LSiW set up

pdwagner

I am confused about how to properly connect and configure my new LSiW. My equipment consists of the following. Currently I connected it to the LFE in and set it up using the auto setup feature. But I don't think it is performing properly.

Pioneer Elite VSX-49TXI receiver
LSi15 front
LSi7 rear surround
LSiFX Surround
LSiC Center

Frank Z

But I don't think it is performing properly.

Why not? Give us some more info regarding what you are hearing or not hearing.

pdwagner

Originally posted by Frank Z
Why not? Give us some more info regarding what you are hearing or not hearing.

I don't hear any or very little sound from the sub (compared with previous sub). Most is coming from my front speakers. Don't know if this is normal.

Dr. Spec

Try this:

All speaks to small.
Crossover to 80 Hz.
Subwoofer to on/yes.
Sub cable to LFE (unfiltered) on the LSiW.
Subwoofer level to -5 on the AVR.

When playing DD/DTS make sure under "Surround Parameters" that the LFE channel level is set to 0 on the AVR.

Make sure the Dynamic Range Control for Dolby Digital is set to off/no in both the DVD player and the AVR (also under Surround Parameters).

Calibrate LSiW bass level at the plate amp of the LSiW to your taste.

mantis

The 49TXi has MCACC.Use it to setup your system.

Read the owners manual and learn about how the MCACC works.

pdwagner

Thank you both for the help.

I did read the manual and used MCACC to configure the system. Perhaps I am just accustomed to my old sub being active when it shouldn't. But then again the LsiW did not fire at all during scenes that clearly would benefit from a sub (i.e. explosions).

I also tried the configuration suggested by Dr Polk. I didn't like this setup. It provided constant sound from the sub which also did not seem correct.

I am thinking of bi-wiring the Lsi15s and then recalibrating the system. Will the receiver handle this load (I know the or will I need an amp to drive them? Should I set them to small?

Appreciate your assistance.

Originally posted by mantis
The 49TXi has MCACC.Use it to setup your system.

Read the owners manual and learn about how the MCACC works.

bknauss

Silly question: do you have the sub on auto or fully on? There's a delay for the auto, so if it hasn't been used in a while, it'll shut off. If there's a sudden explosion, ya might miss it.

Dr. Spec

I also tried the configuration suggested by Dr Polk. I didn't like this setup. It provided constant sound from the sub which also did not seem correct.

Sure, with redirected bass and the LFE channel all going to the subwoofer below 80 Hz, it will see almost constant activity during music/movie use. That's the whole point; to relieve the other speakers of bass duty.

With good subwoofer placement and calibration, and the other speakers running, the subwoofer should not be noticeable as a separate entity. It should fill in the bottom end seamlessly unless there is a loud bassy special effect, and then it should be felt.

I've read some Pioneer AVRs have dynamic range bass limiters (typically a THX function). This gave someone over at AVS all sorts of fits during MCACC calibration until he figured it out and disabled it. Make sure this isn't the case.

pdwagner

Thanks again.

Yes I had the sub set to on, not auto.

I also read about the limiting of bass when THX is activated. I changed to Dolby and turned off noise reduction but I prefer the old cheap sub over any of these adjustments. Buy the way, my old sub worked fine in THX mode.

What about bi-amping the Lsi15s?

Frank Z

Bi-amping will definitely help the Lsi's.

Slightly off topic, but have you checked to see if your reciever is running hot when driving the Lsi's. The reason I ask is that the Pioneer Elite receiver your using is only rated down to 6 ohms.

Surround Power 130W x 7 (20 Hz to 20 kHz @ 8 ohm, 09% THD) 160W per Channel (20 - 20 kHz @ 6 ohm, 0.09% THD)
Stereo Power 160W per Channel (20 - 20 kHz @ 6 ohm, 0.09% THD)

Pushing that receiver too hard may cause it to go into the Protect Mode (Shutdown).

pdwagner

The receiver does not run hot. I have a fan positioned above the unit to maintain circulation (I read about its tendency to run hot).

Since it is rated to 6 ohms what should I do?

Dr. Spec

but I prefer the old cheap sub over any of these adjustments.

Why? Tell us what you are hearing, new vs. old.

Airplay355

just because your fan is removing heat, doesnt mean the receiver isn't creating heat.

pdwagner

My old sub seemed to kick in at appropriate times (i.e. explosions) whereas the LsiW does not.

Frank Z

Have you checked to make sure that the"Midnight Mode" is not engaged? This will cause excess Dynamic Range Compression.

fireshoes

I'd recommend getting an SPL meter to plot the subwoofer's frequency response in your room. I think the sub may just need repositioned because of excessive peaks and nulls in your room. Was your old sub front firing?

pdwagner

No, Midnight mode is not engauged.

My old sub was bottom firing. I've never used an SPL meter.

Frank Z

That might be part of your problem.

Take a look at this link. It may not cure the problem your having, but it is something that everyone should do to get the maximum performance out of their HT.

You might want to take a look at Paul DiComo's reply in this thread also.

pdwagner

Thanks for the links.

I read Paul DiComo's comment. Do you know the nature of the failure? I assumed it to be DOA.

I will try the SPL meter.

Thanks again.

Frank Z

I really don't know for certain. But he did state that there is a simple fix, but it requires the sub to be returned to Polk.

bknauss

There were several problems with the initial batch. The biggest problem was that the people who put the things together decided to switch out the output FETs from under Polk's nose. Some parts were missing, some weren't soldered on correctly... and there were a couple other little problems. All systems that have failed go through a very long process of reworking the amp if possible (no point in trying to fix it if it isn't a simple switch out of simple components) burning in the amp, and then a whole lot of tests to make sure the thing works as an amp by itself and also as a system.

If you have found a problem with an LSiW, please record everything (what you were playing, how loud, how long its been used, etc) and talk to the customer service folks. Polk would definitely like to make sure nothing even remotely close to this happens again.

pdwagner

Thanks I'll do that