Subwoofer with center channel

You’re missing a ton!  IME the center speaker and subwoofer are the most important speakers by far in a multichannel system.  Properly dialed in a good sub (or better, multiple subs) not only adds bass but also ambiance, imaging, 3D soundstage, but it needs to be properly set up and dialed in to be seamless.  By all means break out that sub and put it to use!!!

I actually have three subs.  Two REL that run in two channel and home theatre.  A third larger SVS sub that is connected to the LFE channel for home theatre only.

I was thinking that there was a crossover setting for center channel in my Onkyo surround processor, but I can't find it.  Probably need to find the manual. 

I was thinking about adding another sub for just the center channel, but I don't know if it's worth the trouble. 

I don't think sub frequencies are sent to the center channel.

@carlsbad2 I was wondering about that. 

Sub frequencies can go to the center channel. It depends on how you set your sizing of your speakers in your home theater.  For example, I have my center channel and surrounds set to M which then only delivers over 80 Hz. My 2 main channels that are connected to REL subs are set to XXL delivering significantly lower bass. 

@woots I went back through the menu on my Onkyo.  It does have a crossover frequency adjustment for the center channel.  I have it set at 60Hz, so I assume everything below that is going to the subwoofer?  My Sonus Faber center channel speaker is rated at 65-24,000Hz.  

I guess I could set it to full range and use my NHT subwoofer.  Set the crossover frequency on the NHT so only signals above 50Hz to 60 Hz go to the center channel speaker.  Doesn't seem like that would help much versus letting the low frequencies go to my main subs. 

You do not want a sub on the center channel. Male voices will be sent to the sub, and it will smear, distort, be hard to understand. Usually you cross the center over 100hz. The HT receiver will divert all bass to the subs, no need to add an extra one if you are using LFE. That is why it's there in the first place. 

Any HT/multi ch recording will have 80% of the sound going to the center channel. Unless you have your HT setup perfectly music will sound like it's all coming from the center. Truth is you have your center setup incorrectly. It should play at the same volume/db as the rest of the speakers. 

@mswale I do have the channel balance set correctly, I believe.  My Onkyo generates a test tone and allows me to cycle through the channels and adjust the volume for each channel.  I'm only doing 5.1, so it's pretty simple.

I agree that a subwoofer on the center channel is probably not a great idea. Appreciate the input.

I don't have great locations for side speakers. My Onkyo supports 7 channels, but home theatre isn't a big priority. 5.1 sounds pretty good. 

OP:

I'm actually really confused.  Does your system have a sub already or no?

If so, just set the center channel to small and the sub should take the remaining bass.

Best,

E

@erik_squires Yes, I have three subs.  Two REL S/510 for two channel connected by speaker level connections.  These also connect to the LFE output on my surround processor.  The REL has separate gain controls for speaker level and LFE level inputs.  I run a third larger SVS subwoofer in the back of my room.  It only connects to the LFE channel on the surround processor, so it does nothing when running two channel.  I was toying with the idea of an additional subwoofer for the center channel, but after the discussion in earlier posts, I don't think it will help. 

My system is really two-channel with some components added to it for home theatre.  They are not in the chain at all when listening to two channel.   I don't list them in my Virtual System.

Sounds like you’ve got your priorities straight in terms of more highly valuing 2-channel. 😜  If possible I’d have all four subs working in a swarm array for stereo assuming you could have both LFE and L/R line-level inputs connected to the SVS sub simultaneously.  That’d be your biggest benefit in employing your NHT sub IMHO.  FWIW. 

@soix A speaker level connection with the SVS and NHT would be difficult.  I'm currently sending the LFE channel to the SVS via a REL wireless transmitter.  And, I don't really have a great spot for the NHT.  It would be interesting to try four subs, though.

It's a shame to not use the NHT.  It's a nice subwoofer.  I could swap it for the SVS, but the SVS is probably better for movies.  The NHT has two drivers in a sealed enclosure with an outboard controller.  I had NHT replace the capacitors and they also replaced the tracking voltage controls a couple of years ago.  They were very helpful and reasonable about costs.  I think I paid $150 for the repair..