How to set subwoofer crossover frequency for stereo system?

[rnaeye]

Hi,
Before I get into my question, I have the following setup:

Stereo Receiver: Yamaha RX-777.​

Subwoofer: RSL Speedwofer 10s.​

L/R speakers: RSL CG3.​

It’s a desktop system, I mostly use it for music.​

RX-777 has two speaker connections, Speakers A and B connections. Subwoofer is connected to Speakers A, and speakers L/R connected to Speakers B plugs. Everything seems to be working fine, but there are things I do not understand due to my ignorance.

Do I use option “Crossover Bypass” or “Internal Crossover”. These options are on the subwoofer. I believe the former let’s the receiver control crossover frequency, latter bypasses the receiver and the subwoofer handles crossover frequency.
So, I could do two things:
1) If I choose “Crossover Bypass”, I am not sure what crossover my receiver is using. User manual is useless. There is a BASS Tone control, but not sure if it’s anything to do with my question. My speakers go down to 100Hz only, thus if the receiver sets the crossover frequency to 90 or 80Haz, it would not be ideal?
2) I could set the crossover bypass to “Internal Crossover” and adjust the crossover frequency manually.

I am curious how to figure what my receiver is doing, and should I just go with option 2. Since my system is still new, I am experimenting now. Suggestions are much appreciated. Thank you.

 

[Leemix]

Didnt look like the rx-777 has a sub out RCA output, if so it doesnt have any bass management. You will then have to use the low pass filter (crossover) knob and the gain(volume) knob on the back of the sub and try to have it fill out below the roll-off of the speakers. So option 2.
(I do this at my computer setup and it works fine)


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[rnaeye]

Didnt look like the rx-777 has a sub out RCA output, if so it doesnt have any bass management. You will then have to use the low pass filter (crossover) knob and the gain(volume) knob on the back of the sub and try to have it fill out below the roll-off of the speakers. So option 2.
(I do this at my computer setup and it works fine)

It makes sense now. I will go with option-2 as you suggested. However, I still do not get it how I got bass sound with option-1 if there is not sub management in the receiver.

 

[Leemix]

It makes sense now. I will go with option-2 as you suggested. However, I still do not get it how I got bass sound with option-1 if there is not sub management in the receiver.

Crossover bypass on the sub just basically use the MAX crossover frequency so the sub doesnt mess up the job it expects the integrated amp/AVR/AVP is doing. Its just bypassing its own knob and playing everything it gets. That setting may just be useable with the low level inputs though (RCA and not speaker cable).


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[lovinthehd]

Your sub doesn't have an actual crossover, just a low pass filter (lpf). Using option 1 you still get bass, full band, and trim it down with the low pass filter/gain adjustment on the sub. If you had a modern receiver with bass management then you'd want to bypass the internal low pass filter on the sub, to not cascade two low pass filters, and just use the lpf provided by the receiver's bass management (along with a high pass filter for your speakers, which would result in an actual crossover).

There are a couple different thoughts on how best to match this option 2 "blending" as to the lpf point, some like it near the speakers' f3 (-3dB point), some like it an octave above, or somewhere in between to taste...

 

[Pogre]

There are a couple different thoughts on how best to match this option 2 "blending" as to the lpf point, some like it near the speakers' f3 (-3dB point), some like it an octave above, or somewhere in between to taste...

The CG3s have a f3 of 100 hz so I know he'd need a pretty high lpf, but an octave up would be 200 hz, right? Maybe try 120 hz to start?

 

[Leemix]

An octave above without bass management in the pre would give a lot of overlap. He will probably need to go a little under 100Hz for it to “blend” well with the sub taking over around where the speakers fall off.

 

[Pogre]

An octave above without bass management in the pre would give a lot of overlap. He will probably need to go a little under 100Hz for it to “blend” well with the sub taking over around where the speakers fall off.

That makes sense to me. I've always had bass management so never had to mess with it. 90 or 100 hz sounds more in line.

 

[lovinthehd]

The CG3s have a f3 of 100 hz so I know he'd need a pretty high lpf, but an octave up would be 200 hz, right? Maybe try 120 hz to start?

An octave above without bass management in the pre would give a lot of overlap. He will probably need to go a little under 100Hz for it to “blend” well with the sub taking over around where the speakers fall off.

Yeah some subs would have trouble with providing 200hz and above response, too....personally if stuck with blending (which I don't need to do) in the case of the CG3 would be starting closer to the f3 and experimenting....some like a lot of overlap, some don't.

 

[rnaeye]

You guys are great. I learned a few new things today. I call it a good day. Thank you.