Got a new subwoofer...I have a few questions

[jrcorwin]

Alright, I will start with an audio equipment list. Meager as it may be, it works for me.

Pioneer VSX-918V-K receiver
Energy Take Classic speakers
Energy ESW-8HG subwoofer (new) - replacing a JBL SUB160

I am replacing the JBL sub because it has traveled with me for a number of years now and I'm just not happy with the sound. To my amateur and untrained ears I would say the sound is far too...boomy. I don't know the lingo to describe it. It sounds muddy, loose, out of control. Tight it certainly is not. It is rather simple to use however. Here is a photo of the back:

Like I said...rather simple. I am connected via the LFE connection and I have the Level knob turned up about halfway. I then just allowed the Pioneer MCACC Speaker Calibration to set it accordingly as far as the level is concerned.

This new Energy subwoofer is a different beast. Here is a photo of the back:

I have no idea what to do with either the Low-Pass Filter or Phase knobs. If someone could please explain that (and remember you're speaking to an audio novice ) I would sincerely appreciate it.

Now, my last question. Coming from an older boomy, muddy, and loose sounding subwoofer. What would you guess my experience will be like with this new Energy sub? I know that it isn't very large, but it is more powerful and such than my JBL.

Just a note: I can't find any documentation on the JBL SUB160. I had assumed that the "160" portion of the model number indicated that is a 160 Watt unit. I'm not so sure however. I believe it is either 100, 160, or 180. The Energy sub is 200 watt.

Thank you!

 

[MDS]

The Low Pass Filter is the crossover that determines which frequencies the sub will play. Because you are using the single LFE connection from the receiver it will have no effect because you will set the xover on the receiver (MCACC will do it but you can adjust it if necessary).

If the sub does not actually disable the built-in xover when you use the LFE input, turn the knob to its highest setting to get it out of the way.

The Phase switch controls the sub's driver movement relative to the other speakers. At 0, the sub drivers move in when the other speakers move in and at 180, the sub drivers move out when the other speakers move in. It is used to balance the bass with the other speakers.

As a general rule, if the sub is up front by the front speakers, set it to zero. If the sub is behind you, set it to 180. However, the only real way to set it correctly is to try the different options and take measurements to determine which is best. Many times, you will not even hear a difference by changing the phase and can just leave it at zero.

 

[AVRat]

Actually, since the Energy doesn't have the LFE input, you do need to turn the Low-Pass Filter to its highest setting as MDS stated.

 

[jrcorwin]

The Low Pass Filter is the crossover that determines which frequencies the sub will play. Because you are using the single LFE connection from the receiver it will have no effect because you will set the xover on the receiver (MCACC will do it but you can adjust it if necessary).

If the sub does not actually disable the built-in xover when you use the LFE input, turn the knob to its highest setting to get it out of the way.

The Phase switch controls the sub's driver movement relative to the other speakers. At 0, the sub drivers move in when the other speakers move in and at 180, the sub drivers move out when the other speakers move in. It is used to balance the bass with the other speakers.

As a general rule, if the sub is up front by the front speakers, set it to zero. If the sub is behind you, set it to 180. However, the only real way to set it correctly is to try the different options and take measurements to determine which is best. Many times, you will not even hear a difference by changing the phase and can just leave it at zero.

Got it. Thank you! That really helped.

 

[jrcorwin]

Actually, since the Energy doesn't have the LFE input, you do need to turn the Low-Pass Filter to its highest setting as MDS stated.

Isn't the LFE input on the Energy sub the one connection that is being used in photo above?

EDIT: From the owner's manual...

LINE IN/SUB IN – These inputs are an RCA type LFE/stereo/mono input. If you
are connecting your subwoofer to a pre-amp/processor with a LFE or
Subwoofer pre-amp output, connect a single RCA cable to the LFE/Left input.
If you are connecting your subwoofer to a stereo pre-amp or processor, such
as in a stereo music system, use stereo RCA cables and connect to both the
LFE/Left and Right inputs.

 

[bandphan]

AVRat is correct. The only other thing I is see wrong is that MONSTER cable

 

[jrcorwin]

AVRat is correct. The only other thing I is see wrong is that MONSTER cable

Well, we can pin the Monster cable on Audioholics...it's the photo from their review.

Just to clear: Regardless of whether or not the left line-in connection is the same as an LFE connection or not...just turn the Low-Pass knob all the way up and set the crossover on the receiver? Is that correct?

 

[MDS]

Just to clear: Regardless of whether or not the left line-in connection is the same as an LFE connection or not...just turn the Low-Pass knob all the way up and set the crossover on the receiver? Is that correct?

Yes, that is correct.

 

[jrcorwin]

I got the new sub today and something is very wrong. Once it gets a signal with the power setting on auto or if flip the power setting on...I get a very loud rumble as if a train is passing through the room.

 

[jrcorwin]

I've looked at the bottom of the sub and when I hear that loud rumbling...the speaker is going nuts even while turned all the way down.

 

[KEW]

I assume you mean turned all of the way down at the subwoofer?
If so, let us know how good Energy's customer service is!

 

[jrcorwin]

I assume you mean turned all of the way down at the subwoofer?
If so, let us know how good Energy's customer service is!

Yes. I can have both the reciever itself and the subwoofer turned all the way down...heck I can have the sub disconnected from the receiver and this still happens. So long as it has power and the power switch is on auto or on this happens. It may be a ground issue or an issue with sub's internal amp. I'm getting a replacement.

 

[kelley_aj]

The Low Pass Filter is the crossover that determines which frequencies the sub will play. Because you are using the single LFE connection from the receiver it will have no effect because you will set the xover on the receiver (MCACC will do it but you can adjust it if necessary).

If the sub does not actually disable the built-in xover when you use the LFE input, turn the knob to its highest setting to get it out of the way.

The Phase switch controls the sub's driver movement relative to the other speakers. At 0, the sub drivers move in when the other speakers move in and at 180, the sub drivers move out when the other speakers move in. It is used to balance the bass with the other speakers.

As a general rule, if the sub is up front by the front speakers, set it to zero. If the sub is behind you, set it to 180. However, the only real way to set it correctly is to try the different options and take measurements to determine which is best. Many times, you will not even hear a difference by changing the phase and can just leave it at zero.

this is the most clear and simple description I have read about phase yet