Sub crossover freq for MMGs?

[Mike Anderson]

I have found an external active crossover to be much more flexible in adjusting frequency and level than the ones built into most subwoofers.

Well I guess I'll just have to go buy one of those then! Perhaps you can explain this all to my wife.

Anyway, I'm being quite picky here. Once I fiddle with it enough, I've generally got things where I want them. I find it best to back off on the subwoofer gain a bit, and that usually keeps things from getting too boomy. Seems the ears can tolerate a slight absence of bass better than an abundance of it.

[JoeE SP9]

Well I guess I'll just have to go buy one of those then! Perhaps you can explain this all to my wife.

Anyway, I'm being quite picky here. Once I fiddle with it enough, I've generally got things where I want them. I find it best to back off on the subwoofer gain a bit, and that usually keeps things from getting too boomy. Seems the ears can tolerate a slight absence of bass better than an abundance of it.

You must remember that most popular music is mastered for playback on gear that is no where near as good as what you use. Using test tones will get things close. The ear is the final arbiter. I think a lot of what you are hearing is just plain poor mastering. Once you get good equipment you have to get used to lousy mastering. Actually the differences in bass quality and quantity are normal. Some recordings sound good and quite a few don't. As far as absolute bass level is concerned use your ears! By the way, I have owned a RS SPL meter for more than 20 years. They do come in handy and are a good thing to have around. I have found if you have the bass level high enough to actually hear it, it is probably to loud. Remember most rock albums don't have any real bass while something like a well recorded Diana Krall does. If you set your rig so Diana Krall sounds right you are probably very close to the correct settings. I know this may make a lot of popular music sound bass shy but that's the price you pay for good gear.

[Mike Anderson]

If you set your rig so Diana Krall sounds right you are probably very close to the correct settings

Yes, that's basically just what I did: After tuning with the test tones, I put on Krall and a few other high-quality recordings, and set the subwoofer gain so that it's about as loud as it can get without being boomy.

Thanks for the feedback though, it helps me know I'm on the right track.

[JoeE SP9]

Yes, that's basically just what I did: After tuning with the test tones, I put on Krall and a few other high-quality recordings, and set the subwoofer gain so that it's about as loud as it can get without being boomy.

Thanks for the feedback though, it helps me know I'm on the right track.

Over time you will probably find that setting the subwoofer gain as you have done leaves it a little to high. One of my friends did exactly as you have done. When we had our irregular monthly beer, snack and music get together at his house the three guests (two other lunatic fringe audiophiles and myself) unanimously thought the woofer level was just a tad too high. He turned it down just a little and has left it there. We alternate with our meetings. He was eager to show of his new DIY transmission line sub, so the get together was at his house. We all liked it a lot! I am now in the process of building two for myself. Most people have the level set too high when they first get a good sub. I did and so did all of my fellow audiophiles.

[Mike Anderson]

^^ I'm sure you're right, but let me get it out of my system, and some time next week I'll turn it down!

The other thing is that it is clearly changing in character as it breaks in. I've had it on for about 12-14 hours now, and it already sounds tighter and smoother.

Despite all the questions and complaints, I really am thrilled with my setup. Music sounds better than I've ever heard it sound before; it's a chore to tear myself away from it.

[Mike Anderson]

BTW, I just moved out of Philly (to San Francisco), otherwise I'd invite you over to tune my rig properly.

I miss Philly; I was only there for a year, but my wife and I had a fantastic time. Lived in the Society Hill neighborhood.

[JoeE SP9]

^^ I'm sure you're right, but let me get it out of my system, and some time next week I'll turn it down!

The other thing is that it is clearly changing in character as it breaks in. I've had it on for about 12-14 hours now, and it already sounds tighter and smoother.

Despite all the questions and complaints, I really am thrilled with my setup. Music sounds better than I've ever heard it sound before; it's a chore to tear myself away from it.

I believe there is a thread here about speaker break in. You might want to post a comment there. The changes you hear are something that some say don't exist. I agree with you about speaker break in. Many high end speaker manufacturers also believe in it and state that their speakers need break in. I don't blame you for enjoying your rig. Mine still gives me thrills every time I crank it up.