2. tech-talk
  3. 142862-10204

Group delay in subwoofers

I understand the phenomenon of group delay when subwoofers are connected to a preamp and that they need to be placed approximately 8 ft closer to the listener than the mains.  Is this also the case when connecting a sub through the speaker level inputs from an amplifier or is group delay much less of an issue in this configuration?

jc4659
erik_squires
16,393 posts
 
JC: Group delay for subs isn't as important as the proper phase/amplitute matching through the crossover, room acoustics and EQ.

That's where you should focus your time and energy.
jc4659 OP
564 posts
 
Thanks, Erik.  I absolutely agree and would need to buy a processor to do it the right way.
bdp24's avatar
bdp24
9,953 posts
 
Rythmik Audio subs come with a plate amp that includes a continuously-variable phase control. The control allows time-aligning woofers to speakers without physically moving either. The Rythmik PEQ model plate amps also provide both low level connection (on RCA jacks) and high/speaker level (on binding posts).
gillatgh's avatar
gillatgh
381 posts
 
For real and detailed information go to soundoctor.com and get ready for some serious reading. Super informative and helpful.
jc4659 OP
564 posts
 
I've read it and unless you have the tools and patience to be fanatical about it then you have to live with compromises which are clearly audible.
More to discover