How do I get more bass?

[AcuDefTechGuy]

You could just buy a bigger subwoofer from a local store and return it if you don't get the results you want. Just make sure they do have a 30-day return policy on subwoofers. Just try it on for size

 

[Bloodstriker]

I was thinking - could it be the a problem with a receiver? I was just watching Superman Returns on DVD and the rumbling is there. Not the super, house rocking, windows rattling type of sound but the sub is worker hard. However, when people speak or when doors close, it sounds like there's something missing in the bottom-end. I recognize that as a problem the occured when I had the PSBs up front as well. I'm very temped to blame it on the AVR right now!

 

[Bloodstriker]

Or...I was thinking that maybe a two way speaker just doesn't cut it for home theater usage?

 

[zumbo]

I was thinking - could it be the a problem with a receiver? I was just watching Superman Returns on DVD and the rumbling is there. Not the super, house rocking, windows rattling type of sound but the sub is worker hard. However, when people speak or when doors close, it sounds like there's something missing in the bottom-end. I recognize that as a problem the occured when I had the PSBs up front as well. I'm very temped to blame it on the AVR right now!

Or...I was thinking that maybe a two way speaker just doesn't cut it for home theater usage?

I think you think too much. Your receiver is not set-up properly.

http://www.audioholics.com/tweaks/get-good-bass/
http://www.audioholics.com/tweaks/calibrate-your-system/
http://www.audioholics.com/tweaks/speaker-setup-guidelines/

 

[Davemcc]

I was thinking - could it be the a problem with a receiver? I was just watching Superman Returns on DVD and the rumbling is there. Not the super, house rocking, windows rattling type of sound but the sub is worker hard. However, when people speak or when doors close, it sounds like there's something missing in the bottom-end. I recognize that as a problem the occured when I had the PSBs up front as well. I'm very temped to blame it on the AVR right now!

You have not said yet whether you set your speakers to small, the sub output to LFE only and the crossover in the AVR to 80Hz. Make sure the crossover on the back of the sub is set to it's highest setting. Set the volume on the back of the sub in the middle and set the sub level in the AVR to a middle setting. Once all this is done, we have a frame of reference to work with.

 

[zumbo]

The mains FR is 35-21. The center is 44-20. Great numbers. Because of this, I recommended a 60Hz crossover point.

Set the LFE to sub only.
Set the receiver crossover to 60Hz.
Calibrate your system. You can find this information on Audioholics home page.
Make sure you are choosing the 5.1 audio track on the dvd. If you don't select this track, it's not gonna shake the house.
My sub will knock pictures off the wall. And, my room acoustics suck.
And, yes, your system should blow a theater away.

 

[Davemcc]

The mains FR is 35-21. The center is 44-20. Great numbers. Because of this, I recommended a 60Hz crossover point.

I just want to know if he's taken any of this advice. Once we know that and have a frame of reference, the details are easy to adjust.

 

[zumbo]

I just want to know if he's taken any of this advice.

Doesn't look like it. That is why I posted my initial response again.

 

[Bloodstriker]

You have not said yet whether you set your speakers to small, the sub output to LFE only and the crossover in the AVR to 80Hz. Make sure the crossover on the back of the sub is set to it's highest setting. Set the volume on the back of the sub in the middle and set the sub level in the AVR to a middle setting. Once all this is done, we have a frame of reference to work with.

I apologize as I didn't realize that I didn't post a response to the advice.

My crossover is currently set to 80 Hz. I have tried setting LFE only and setting the speakers to small, but this doesn't seem to change anything (at least I can't hear a difference). The crossover on the back of the sub is turned up to it's max. I have also tried different 0 and 180 on the back of the sub to no avail.

I don't think my receiver is able to do crossover at 60Hz - the options are 80, 100, and 120.

I've also tried moving the sub and made sure that it's a different distance from the walls, but that hasn't done too much for me either.

I've tried to calibrate the system. But Radio Shack in Canada doesn't carry an SPL meter (sigh) and I'm still trying to figure out where I can get one. All of the level testing has been done by ear. I think the sub volume level might be off as it's really hard to judge that one by ear. I calibrated the sub by putting in musc and adjusting it to as natural as possible.

I've also used a sweeping test tone and it seems like the volume dips right around where it gets crossed-over to the sub. So I don't know if its the speakers that are having trouble around there, or if the sub can't play a frequency high enough, or if the AVR is loosing this signal (if that's at all possible).

I hope this provides a bit more information. Again, thanks for helping me out!

 

[Bloodstriker]

If you already cranked that subwoofer up and still can't get enough bass, then you just need a SuberCube

My first subwoofer was the NHT SW2P, which only has 80-watts, and it was very powerful with the volume knob at 50%.

Wait a minute. You don't have your system at "Pure Direct" mode or similar do you? Are you just "Bypassing" the subwoofer all together? When you are just tesing the sound, you will hear from all the speakers and subwoofer, but if you use a "Bypass" mode while watching movies, it could just bypass the sub.

I'm not sure what pure direct mode, but I'm sure that the sub is working when I play movies. It's very noticable.

 

[zumbo]

I am shocked to see such quality equipment, with an entry-level sub. I do have to say it is outclassed by your other equipment.

The last thing I would recommend, is to try your sub in a corner of the room. Angle it to shoot diagonally.

If that doesn't get it, I would follow the advice of AcuDefTechGuy, and get a dealer to let you demo a new sub at home.

 

[Bloodstriker]

I am shocked to see such quality equipment, with an entry-level sub. I do have to say it is outclassed by your other equipment.

The last thing I would recommend, is to try your sub in a corner of the room. Angle it to shoot diagonally.

If that doesn't get it, I would follow the advice of AcuDefTechGuy, and get a dealer to let you demo a new sub at home.

Thanks Zumbo. I think I will try looking for an SPL and adjust the levels correctly before making the leap.

P.S. The reason the for the sub was that I got suckered into buying it from an audio store. I was looking for a more powerful sub, they were out of stock and told me that this would do the job. (I just started out with audio equipment). That.... plus a lot of the better stuff was purchased as an upgrade. My original system consisted of PSB speakers (although the sub still wasn't the right match for the Image 4Ts...)

Thank goodness for this forum!

 

[Davemcc]

Check to make sure your subwoofer cable is plugged into the subwoofer output. It sounds silly, but I once missed the connection when reaching around the back of the receiver and got the sub plugged into a surround output with very much the same effect you are describing.

You can get the SPL meter and Avia disc as a package for $99 Cdn from Sonic Boom Audio. http://www.sonicboomaudio.com/default.aspx While you're there, you may also find another solution to your problem. Since you say the sub is working and noticable during movies, you may have simply reached the capacity of the sub itself. Sonic Boom just might have what you need.

 

[MACCA350]

I've also used a sweeping test tone and it seems like the volume dips right around where it gets crossed-over to the sub.

This sounds like a phase issue.

cheers

 

[Bloodstriker]

Check to make sure your subwoofer cable is plugged into the subwoofer output. It sounds silly, but I once missed the connection when reaching around the back of the receiver and got the sub plugged into a surround output with very much the same effect you are describing.

You can get the SPL meter and Avia disc as a package for $99 Cdn from Sonic Boom Audio. http://www.sonicboomaudio.com/default.aspx While you're there, you may also find another solution to your problem. Since you say the sub is working and noticable during movies, you may have simply reached the capacity of the sub itself. Sonic Boom just might have what you need.

Thanks for the link! I'm going to go purchase the spl+avia right now.

I'll go double check the sub connection to make sure it's okay.

 

[Bloodstriker]

Well, the subwoofer is plugged into the right place - the pre-out subwoofer output at the back of the AVR.

I'll report back after I get the SPL and the levels adjusted.

BTW, a phase issue? I've tried to change the phase of the subwoofer to 180 and it doesn't seem to help... unless there's something I'm missing?

 

[fmw]

Well, the subwoofer is plugged into the right place - the pre-out subwoofer output at the back of the AVR.

I'll report back after I get the SPL and the levels adjusted.

BTW, a phase issue? I've tried to change the phase of the subwoofer to 180 and it doesn't seem to help... unless there's something I'm missing?

The solution has been provided by lots of people in this thread including me. You need a bigger, better sub. Worrying about phase or setup isn't the answer. I realize you are fighting it but, if you want LFE, you need a unit capable of delivering it. What you have won't cut it. I hope that's direct enough.

 

[mtrycrafts]

What you have won't cut it. I hope that's direct enough.

Might do it, we'll see.

 

[Bloodstriker]

Yup. That's direct enough. I'm not very good at reading in between the lines. So, which is better? The SVS or the Hsu? They both look a little....funny though! I guess it's on to the subwoofer forums then.

 

[Davemcc]

Yup. That's direct enough. I'm not very good at reading in between the lines. So, which is better? The SVS or the Hsu? They both look a little....funny though! I guess it's on to the subwoofer forums then.

The link I gave you to Sonic Boom is also the authorized Canadian distributor for SVS. That is where I got my SVS and I can certainly recommend them. The fellow that runs Sonic Boom also operates electronicsforless.ca which was carrying Hsu, but seems to have dropped the Hsu line. This is where I got my Hsu, but I haven't found a new Canadian source for Hsu.

Currently, in the Canadian market, Sonic Boom seems to be the "go to" source. Besides, you can't go wrong with SVS.