Quote Originally Posted by Grandpaw

This sounds to me like this would work fairly well. As I mentioned I am trying to learn as much as I can about the best way to hook up music and ht systems. I have read several explinations of why on my HT system I should set all speakers to small to take the load off the mains and let the sub that is designed to handel just the bass do that job. As he mentions this gives more power to the mains to handel what they are better suited for.

I have tried both ways and with my HT system set to all small and let the sub do the lower end it seems to be much clearer to me. Maybe it just depends on the speakers you are using as to which would work better. My mains go down to 35 + or - 2db. I would think that is fairly good but they still sound better letting the sub do the work.

Thanks again for the explination. I will continue reading and asking questions to learn more as time goes on, Jeff
When you attempt to blend a sub with a set full range speakers you must never forget that those speakers were designed to provide the fullest sound within the capabilities of size, components other physical properties all on their own. Unless you are speaking of a satellite system that is strictly designed to work together. When a sub is thrown in to the mix it should be to complement and assist and not a substitution. The aim should be that the sub is subtly picking up the slack down where the mains are less capable, this is called a proper rollover. Otherwise you will end up over accentuating.

A factor that is best if kept in mind during adjustments is that the low and ultra lows are meant to be unidirectional, so if you can point to the unit were they come from then as a rule of thumb it it is overtaking the sound. Remember also that when you tweak for H/T and plain 2 channel it is for fairly different applications. With H/T you try to achieve dramatic sound and results to match the effects of the movie. With music the ideal result is for the equipment to disappear and to have only music left.

So if you are setting a multipurpose system, once you determine the optimal location of the sub unit within your room then proceed to set your crossover point neither as high or as low as it can go but at a point that slightly rolls over with your mains. Then it is a matter of finding appropriate vol levels for the sub during the reproduction of music and another one for your movies. Then you can mark them somehow so you can change back and forth with ease. That way you wont have to endure a sound level that is too thin for your movies or one that is too thick for your music.