Subwoofer Settings


God Almighty...googling a speaker question you need to be a freaking mathematician.

I could use some help. Just to get me started, from a 2 channel amp should I connect to the sub using low pass or high pass RCA connection? Should I be using 1 or 2 cables?

As a starting point where should the crossover be?




128x128brian_holmes
sorry to disappoint you

you need to tell us alot more than you have - what speakers, how is the room, what is the setup, what ancillary equipment

its complicated, because, well, it really depends on what you are working with...

only clear thing is you use the high pass connection in the sub (the sub does the lows, so you pass the highs... ya?) -- this if using an rca connection...
Sorry I’m frustrated. Don’t mean to be a dick.
Okay high pass. Good. LFE is for an AVR right? Do I use l/r RCA connection or just one?
Arcam SA20 integrated amp
B&W CM5 speakers
Frequency response ± 3dB 52 - 22000 Hz
SVS SB NSD sub
Yamaha CD600 CD player
Bluesound Node2i
Room is 10x14

Right now I don’t know a good starting point for crossover.

Hi Brian,
So, low-pass means, it passes low frequencies.  High-pass passes high frequencies.

You want a lowpass to the subs, high pass to the main. 
80 Hz is the THX standard and a useful starting point.
"You want a lowpass to the subs, high pass to the main."

In terms of connections could you spell it out for me?

Brian,
You are the one who used the terms.  If you have a sub, I suggest you start with the manual there.

Best,
E


I’ve done that. Still confused. The manual only discusses using the sub with an AVR. Another said my amp should be connected to the high pass on the sub. Should I be using l/r or just 1 cable. Using high pass the sub crossover should be at 80Hz?
I got this from the quick start guide. You'll get it...

Preamp output on the preamp, to the low level input on the sub.
Flip the switch from LTE to the other side. Use two, RCAs L/R
Start at 80 hz or so. The higher you go the more boom in the room.
This is a sub... Use it that way 60-80 or lower...

Regards
The REL website has some excellent videos (on YouTube also) that explain and walks you through most subwoofer questions. Highly recommended!
You can set it up, get it going, be happy,

However, there are (not math) operational considerations, and as you have/will see, not everyone agrees.

Decisions for a sub for an AV system are different than the more critical use of sub(s) in a 2 way system like you are doing.

Would you like my unsolicited comments on subs?
brian 

u mentioned LFE input... are you working with a Rel sub?

if so, Rel provides an EXCELLENT owners manual... it spells out in clear prose detailed instructions on how to connect -- for example, where/when you can, you should use the HI LEVEL inputs rather than RCA - they specifically supply a cable with Neutrik connector for ths very purpose... for best sound quality
Found it. This is the explanation I was looking for.
" If you are using one subwoofer for the bass of both left and Right Channels, connect the Left and Right preamp Outputs for these channels to the corresponding Line In connections of the STA-400D. Normally the High Pass Outputs of the STA-400D will be connected to the Inputs of thepower amplifier for the main Left and Right speakers. Using the High Pass Outputs will send all frequencies above 80Hz with a -12 dB per octave slope to the power amplifier for your speakers.

The Low Pass filter control on the STA-400D should be adjusted to provide the best integration of your speakers with the subwoofer. If you are using two subwoofers (one for each channel), connect as above using one sub for the Left channel and one sub for the right channel."
Deep breaths, LOL now you know what it's like to be a mechanic? When all else fails read the book over and over and over until you do. :-)

Good deal

Regards
I think I have some comprehension issues. And ADD. And impatience. And stubbornness. And...
I have the same room size.  I purchase a pair of REL S2 SHO subwoofers and placed them in the corners pointed in the same exact direction to the listening position in the room.  I moved my towers from the back wall and measured the exact distance from the back wall, side walls and angled them the same.  I used a tape measure to make sure things were equal on both sides.  Still would like to do a master set.  However, I think I might be close by the way I positioned my main speakers and subwoofers.

I set my subs at about 40% or until they acted more like woofers than subwoofers.  You don't want to hear the subs you want to blend them.  Having two subwoofers helps to blend in the bass.  All you want to do is extend the bass below the main speakers and do so smoothly.  If you hear the subs too much back them off.  This took me a few days of listening to find the right settings.  This is how I set my system up and it really sounds great and it also took some work off my towers to clear them up.  Still would like to buy a pair of SALK Song2 Encores.  They are incredible for $6,000.

Hope this helps.  I don't know much as the rest of the group, but I dialed them in for my ears and the size of the room.  I noticed I widened the sound stage.

I have an ARCAM AVR550, Paradigm 85F towers and a Bluesound Node 2i.  I also used CAT6 cable to connect the Bluesound to my modem.  I this might have improved performance.

There is so much to learn and this group is a big help.  Listen to their advice, as many are dealers and they know what they are talking about.
I meant to mention.  I did a lot of research on the subwoofers and determined the high level connection used by REL made sense.  This really helps to make the subwoofers act more like woofers to extend the bass.  I also thought the Rythmic subwoofers were a great choice.  However, Rythmic sells direct and there was no way for me to audition them.  I never have been a big fan of SVS.  I think they are more for home theater than for listening to music.  I also have read a lot about subwoofers and I think having two subwoofers are the way to go.  They just balance better.  I was looking at the REL T9's, but decided to go with the REL S2 SHO's.  I think bigger subs playing them with less power might help to balance the room better.  The big thing is to not over power the subs.  You certainly do not want to hear thumping base in my opinion.  All you want to do is smoothly extend the base of your main speakers.  This seems to clear up the mids and highs on the main speakers as well.