Hsu Vf3 Mk3 Sub popping

[PolkaMatt]

I just calibrated my system after I moved a few weeks ago. I have a Denon 3808CI Reciever and set the DB level to 0 for the LFE. I also have my sub set a little less then half way. The other night I was watching Beo Wulf and there was a very bass intensive scene. All of a sudden I heard a loud pop sound coming directly from the sub speaker. I tested the speaker again on the same scene and it did the same thing. The speaker is not blown (or at least I don't think it is) because since then I've watched several other movies at the same volume. Is this is the sound of the speaker clipping?

[cacihome]

I just calibrated my system after I moved a few weeks ago. I have a Denon 3808CI Reciever and set the DB level to 0 for the LFE. I also have my sub set a little less then half way. The other night I was watching Beo Wulf and there was a very bass intensive scene. All of a sudden I heard a loud pop sound coming directly from the sub speaker. I tested the speaker again on the same scene and it did the same thing. The speaker is not blown (or at least I don't think it is) because since then I've watched several other movies at the same volume. Is this is the sound of the speaker clipping?

You must lower the volume a little bit because that is the limit of the driver...
Use it at 9-10 oclock regularly...

[Pete_Hsu]

Matt, normally one shouldn't set the volume knob on the sub much higher than 9-10 o'clock. If you want to run it a bit hot, you can increase the sub level through the receiver +1db or +2db.

Generally a popping noise is a good indication that the sub is being overdriven on a particular scene.

Are you running the sub in max output mode, or max extension mode?

Thanks

[PolkaMatt]

Oh, I didn't know that this was the limit of the driver. I didn't think half way up was it... I will lower to 10 o' clock. I am running it in max gain mode not extension. I have it right behind my theater seats. I will lower it. How much does phase effect the sound? Right now I have it at 180 degrees.

[Pete_Hsu]

Matt, what are your room dimensions (including open areas)?

Note that sometimes if the subwoofer is being run "hot" relative to the other speaker channels, then it can be more easily overdriven too.

Also, make sure to run the subwoofer with both ports open and the bass extension switch on the sub amp set to '2 port open' mode.

Inverting the phase will sometimes results in stronger output and smoother response near the crossover region. I would experiment with some music tracks to see if you notice any difference between 0 and 180 degrees.

Sideways behind the couch is just fine. I would place the unit so that the woofer is firing into the couch, with two inches of spacing in between woofer and couch (and at least 3-4" of spacing in between the ports and any surface they fire into).

Sincerely,