Calibrate My VTF-2 with My Other Speakers

[Joel McIntosh]

I'm having a bit of trouble calibrating my HSU VTF-2 subwoofer with the rest of my system (receiver-Marantz 7300; fronts Polk RTi150; center Polk CSi40; surrounds RTi38; and back CSi30). I've set all speakers to "Small" in the Marantz receiver's set-up menu and set the crossover to 80 Hz. Using a digital spl meter, I've used the Marantz calibration menu to adjust all of the speakers and the subwoofer so they are outputting 75dB when the receiver's volume is set at 0. I've also used the Avia DVD to double check to see that the subwoofer and the front speakers output levels match. Ok, now here is my trouble. First, and this just seems odd, to get the sub to match the other speakers at 75db, I have to turn the volume knob on the VTF-2 to something like 10%-15% of its potential. This doesn't seem right to me, the VTF-2 only has a 10" speaker, and I'm in a 14'x14' room with lots of openings into other rooms. Does this situation sound right? Second, to my ear, the bass isn't strong enough. However, the spl meter is saying the subwoofer is cranking out bass at the same level as the other speakers. Am I doing something wrong?

[DavidD]

Well, the folks at Hsu are better qualified to answer this than I am, but I'll take a shot anyway.

First, regarding, the volume control, this might be ok. It all depends on the level setting in your receiver. If you want to turn the sub volume higher, you can reduce the subwoofer level setting on your receiver. The one thing to be careful of there is that turning your receiver level down too far can cause your subwoofer to "sleep" through some bass passages.

On to your second question. Do you tend to play at moderate volumes? Our hearing is less sensitive to bass at low to moderate volumes. To compensate for this, many people calibrate their sub 3-6 db higher than the rest of their speakers. You might try that.

Dave

[Joel McIntosh]

Originally posted by DavidD
Our hearing is less sensitive to bass at low to moderate volumes. To compensate for this, many people calibrate their sub 3-6 db higher than the rest of their speakers.

Thanks, Dave. I do tend to play the system at more soft to moderate levels. It is likely that your idea will work. I'll try setting the subwoofer to play a bit higher. Thanks again for the suggestion.

However, I was hoping you could clarify something. I moved the jumper on my VTF-2 so that it never shifts over to auto stand-by. With the unit always on, will it still "sleep" through certain bass sections if I turn-down the sub-woofer output at the receiver to, say, -8 dB?

[DavidD]

If you moved the jumper, then that probably isn't an issue for you.

[Dr_Hsu]

If you have the VTF-2 set to bypass auto-on, you should not have to worry about its going into standby mode, even when you are listening at a low level.

There is a lot of gain built into the VTF-2 amp. That is why even at a low setting, its output matches your main speakers.

Most people like to set the bass level somewhat higher than flat. That is why a flat setting sounds 'thin' to you.

[Joel McIntosh]

Thanks Dave and Dr. Hsu. I shifted my receiver's subwoofer output to -8 dB and recalibrated the system so that the subwoofer runs about +3 dB louder than the other speakers. So, things are sounding better now. I guess all this points to how powerful the VTF-2 really is. I've got the subwoofer's volume at only about 15% with the receiver to subwoofer output at -8 dB in a 14' x 14' room, and it sounds really full. When in the world would someone have the occasion to jack the subwoofer up to 100%? At that level, plaster would start falling from my ceiling!

[tdekany]

That is a very nice compliment for the VTF2!



Originally posted by Joel McIntosh
. When in the world would someone have the occasion to jack the subwoofer up to 100%? At that level, plaster would start falling from my ceiling!

[VTrogue]

Yeah baby!!!!! Let it fall!!!!