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Subwoofer xover settings for KEF LS50W (orig model)

Yes I did search and did not see much. I figures others have done this so I'd simply ask as see if anyoen has advice. The LS50W go quite a bit lower than the regular LS50s so I'm thinking of setting the low pass xover at maybe 50hz. But I can high pass as well thru the KEFs. So I figured I'd ask here what other have done with these active speakers in terms of a low and high pass settings. Looks like KEF defaults to just a low pass 80hz which seems high. 

Also I plan to use the sub settings via the KEP app but could obviously do much of this via the REL B1 sub as well. Thx
jbs

Showing 5 responses by jbs

jbs OP
91 posts
 
Thx guys, 

Do you run the LS50W full range or set the KEF high pass close to where the low pass is set? 
jbs OP
91 posts
 
Just a follow up. I set the high pass at 70hz and low pass at 60hz after much listening and measuring (test CD&SPL meter). The ls50w goes to lower frequencies than the passive ls50s. Confirmed with measurements. I had excess dB right around 60-70hz and ended up with the above settings to help best I could. Thx for the advice here. 
jbs OP
91 posts
 
Thx, the highest setting on the sub REL B1 is 95 hz. Yes, you read that right. That is where I have it now so the LS50W DSP settings do not interfere and I don't have two notches in play. I was trying to stay away from that area to keep it simple given this is a temp setup and goign way higher seemed problematic due to the sub xover. Maybe I'm all wrong about this. 

Normally I'd be running the sub at speaker level (unsing the differential hookup) but that'll wait until I put the REL with some other speakers and electronics.  
jbs OP
91 posts
 
I'm just using the software DSP settings for the LS50W and I think they are 12db slopes but honestly not sure. I started and 80hz but to get more consistent SPLs I ended up with what I did. KEF does advocate playing with both as I did. There is a hump in the bass output of the LS50W down in that 65-75hz range in my room so this setup helped but could not eliminate that hump. 

It sounds pretty good especially once I dialed the phase in. The speakers by themselves do a much better job that I would have thought. I likely do not need a sub where I am using this but have it so wanted to experiment. It is a REL B1 so overkill for sure. I use this rig for TV 75% and music the other 25% of the time right now. The sub integration is pretty much seamless but also does not get pulled into duty too much as my main system is where I play loud music to keep the family happy. I move later this year all all this will change.
jbs OP
91 posts
 
Mapman, Yes this is exactly what I did :) Stereophile test CD (bass tones) and the "vintage" Radio Shack SPL meter. I start and make changes based on that and at the end dial in by ear.  

I'm sure the Metas are nice and someday I'll probably own a pair. I got these Ws to try out and admit I am super impressed. The wireless capability really makes them so easy to put anywhere and use in a variety of ways. Quite a powerful and simple device all in. Thx 
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