VTF-2 location - too easy to pinpoint

[doobie]

Hello,

Just wondeirng if someone could give me some advice - I have a VTF-2 at the moment and am VERY happy with it! Bass is great, deep etc etc. The problem I have is though that I'm finding the sub's location way too easy to pinpoint. I've set the sub up with the Radio Shack SPL meter (75db for all channels) including the subwoofer.

I'm using the sub as an LFE sub in my home theater. My room is around 18 ft long and around 15 foot wide with my listening position almost up against the back wall. The VTF-2 is used as an end table immediately to the left of my listening couch.

As stated above, when an explosion hits in a DVD, the sound is great!- deep etc, but it just sounds like the explosion is happening right next to me! Very easily localizable and veyr much detracts from the movie. I'd like the same level of depth and output, just not so easily localizable! I've set the sub's crossover to the highest point as instructed in the VTF-2 manual, given the receiver's internal crossover is active.

Does anyone know why the vtf-2's location is so easy to pinpoint? Maybe I should move my listening chair forward and try the 'behind the seat' position as recommended in SGHT.

Thanks for your help everyone!

[cschang]

what is the internal crossover of the receiver setting?

[doobie]

Well, I'm using an older Yamaha model AV amp as my preamp/decoder (I have power amps off it), and from my reading the internal crossover for the LFE channel is 80hz? (I think that's typical maybe of amps of that period) To put the unit in perspective it was Yamaha's top of the line amp (predecessor to the DSP-A1) timeframe around 1996-1997. Dolby Digital onboard but no DTS.

I actually figured given the VTF-2 manual states that, when using the VTF-2 as an LFE sub, the receiver's crossover takes over, and disables the one in the VTF-2 (?) The manual told me to set the sub crossover at its highest point which I have done.

Do you think maybe there's an issue with the crossover in my Yamaha? I am running all 5 channels fullrange (currently set to 'large' in the AV amp).

Thanks for your response by the way!!

[cschang]

80hz should be fine. Bass begins to lose it's localization around 100hz I believe. The receiver's internal crossover will not disable the sub's crossover. So setting the sub's crossover to the higest setting, or setting the crossover switch to the "out" position will defeat the crossover.

What kind of speaker do you have? Because you are setting the speakers to large or full range means that the bass signal below 80hz is being sent to the speakers as well as the sub, but I do not think that has anything to do with your issue.

This is one for the guys at Hsu to help with. Probably an issue of where the sub is located like you thought

[Sasha_G]

1)Try to set the crossover to 80 Hz on the receiver if it is adjustable.

2) Check for any vibrating objects connected somehow to the subwoofer or the adjacent floor. These can give higher frequency cues that lead to subwoofer localization. If possible, turn off the mains and just play the subwoofer, and listen for rattles.

3) We usually recommend behind the listener seating. To be honest, I'm not sure exactly why but have a hunch that by hiding the subwoofer from view the localization is lessened, simply because you cannot see the subwoofer.

[doobie]

Thanks Sasha/cschang! Your response is really appreciated!

I might try the behind the seat position and see how it goes.

Sasha I also note that on previous posts you've mentioned the 3-inch distance requirement from walls for the HSU. My sub is probably even closer than this to my wall at the moment, so maybe this could be an issue as to why the sub is so easily localizable.

Thanks again for all your responses! I'm actually from Australia and it's really nice to have this kind of support for such a great product! Look forward to assistaing with other posts as well if I can..

[Sasha_G]

Yes, if there is less than three inches of space between the three inch open ports and a wall, then there can be some turbulence and port noises that ruin the effect.