How to properly hook-up a Martin Logan Grotto sub to Parasound pre P5? With vandy 2sig....


Hello,
I would like to know how others are hooking up their ML Grotto sub to the Parasound Preamp P5. I would appreciate step by step instructions, because My sub is not blending well. Do most use the sub controls on the P5 or the ML sub. Thanks so much, I really appreciate any help. Also what are your settings at? I have a pair of Vandersteen model 2sig.
matt00
Check your Vandersteen setup while you are at it - the acoustic coupler on the back of the 2 will still be active. how far away from the back wall are they ?
Agree Audiotools  is a great app, well worth owning !!!!

matt00


keep us posted as you massage the ML Grotto into your room, system.

It is a very fine subwoofer, that oddly enough, is a sonic match for B&W speakers.

Happy Listening!

Matt:

I think the preamp's controls will be the simplest, and leave you with the simplest audio path. Otherwise, you have to run long RCA cables to the grotto AND back.

Overall, Your #1 problem is going to be room integration, not who makes a better high pass filter.

Best,

E
Thanks so much, so you would recommend using the preamp sub output Over the grotto? 
Hi Matt,

Sadly you've run into something a lot of buyers don't realize: That setting up a sub is difficult. The settings for one person may not work for you.

First, do you have a measurement microphone? You can use something like the Dayton Audio imm-6:

https://amzn.to/2GIvXad

with your phone and the Audio Tools app or similar. You will need a test CD with pink noise or some other source. Audio Tools can also be used with that microphone, but you'll need the appropriate cables which are long enough for your seating area.

If you can locate the subwoofer anywhere, the first thing to do is to figure out where the ideal location is. The reverse-sub technique works out really well for this. Put the sub at your listening location, and then move the microphone around the areas where you may place it. You want the smoothest bass possible, not the loudest. 


Set the Vandy's to high pass, 60 Hz. 

Nest, you'll want to set up the sub so the overall level is about 2 dB higher than the Vandy's. 

Set the sub's low pass Hz to as low as you can, and then increase it until the 60 Hz area seems to blend in evenly. 

The Grotto also has a 25 Hz filter. You may very well have t use it to suppress room modes. This will show up in the Audio Tools as major peaks at the low part of the spectrum. More is not better. You want as smooth a bass response as you can get. Slightly elevated and slightly downward sloped. 

You may find that you have very strong room modes which make the sub unbearable at the right volume. In this case, you need to add a bass EQ and traps. 

If you follow my guide, you should get close to the right ball park. Then you can adjust the overall level to taste. 

Best,


E