drive the speakers?

tcrossma

If a pair of Monitor 40's are outputting roughly the same bass output as pretty much *any* dedicated subwoofer, then there's something wrong with that subwoofer or the configuration. Just because the spec's say a speaker can go down to X does not mean that it will do so with authority.

ohskigod

agreed with Tcross. in a theater setting, there is a benefit to running speaks on small so youre using that speakers total ability for mid lows, mids and highs.......having the low bass go to the subs makes it a more efficient affair. if your sub can't output more bass than the 40's.....someone needs to tweak there set up, or go shopping.

what, psw110? not the meatiest sub in the world but if it isnt deeper than the 40's, something is waay wrong.

RuSsMaN

Specs aren't the final world, real world listening in YOUR room is. Those readings are made in anehoic chambers - do you have a sofa sitting in the middle of one? Even if the specs don't impress on the PSW110, it will REINFORCE the bottom end, and though not a bottom feeder - a worthwhile addition to the 40's in my opinion.

All that being said, try the 40's on small and large, and see which one sounds better to you. I would probably set them small, and use a crossover setting around 60Hz, maybe a little lower if you have the option.

Cheers,
Russ

cnh

Mon40CSMM10 wrote: »

I've recently noticed that the Polk Monitor 40 speakers can output bass all the way down to 30 Hz almost as well as the PSW 110 with the amp dial turned up to the 10:30 position at the receiver speaker calibration reference volume.

So in theory, I wouldn't even need the subwoofer, but of course, I still use it.

Why is it recommended that the Small setting gets used rather than the Large setting? Is it just because of being conservative, in the event of not using clean power to drive the speakers?

M40s output almost no USEABLE bass at 30hz....at least the PSW110 might give you some bass closer to that number than the M-40s.

POSITIONING is crucial....here's the layman's test for where a sub should be placed:

Put the sub in your listening position. Then walk around the room till you hear WHERE, what SPOT, the bass sounds the strongest and the cleanest.

That is the SPOT your sub should be in!! Or as close to it as possible. This takes into account various room effects and obstacles!

Good Luck..

cnh