Ideal Crossover frequency for Polk TSX Series?

karloy

With the full understanding that crossovers are personal preference to a certain degree, I’m looking for some advice what a semi-professional view is on the ideal crossover settings for the following configuration.

I started off with the following:

Subwoofer:
Bic Acoustech PL-200 - 22Hz - 200Hz

Fronts:
Polk TSx 550T
Total Frequency Response - 26Hz-25kHz
Lower -3dB limit - 36 Hz
Upper -3dB limit - 24 kHz

-> crossover set to 60hz

Center:

Polk Audio TSx 250c
Total Frequency Response - 48Hz-25kHz
Lower -3dB limit - 36 Hz
Upper -3dB limit - 24 kHz


-> crossover set to 80hz

Surround (side)
Polk Audio TSi100
Total Frequency Response 53-25KHz
Lower -3dB limit - 36 Hz
Upper -3dB limit - 61 kHz


-> crossover set to 80hz

Rear
Polk Audio TSi 300
Total Frequency Response 35Hz-25KHz
Upper -3dB limit - 24 kHz
Lower -3dB limit - 47 Hz

-> crossover set to 60hz


Based on some online research, the math seems be support those settings. Now, when i set the crossover +20hz for all speakers (fronts 80hz, center 100hz, surround 100hz, reach 80hz), I get a very different soundscape. The bass is a lot more pronounced. It definitely feels like a subwoofer is in play for music.

I am torn between hearing a pronounced bass, and not trying to undercut the balanced performance of the Polk TSx 550T by having a too high crossover.

Any thoughts?

F1nut

By setting the crossover points higher you are taking more of the load off your AVR and since the power supply in most AVR's are fairly dismal letting the sub do the heavy lifting is an excellent idea. The THX reference is 80Hz for a reason.

karloy

That's a good point. Any concern with going up to 100hz for my side and rear speakers?

F1nut

You can, but they aren't getting sent much info anyway, so I wouldn't worry about it.