New setup of Polk Speakers

neoncs

Hi, This is my first post after making my first polkaudio purchase.

I have just purchased the below Polk speakers as an upgrade to my old system. Pioneer Amp is only 18 months old. So at the moment I have stuck with it.

1. Amp settings: I have set the front and centre to large (rears to small) and the cross-over frequency in the amp to 50Hz (options where 50, 80, 100, 120Hz) and used the Subwoofer PLUS option which says "PLUS setting if you want subwoofer to output bass sound continuously or you want deeper bass(bass freq. the would normal come out the front and center are also routed to the subwoofer.

I feel/hear this config is giving me the best bass response but i'm unsure where I should set the cross-over dial on the back of PSW120 given this config in the Amp or if the 50Hz is correct.

2. Presently I have just connected the speaker wire to the TSi500s and using the stock link? between the 2 sets of speaker connections. Is there any recommendation for change in this setup. By-Amping and By-Wiring I still need to research more before bying another Amp. Also seen that changing the stock link with high grade speaker cable. Is this a must?

3. Would also like feedback on my Amp and if it is wasting the money I just spent on these speakers.

Paul

Erik Tracy

Greetings and Welcome to Club Polk.

Nice setup!

The usual advice for a HT setup is to set your fronts and center to small if using a sub. And set the AVR crossover to 60Hz.

If you have the AVR sub output connected to the LFE input on the sub, then you shouldn't have to worry on where the sub is set as the control on the back is bypassed.

After this - it is all up to what YOU think sounds best in your system. Spend the time experimenting - save different setups in the AVR memory settings so you can switch back and forth to see what you like best.

Don't bother with bi-wiring from your avr to the speakers - unless you really have spare time and simply want to try it yourself.

As for speaker wire and interconnects - you can go deep down the audio rabbit hole on this. I'd spend time just enjoying your setup for now - get to know it, then decide if you want to tweak and try different upgrades.

Your amp has gotten some ok reviews - but it doesn't look like it has audio pre-outs for you to add an external amp later. So your upgrade path in the future for your avr would be to get one that has audio pre-outs.

neoncs

Thanks Erik,

My AVR doesn't let me select 60Hz only 50 or 80Hz.

I had selected 50Hz given the TSi500 have a low frequency response of 28Hz and I am of the understanding these speakers can produce good Bass in addition to the Sub.

Your statement "If you have the AVR sub output connected to the LFE input on the sub, then you shouldn't have to worry on where the sub is set as the control on the back is bypassed."

I'm sure i am connected to the LFE input but can definitely hear the bass change when playing with the cross-over on the Sub.

Regarding a new AVR with Pre-outs. (and I guess an additional Power Amp.)

How do I know and what should I be looking at to drive these new speakers. Are you saying that my current AVR is limiting these speakers.


Thanks for your assistance.

neoncs

I have just done some further research on my AVR.


Front (stereo) 80 W + 80 W
Power Output (1 kHz, 8ohmms , 0.05%) 110 W per channel

So given my Fronts rec. amplification is 20-275W per channel im guessing my AVR is a little under powered for the Tsi500s. What Power Output on an AVR should I be looking for.

Given I have a 7.1 setup should I be definitely be planning a separate Amp for the fronts and an AVR with Pre-out for the rest or Just a single higher end AVR.

jeremymarcinko

sounds like your LFE input doesn't bypass the crossover. Mine doesn't either no big deal turn the crossover knob on the sub to the highest frequency possible.

neoncs

jeremymarcinko wrote: »

sounds like your LFE input doesn't bypass the crossover. Mine doesn't either no big deal turn the crossover knob on the sub to the highest frequency possible.

Thanks Jeremy, will do.

neoncs

Thought I would add the following article explains what Erik was advising for speaker settings and cross-over settings.

Also makes and interesting point that if I have the bass from the fronts it can cancel out the SW.

http://www.polkaudio.com/polk-university/articles/bass-management-and-subwoofer-connections

Time for some more testing...

cnh

Welcome to Club Polk!

It is possible to have some interference and cancellation but you can correct for that some by using the PHASE switch on the Polk sub (as well as good sub placement). Although your speakers and my M-70s are rated to 40hz or so. The loudness at that frequency is not as great as it is at 100hz because it takes a LOT of power to move the air necessary for a good, clean, loud 40hz tone. So if your AVR was set at 60hz (as is mine) you won't notice any bass problems in all likelihood.

But since you can only set yours at 50 or 80. Just leave it at 80hz and you'll be fine.

As far as POWER for those front speakers. You need an AVR that has pre-outs for an extenal power amp. I run my M-70/CS2/M-30 system off a 51lbs Onkyo TX-SR805 130 watts x 7 (and a REAL 130 watts+ at 5.1 which is what I run in--this is the MINIMAL amount of power that I find acceptable in driving something like an M-70 or TSI-500 grounded system--and even here I could add a power amp--which I have).

cnh

snake1

Seems like your questions have been answered so just Welcome to CP!