Need help with getting new polk speakers to work properly

trihelix

I just purchase several new polk speakers and here is my setup:
Surround bar 50 (I use 3 channels of it for L, C, R)
Surround Backs: - RC 80i x2
Surround Sides: - FXI A4 x2
Sub: PSW 110
Pioneer VSX-919AH-K 7.1 reciever - 120W/channel

I hooked everything up and ran the MCACC setup program on the reciever without issue. The problem is when music or anything for that matter plays the surround sides are very quiet, so much so that you have to put you head right beside to hear them and the surround backs are virtually silent. The R, L, C, and sub all sounded great.

I tried adjusting the reciever settings and changed the DB levels for the individual speakers to try and compensate which helped some, but it was still very poor.

Next I changed the crossover settings from 80hz to 50hz since I figured that the larger speakers for the surrounds can handle a greater frequency range than the smaller front speakers. The results here were very impressive. Full rich sound filled the room, however after a few minutes (maybe 10-15) of this my reciever shuts itself off every time. Now the receiver has light on which says to take it in for repairs. Could changing the crossover settings damage the amp?

I have checked the receiver settings and the speakers are set to 8ohm and it should have plenty of power to handle these speakers. I've also double and triple checked the wiring and that is definitely correct. What could be causing these issues? The pioneer rep says that most likely one of the new speakers is defective (wants to put an ohm meter on it and prove its not 8ohm) and has damaged the amp. Any suggestions on how to fix this? Thanks for any help or suggestions.

deronb1

Changing the xover should in no way damage the AVR. Is the surround back setting on the AVR set to "normal"?

trihelix

Thats what I though too. Yes, they are set to normal. Pioneer thinks that one of the new speakers is defective and has a lower resistance which is causing a power surge. I doubt this since they are brand new, but haven't been able to test that yet.

deronb1

trihelix wrote: »

Thats what I though too. Yes, they are set to normal. Pioneer thinks that one of the new speakers is defective and has a lower resistance which is causing a power surge. I doubt this since they are brand new, but haven't been able to test that yet.

I kinda doubt that too. Seems more likely that the AVR has an issue. Pioneer makes a nice product, and if it's under warranty, they should take care of you. Best of luck.

VR3

I just purchase several new polk speakers and here is my setup:
Surround bar 50 (I use 3 channels of it for L, C, R)
Surround Backs: - RC 80i x2
Surround Sides: - FXI A4 x2
Sub: PSW 110
Pioneer VSX-919AH-K 7.1 reciever - 120W/channel

I hooked everything up and ran the MCACC setup program on the reciever without issue. The problem is when music or anything for that matter plays the surround sides are very quiet, so much so that you have to put you head right beside to hear them and the surround backs are virtually silent. The R, L, C, and sub all sounded great.

I tried adjusting the reciever settings and changed the DB levels for the individual speakers to try and compensate which helped some, but it was still very poor.

Next I changed the crossover settings from 80hz to 50hz since I figured that the larger speakers for the surrounds can handle a greater frequency range than the smaller front speakers. The results here were very impressive. Full rich sound filled the room, however after a few minutes (maybe 10-15) of this my reciever shuts itself off every time. Now the receiver has light on which says to take it in for repairs. Could changing the crossover settings damage the amp?

I have checked the receiver settings and the speakers are set to 8ohm and it should have plenty of power to handle these speakers. I've also double and triple checked the wiring and that is definitely correct. What could be causing these issues? The pioneer rep says that most likely one of the new speakers is defective (wants to put an ohm meter on it and prove its not 8ohm) and has damaged the amp. Any suggestions on how to fix this? Thanks for any help or suggestions.

Sorry to hear you are having difficulty! Just a few questions so we all can better help you -

1) The music you are playing, is it like a music DVD or just a CD? The reason I ask is a CD is decoded in a way that your receiver will automatically turn off the surround/center speakers and utilize just the right and left speakers. If you are changing the format to a surround sound music effect - the right and left will still be the prominent speakers in your setup and the center and surrounds will be doing just a "general fill."

2) How loud is loud? Are you hovering around the 0 on the digital volume or are you into any type of + territory? On any receiver, once you arrive to the -5 to +15 range you are pushing it really hard. When you are driving 7 speakers that loud it may go into protect mode and overheat...

3) How much air space is around your receiver? For adequate ventilation you need to have 6" on top/back and 3" on the side; otherwise, this can cause the unit to overheat.

Changing the crossover settings to a lower setting could worsen the situation (causing the receiver to work harde) if number 2 and 3 of my questions are an issue!

I hope this helps and we all look forward to helping you resolve your issue!

tonyb

For music, look for something like all channel stereo in the receivers sound fields.

trihelix

To answer your questions:
1. Typical input source is from HDMI from computer or DVD. I've checked all the settings and mixer there and I believe its set properly, otherwise it wouldn't work so well with the crossover set to 50hz.
2. The most I ever really take it to is -5, but it will also shut off at -15. There is still lots of dial left to turn it up, but I haven't pushed it super hard I don't think.
3. There is plenty of ventilation on all sides, the unit doesn't even get that hot when it shuts down.
I agree that a lower crossover would worsen the power situation, but I would think a decent amp with 120W/channel output should be able to handle that.

tonyb

trihelix wrote: »

To answer your questions:
1. Typical input source is from HDMI from computer or DVD. I've checked all the settings and mixer there and I believe its set properly, otherwise it wouldn't work so well with the crossover set to 50hz.
2. The most I ever really take it to is -5, but it will also shut off at -15. There is still lots of dial left to turn it up, but I haven't pushed it super hard I don't think.
3. There is plenty of ventilation on all sides, the unit doesn't even get that hot when it shuts down.


I agree that a lower crossover would worsen the power situation, but I would think a decent amp with 120W/channel output should be able to handle that.

Turning the volume up to -5 is pushing them hard. ALL of the volume dial is not usable in any certain situation.