System Set-Up Suggestions?


I’d like some suggestions on the best way to set up my system and questions on the best settings for the components. The AVR is middle, front under the 50" Samsung UHDTV. I currently have the sub in front of the listening position and just left of the left Time Window. I could move the sub to the back wall but only through an RCA subwoofer cable. I’m not going to run speaker wire across the floor and don’t really want to run it out to the AS6 and back to the Time Windows around the wall because there is no way to hide it.

  • AVR
    • Sony STR-DH590
      • Center Speaker Size = ?
      • X-over frequency = ?
      • Rear Speaker Size = ?
      • X-over frequency = ?
  • Blu-ray/DVD/CD Player
    • Sony UBP-X700
  • Main Speakers
    • DCM Time Windows, circa 1979, s/n 12836, 12837 (14-gauge wire)
  • Surround Speakers
    • Sony SS-CS5, pair (18-gauge wire)
  • Center Speaker
    • Polk Audio CS-10 (18-gauge wire)
  • Sub - Single, powered
    • B&W AS6
      • Connected to AVR via RCA subwoofer cable to Line In (L)
        • Should I connect from the amp to the speaker terminal connections on the sub at the front of the room and then run speaker wires to the Time Windows, deleting the single subwoofer cable?
      • Phase = 0°

I recently obtained the AVR and have some questions on some of the best settings for the components I have. I used the Easy Setup function on the AVR which used a wired microphone placed at my listening position to perform the Auto Calibration. Would changing any of these settings require me to perform the Auto Calibration again?

Should I set the surround speakers to be Large or Small? Using the Small setting allows me to adjust the x-over frequency. What x-over frequency would be best for this setting? What is the best way to connect the subwoofer, RCA subwoofer cable or speaker terminals? I don’t plan on purchasing another subwoofer. My apartment building neighbors likely don’t approve of the one. (ha ha) -Thanx!

dcmtwowner1979

Cool video system... I assume mainly video?

Speaker size in AVR 'speak' is really asking about the low xover point. With your setup I would choose small. Try 120hz at first work your way to lower settings by ear... if speakers start acting up... you've gone too low.

Also, each brand of speaker may work better at different x-over points... again by ear...

In AVR the sub will work with all channels driven, to a point. I would connect it to the receiver rca sub out. For music my answer may be different.

 

Thanx @gbryant for your feedback on the x-over settings. I have been playing with them lately. I don't want them to sound too 'tinny' or light, if you know what I mean, without much oomph to support the movie audio. I also have to move the sub to the short wall in the room so the sound travels down the longest axis. My listening is split between audio and video but I'm not a complete audiophile requiring the most accurate symphonic reproduction. Maybe if I win the lottery, that might change!