Sub settings and volume on sub question

kevindef

When I calibrated my sub, a polk DSW Pro 600, I turned the Low Pass filter knob all the way up to 120Hz and set the volume on the sub to 19, which is on a scale of 0 - 40. I did this because I followed the receiver's instructions. Which said set the volume just below the mid point. I also set the Phase to zero. My receiver is a Sony STR-DA3400ES. When using the receiver's auto calibration and using those settings on the sub, the results then say the sub is out of Phase. So I then set the sub to 180, run the auto calibration again and now the results say the sub is in phase. I am OK with that, but just haven't determined which way I like it to sound. I think it seems to sound fuller with the zero setting, but not sure yet.

The auto calibration also sets the sub at +8 db. When I finished calibrating the sub and leaving the +8 db as calibrated I then cranked up the sub's volume to 27. 20 is the midway point. 40 is the max. Scale is 0- 40. My question, since the auto calibration gives +8 db, am I running the risk of blowing the sub by moving the volume to 27??? Should I return the volume to 19???? Thanks!

Jdubbs

I think you should do what you think sounds better, that always seems to be the right answer with this stuff and we tend to over think things...i am the worst offender lol.

That sub is a beast and should be able to handle it. plus you can take advantage of the sub's remote and adjust the settings on the fly depending on what you are watching/listening to. I am thinking of getting that sub for me second system and the remote feature is huge for me as I am always reaching behind the sub and tweaking it.

I'm not that technical with this stuff so if you blow your sub next week dont hold me responsible lol.

Jdubbs

do you use the sub as down firing or front? If I get that one, I would use it as front firing because it would be on carpet which is on a concrete slab on my first floor so the bass would get too absorbed with down firing.

kevindef

Thanks for the replies! I use the sub as down firing. I have to tell you, it is a beast! It shakes the house. Actually knocked a picture off the wall that is hanging just above the sub location. That is 1 of the reasons for my question. I was wondering if I was over doing it. I just don't know if the auto calibration is giving what it should be and I should not turn up the volume on the sub anymore. Thanks!

wutadumsn23

As stated above, let your ears make the decision for you. If it seems like it is giving you too much oompf, then turn it down a few notches. Those auto calibrators are pretty good, and pretty accurate. If it says you needed a boost of 8db at 19, then leave it at 19. If you want it at 27, then set the boost at 0 yourself and leave it at 27.

-Jeff

kaiserkreb

wutadumsn23 wrote: »

As stated above, let your ears make the decision for you. If it seems like it is giving you too much oompf, then turn it down a few notches. Those auto calibrators are pretty good, and pretty accurate. If it says you needed a boost of 8db at 19, then leave it at 19. If you want it at 27, then set the boost at 0 yourself and leave it at 27.

-Jeff

I would agree with this. I have a 12" velodyne set to about 34 out of 100, and the amp (str-da5400es) told me it was out of phase and set the gain at +6. It absolutely rocks the house at that level. I tried each phase setting from my listening position and decided to leave it at 0. I think it may have gotten some odd rebounds due to furniture placement and the subs positioning in a corner.

thsmith

You could start with getting a radio shack analog SPL meter and run a test tone frm AVR left front speaker and then go to the sub running a test tone and set sub volume level to match from left speaker.

To truely calibrate your sub you need something like Room EQ Wizard (free at hometheatershack.com) then use your AVR calibration. AVRs just can not deal with LFE freqs because of all the dips and peaks nor were AVRs designed to much with them.

To setup a sub correctly (unless using a auto sub calibration tool like the SVS/Audessy) is a painstaking and time intensive effort but well worth it in the end.

http://www.svsound.com/products-parts-subeq.cfm