Connecting Q acoustics M20 with Polk HTS 12 sub-woofer
I have a pair of Q acoustics M20 active speakers and I want to be able to connect them with a Polk HTS 12 sub-woofer (I haven't bought it yet, but I would very much like to). The main speaker (with the built-in amp) has a Sub output, but not any control of frequency crossover or anything else. The problem is, if I follow the instructions (I found them online) of ''HTS 12 sub-woofer'' and I connect with a cable from Sub output to LFE input, how could I then adjust the frequency crossover, since there is not such a control on my receiver. Seems like through this type of connection I won't be able to control the crossover, which is a little strange (not to have that option). I can't find any answer online, so please help me here, because I would like to get this sub-woofer and this is the last obstacle.
Best Answers
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In general terms low frequency signals tend to be in both the left and right channel in equal amounts. So, this means you can connect either the right or left channels or both to the subwoofer. Either connection is fine, neither is better or worse than the other.
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SeleniumFalcon wrote: »In general terms low frequency signals tend to be in both the left and right channel in equal amounts. So, this means you can connect either the right or left channels or both to the subwoofer. Either connection is fine, neither is better or worse than the other.
In my case, I got better more impactful bass when both were used by the method I described. In general @SeleniumFalcon is correct, we also do not know how your speakers will react to send the signal.
On many subs using only one is a poor mans LFE, once again if listen to CD's for example many do not have a dedicated LFE track. Once again IME using both is like using your left and right speaker outputs to go directly to the subwoofer therefore you don't need the LFE track you're getting the full range from the audio track from the CD. You then adjust the crossover on the subwoofer to only play from a certain frequency down to match where your satellite speakers frequency stops.for example in QB12, for my case, it is advised to connect only to the Left RCA input.
Answers
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Usually the LFE is controlled by the AVR setting in the menu which takes the subs onboard XO out of the equation. You may be better off using the L/R RCA inputs. You may need a Y-cable to best use those.
The second problem is most of the time there is not a LFE track in music, therefore the sub may not be activated for standard music, which brings you back to the RCA inputs and the ability to use the subs XO controls.
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Thanks for the quick and on-point answer. Are you sure that if I should follow the L/R route, there won't be any problem? I am asking because this case isn't described in the sub-woofer's manual. In other sub-woofers' manuals my case was described, but not here.
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Are you sure, from the manual.
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But this is not my case. You say, I need to connect from a single output on my active speaker to two inputs on the subwoofer. In all the other subwoofers I have checked, for example in QB12, for my case, it is advised to connect only to the Left RCA input. This is why I am not sure and because I am a complete amateur, I don't want to take any costly risks. I hope you understand. Thank you in advance.
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Thanks to both of you. I consider the question answered.
One last extra, more general question, if you want to share your opinion.
Do you find Polk Audio HTS 12 a good match for the Q Acoustics M20?
I am from Greece and here this subwoofer sells for 580-600€. For comparison, SVS SB-1000 Pro costs 750€ (black-ash color), QB12 around 700€ (though there are some discounts that bring it to 600€) and the smaller Polk Audio HTS 10 around 500€.
The size of the room is around 3m x 4m x 2.70m (height).
Speakers are placed on a desk around 75cm high, 1.10m apart from each other.
I have the speakers for about a year and I like their sound very much, even their bass (55 Hz) is very nice (mostly in the music department).
With them I listen to music 70% of the time and the rest is movies.
Admittedly I prefer them for music. For movies I prefer the living room surround system by far (but not for music). So, in buying a sub-woofer, I consider the movie-watching factor a lot, as I would like to use them more efficiently for movies. Though I have to add, that I don't want the sound to loose its magnificent musicality, if you know what I mean.
If you think I want to have the cake whole and eat it too, say it freely, but best of both worlds is what I seek by the addition of a sub-woofer. -
I have no idea, I have never heard of or listened to Q Acoustics speakers.Do you find Polk Audio HTS 12 a good match for the Q Acoustics M20?