PSW650 wiring question/recommendation?

fishferbrains

I've read the instructions on wiring the sub to my RM7500s.

My "problem" is that I have a funky room configuration that looks for placement of the sub almost 10 ft away from the receiver, and subsequently 16 linear feet back to the front surrounds.

I was planning to use the "speaker wire" configuration here...but am wondering if someone would recommend the direct sub connection (I have an older Denon 3200 receiver).


Thoughts?

Thanks,
Keith

[Deleted User]

Hello Keith,
Keep in mind that unless you want to use the PSW650's built-in high pass filter, there is nothing wrong with running the right and left speaker wires directly from the receiver to the sub-woofer. In other words, you don't have to go first to the sub and then to the fronts, you can have two independent paths. One going from the receiver to the speakers and the second going from the receiver to the sub-woofer. The only time when the signal has to go first to the sub is if you want the unit's built-in 80 Hz high pass filter.
If you prefer a single RCA connection, that is possible with the RM7500 satellites placed on a wall at ear level. The bass reinforcement of wall mounting should allow for a proper matching with a receiver's sub-out frequency cut-off. Its all a question of matching the low end response of the satellites with the upper end output of the sub-woofer. With the RM7500 and correct placement, most receiver out-puts can be used. My only reason for recommending the connection using a speaker level is that this is much more adjustable than using a fixed out-put from the receiver.
When you use the receiver's sub-out, with few exceptions, its a fixed frequency, it either blends or it doesn't. But, when you give a full range signal to the PSW650, you can adjust where the unit begins rolling off. But if room placement and decor requirements mean the single RCA cable is going to be better, then as long as you're getting full bass potential out of the satellites, then go ahead and use it.
I hope this is helpful information.
Regards, Ken Swauger

fishferbrains

Kenneth,

Excellent information, thank you very much!

Unfortunately the satellites will be mounted above ear-level and I'm sure the shape/form of the room (cathederal ceilings, wood walls, etc) will require additional adjustments all around.

If I read your response correctly, I'll have to use a second set of speaker outputs to the sub if I want to adjust it's roll-off (I do).

If I want to use the high-pass filter (which I'm not clear of the advantages of this or not are) and adjust the roll-off, then I should try to connect the fronts through the satellite.

I'm gathering the distances involved probably aren't a problem and my real decision is whether to use the high-pass filter or not.

Any recommendations as to when it's useful to use the high-pass?

Finally...I noticed that the 7600 instructions are much "cleaner" in terms of receiver settings.....can I use those instructions instead of the rather confusing matrix in the 7500 instructions?

Thank you again for all of your help!

Keith

[Deleted User]

Hello Keith,
I'm glad the information was helpful, getting smooth blending of a sub-woofer and satellite speakers is not easy, so we understand. The use of the built-in high pass filter allows an owner to use a speaker level input into the sub-woofer and still use the "small/large" settings that might be needed. In other words, if an owner is using the front right/left speaker wires into the PSW650 the receiver would have to be set for "large" in order to provide a full range signal. For owners who play their systems at relatively high volumes, it might be best if they introduced a high pass filter for their satellites. This could be done by using the built-in 80 Hz high pass filter on the PSW650. Of course this would necessitate using speaker wires coming in and out of the sub-woofer. If your listening tastes are more moderate then there shouldn't be a need.
Take care, Ken