About 9 months ago, I added in an SVS Micro3000 subwoofer to my system. I have Charney Audio MaestroX speakers which are single-driver speakers and opted for the expensive AER-BD3 drivers. The MaestroX’s with those drivers are very revealing and cover the frequency range from ~ 60hz through 20Khz very well. My in-room measurements and confirmed by listening showed me that I really needed some good, taut reinforcement of those frequencies below 70hz. I really missed the lower bass frequencies as the MaestroX’s roll-off rather quickly with their horn-loaded bass. After some research, I decided to get the SVS sub. I found placing it directly in front of my amp-rack for my listening was the best physical position for it. The SVS sub has a great software program that on the fly, you can change volume, frequency roll-off, and speed of the roll-off among other parameters. After playing with it for about a month or so, I settled on the best parameters for my normal listening and it has added seamlessly to the bass response. I just let my set parameters stay no matter what music I’m listening to. The only time I change the volume parameter on the sub is when I switch my stereo amplifier with a different one. When going from an amp that has different power levels and different input volume to max output for the main speakers, that can obviously change how the sub sounds with relation to the main speakers output. So when I switch amplifiers, I just boost or attenuate the sub output level to match my favorite listening level. That’s really the only time that I change the sub parameters, once I got it dialed-in and balanced with the main speakers.
Showing 6 responses by liquidsound
@mijostynThanks for your suggestions... I have thought about adding a second sub for a more balanced 2-channel sound (cutting the volume by ~3db...). I have a rather small listening-space (not really a room). And space is at a premium, especially for sub placement. I tried several positions with the sub including corners until I found that placing it directly in front of the amp rack sounded the most seamless and balanced. Since my speakers are single driver and crossover-less, I didn't want to add in any crossover just letting the internal sub adjustments handle the crossover slope/frequency/volume... I wouldn't mind trying some of your suggestions in the future as I do enjoy tweaking my system. I just auditioned and bought Iconoclast interconnects/speaker cables which are a notable improvement in my enjoyment. Thanks again !
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@mijostynYes Doppler Effect... Very familiar with it. While I really try to eliminate as much signal processing as possible, correcting response between drivers digitally, then via D to A conversion sending the signal via a proper crossover to the drivers I believe as you say can eliminate/minimize distortions in the music especially around the crossover points. The full-range drivers are still somewhat trying to produce the lower frequency music while crossing over to the sub, but also sending just frequencies in the lower mid-range and up to the single-driver eliminates the low frequency intermodulation distortion of the mid-range /treble music from bass music to the full-range driver. You've opened up a new approach I believe I'll try sometime soon with a rather larger capacitor to my full-range drivers in an attempt to pass lower mid-range and up frequencies only while letting the sub carry only those low frequencies. I had already known of a greater propensity for intermodulation distortion on a full-range driver but didn't carry it to adding in a subwoofer and just sending the lower mid-range and treble to the full-range driver. Great information ! |
@mijostynAlso, this makes me think that having stereo subs might be better warranted if I do the aforementioned changes...
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@mijostynWhere I have a small listening space, I have found that the small sub I have right now centered in front of my amp-stand sounds pretty seam-less with my stereo speakers. I do want to send the full-range speakers just the upper-bass and up, which I'll experiment with in the near future... Thanks again for your help on this ! |
@highend64I have similar controls for my subwoofer and I've found that my single sub in my small listening space it seems good. I'm not sure at this point I need a second sub. Thanks ! |