B&W DBS4 sub has very low output! Need help

[Loyo]

Hey all! So I am new to Hi-Fi and separate components. I finally bought a bowers and Wilkins bookshelf (front left and right), a center channel and rears. I also bought a Rotel 1580 as the amp and a B&W DB4S sub. All components have great output, but the sub sounds really really low. Hardly any output. I thought it was a bad sub so Best Buy changed it out and it has the same result. I’m assuming it’s in my settings. All speakers are at 80Hz for the cross over and set to small. Does anyone have any recommendations? I would really appreciate it.

 

[AcuDefTechGuy]

I believe 99% of the members here will tell you to return that $1900 B&W 10"sub and buy something ELSE.

 

[Loyo]

Lol. Thanks

but I’m trying to figure this out first before I rule this sub out.

 

[ryanosaur]

I would add in the speakers for the return, as well!

A general rule of thumb is to avoid any Sub made by a Speaker-focused manufacturer. (SVS started as a Subwoofer company and those are still their primary focus. It just so happens they make relatively decent speakers, too!).
Keep in mind, Monoprice Monolith Subs, for example, are designed and made by a third party for Mono: Claridy Audio. These are very good designs. As are the Claridy-made Subs sold by Outlaw.
Klipsch has a newer line of Subs that is breaking the mold, perhaps, but I would still avoid them for just about any other company.
The Subs you will usually see recommended here are:
Hsu, Monolith, SVS, Outlaw, Rythmik, PSA. The ML Dynamos, and Pradigm Defiance X-series get some honorable mention.

 

[Leemix]

Have you run the auto setup?
Do you play at low or moderate volume?
Do you have any volume compensation EQ running? (I dont know newer rotel AVRs so not sure what they have)
Have you increased the sub volume 3dB to 6dB in the speaker setup? (If not try that, basically everyone does and some do even more)(thats 3 to 6 from what the auto setup set it to, preferably in the negative range even after boost)
Do you have a large room?

Edit: for clarification.

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[Leemix]

Just adding, a 10inch sub will be very limited, doesnt matter what brand or anything like that, its pure physics.
I hate to be the bearer of bad news but you really should consider returning the sub and getting something from the mainly sub focused brands, especially if it will be used for movies and not just music.
There is no reason at all apart from looks to go with same brand sub as speakers. I realize looks are very important to some or their significant other.


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[Leemix]

and congratulations on what can become a nice system!

 

[ryanosaur]

Have you increased the sub volume 3dB to 6dB in the speaker setup? (If not try that, basically everyone does and some do even more)

An important note:
It is my understanding that it is OK to boost the Trim levels while still negative-zero. Boosting into the positive domain after that means that the Digital processing is now boosting the signal which is an almost sure-fire way to introduce distortion and great care should be taken in doing so.
Considering that every 3dB of positive boost represents a doubling of power being sent through the line to an Amp, it doesn't require much to potentially damage your gear.

As always, any corrections to this are welcome!

 

[Leemix]

An important note:
It is my understanding that it is OK to boost the Trim levels while still negative-zero. Boosting into the positive domain after that means that the Digital processing is now boosting the signal which is an almost sure-fire way to introduce distortion and great care should be taken in doing so.
Considering that every 3dB of positive boost represents a doubling of power being sent through the line to an Amp, it doesn't require much to potentially damage your gear.

As always, any corrections to this are welcome!

Didnt really say he should boost into the positives, maybe i should edit to clarify.

 

[ryanosaur]

Didnt really say he should boost into the positives, maybe i should edit to clarify.

I didn't assume that to be what you meant... just wanted to urge caution for anybody not well versed.

 

[Leemix]

I didn't assume that to be what you meant... just wanted to urge caution for anybody not well versed.

No, but it could have been interpreted that way so good you noticed.

Hopefully we will hear from the OP again and find out how its going.

 

[Kingnoob]

I believe 99% of the members here will tell you to return that $1900 B&W 10"sub and buy something ELSE.

Holy hell lol a 10” sub for $1900$$
Damn just for b & w logo on it

Monolithic sub or something like these better

Bundles

The best value for price home theater systems and subwoofers on the market guaranteed

www.hsuresearch.com

wish I had that kind of cash to blow .. lucky

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