Just got my new HSU vtf 2 but I have questions with bass setting for speakers and sub

[eddy13]

Ok guys I have a Yamaha rxv 1400 and Paradigm Mini Monitors When running 2 channel stereo with sub on is it better to use the setting to output the bass out of the sub only or is it better to use the settign for both (Mains and Sub) I tries it with both and my mains sound a whole lot fuller and not as thin sounding as with the other setting. Can this damage my mains though I have the crossover set on the sub to 80. Also if you have this settign what happens when you use the direct setting on stereo since your sub is off does the mains get all the bass and what happens to all the bass below 80. I know with bass output on both it sounded a whoel lot fuller but I want peoples opinion on what the correct settign should be and what most poeple use. By the way do you have to set all the settign for each different sound field for instance 2 channel stereo ,direct stereo,dolby prologic 2 ect. Does one have to input the different feet of distance and all the settings for each sound field or do you only do it once for all. Please help me regarding all my questions I have since this is the first time i get my new speakers and this new speakers.

[Gemini]

I also experienced the same issue...

MOST people say set your mains to small (so it is NOT gonna get any bass freq) and automatically all bass gonna be directed to the sub.

In my case, I have a Yamaha receiver (just like you, but different model), and it has the luxuary of directing bass to main, sub or both (if mains set to large) and I also noticed that my speakers sound fuller when it is in large and bass sent to both, and I kept that setting and satisified with it.

I made some measurements and from 20Hz to 250Hz there was almost no difference in the shape of the spectrum (expect the setting with bass-to-both was a couple of dBs flatter around ~100Hz), so I kept that settings. Maybe you need also to make some measurements. I did not go above 250Hz because I did not get enough time, but Imay do it later. I do not think it is gonna look bad with both settings.

I guess people say direct bass to only sub (set mains to small) because many receivers do not have explicit setting to direct bass to mains and to sub at the same time. Most receivers just check the size of the mains, if small then send bass to sub, if large send bass to mains. In the Yamaha case, you can set the speakers to large, and still direct bass to only the sub, or both..

I do not know, but I guess I am more satisfied with bass sent to both :)

People say that setting mains to small means that they are gonna work better because they do not have to deal with high power bass, so they become more effiecient ...etc.

I do not know, I do not believe that, since I cannot hear my mains performing better when set to small.. I just believe my ears :) (and measurments)

Maybe more experienced people can clarify more, and give some directions for us, but till then, I am keeping my setting as: Mains=Large, Bass=both.

I hope this was helpful. Just telling my experience, since this caused me some headaches a few months ago :)

Cheers...

[Sorny]

"We" say to use "small" and "sub=yes" settings because when you direct bass to the mains and the sub, you are quite likely to double the upper bass which tends to result in muddy bass. The lower distortion and easier load on the amp for your mains is a bonus, plus the right position for good stereo imaging is almost never the correct place for even bass response. Also, what do you think is better suited to play bass, a main speaker that has to do everything, or a subwoofer designed to handle bass? :)

Also, the size of a speaker has nothing to do with whether it is "large" or "small". Large speakers are full-range, meaning 20Hz-20KHz +/-3dB; Small speakers are any that are NOT flat down to 20Hz (99.9% of all speakers).

Crossovers are not brick walls. An 80Hz crossover (what I use because it gives me the flattest response) is still sending 40Hz info to the mains, and likewise 120Hz material is still going to the sub (albeit at a much reduced level). Play with the crossover settings. If you have 6.5" midrange drivers in your main speakers, you might try a 60Hz crossover and an 80Hz crossover.

The key is experimentation. Moving a subwoofer as little as an inch can have a profound impact on the sound, much like moving your mains just a shade can totally change how they sound.

In the end, you may prefer doubled up bass, and that is your right. After all, you are the one stuck listening to it, not me. ;)

Sorny