PSW10 volume question

bode

This might be a silly question, but since I didn't buy the sub yet, it might influence my decision.

I have already a RM10 set of speakers. And I'm looking to buy a sub. I was thinking the PSW10 is a good choice for me because:

1 - I live in a small apartment
2 - The HT room is 10x10 (although it's not a closed space... it's 'merged' to the living room...)

I'm assuming I should connect the sub to the receiver (which I didn't buy yet) using the pre-amp out from the receiver right?

In that case, once I set the volume in the sub and have everything running, what happens if I want to raise the volume or low it down? Do I have to raise it in the receiver AND in the sub too? Does it mean that everytime I need to change the volume I have to go to the sub and manually do it?

I already know PSW10 doesn't have an LFE input (which would fix the problem I think) so what are my options? Should I buy a different sub that has an LFE?

Thanks you all for your time...

Alex.

tcrossma

I could be wrong, but I believe the PSW10 has both speaker and line-level inputs.

Either way you hook it up you'll set the volumn on the sub using some sort of calibration (either using a test disc and SPL meter, or by 'ear') and then forget about it. The sub's volumn will be controlled by the AVR and will raise and lower its sound as you change the volume.

tim

bode

The specs say so... but I read some threads saying the specs are actually wrong.

http://www.polkaudio.com/forums/showthread.php?t=33805

tcrossma

The PSW10 doesn't have an unfiltered LFE input, true. But it doesn't really matter, it has the filtered RCA jacks and you connect a sub cable from the AVR's sub pre-out to one of the RCA jacks on the sub. Then set the sub's crossover all the way to the highest setting (160 I think) so it doesn't try to filter the already filtered signal coming in.

Or you could connect the sub using the "Polk Way", which is to use the speaker wires from the AVR to the sub, then out to the speakers. There's details in other threads describing that exact procedure.

tim

bode

I've heard of this "Polk way" of connecting the sub. But I couldn't find on any thread if this really improve the overall performance of the HT or if this is just another way to do it...

Also, since I bought an RM10 (that has no amplification) that means by using the "Polk way", the sub will be amplifying the signal to the speakers right?

Isn't it better to use the receiver amplification... I mean... isn't it more reliable?

Once I have everything ready I'll try them both and see which one I like more but I'm just wondering... why would it be better to use the polk way?

Thanks for answering..

Alex.

Jim Shearer

I haven't looked at your speaker's specs, but I'm guessing that they are on the small side. If so, then using the method of connecting speaker wire from the receiver to the sub, then to the speakers offers the advantage that the sub will, 'shape' the signal to the speakers w/ a 6 db per octave filter at 120 Hz. This takes a bit of load off the small speakers & may allow them to perform better. Performance of the sub is the same either way.

Cheers, Jim

bode

They are small speakers indeed...

This I got from amazon description:

* Satellites feature a 3-1/4 inch (8.25cm) Mineral Filled Polymer Dynamic Balance midrange driver for clear, distortion-free midrange.
* Satellites feature high performance Dynamic Balance Silk/Polymer Composite Dome Tweeter for sweet highs and more lifelike imaging.
* Satellites are magnetically shielded for safe placement near any TV or video monitor with no risk of video distortion.
* Stylishly curved satellite enclosures formed of heavy duty, non-resonant Back-finish Aluminum.
* The satellites feature Power Port Vents hidden under the grilles to extend and strengthen their lower-midrange performance.

You can see the full specs here:

http://www.polkaudio.com/homeaudio/specs/rm10/

The picture shows a subwoofer but it's actually wrong. It is just a set of 5 speakers.

bode

Considering my HT room is small (10x10) should I get PSW12 or PSW10? I'm more inclined to get the PSW10... but I'm wondering if the 12 would really improve my HT set...

what you guys think?

carpenter

Sub And volume:
Once you have setup the sub's volume and phase, you should not touch the volume knob on the sub anymore. the volume knob on the avr is enough.
If you connect the avr's LFE out, make sure you follow tcrossma's advice and set the filter to the highest setting. you should also use a Y splitter and connect to both left and right jacks. this will increase the sub's volume.

10 or 12:
your listening room is small enough for the psw10 to shine, how ever the 12 goes a little lower and comes with a more powerful amp. I guess if your cup of tea is Steel Magnolias there should not be a difference, if you are more of a War of the worlds person, I can see the 12 being a nice upgrade.

bode

Thanks carpenter,

You might have just made up my mind. I think I'll move on to a 12'' sub. It might be a little tight in my HT room but i think it totally worth it. I heard the best upgrade on a sub/sat system is actually the sub no the satellites. I'm not even sure I'll move to a 6.1 system... I might spend some time choosing a good receiver.

Thank you all.
Alex.

r2lti

Does anyone know the reason a "Y" splitter increases the volume output by the sub? I intend to do so on my new PSW10 - just not enough base presence using the sub-out jack (70W Onkyo 7.1 Receiver).

Face

http://www.polkaudio.com/forums/showthread.php?t=54492&highlight=splitter

Ern Dog

bode wrote: »

Thanks carpenter,

You might have just made up my mind. I think I'll move on to a 12'' sub. It might be a little tight in my HT room but i think it totally worth it. I heard the best upgrade on a sub/sat system is actually the sub no the satellites. I'm not even sure I'll move to a 6.1 system... I might spend some time choosing a good receiver.

Thank you all.
Alex.

Good call. The Psw12 is so much better than the psw10. I had the 10 and it sucked. It is boomy, mono-tone, muddy and doesn't go very low. There are special offers where the psw10 is given away free with other purchases. I don't remember which store or the details, but forget about it.

Ern Dog

I forgot to mention to check out other non-polk subs as well. You might be able to do better with the same amount of money that a PSW12 cost.