Micro Pro 1000

opusx100
opusx100 Posts: 13
edited May 2009 in Subwoofer Hookup & Bass Management
Aloha!

I need your help!

I purchased this sub to go with Surroundbar 50, driven by Onkyo 806. My room size is 21x21x9 and have large opening to left side, about 10x9.

I have been trying to calibrate the sub for past week, but always finding out that it rattles in big/deep bass scenes, where it is so loud/booming, that it moves/walks around. I have tried to move it around the room, choosing different phase, lowering the volume, and recalibrating with Onkyo's mic but to no avail. It still rattles on heavy bass scenes.

My volume was at 25(max 40) and when I turn it down to 20(default), it still rattles and booms but not so much walking. I really like this sub for clean details but can not produce same effect on med/high volume with my onkyo. I watch movies around 60 to 70 on my reciever.

Am I expecting too much from this sub? Should I consider buying better sub? Or, am I missing something? Any input/help/suggestions would be greatly appreciated!

Thank you for your time and mahalo!

Steven
Post edited by opusx100 on
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  • MikeC78
    MikeC78 Posts: 2,315
    edited February 2009
    Sounds like you need to calibrate again, probably running the sub too "hot". Try turning the sub gain down a notch or two. You could also try on of these pads, they work wonders for me.

    http://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/SubDude/
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  • opusx100
    opusx100 Posts: 13
    edited February 2009
    Howzit!

    I found out that even with many tries with Audyssey, my sub was recongizes at 30-32 feet away with only -2db. Manually changed to correct distance with matching output and it has helped tremendously.

    I am still getting booming time to time but not as much with default volume (20/40). I really don't want to lower the volume to stop the rattling/booming but I guess that is what I have to do for now.

    Any suggestions? I really don't want to return/exchange due to shipping....

    Mahalo!
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  • mak99
    mak99 Posts: 362
    edited February 2009
    I also have a week-old microPro 1000, and have not noticed any undesirable effects as you've described. Dumb question - did you tighten down the speaker connectors on the back of the sub? Some of mine were a bit loose when it arrived last week, so I made them tight to prevent any rattling.

    Like you, I also have an Onkyo (805) but have not yet run the Audyssey since switching out my old PSW505 for my new microPro. All I have done so far is calibrate evenly with the other five speakers to ~75 dB, using the Onkyo test tones and SPL meter. Final sub volume level is 22 (out of 40), and seems to play at appropriate levels with the rest of my system (see sig for details). I think the Onkyo sub level in the setup menu is -0.5 dB, IIRC. I use a single cable to the LFE input, btw.

    I will run Audyssey this w/e, when the house is empty and I have the time to do so. I'll report back any strange distance readings for the microPro. It calc'd my previous 505 distance just fine. I'll still tweak the dB levels with the SPL meter afterwards...

    So far, I've watched the following movies on Blu-ray with the new sub: Casino Royale, Horton Hears a Who, and Master and Commander. All movies sub effects sounded great to me, with no boominess or rattling as you describe. Onkyo volume was between -20 dB and -10 dB (+18 dB is max). Master & Commander (-15 dB) was particularly impressive in the low, hard-hitting bass arena via DTS Master Audio soundtrack. The cannon booms were so amazing that I kept looking for huge holes in my walls and ceiling. It sounded that good... ;)

    Keep posting your results - it's great hearing from one of us seemingly few microPro owners!
    Main HT:JVC DLA-RS45135" Elite Screens fixed frame, 1.1 gainMarantz SR7007 (operating as pre-pro)Emotiva XPA-1 x3 (L+C+R), UPA-7 (surrounds)Oppo BDP-103D/BDP-83Toshiba HD-XA2Panamax M5410 Pro x3Polk LSiM707s, LSiC706, 80 F/X-LS, 65-RTSeaton Sound/MCCA MFW "Turbo" + custom Dayton SA1000 sub amp (orig. AV123 MFW-15)Velodyne SMS-1I/Cs: MP 12ga/4-cond (fronts); MP 12ga (surrounds), MP HDMI (all sources), some BJC sprinkled thruoutHarmony EliteSalamander Triple 40 C/B* still need to sell older but mint gear!!
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  • opusx100
    opusx100 Posts: 13
    edited February 2009
    This is the feedback from the place that I have purchased the speakers from.




    "Hello,

    Thank you for contacting xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx Product Support.

    In regards to the issue you are having, it sounds as though your connection may be attributing to the problem.

    You said you have the connection going into the "LFE" jack, correct?

    If so, I would suggest moving the connection from "LFE" to "Line in". You will probably notice, there are two "Line in" connections, being a left and right input. You can actually connect the sub cable into either the left or the right, as the sub is mono and it will not make a difference. Just be sure you are using the "Input" pair, rather than the "Output" pair.

    Upon moving the connection I would suggest re-calibrating your receiver once again, which may provide for the results you are looking for".





    What you guys think? It is too late for me to try since my little one is down for the night.......

    Aloha~
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  • treitz3
    treitz3 Posts: 19,034
    edited February 2009
    To everyone in this thread........have you tried reading the manual?

    I assume you will answer "yes".

    Now try calling Polk CS for specific setup advice. That's what they do and you know what? They are damn good at it. The PSW1000 should not be locational, done right.
    ~ In search of accurate reproduction of music. Real sound is my reference and while perfection may not be attainable? If I chase it, I might just catch excellence. ~
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  • TheMARPATNinja7
    TheMARPATNinja7 Posts: 150
    edited February 2009
    A friend of mine had this same problem....he stuck a piece of carpet under the sub and it sounded better and no longer migrated around his basement....worth a shot
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  • leroyjr1
    leroyjr1 Posts: 8,785
    edited February 2009
    Opusx100

    What do you have your frequency set at? If you have it set to 120hz then lower it to 80hz
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  • opusx100
    opusx100 Posts: 13
    edited February 2009
    treitz3, yes I have read the manual and have been exchanging e mails with Polk CS for past several days. It is hard for me to get a hold of 'live' person due to time zone difference. :) But I did make a major mistake not checking the distance of my sub from Audyssey. Things are looking up...... Thanks!!!

    TheMARPATNinja7, I'll give that a shot when I get home from work tomorrow. Mahalo!

    leroyjr1, it is set to 120Hz per Polk CS due to my SurroundBar 50. I was told it will help "blend in" with SurroundBar 50. I'll change it to 80Hz on my receiver and do some more testing. On the lighter note, I went to UW-Madison and lived in Fitchburg, WI until we made a move to Maui...... How cold is it? Stay warm my bruddah!

    mak99, I'll keep you posted with some more testing!

    Once again, do appreciate your time!!!! Aloha!~
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  • leroyjr1
    leroyjr1 Posts: 8,785
    edited February 2009
    Setting it lower will eliminate your problem. Many running it at 120hz has had this cone noise problem. At 80hz I can run mine at 40 with no cone noise but as soon as I raise it to 120hz there's the cone noise again. Don't know why it does it at 120hz but not at 60/80hz.
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  • leroyjr1
    leroyjr1 Posts: 8,785
    edited February 2009
    This might help

    http://www.polkaudio.com/forums/showthread.php?t=77805
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  • mak99
    mak99 Posts: 362
    edited February 2009
    opusx100 wrote: »
    leroyjr1, it is set to 120Hz per Polk CS due to my SurroundBar 50. I was told it will help "blend in" with SurroundBar 50. I'll change it to 80Hz on my receiver and do some more testing.
    I just ran the Audyssey this morning, and noticed that it set my sub distance at 30 feet. In reality it's more like 9 or 10 feet. I ran Audyssey two more times, slightly adjusting the sub location but to no avail. It was about 8" from the back wall at one point, final location is about 5" away. Per the attached pic, the sub sits between my eqpt. rack and the front right speaker (same location as my previous PSW505, which had correct distances calc'd via Audyssey. :confused:).

    Per the Audyssey thread over at AVS, I left the sub distance at 30 feet per their recommendation.

    BTW, my microPro sub volume was at 22 before/after running Audyssey. It was also set to 0 phase, midwall setting. Post-Audyssey sub level per Onkyo was 0.0 dB. Post SPL tweaking kept it the same - no adjustments needed. Afterwards, watched the battle scenes from Master and Commander at -10 dB, and didn't notice any rattling or clacking whatsoever.

    My Onkyo set the sub crossover @ 80 Hz, which is what you said you'll do per leroy's suggestion. Hopefully that helps reduce/eliminate the problems you've been having...
    Main HT:JVC DLA-RS45135" Elite Screens fixed frame, 1.1 gainMarantz SR7007 (operating as pre-pro)Emotiva XPA-1 x3 (L+C+R), UPA-7 (surrounds)Oppo BDP-103D/BDP-83Toshiba HD-XA2Panamax M5410 Pro x3Polk LSiM707s, LSiC706, 80 F/X-LS, 65-RTSeaton Sound/MCCA MFW "Turbo" + custom Dayton SA1000 sub amp (orig. AV123 MFW-15)Velodyne SMS-1I/Cs: MP 12ga/4-cond (fronts); MP 12ga (surrounds), MP HDMI (all sources), some BJC sprinkled thruoutHarmony EliteSalamander Triple 40 C/B* still need to sell older but mint gear!!
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  • opusx100
    opusx100 Posts: 13
    edited February 2009
    I ran the Audyssey 3 more times last couple of days. Surroundbar is set to 150hz, distance all accurate except sub @ 30 feet, but left at that. -9.0 db for bar, -2.0 db for the sub. Volume is 20, midwall position, phase 270`, and Onkyo crossover @ 80hz.

    Watched LOTR 1 and 3 @ -15db with this setting, my sub walked with rattle on heavy bass scenes only.

    Used kitchen rug and turned down the sub to -9 db, no dancing and no rattling. Sounded little empty so turned up the sub volume to 22 and output to -6.0 db, getting better results so far.

    Should I leave the surroundbar @ 150hz or change them to 120 or even 100hz? What would this accomplish? I really can not hear any difference at this time, my ears need a break but, I am making great progress, thanks!

    Let me know what you think, as always, mahalo!:D
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  • leroyjr1
    leroyjr1 Posts: 8,785
    edited February 2009
    I had the same problem running Audyssey with it putting my sub at 28 feet. I changed it to 8 feet wherevit should reaally be at. Didn't notice a big difference with selecting wall positions.

    Opusx100

    Did you run the room eq built into the sub?
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  • opusx100
    opusx100 Posts: 13
    edited February 2009
    unfortunately, this model did not come with the Auto PRO mic.
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  • leroyjr1
    leroyjr1 Posts: 8,785
    edited February 2009
    opusx100 wrote: »
    unfortunately, this model did not come with the Auto PRO mic.


    I would call Polk and grab one.
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  • opusx100
    opusx100 Posts: 13
    edited February 2009
    What I meant was it's not offered with this model. 2000 and up only.
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  • leroyjr1
    leroyjr1 Posts: 8,785
    edited February 2009
    opusx100 wrote: »
    What I meant was it's not offered with this model. 2000 and up only.



    Got'cha
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  • mak99
    mak99 Posts: 362
    edited February 2009
    opusx100 wrote: »
    Watched LOTR 1 and 3 @ -15db with this setting, my sub walked with rattle on heavy bass scenes only.

    Used kitchen rug and turned down the sub to -9 db, no dancing and no rattling. Sounded little empty so turned up the sub volume to 22 and output to -6.0 db, getting better results so far.
    My sub hasn't walked at all, that I can tell. It sits on carpet, I'd guess medium carpet pad underneath. Below this is the concrete slab for the house foundation.

    I still have not experienced any rattling like you describe.

    BTW, I only can find two beefs with this sub so far:

    #1 - no floor spikes included. I know the regular DWS Pro series have combo rubber feet that can removed to expose the spikes. I wish Polk would have included the exact same feet for the microPro series. FWIW, the screw inserts on both models are the same per Polk CS, so I most likely will order two sets for both my microPros.

    #2 - no front blue LED on/off memory. I have my sub setup for automatic on/standby operation. When the sub goes into standby mode, the front LED will automatically turn on when the system is powered up again. I wish there was a memory to keep the user's last setting. I personally would like the light to remain off so as not to be distracting in a darkened room. But maybe there's a way to do this automatically when I power up the system using my Harmony One...

    Opus, I hope you get your sub tweaked so that you are 100% happy with it...
    Main HT:JVC DLA-RS45135" Elite Screens fixed frame, 1.1 gainMarantz SR7007 (operating as pre-pro)Emotiva XPA-1 x3 (L+C+R), UPA-7 (surrounds)Oppo BDP-103D/BDP-83Toshiba HD-XA2Panamax M5410 Pro x3Polk LSiM707s, LSiC706, 80 F/X-LS, 65-RTSeaton Sound/MCCA MFW "Turbo" + custom Dayton SA1000 sub amp (orig. AV123 MFW-15)Velodyne SMS-1I/Cs: MP 12ga/4-cond (fronts); MP 12ga (surrounds), MP HDMI (all sources), some BJC sprinkled thruoutHarmony EliteSalamander Triple 40 C/B* still need to sell older but mint gear!!
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  • comfortablycurt
    comfortablycurt Posts: 6,745
    edited February 2009
    Wow...where's Keiko at? We actually have another Hawaiian on board.

    Welcome to Club Polk.:)
    The nirvana inducer-
    APC H10 Power Conditioner
    Marantz UD5005 universal player
    Parasound Halo P5 preamp
    Parasound HCA-1200II power amp
    PolkAudio LSi9's/PolkAudio SDA 2A's/PolkAudio Monitor 7A's
    Audioquest Speaker Cables and IC's
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  • mak99
    mak99 Posts: 362
    edited February 2009
    xcapri79 wrote: »
    The Polk DSW micropro and pro subs have a handy little remote that lets you turn the blue LED on or off with a push of a button. There is also a night button that dims it.
    Yes, I know - but I'd prefer the front LED always be off. Or at least at the last setting I left it at. My PSW505 had the status light on the backside only, which was fine to me. I knew when she was on! Of course, the microPro's also have the small status light on the backside too.

    But I completely understand the need for blinking feedback when adjusting volume, phase, wall location, etc. And yes, I really mean "blinking"... ;)

    FWIW, I've already added a sub LED on/off button to my Harmony One remote for all movie watching activities. So problem solved!

    Oh well, no sub might ever be 100% perfect for me - but this microPro gets me closer!
    Main HT:JVC DLA-RS45135" Elite Screens fixed frame, 1.1 gainMarantz SR7007 (operating as pre-pro)Emotiva XPA-1 x3 (L+C+R), UPA-7 (surrounds)Oppo BDP-103D/BDP-83Toshiba HD-XA2Panamax M5410 Pro x3Polk LSiM707s, LSiC706, 80 F/X-LS, 65-RTSeaton Sound/MCCA MFW "Turbo" + custom Dayton SA1000 sub amp (orig. AV123 MFW-15)Velodyne SMS-1I/Cs: MP 12ga/4-cond (fronts); MP 12ga (surrounds), MP HDMI (all sources), some BJC sprinkled thruoutHarmony EliteSalamander Triple 40 C/B* still need to sell older but mint gear!!
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  • dborzz
    dborzz Posts: 87
    edited February 2009
    I have a week old micropro1000 also. Good to see some owners finally. I have onk606, t90e's fronts, CS2 center, OWM3's surrounds, and my micropro1000. I ran audyssey and it set it at 13ft although it was about 8ft. Set at -8db, My phase it at 0(sounded best),volume between 22-30. Was boomy at first before I started tweaking. Not it seems to be working itself out a little. Remote helps out! Onk606 has the front and center set to full and the surrounds at 100hz, sub is at 80hz and that definitely sounds best. I have seen some people set all but surrounds to 80hz, I tried it and I thought the full settings sounded much better. For all you Onkyo owners, what in the speaker settings is the LPF of LFE? I think that what it says, the settings are between 80-120hz, what exactly does that do, the manual says that it's for noise reduction...is that correct and if so what do you guys suggest as a good setting?

    Polk T90e's(m60)-mains
    Polk CS2-center
    Polk OWM3's-surrounds
    Polk Micro Pro 1000-sub
    PS3-blu-ray,gaming
    Pioneer 43inch purevision plasma
    Onkyo tx-sr606
    MIT EXp 1
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  • opusx100
    opusx100 Posts: 13
    edited February 2009
    I think I finally got it! Surroundbar set to 80hz and sub crossover set to 80hz. Anything above was just not working out! Onkyo got the surroundbar set to -9.0db and sub to -7.0db. Got it on a piece of kitchen rug with rubber bottom, volume set @ 18/40, phase 270, and midroom. Watched U571 @ -10db on onkyo and I am good for now. No walking, booming, and rattling with the sub but wished there more little more volume for bass. I think I am expecting too much from this sub. ;)

    Thanks for everyone including the Polk CSRs for past 2 weeks!

    Aloha~
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  • JohnnyG83
    JohnnyG83 Posts: 18
    edited February 2009
    opusx100 wrote: »
    Watched U571 @ -10db on onkyo and I am good for now. No walking, booming, and rattling with the sub but wished there more little more volume for bass. I think I am expecting too much from this sub. ;)
    Aloha~

    Glad you tweaked it so that you are satisfied now. This is one of the subs I am looking at. So now that you have it working well, what are your feelings with the bass? Does it have that thunderous feeling? One of the other subs I am looking at is the DSW Pro500.
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  • mak99
    mak99 Posts: 362
    edited February 2009
    Opus - glad that you've got it set up to your liking! I still haven't had the time to unbox my second mP1k, but hope to this weekend. I'll gladly report back the improvements of dual microPros vs a single one...

    Keep enjoying your new system!
    Main HT:JVC DLA-RS45135" Elite Screens fixed frame, 1.1 gainMarantz SR7007 (operating as pre-pro)Emotiva XPA-1 x3 (L+C+R), UPA-7 (surrounds)Oppo BDP-103D/BDP-83Toshiba HD-XA2Panamax M5410 Pro x3Polk LSiM707s, LSiC706, 80 F/X-LS, 65-RTSeaton Sound/MCCA MFW "Turbo" + custom Dayton SA1000 sub amp (orig. AV123 MFW-15)Velodyne SMS-1I/Cs: MP 12ga/4-cond (fronts); MP 12ga (surrounds), MP HDMI (all sources), some BJC sprinkled thruoutHarmony EliteSalamander Triple 40 C/B* still need to sell older but mint gear!!
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  • opusx100
    opusx100 Posts: 13
    edited February 2009
    mak99 wrote: »
    Opus - glad that you've got it set up to your liking! I still haven't had the time to unbox my second mP1k, but hope to this weekend. I'll gladly report back the improvements of dual microPros vs a single one...

    Keep enjoying your new system!

    I wish I can talk my wife into a second sub........maybe this Christmas, man, that is one long wait.......
    Can't wait for your next post. Hope you are enjoying your second sub!
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  • mak99
    mak99 Posts: 362
    edited February 2009
    opusx100 wrote: »
    Can't wait for your next post. Hope you are enjoying your second sub!
    I'm out of town on biz this week, and haven't unboxed #2 yet. I'll report back when I can...
    Main HT:JVC DLA-RS45135" Elite Screens fixed frame, 1.1 gainMarantz SR7007 (operating as pre-pro)Emotiva XPA-1 x3 (L+C+R), UPA-7 (surrounds)Oppo BDP-103D/BDP-83Toshiba HD-XA2Panamax M5410 Pro x3Polk LSiM707s, LSiC706, 80 F/X-LS, 65-RTSeaton Sound/MCCA MFW "Turbo" + custom Dayton SA1000 sub amp (orig. AV123 MFW-15)Velodyne SMS-1I/Cs: MP 12ga/4-cond (fronts); MP 12ga (surrounds), MP HDMI (all sources), some BJC sprinkled thruoutHarmony EliteSalamander Triple 40 C/B* still need to sell older but mint gear!!
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  • CA_Bill
    CA_Bill Posts: 4
    edited February 2009
    Have had MicroPro 1000 for approx. one month. Receiver is SR606. Speakers: Front - RTi-8, Center RTi-A4, surrounds: RTi-A1. The Rx sub out is connected to the LFE input. Have had problems with Audyssey caibration. As others have mentioned, it thinks the subwoofer is around 16 feet away whereas it is actually 11 feet. It also wants to set the front speakers to full band for some reason. I decided to manually set the crossover to 80 Hz for all speakers and this seems to give satisfactory results. I have tried the LFE LPF setting at 80, 90 and 100 Hz with no apparent difference. I left the LPF setting at 90 Hz. The internal input level is set at 0 db for the sub. I adjust the sub volume level between 25 to 30 depending upon source material. It is at set at zero phase and mid-wall. I tried all setting and could not hear any difference so left these at the default settings.

    Bill
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  • cnh
    cnh Posts: 13,284
    edited February 2009
    Correct me if I'm wrong guys.

    But don't the Rti-8s reach to 40hz in which case the Onkyo would set them at full band--you don't have to, and most speakers don't, get down to 20hz to be read as full band by a receiver's set up.

    cnh
    Currently orbiting Bowie's Blackstar.!

    Polk Lsi-7s, Def Tech 8" sub, HK 3490, HK HD 990 (CDP/DAC), AKG Q701s
    [sig. changed on a monthly basis as I rotate in and out of my stash]
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  • CA_Bill
    CA_Bill Posts: 4
    edited February 2009
    cnh wrote: »
    Correct me if I'm wrong guys.

    But don't the Rti-8s reach to 40hz in which case the Onkyo would set them at full band--you don't have to, and most speakers don't, get down to 20hz to be read as full band by a receiver's set up.

    cnh

    Yes, you are correct and that is what happened during the automatic setup. Maybe I misunderstood the procedure. I thought the cross-over should be set around 80 Hz in order to divert the low frequencies to the subwoofer.

    Bill
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  • TECHNOKID
    TECHNOKID Posts: 4,298
    edited March 2009
    opusx100 wrote: »
    I think I finally got it! Surroundbar set to 80hz and sub crossover set to 80hz. Anything above was just not working out! Onkyo got the surroundbar set to -9.0db and sub to -7.0db. Got it on a piece of kitchen rug with rubber bottom, volume set @ 18/40, phase 270, and midroom. Watched U571 @ -10db on onkyo and I am good for now. No walking, booming, and rattling with the sub but wished there more little more volume for bass. I think I am expecting too much from this sub. ;)

    Thanks for everyone including the Polk CSRs for past 2 weeks!

    Aloha~
    Yep, that is more like it! If you look at the specs for both speakers involved: The SurroundBar can go as low as 60/80 Hz and 80 Hz sounds like the best setting for the bar to not overwork. When it comes to your sub, the higher frequency setting is 140/200 Hz and you have proven the lower selection to be the best setting not to overwork the sub. If there is anyway for you to try your sub closer to 140 Hz (let say 120 Hz) in order to blend both the sub and SurroundBar (giving some overlap between the 2) and see what the end result would be.

    Question, don't you feel this sub is over killed for the small speakers of a SurroundBar? Just a question, when you look at the Polk site, they recommend the DSW400 and further more, it is mainly sold with the PSW10 and most people use the SurroundBar with the PSW line. Dum question, but do you actually hear the baby speakers of the SurroundBar whit this humungous (power wise) sub cranked up as loud ;)

    Cheers :)
    DARE TO SOAR:
    “Your attitude, almost always determine your altitude in life” ;)
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