Hello Jaf2290,
I have four recommendations: 1. Move the sub. 2. Move the rack. 3. Get a Radio Shack SPL meter (here is the link)
http://www.radioshack.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2103667&cp=&origkw=spl+meter&kw=spl+meter&parentPage=search
and a Stereophile Test CD2 disk (here is a link)
http://ssl.blueearth.net/primedia/home.php
While it's convenient to have the rack between the speakers, for best integration with the sats, the sub needs to be smack dab in the middle.
The rack should be on the side wall (probably where the sub is...I couldn't see it in any of the photos) to keep it away from bass nodes. You'll need longer interconnects and an amp stand so that you can leave your amp up front close to the speakers.
Now you're ready to take out that sound pressure level meter and set it on a range that you are comfortable with (like 70db or 80db) and spin up the Stereophile test disk (Test CD2) Track 16 1/3octave warble tones). Set the volume to keep the readings in the middle of the range you set. Note the readings as the warble tones fall in frequency. You should see a rolloff below 50hz. Next set the crossover on the sub to just below the rolloff freq... say 45 hz. Now play the tones again to see where you need to set the volume on the sub to fill in the bottom at the same levels as you are getting from 80hz on up. What you are shooting for is a smooth transition between the sats and the sub with no bump at the crossover point. It is best to put the SPL meter on a tripod and level it at listening position height. Once you have set the sub, now you can concentrate on the bass traps. Usually they will work best in the corners. Play the tones again while watching the meter to see where the room modes are. Here is a link to a room mode calculator:
http://www.mcsquared.com/metricmodes.htm
Move the traps a few inches in or out of the corners to find the right spots. Keep in mind that the traps need to be tuned for your room's modes.
Oops, I almost forgot... recommendation #4. Spike the sub. Make sure that you have the sub setting on the carpet spikes that came with it. If you want to put something on granite, put the turntable on a slab.
Your system sure looks great...have fun setting it up.
Best regards,
I have four recommendations: 1. Move the sub. 2. Move the rack. 3. Get a Radio Shack SPL meter (here is the link)
http://www.radioshack.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2103667&cp=&origkw=spl+meter&kw=spl+meter&parentPage=search
and a Stereophile Test CD2 disk (here is a link)
http://ssl.blueearth.net/primedia/home.php
While it's convenient to have the rack between the speakers, for best integration with the sats, the sub needs to be smack dab in the middle.
The rack should be on the side wall (probably where the sub is...I couldn't see it in any of the photos) to keep it away from bass nodes. You'll need longer interconnects and an amp stand so that you can leave your amp up front close to the speakers.
Now you're ready to take out that sound pressure level meter and set it on a range that you are comfortable with (like 70db or 80db) and spin up the Stereophile test disk (Test CD2) Track 16 1/3octave warble tones). Set the volume to keep the readings in the middle of the range you set. Note the readings as the warble tones fall in frequency. You should see a rolloff below 50hz. Next set the crossover on the sub to just below the rolloff freq... say 45 hz. Now play the tones again to see where you need to set the volume on the sub to fill in the bottom at the same levels as you are getting from 80hz on up. What you are shooting for is a smooth transition between the sats and the sub with no bump at the crossover point. It is best to put the SPL meter on a tripod and level it at listening position height. Once you have set the sub, now you can concentrate on the bass traps. Usually they will work best in the corners. Play the tones again while watching the meter to see where the room modes are. Here is a link to a room mode calculator:
http://www.mcsquared.com/metricmodes.htm
Move the traps a few inches in or out of the corners to find the right spots. Keep in mind that the traps need to be tuned for your room's modes.
Oops, I almost forgot... recommendation #4. Spike the sub. Make sure that you have the sub setting on the carpet spikes that came with it. If you want to put something on granite, put the turntable on a slab.
Your system sure looks great...have fun setting it up.
Best regards,