Quote Originally Posted by poneal
I have all my speakers set to large and the sub xover frequency set to 60hz. Since all my speakers can play down to around 40hz (-3db), I choose 60hz for the xover. This allows all my speakers to receive frequencies at or above 60hz and the sub to receive all frequencies at or below 60hz. This does not mean that that is exactly how it works with the magical cutoff at 60hz. The main/surround speakers still output below 60hz but the receiver sends a lower volume signal to it below 60. I'm guessing that at 50hz my receiver sends the mains/surrounds a signal that is -3db or maybe even -6db. Depends on the xover slope. The sub will go the opposite direction. It will receive all frequencies below 60hz but will attenuate signals higher thanb 60. So maybe at 70hz the sub frequency is down -3db. You get the concept? The main thing is that the xover is not a brick wall where anything above or below a set frequency is blocked.
If you want your output to be clearer and more dynamic at higher volumes I would set all your speakers to small and set your receiver at 60 hz crossover, dial your sub to the highest setting and enjoy. Your receiver will have more headroom and less strain on its power supply and your other speakers will play clearer and louder with better midrange. If you are set on 60 hz then this is the way I would do it. The saying goes, setting to small means BIG sound.