Subwoofer compatibility!!

[Raptor22]

Cool, broad info Adam!!

Unfortunately I only have the sub without the RCA cable... what type of RCA cable would you recommend that would enhance sound quality and at the same time not suck my wallet dry? I see all sorts out there from basic to fancy RCA cables. Thanks!!

Raptor22

 

[Sheep]

Cool, broad info Adam!!

Unfortunately I only have the sub without the RCA cable... what type of RCA cable would you recommend that would enhance sound quality and at the same time not suck my wallet dry? I see all sorts out there from basic to fancy RCA cables. Thanks!!

Raptor22

I don't think you need to worry about the cables. AH has shown through many articles that it will make zero difference. Just make sure it's long enough!

If the subwoofers sound funny, you could try running the subwoofer that you added in a different part of the sub frequency band. Like, have it play 50Hz down, and let the ultra handle above that. Through my own test I've found that the subwoofers are generally hard to tell apart below this point.

SheepStar

 

[Adam]

Raptor22,

I think that we can get you into an acceptable RCA cable for about $100. Just kidding! It won't cost much at all. Should be less than $5, maybe $10 if your options are limited (or if you need a long cable). Back in post #8, I gave a link to this cable as just an example. I doubt that you want to wait for something to be shipped, though!

You can use any cable that has RCA jacks on each end. Any cable. Companies sell "subwoofer" cables, which would work fine. If you have a Radio Shack (or Target, or Home Depot, etc.), you can also buy a composite video cable (that's just a single cable with RCA jacks at both ends). Video cables typically have more shielding than regular audio cables, so I recommend video cables if you're going to choose between the two.

What sorts of stores do you have in the area? Also, are you sure that you don't have an RCA cable around somewhere? Now that you know that you can use anything, perhaps you've got something there that you can use for now. I think that one from Monoprice looks kinda nice if you wanted to "upgrade."

Adam

EDIT: Ah, I see that Sheep got you all hooked up while I was typing. Good man.

 

[Raptor22]

Thanks sheep, although I doubt the subs would sound funny since they're both bass speakers. I found out the Ultra is actually crappy at producing higher than 90Hz sounds since it is so concentrated on bass (its frequency range goes down to 25Hz). My main focus now is to buy the holy RCA cables and find a good way to setup my room with those bass monsters

 

[Sheep]

Thanks sheep, although I doubt the subs would sound funny since they're both bass speakers. I found out the Ultra is actually crappy at producing higher than 90Hz sounds since it is so concentrated on bass (its frequency range goes down to 25Hz). My main focus now is to buy the holy RCA cables and find a good way to setup my room with those bass monsters

That should work too, I was just saying though, if you have to run one lower, you can only adjust the added subwoofer down, the ultra has to play that high because it needs to feed the satellite speakers. That should sound really awesome when it's all together!

SheepStar

 

[Raptor22]

Well, thank god everything is working... I have both subs connected and they both play... only downfall is that I only have enough room for the JBL sub, but the Ultra is badly placed and barely any bass comes out of it Probably gonna take more adjustments so that both subs are in good spots for maximum bass response. Other than that, SUCCESS!!! and thanks to all that helped

EDIT: OOPS Missed your post Adam, thanks a bunch! Both subs are pumpin out hardcore bass... I just need to find spots for both subs that will maximize both their outputs.

 

[Raptor22]

I've also drawn a *SUPER HIGH QUALITY* and artistic layout of my room... LOL I was thinking maybe some of you may have some recommendations. Room is approximately 15ft by 15ft, ceiling is extended and higher than average (I'd say around 12ft). The area of the question marks is the empty spot that I'm thinking about putting my JBL sub. Of course, my current RCA cable is NOWHERE near long enough to reach there so I'll have to go out and buy a long one tomorrow From previous experience, subs seem to sound excellent when in the corner of the room and you're far away from it. Heck, when I turn my Klipsch sub on and go hide in my closet, I almost go deaf from the bass resonated there Same theory applies right??

EDIT: Disregard the previous message about the Klipsch being in a bad spot! The spot in the drawing is where I normally have it and sounds the best... it was when I moved the Klipsch under the damn coffee table it gave no bass at all But the JBL was kicking in the Klipsch original spot

 

[Adam]

Hee, hee! That drawing cracks me up.

Will the Ultra sub fit on top of the new JBL? People have talked about stacking subs around here. Probably worth a try. After all, it wouldn't take long to try, and your RCA cord will be long enough.

If you go to the main Audioholics home page, there's a menu bar near the top of the page. One of the menus is "Tips & Tricks", and if you put your cursor over that menu, the drop down menu contains some categories. The "Get Good Bass" category might be a good read for you, if you haven't seen it already. There's also articles on calibrating systems and such.

Before you know it, you're going to be sitting in your room with your new SPL meter, listening to a set of test tones...

Adam

 

[Raptor22]

I always had a bad impression of stacking woofers since they are both heavy units. I tested out the sound today placing the JBL on the far corner (question mark area) and the Klipsch in its original spot. Got myself a 30ft "GOLD PLATED" premium audio RCA cable for $20... sound effects??

Well, I can definitely say that I lost my hearing by another 20% after testing the whole setup. The area where I sit happens to get the BEST bass response while the center of the room gets nothing, which I could care less about. It's rather surprising how dead zones work, almost like an anti-physics concept hehe...

I certainly owe you guys... it's almost like you guys get paid to do this Thanks a bunch my friends!!

Here's some pictures of the new setup: (I still think my artistic layout drawing looks better though LOL!!)

DESK AREA

DESK AREA with ULTRA SUB

REAR SPEAKERS

JBL SUB IN FAR CORNER

JBL SUB EXPOSED!

 

[Adam]

Fantastic! So glad that it's working the way that you wanted.

Btw, subwoofer pron...excellent.

 

[Sheep]

I would keep it in the far corner. IT will help even tout the bass and you won't loose any output.

Glad we could help, crank up the tunes!

SheepStar

 

[Raptor22]

Btw, subwoofer pron...excellent.

LOL I like the way you think