x-over revisited

[cebbigh]

I am using an H/K avr225 and it does not have a variable crossover. If I set the speakers as recommended generally to small the crossover, according to the handbook, occurs at 100hz. My front and center channels are supposed to be able to handle down to 38hz. So I am contemplating if I should go get another receiver with a variable crossover. Does it make a discernable difference if the
crossover is 60 or 80 or 100? Is there any directionality of sound at 100hz? Sorry if this is an item that has been rehashed over and over. I was one keystroke away from ordering a new receiver and thought I'd better float the question first.

[tdekany]

DR Hsu "likes" 80, but with proper placement 100 is fine.
BTW, regardless of the mains's claims, letting the sub take care of bass frees up the other speakers. m2c

[Sasha_G]

Does it make a discernable difference if the
crossover is 60 or 80 or 100? Is there any directionality of sound at 100hz? Sorry if this is an item that has been rehashed over and over. I was one keystroke away from ordering a new receiver and thought I'd better float the question first.

We recommend some receivers with 100 Hz, even though we prefer 80 Hz or lower.

To be honest, its not simply the 100 Hz crossover that matters for directionality. Some receivers have "steep" slopes, and others are not so steep. A 6 dB/Oct slope will make the subwoofer more directional than a 24 db/Oct slope. A a 6 dB/Oct slope will only be down 6 dB at 200 Hz!

More directionality means that you need to consider placing the subwoofer up front with the mains.

[cebbigh]

I guess I'll find out if the Onkyo TX-SR501 performs better than the H/K 225 with the stf-2. I found a deal for a factory refurbished one that was too good to resist. I think it has multiple x-overs. Looking at earlier posts it appeared the 501 has met with the approval of Dr. Hsu as well as other Hsu subwoofer users.

[cebbigh]

I've had the Onkyo for a few days now and feel glad to have made the purchase. It is not surprising that Dr. Hsu's recommended setting at 80 sounds the best in a 60-80-100 comparison. This isn't a knock on the Harmon Kardon
225. If my other speakers had less bass capability, I would have been happy
with the limit to a 100hz x-over. But 80 sounds fantastic!