DSW Pro 500 (Firing Down) vs (Front Firing) ?

AirGumby
AirGumby Posts: 5
edited August 2009 in Subwoofer Hookup & Bass Management
For those who own this subwoofer. Do you prefer it firing down or firing forward? I would think that firing forward would make it more tight bass sounding then firing toward the ground.

Thoughts? Opinions?
Post edited by AirGumby on
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  • superjunior
    superjunior Posts: 1,632
    edited August 2009
    just hooked up the pro 600 yesterday, haven't tried it front firing yet but I'm real interested on what others have to say on this subject as well. welcome to cp
    jr
    panasonic th-50pz85u
    pioneer elite vsx-92txh
    pioneer elite bdp-05fd
    emotiva xpa-3
    monster power hdp 2550
    sa 8300 hd dvr
    sda 2b's
    fronts - rti a9's
    center - csi a6
    surrounds - fxi a6's
    sub - polk dsw pro 600
    harmony one
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  • jimmydep
    jimmydep Posts: 1,305
    edited August 2009
    I haven't tried my PRO 600 in the front firing position yet, I'll let you know.

    jr., Glad to see it finally arrived!!


    Jimmy
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  • dorokusai
    dorokusai Posts: 25,577
    edited August 2009
    I prefer forward with this particular subwoofer.
    CTC BBQ Amplifier, Sonic Frontiers Line3 Pre-Amplifier and Wadia 581 SACD player. Speakers? Always changing but for now, Mission Argonauts I picked up for $50 bucks, mint.
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  • dorokusai
    dorokusai Posts: 25,577
    edited August 2009
    Maybe, maybe not.
    CTC BBQ Amplifier, Sonic Frontiers Line3 Pre-Amplifier and Wadia 581 SACD player. Speakers? Always changing but for now, Mission Argonauts I picked up for $50 bucks, mint.
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  • cfrizz
    cfrizz Posts: 13,415
    edited August 2009
    Mark, how is one supposed to get it to be front firing without crushing the connections on the back of the sub which is where you have to lay it to have it be front firing.
    Marantz AV-7705 PrePro, Classé 5 channel 200wpc Amp, Oppo 103 BluRay, Rotel RCD-1072 CDP, Sony XBR-49X800E TV, Polk S60 Main Speakers, Polk ES30 Center Channel, Polk S15 Surround Speakers SVS SB12-NSD x2
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  • dorokusai
    dorokusai Posts: 25,577
    edited August 2009
    It has feet. If you use rigid connectors, get some angled or 90 degree adapters.
    CTC BBQ Amplifier, Sonic Frontiers Line3 Pre-Amplifier and Wadia 581 SACD player. Speakers? Always changing but for now, Mission Argonauts I picked up for $50 bucks, mint.
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  • Chameleon2
    Chameleon2 Posts: 112
    edited August 2009
    Subscribed to thread; interested in what other DSW owners feel about this.

    I'll be ordering some 90 degree power cords soon for trying my subs in the forward firing position (btw, Crutchfield has grills for the 500/600 for $50/55).

    All-in-all, I'm VERY happy with my subs. Have watched War of the Worlds, Master and Commander, Dark Knight, Blackhawk Down (yeah, Irene:p), Incredible Hulk (w/Ed Norton) and Iron Man and am amazed at the "punch in the gut" feeling, sound along with the floor vibrations (house has a crawl space); gives a real at-the-theater sensation.

    Works great for music as well, in my opinion.

    added
    the "feet" provided are not really tall enough for provided power cords; they crush into the carpet too much for my liking. I wonder if you can get 90 degree RCA plugs as well?
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  • AirGumby
    AirGumby Posts: 5
    edited August 2009
    cfrizz wrote: »
    Mark, how is one supposed to get it to be front firing without crushing the connections on the back of the sub which is where you have to lay it to have it be front firing.
    I use a 90 degree power cord. I bought it here: http://www.monoprice.com/products/product.asp?c_id=102&cp_id=10228&cs_id=1022801&p_id=1304&seq=1&format=2

    For the sub preout I used a monster cable 90 degree male to female plug:
    http://www.monstercable.com/productdisplay.asp?pin=656

    My subwoofer is located in the corner of the room. I tried playing around with the front vs firing down. The bass feels different in front firing. It's more punchy but you have to jack up the juice to compensate. For the down firing It's more exaggerated because of the carpet and the corner of the walls. I'm just not sure yet which is more efficient and better. :confused:
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  • superjunior
    superjunior Posts: 1,632
    edited August 2009
    jimmydep wrote: »
    I haven't tried my PRO 600 in the front firing position yet, I'll let you know.

    jr., Glad to see it finally arrived!!


    Jimmy

    thanks my freind, it was a long wait. posted my thoughts in my 600 vs svs thread
    jr
    panasonic th-50pz85u
    pioneer elite vsx-92txh
    pioneer elite bdp-05fd
    emotiva xpa-3
    monster power hdp 2550
    sa 8300 hd dvr
    sda 2b's
    fronts - rti a9's
    center - csi a6
    surrounds - fxi a6's
    sub - polk dsw pro 600
    harmony one
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  • Chameleon2
    Chameleon2 Posts: 112
    edited August 2009
    cfrizz wrote: »
    Mark, how is one supposed to get it to be front firing without crushing the connections on the back of the sub which is where you have to lay it to have it be front firing.

    The cone-shaped feet pull off leaving metal spikes which must be unscrewed.

    Screw the spikes into the holes on the side with all of the connections, then push the feet back on.

    It works, but there is not enough clearance, imho, so you need to get the 90 degree power cords and connectors that have been mentioned.
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  • Toolfan66
    Toolfan66 Posts: 17,240
    edited August 2009
    I have the 500 and the 600, I have not tried forward firing. Polk does sell the grills for forward firing.

    Mine are in the basement, so I would think with the concrete floors downward would be the best for me.

    But I would like to hear what people think of the forward firing on these subs. I may have to try it out for my sellf.
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  • cfrizz
    cfrizz Posts: 13,415
    edited August 2009
    Pics please so that I know what to look for. Thanks.
    dorokusai wrote: »
    It has feet. If you use rigid connectors, get some angled or 90 degree adapters.
    Marantz AV-7705 PrePro, Classé 5 channel 200wpc Amp, Oppo 103 BluRay, Rotel RCD-1072 CDP, Sony XBR-49X800E TV, Polk S60 Main Speakers, Polk ES30 Center Channel, Polk S15 Surround Speakers SVS SB12-NSD x2
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  • cfrizz
    cfrizz Posts: 13,415
    edited August 2009
    Both my much stronger brother & I tried unscrewing those spikes & neither of us could do so!:eek:
    Chameleon2 wrote: »
    The cone-shaped feet pull off leaving metal spikes which must be unscrewed.

    Screw the spikes into the holes on the side with all of the connections, then push the feet back on.

    It works, but there is not enough clearance, imho, so you need to get the 90 degree power cords and connectors that have been mentioned.
    Marantz AV-7705 PrePro, Classé 5 channel 200wpc Amp, Oppo 103 BluRay, Rotel RCD-1072 CDP, Sony XBR-49X800E TV, Polk S60 Main Speakers, Polk ES30 Center Channel, Polk S15 Surround Speakers SVS SB12-NSD x2
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  • dorokusai
    dorokusai Posts: 25,577
    edited August 2009
    cfrizz wrote: »
    Pics please so that I know what to look for. Thanks.

    www.vampirewire.com
    CTC BBQ Amplifier, Sonic Frontiers Line3 Pre-Amplifier and Wadia 581 SACD player. Speakers? Always changing but for now, Mission Argonauts I picked up for $50 bucks, mint.
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  • superjunior
    superjunior Posts: 1,632
    edited August 2009
    the 600 came with rubber inserts or 'extensions' that press into the bottom of the feet to give it another inch of clearance. I would assume that is to give the wires enough room for front firing position. haven't read the manual cover to cover yet
    jr
    panasonic th-50pz85u
    pioneer elite vsx-92txh
    pioneer elite bdp-05fd
    emotiva xpa-3
    monster power hdp 2550
    sa 8300 hd dvr
    sda 2b's
    fronts - rti a9's
    center - csi a6
    surrounds - fxi a6's
    sub - polk dsw pro 600
    harmony one
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  • Chameleon2
    Chameleon2 Posts: 112
    edited August 2009
    cfrizz wrote: »
    Both my much stronger brother & I tried unscrewing those spikes & neither of us could do so!:eek:

    wimps! ha!

    actually, I wound up using a very small crescent (monkey) wrench on them at the base of the spike where it meets up with the bottom of the speaker; rotate ccw to loosen just like a regular screw. I was able to disassemble and then reassemble w/o scratching the surface, fortunately.

    the size of the "head" was neither a standard english or metric size - why this was done I can't image.

    good luck and take your time.

    ===================
    the little rubber extensions didn't provide enough height (for me, anyway)when the sub is on a carpet.
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  • RedBull
    RedBull Posts: 53
    edited August 2009
    So, so far from what I'm reading it seems to be personal preference based on the floor type you have. I have the 600 and would love to be able to show off the sub while it's in action. I guess I'll need to try it out. I'm looking forward to see what everyone else's thoughts on this subject are.
    harman/kardon hk 3490
    MTX AAL 1240 R.I.P.
    polkaudio DSW PRO 600
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  • AirGumby
    AirGumby Posts: 5
    edited August 2009
    Well I've been playing with it in the front firing position and I've noticed that the walls and surrounding items feels the bass more. You do have to crank the volume higher on the sub to get the same output (sense wise) when in the down firing position.

    Basically it's like this...

    1) Front Firing = If you really want to "feel" the bass and really want to vibrate the walls more then I would suggest use this setup

    2) Down Firing = If you want to have more of an impact of the bass in the overall setting, stick to down firing.


    This is all personal observation and don't take what I'm saying as fact, just what I've noticed with my DSW Pro 500
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  • jimmydep
    jimmydep Posts: 1,305
    edited August 2009
    Thanks Gumby, I'm going to give the front firing a try next week after my 3yr old nephew leaves...I don't want any speaker mishaps.....

    Did you have enough clearance for the wires with the supplied spacers for the feet?


    Thanks

    Jimmy
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  • AirGumby
    AirGumby Posts: 5
    edited August 2009
    Yeah, I used a 90 degree Monster adapter for the "sub in" cable and I used a 90 degree AC cord as well. Using those provided easy clearance between the sub and the floor.

    I would recommend to anyone to try it out. Some might like the "feeling" of the front firing. I'm sticking to downfiring as it seems to fill the room up more with the bass sound then the front firing. If you have no blockage from furniture with your sub to your listening audience, then the front firing would be the best solution, IMO
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  • cfrizz
    cfrizz Posts: 13,415
    edited August 2009
    Thank you for trying it out & letting us know the results.:)

    Oh and WELCOME to Club Polk!
    AirGumby wrote: »
    Yeah, I used a 90 degree Monster adapter for the "sub in" cable and I used a 90 degree AC cord as well. Using those provided easy clearance between the sub and the floor.

    I would recommend to anyone to try it out. Some might like the "feeling" of the front firing. I'm sticking to downfiring as it seems to fill the room up more with the bass sound then the front firing. If you have no blockage from furniture with your sub to your listening audience, then the front firing would be the best solution, IMO
    Marantz AV-7705 PrePro, Classé 5 channel 200wpc Amp, Oppo 103 BluRay, Rotel RCD-1072 CDP, Sony XBR-49X800E TV, Polk S60 Main Speakers, Polk ES30 Center Channel, Polk S15 Surround Speakers SVS SB12-NSD x2
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  • beemoney
    beemoney Posts: 3
    edited August 2009
    dorokusai wrote: »
    I prefer forward with this particular subwoofer.

    was wondering if it difficult to change the sub from down to forward was looking at the manual online was thinkinhg of getting the 600 this week any help would be app
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  • RedBull
    RedBull Posts: 53
    edited August 2009
    It is really easy to switch from down to forward. All you do is unscrew the legs that are on the "bottom" and move them to the new "bottom". That is it. Granted, the clearance for the plugs isn't very much when in front firing, but polk does provide lifters to add more clearance. IMO though, they aren't really enough.
    harman/kardon hk 3490
    MTX AAL 1240 R.I.P.
    polkaudio DSW PRO 600
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  • mjm1124
    mjm1124 Posts: 11
    edited August 2009
    I'll be trying the front firing on my 500 this week. I found a 90 degree RCA adapter by Audioquest on Amazon for 5 bucks. I was curious about one thing though. The power cord that comes with the 500 is 15A/125V. Trying to find a right angle power cord with those specs isn't easy. The closest I could find was by a place called Americord, it's 13A/125V. Does the amps and volts for a power cord make a difference? FWIW $50.00 for a grille cover is kind of crazy.
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  • Chameleon2
    Chameleon2 Posts: 112
    edited August 2009
    I've tried forward firing with my DSW's; for my application, in my setup, downward beats forward easily.

    I guess that shouldn't be a surprise since that's the way Polk designed them to operate; the forward firing option seems more like a "nice option" to help sales to those who want cabinet subs.

    In any event, they should have used the 90 degree plugs as standard.
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