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Subwoofer 101 Needed...

I have just picked up a used custom made 15" subwoofer to supplement my existing speakers. It came with an extensive array of variable control parameters. (Please see included photos.)

Sub 1

Being a Newby to the world of subwoofers, I would like to ask for a bit of guidance in their use. What would I expect to hear/measure (using REW) using them? (For example: varying Q?)

I am not interested in thunderous AV, but rather an unobtrusive refined extension to the bottom end for listening to classical, jazz, world and occasional pop music.

I look forward to your thoughts and appreciate any assistance. Thank you!

tsampa
soix
9,630 posts
 

Maybe I’m just old school, but I’d start with using the proven “crawl method” first to find the places where the sub will naturally sound best in your room.
https://www.audioholics.com/home-theater-connection/crawling-for-bass-subwoofer-placement
 

Then I’d use these simple but effective instructions to set volume, crossover, and phase.

https://lifehacker.com/how-to-properly-set-your-subwoofers-volume-without-sh-1506136549

I’d start with these basic fundamentals and then measure your heart out after that.  Hope this helps, and best of luck. 

tsampa OP
28 posts
 

Thanks, soix! Sounds like a good start...

erik_squires
16,186 posts
 

OP:  Some of the biggest improvements in clarity and imaging from adding a subwoofer happens from adding a high pass filter to the main speakers, so if you can I encourage it.  80 Hz is about as low as I'd go.  Many audiophiles try to add a sub under 30-40 Hz to fill in, but they are amazed when they let the sub take over more of the range.

tweak1
3,673 posts
 

Just a couple days ago Steve Guttenberg did a YT video with a Hsu 12" sub ($689). Well worth watching

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