What are your exact settings for volume and low pass filter on your SVS sub?

I don't have an SVS sub, but have always tried to set my sub low pass crossover at it's lowest setting (usually 40 or 50hz), then set the gain so that I can barely hear it except for on bass heavy passages.  I use the sub only to augment the bottom octave(s), and let my main woofers handle most of the bass.

I have two SVS subs. 

The PB2000 pro is in the basement listening room/mancave. currently that one is is volume -18 db, and low pass is generally kept at 50hz. Depending on the music will adjust. It's paired with stand mounts with (supposed) extension to 45hz. 

Upstairs I have the 3000 Micro. As the room is a bit more lively my volume is -22db and low pass is at 40hz. It's paired with larger floor standing horn loaded. 

Some of this depends also on where the sub is placed in the (my) room. In the first system, it's a bit more out in the room, away from walls. The second, needs to be a little more hidden, therefore closer to the back and side wall. 

One of the coolest things about the SVS subs is the flexibility with the phone app. Play around with the app and placement of the sub in your room. Have fun with it. Trust your ears, you will find what sounds best to you. 

Thanks, Doyle. Your info is helpful. My post is basically about getting a bit more peace of mind. I can see I'm in the same ballpark as you.

I have a pair of the Micros behind my floor standing speakers (see virtual system) in a smallish room and I think mine are at -20db and x-over at 53hz, so in the same area as you and I agree with Doyle as well. 

I find that each room is different and the manufacturer specs on the lower response time rarely matters in-room.

If you are high-passing your mains, I might suggest using a higher cut off, around 80 Hz.  Especially with those low efficiency speakers (87 dB?) and, when ported, seal the ports.

Measurements uber alles. 

I have dual SB3000 subs paired with my Revel F226BE mains.  My volumes are 13 and LP is 120 to assist with the weak low end of the Revel 6" woofers.  I sometimes temporarily adjust the sub volume according to the source material.  My speakers are close to the rear wall but many feet away from side walls. The subs sit along side the mains and are facing around 45 degrees to the sides to keep the rear wall from acting like a bass resonator.

I have 2) SB4000’s  paired with Wilson Tune-Tots. I have the SVS output levels set at -3, but the whole system is controlled by a XTA DSP unit, using Audiocore software installed on a laptop. Crossover points and volume levels will vary somewhat depending on the recording but with most recordings the low pass is set at 173 Hz and the high pass at 177Hz with the sub output level set at +2.5 dbu and main output set at + 8 dbu.

I also have 2) non SVS subs being used as satellite subs with their output level usually set at + 1.5 dbu and their low pass filter set at 78 Hz.

Original poster here. We're starting to get a lot of variety now. I forgot to mention I have a bright, large, complex room and I listen to a variety of musical genres and route films through my system.

If I turn up the volume past -18 or so, there's way too much bass. If I go the other direction, the difference is more subtle. The helpful guy I talked to at SVS suggested ten Hz over the listed bottom end of my ATCs, even though this was based on -6db. By trial and error, that's what I've ended up with.

My sealed speakers do great bass in my system. They just don't go down as low as some, thus the subs.

First, if you haven’t already, use the “crawl method” to find the best location(s) for the sub(s) in your room for best bass…
https://www.audioholics.com/home-theater-connection/crawling-for-bass-subwoofer-placement

Then use this to fine tune your sub’s individual controls…
https://lifehacker.com/how-to-properly-set-your-subwoofers-volume-without-sh-1506136549

Using these techniques should give you a high degree of confidence that your subs are dialed in well. Hope this helps, and best of luck.

I think you have the right idea but beware of using the published specs to determine how low your main speakers actually go.

Try to play a test track with defined frequency levels from Quboz or from wherever and hear how low your speakers will actually perform.

Then, set your sub crossover to enter perhaps a little lower than your main's will actually play.

ozzy

Thanks, all.

I crossover at 85 hz, THX recommended crossover.  I, however cannot argue with 40 or 50hz.