Velodyne Optimum 8 Subwoofer

machone

My system is sounding its best ever so I wanted to share the latest.

I added a Velodyne Optimum 8 subwoofer to the mix (thanks Jesse) and the results are outstanding.



But not without time and effort to get it right. The day I got the subwoofer my Mojo Audio I3 power supply crashed. I had to wait until I got it back before I could really set up the system because it really makes quite an improvement over wall warts.

I could not get the subwoofer integrated like I wanted so I switched to the high level speaker inputs and this helped.

I watched a PS Audio video on a trick to help find the best subwoofer location. Basically put the subwoofer in the listening position, crank the system and walk around to find the best sound and mark the spot. Then move the subwoofer to the spot. I did this and it worked!

I have always wanted more bass response in this room. Moving the 2.3TLs back towards the wall does produce more bass but imaging is better with the them moved further away from the wall. With the addition of the subwoofer I can now move the 2.3TLs futher away from the wall and still get great bass.

The bass and the imaging are better than ever!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Next, I am upgrading the Velodyne power cord and spiking its cabinet.

Last, do you guys have any suggestions for the high level speaker cable from the amp to the Velodyne? Currently I am using lampcord

Thanks

F1nut

The same brand/type you use for the speakers.

machone

Got it
Thanks Jesse

F1nut

Well, that's what I do hence my suggestion.

Nice set up.

machone

Thanks Jesse,

I built the power cord last night and now I need to adjust the subwoofer settings again.......

verb

Interesting project @machone! I like the method in which you were able to locate the optimum (no pun intended) location for the sub.

Interesting pic, as the passives on the Polk's certainly overshadow the sub. I've read a lot of comments about adding a sub to the big Polk speaker setup. Please share your impressions as to how they improved the overall performance of the system.

FYI, I too have thought about adding a sub to my SRS setup!

machone

Verb,
In my room it makes a huge difference.

The extreme bottom is reinforced by the subwoofer giving the system a true full range.

The ability to move the main speakers away from the wall without losing bass has enhanced imaging.

In my setup you cannot tell there is a sub in the room. However, now that I upgraded the power cord the room is a little bass heavy and I will need to readjust the sub settings.

machone

10 ft power cord for subwoofer. VH Audio Flavor 4.

machone

Speaker-level input cables completed.

muncybob

How far from the back wall are the speakers with the sub?

machone

11 inches from the back to the wall.
This puts the front at 24 inches off the wall. I only moved them once to this position and plan to experiment more.

muncybob

I have mine 9.5 inches from the back wall, just happens to be the distance to be even with the front of my stand. Bass is good but plan to experiment further. I have a sub ordered for the HT rig and will experiment with that in the 2 channel to see if a sub should be there too.

machone

Yep, the front of my stand 22 inches off the wall.

F1nut

My 2 cents on this speakers/rack distance matter. Unless you have some huge solid unit (think armoire) there's no need to have your speakers in front of the plane of an open air rack.

machone

F1nut wrote: »

My 2 cents on this speakers/rack distance matter. Unless you have some huge solid unit (think armoire) there's no need to have your speakers in front of the plane of an open air rack.

My experience may have nothing to do with the rack location. All I can say is they are much better in this room moved further from the wall. It has also helped correct an image that has always been shifted slightly to the left.