2 sub or not 2 sub

jflail2

Hey guys:

I've got an Rti HT setup, with Rti-10's as my fronts. While 2 channel mode sounds excellent most times, I feel there are certain songs/genres that are a bit.....lacking on the bass front.

Do any of you Rti folks (current or former) recommend moving to a 2.1 setup for music listening? And if so, how difficult is it to get a Denon receiver to "default" to a 2.1 setup anytime I play anything 2 channel?

Thanks in advance for any input.

AsSiMiLaTeD

What size speakers do you have now? a music setup without a sub is always ideal if you can make it work.

tonyb

The RTI10's won't wake up without some power behind them. Which receiver do you have hooked up to them ?

EndersShadow

So my Integra has a setting called "Stereo" which unlike the "Direct" mode will incorporate the sub and left right speakers. It leaves Audyssey intact with the crossovers and all that jazz as well.

I'd posit that your Denon should have similar since both use Audyssey.

Now normally I am also switching inputs from a HDMI (Xbox, Uverse DVR) to either HDMI (Blu-Ray Player) or Optical (Squeezebox classic), but I've never had a problem switching it back OUT of "Stereo" mode...

With that said it doesnt "default" or I just havent cared enough to make it default to that for music. I've got a Harmony One, so I just programed the "Stereo" button into that configuration and I'm set.

jflail2

Thanks Enders. It sounds similar. I can't remember the specifics for setting it up last year, but whenever it recognizes a 2CH signal (even airplay from my ipad) it presents it as such. I also need to get off my lazy butt and get my harmony 1 nice and updated.......

Assimilated, they're Rti-10's (second largest tower in the Rti line I believe.)

Tony, I suspect you're right. my bonus wasn't quite as..........happy as the previous one, so I'm going to have to hold off till February for any further upgrades (like the 200x5 amp I have been coveting for years now......)

jflail2

And to be exact Tony, I have the Denon 3313 currently pushing my Rti setup (sans amp obviously.)

specd_out

There normally is a way to include the sub in 2channel mode. On pioneers for example every sound mode except pure direct will use the sub. I dont know if anyone mentioned it, but having your fronts set to large plus the sub will make a big difference for music

Tbone289

What Denon model do you have?

jflail2

Thanks specd; I'll have to have a look tonight. And yes, the fronts are currently set to large.

Tbone, it's a 3313.

SCompRacer

jflail2 wrote: »

While 2 channel mode sounds excellent most times, I feel there are certain songs/genres that are a bit.....lacking on the bass front.

The technical way is to take a look at a musical instrument frequency chart and do a room sweep to see what frequencies are deficient. You can experiment with speaker placement and employ bass traps, but often times bass will be lacking in the listening position. Subs will help reinforce the nether frequencies but they must be quality subs with enough adjustments to properly integrate them. You have to experiment with sub placement as well.

Tbone289

jflail2 wrote: »

Thanks specd; I'll have to have a look tonight. And yes, the fronts are currently set to large.

Tbone, it's a 3313.

If your Denon is like my Denon 1910 (and I'll bet it is), there is a separate manual speaker setup for stereo that is independent of the setting for surround tracks. This speaker setup will allow you to set size (small, large) and has several crossover tweaks (Hz, LFE, LFE+Main, etc.) that are used only when stereo sources are playing.

jflail2

Tbone289 wrote: »

jflail2 wrote: »

Thanks specd; I'll have to have a look tonight. And yes, the fronts are currently set to large.

Tbone, it's a 3313.

If your Denon is like my Denon 1910 (and I'll bet it is), there is a separate manual speaker setup for stereo that is independent of the setting for surround tracks. This speaker setup will allow you to set size (small, large) and has several crossover tweaks (Hz, LFE, LFE+Main, etc.) that are used only when stereo sources are playing.

Excellent. In general, what is a recommended crossover jumping off point for the Rti-10's in stereo? 80hz?

EndersShadow

jflail2 wrote: »

Excellent. In general, what is a recommended crossover jumping off point for the Rti-10's in stereo? 80hz?

Your ears will tell you that one.... I'd start there, but play with dropping it down a bit for giggles to see how they do...

pearsall001

2 sub or not 2 sub...without hesitation by all means add 2 subs & you'll never look back. In all honesty it isn't about the bass per say, it's all about the quality of bass. A single pair of speakers just won't cut it for a multitude of reasons.

MADGSF

It has been said but with a good amp I don't think you need a sub for music with the RTi-10. I mute my sub for music and am happy with the bass from my system.

jflail2

Thanks guys. I've decided to leave it as-is for the time being, with 2 channel being truly 2 channel. My next system goal is to add that 5x200 amp I've coveted for so long. I'm hoping Enders is ready to try something new by the time February rolls around, so I can take that Rotel off his hands at a good price at that point.

You guys are an incredibly helpful bunch. Anyone who says otherwise can get bent.

Thank you to all who have responded!!!

EndersShadow

@jflail2‌

I didnt end up getting that Rotel... but I found something VERY similar.

And it aint going anywhere lol...

Depending on how it works out, I may suggest you do the same as these come up more often than the Rotels...........

You want more info, you've got my phone number