I already have it set to auto, but I don't know how this works. The red light never seems to turn off even with the connected receiver is off.
As far as the crossovers.... I guess my thinking is this.
What combination yields the lowest distortion?
For a sub-80hz bass note, will the subwoofer or Polk tower do a better job of reproducing the sound with less distortion?
Given that the subs have their own amp and are THX-ultra rated, it seems like they might have less distortion than the Polks?
Then again, if I am cutting off the towers and letting the subs repdroduce the bass, what is the point of owning tower speakers?
What combination yields the best output?
Could I get more "bass output" in the room by allowing my 4 towers and 2 subs to produce bass cohesively somehow... both producing bass in an overlapping range? or would that cause more distortion? --- It SEEMS like you could theoretically get more output by allowing all the speakers and subs to work cohesively.
Then again, if the sub can do that range with less strain and distortion, perhaps it is better to let it handle it.
I have no measurements here... just pondering.
So if the light NEVER goes off, something is wrong. It should only come on after it gets a signal(like bass). And then shut off after say, 15 minutes without a signal.
For the XO, and lowest distortion, that will depend on a few things. MV level, and content at the least. And again, for the sub 80hz note imo, this will depend on a couple things. First of all will be how the subs and mains are integrated, and what the actual frequency response looks like. If the XO zone in general is not smooth, neither the subs OR mains will produce it well, since that 80hz note could be stuck in a null. So integration is key. FWIW, I like my mains crossed lower than 80. They have 12” woofers and deliver very clean midrange and lower midrange. My subs, while sounding great crossed at 80 tend to be less “clean” for lack of a better description. Again, integration is key, and distortion probably won’t be an issue unless you are pushing the system very very hard.
As for cutting off towers wasting their potential. I will say no. Keep in mind when I say this. Not all towers are created equal. So…
Most towers are more sensitive than their BS counterparts so that makes them easier to drive to higher levels. They also normally share the power and thermal loads between multiple(or larger) drivers. And IME, even above the XO, they CAN be more dynamic than BS speakers. You need to take into account though, playback levels are a big factor. If you listen at -40 all the time, then you might as well have a soundbar since you’re not asking much in return, and your subs won’t shake your couch, and your speakers won’t peel your skin!
Your point about using the speakers and subs all together to produce bass has much merit. But be prepared to move stuff around, and run a minidsp and take 10,000 measurements. Multiple bass drivers are a great way to smoother bass response, but just simply having them is no guarantee. It could make things worse with peaks nulls, and can take a lot of work. As you said, the subs are quite capable. I would keep it simple and run them small with a global XO for a while. Since you’ve never had subs before, you should really set them up, and then just simply use the system. Pay attention and see what you like and don’t like. Maybe you don’t even know those things yet, but time is the best way to find out. THEN…..REW. And deeper in the rabbit hole. Lol
