Setting Speakers to Small

sterling bug

I use the preferred hookup in my PSW250 manual which consists of connections from the speaker level output on the sub to the speakers and speaker level input to the receiver. I want to change the speaker settings to small to see if I like it better. My question is do I need to change any of the connections or do I just change the speaker settings on my receiver. My sub only has line in (L,R) and my receiver has a sub pre-out which I don't use but thought I throw this information in just in case. Fronts: Polk R50, Center: Polk CSi20, Sub: Polk PSW250, Surrounds: Bose Model 21, Receiver: Kenwood VR309.

brettw22

If I understand correctly, you're running all the wire from your sub to your speakers, and then taking the pre-out on your receiver to your sub, true? What kind of receiver are you using, and why are you running tower speakers out of your sub? Personally, I have tried that set-up and didnt' like it. The receivers internal amps are going to give you better power than using the sub as your filter. Run all your speaker wires to your receiver, and then use the sub pre-out and I think that alone will give you a MUCH better sound. Then tweek with the large/small settings to see which you're gonna like.

Let us know whatcha end up with.......

sterling bug

brettw, no I am not using the pre-out on the receiver.

Dr. Spec

You can't change your speakers to small with a speaker level sub connection. It defeats the entire purpose. It has to be run on large with the sub set to off/no in order to work properly.

If you want to run your speaks on small, then do so on the Kenwood, then set the sub to on/yes, set the LFE level to -3 on the Kenwood, and use the sub pre-out into a line-level on the 202 and set the sub filter all the way up to its highest setting and adjust for volume at the sub plate amp.

sterling bug

Doc,
In order to try the speakers on small would I just connect the speakers to the receiver and not at all to the sub. Just a little clarification would be appreciated.

Dr. Spec

Originally posted by sterling bug
Doc,
In order to try the speakers on small would I just connect the speakers to the receiver and not at all to the sub. Just a little clarification would be appreciated.

That is correct, SB. The receiver will automatically high pass the speakers and low pass the subwoofer. Do not connect speaker wire to the subwoofer, only the sub-out jack.

Set the speaks to small, then set the sub to on/yes, set the LFE level to -3 on the Kenwood, then set the sub filter all the way up to its highest setting, and adjust for volume at the sub plate amp.

sterling bug

Thanks for the speedy reply Doc. I will let you know how it sounds.

sterling bug

Doc,
Ok, I changed the setup so there is no speaker wire connected to the sub. I have the sub set to yes and -3 on the receiver. Fronts are set to nrml(there is no small setting on recvr.), center yes, surrounds yes. I don't have a SPL meter yet so these settings could be better: Fronts +8db, Center +9db, Surrounds +8db. I have a connection from the pre-out on the recvr to the line in marked L on the sub. This may sound dumb but you said set sub filter to its highest setting. I'm assuming that is the low pass knob on the sub. which has settings from 80-160Hz. I set that at 160Hz and the phase at 180. I really appreciate your expertise on this matter. I have learned quite a bit since I began going in this forum on a regular basis since December.

Dr. Spec

SB

Drop all your speaker volumes to 0 (center +1) on the Kenwood. They are set way too high and you are probably distorting the signal in the pre-out stage. Compensate for this simply by increasing the master volume.

Re-adjust sub volume at the sub amp.

Keep the low pass filter at 160.

Alter the phase between 0 and 180 and see which one gives you better bass.

Definitely beg steal or borrow a SPL meter and calibrate your speakers and sub with the test tones and set the distances too, if you can with this AVR.

sterling bug

Thanks for the help Doc. My AVR does have settings where I can set distances. I hope to get that meter within a week or two.

Jeffw69

Doc, I just read all of this advice,
I too have some questions regarding crossover frequencies
I have the Kenwood AVR 507
If you recall about a week or two ago you helped me out with some "humming" when hooking up a second sub-thanks again.
I am now trying to fine tune the subs.
I have Center large, fronts large, sub-on , running subs out of sub-out. On each sub, I have the crossovers set at around 80 and the sub vol. around 12'oclock. I have been adjusting the receiver's sub level between 0 or +2, depending on what I am viewing, although when I watch any music dvd's, it is way too boomy and I have to put it at -8 or more. Suggestions???

Dr. Spec

Originally posted by Jeffw69
Doc, I just read all of this advice,
I too have some questions regarding crossover frequencies
I have the Kenwood AVR 507
If you recall about a week or two ago you helped me out with some "humming" when hooking up a second sub-thanks again.
I am now trying to fine tune the subs.
I have Center large, fronts large, sub-on , running subs out of sub-out. On each sub, I have the crossovers set at around 80 and the sub vol. around 12'oclock. I have been adjusting the receiver's sub level between 0 or +2, depending on what I am viewing, although when I watch any music dvd's, it is way too boomy and I have to put it at -8 or more. Suggestions???

I replied under the other topic.

sterling bug

Thanks for the advice Doc! I tested a couple of DVD's and CD's on Saturday than on Sunday the wife and I watched Face/Off. It is a much cleaner sound. Adjusting the db settings made a big difference also. I've learned quite a bit through your posts although sometimes your knowledge goes over my head on some stuff. You have me very interested in SVS when it comes time for me to upgrade the sub.

Dr. Spec

Glad you are getting the most out of your system. You're welcome for the help.