Crossover settings

dilligaff_2k11

Noob seeking help.

Setup:
Dennon AVR 1611
Polk Audio RM8 satellite x4 Wired direct to AVR w/14gauge
Polk Audio RM8 center x1 Wired direct to AVR w/14gauge
JBL 200wt Sub wired LFE

Traditional 5.1 surround sound layout configuration.
2 front wall mounted 8 ft from floor
center in front of tv
2 rear wall mounted approx 6ft off the floor
Sub in rt front corner of the room

My question is...what should the crossovers be set for the
RM8's?
When I run & then use the Dennon automated set up the voice
(midrange) is swallowed up.

Have read so many different theory's on how crossovers should be set
the top of my head is spinning.

HELP!!!!

kuntasensei

The RM8s have a -3dB point of 130Hz, but extension down to 95Hz. Sadly, that puts them in a range where the subwoofer may be easy to localize if you set the satellites based on their specs... but setting them too far below the -3dB point will cause you to lose mid-bass as the transition occurs from satellite to sub. I would start at 130Hz to see if the in-room response brings the -3dB point down a bit below 130Hz, which would give you a smooth transition... then bump it down gradually and give it a listen until you hear a point where bass seems reduced, then bump it back up from that point. To get the most out of small satellites, you really have to find the crossover point that's best for your individual room, not what you'd think it would be based strictly on the specs.

That said, the problem with satellites is often lack of sound from mid-range to mid-bass, which is a limitation of the small driver sizes. In an ideal world, you would want speakers that have a -3dB point down below 80Hz so that you neither lose any audio or can localize the subwoofer. But satellites are designed because the world is not ideal, and not everyone can have a room full of larger speakers.

In other words, no one can give you a definitive answer... but I suggest starting near 130Hz and working your way down with some critical listening to see how they perform in your room.

Tour2ma

kuntasensei wrote: »

In other words, no one can give you a definitive answer...

Actually I think your answer was pretty definitive... nice job. Only thing to add is...

Welcome to the Club dilligaff...

dilligaff_2k11

Thank you for the replies...
been busy with other projects and this got put on the back burner.
kuntasensei your reply makes perfect sense.Thank You!!
That said, here is stupid question part II:
Do I set the crossover setting the same for Front, Center and Rear?
I.E. 120hz across the board? or is it again a trial and error science.

kuntasensei

I would start with them all the same. Odds are that each speaker's placement isn't going to make a massive difference in its response, but feel free to tweak.