Dual Sub Help

[Guavamanh]

Hey Guys,

I'm trying to connect dual Klipsch KW-120's with a Klipsch KA-1000 Amp to a new Yamaha RX-A2000. The other speakers are great, but all I'm getting from the subs is a humming noise (does not play test noise when tested in settings)

I've attached a diagram of the KA-1000 AMP and the Yamaha... I've tried every combination but not getting any results.. any ideas?

Thanks in advance

 

[Guavamanh]

Also, do i need special subwoofer cable from the KA-1000 to the Yamaha? I'm currently only using composite/RCA cable, but I'll run to the store if I need to... I read about having to use a Y-splitter cable for increased efficiency... but right now I have a red/white RCA going from the Yamaha to the KA1000

 

[Guavamanh]

Just got tested out the system with a RCA Y-splitter... tried all combinations... unable to get any more then some humming and VERY faint test noise... any ideas?

 

[MDS]

Are these subs passive (no amplifier)? What connection types are available on the subs?

One problem is you outlined the sub input in the multi-channel analog input section. You want to use the subwoofer pre-out.

It's hard to tell anything from the amp diagram (not sure what the 1 and 2 with the wires actually are or how many inputs and outputs there are). If the amp has two inputs you can use a Y splitter from the receiver pre-out to the two inputs and then from the amp to each sub using speaker wire. If there is only one input then go straight from the receiver pre-out to the one input and then to the subs if the amp has two outputs.

 

[Guavamanh]

Thanks for the reply MDS. The Klipsch KL-120 subs are passive, with the Klipsch KA-1000 AMP supplying power to both subs. It has two inputs, which I have tried connecting with both a Y-split RCA and dual RCA to the PREOUT Subwoofer (Front and Rear).

After I last posted I brought in my older receiver and everything works!!! The subs are ridiculous. Now I'm starting to think maybe something is wrong in the with the new Yamaha RX-A2000 receiver. I've played around with all the settings (small speakers, cross over at 80Hz) but this is the result I get:

For TV (HDMI): 5 speakers work, subs do not
For Xbox360 (Component + Optical): Video works but no sound at all

Been playing around with the settings for over 3 hours... scoured the forums... sounds like other people are having trouble with this receiver as well... its either the settings are wrong or its defective. I've gone through every option on the settings but can't figure it out...

Thanks for your help

 

[MDS]

For TV (HDMI): 5 speakers work, subs do not
For Xbox360 (Component + Optical): Video works but no sound at all

Make sure the sub is set to 'yes' or 'on' in the speaker configuration menu.

For the optical audio connection you likely have to assign the digital input to an input selector. So eg. if you use optical 1 input and want to press the 'game' input to hear the audio from the xbox, optical 1 has to be assigned to the game input.

 

[Guavamanh]

Make sure the sub is set to 'yes' or 'on' in the speaker configuration menu.

For the optical audio connection you likely have to assign the digital input to an input selector. So eg. if you use optical 1 input and want to press the 'game' input to hear the audio from the xbox, optical 1 has to be assigned to the game input.

Thanks MDS:

Okay, so I reconnected everything back onto the Yamaha RX-2000, I had previously assigned both subs as on (front and rear). I had also previously assigned the Optical 3 with Component C for the xbox, and the HDTV cable box is set up with HDMI 4:

Now for BOTH TV and Xbox360: speakers work but subs do not... just getting a humming sound from the subs
Test Tone: noise with speakers but no noise with subs

Tried finding the Yamaha number to call, but only getting the local service centers which are currently closed. I work till 7pm during the weekdays so I don't know when I'll be able to call them -_-

 

[MatthewB.]

I would buy a simple ground loop isolator from Radio Shack. plug that into your sub preout on the reciever, mine has one male rca connection on one end and two female outs, so just plug your sub rca cables into the two female ends of the ground loop isolator. Then plug the rca sub cables into the two RCA inputs on the amplifier and from the amp to your two subs, this should remove the annoying hum and you'll get bass out of the subs.

Also check your speaker settings, set your speakers to small with say a 80hz crossover to start, adjust the gain on the subs and reciever sub setting and you should be good to go.

 

[ZeGhostbear]

Test Tone: noise with speakers but no noise with subs

Must be a setting somewhere on the receiver. My Onkyo drove me mad for hours when I received my brand new SVS's. I could get nothing with regular inputs so for a sanity check I also went back to test tones, still had nothing. None of the obvious menu options were wrong. Found the setting eventually. Had forgotten what I had configured during my years without a sub. Just keep trying (or call tech support).

 

[jinjuku]

If that yamaha has network connectivity you may be able to DMZ it on your firewall and I could take a look at the setup.

There is most likely either a sub yes/no or LFE setting that is not correct.

I know my Denon has a built in web server so I can hit the unit with my laptop or iPhone.

 

[Guavamanh]

If that yamaha has network connectivity you may be able to DMZ it on your firewall and I could take a look at the setup.

There is most likely either a sub yes/no or LFE setting that is not correct.

I know my Denon has a built in web server so I can hit the unit with my laptop or iPhone.

Thanks for the input/help guys:

* All 5 speakers set to small with 80Hx cross over
* Both subs set as "on" as front and rear
* Tried both dual RCA and Y-splitter from "PREOUT SUB Front/Rear"
* Connected to my Klipsch KA-1000 amp which drives dual Klipsch KW-120's
* TV (HDMI #4): speakers work, subs do not
* XBOX (Component "c" + Optical "3"): speakers work subs do not
* Test tone: speakers work, subs just have a humming noise
* I have plugged everything back into my old receiver and everything works

I'm going to try flashing the firmware tonight. The receiver does have network connectivity, so if the flash fails I'd appreciate your help Jinjuku. I'll let you know, thanks.

 

[BillCinLR]

Follow the instructions on pg. 20 of your MANUAL (I know everyone hates directions). Connect your SINGLE sub OUT cable from the Subwoofer Pre-Out to your y-splitter into your amplifier INPUTS (1-Left, 1- Right). Connect your SPEAKER wires from the amp to your subwoofers.

IGNORE the instructions on pg.24, this does NOT apply to your situation.

Follow the instruction beginning on pg 112 for "Speaker Configuration". Choose "Use" for Subwoofer, then "Monarual"(Default).

You MAY need to turn the amp volume up quite high in order to hear the subwoofers (Some external amps may even require a PRE AMP to provide a strong enough signal.)

After you do this, IF you get results, run the AUTOMATIC setup.

Good Luck,

Bill C

 

[Guavamanh]

Follow the instructions on pg. 20 of your MANUAL (I know everyone hates directions). After you do this, IF you get results, run the AUTOMATIC setup.

Good Luck,

Bill C

Thanks Bill:

* Have skimmed/read the whole AVS Forum official thread (55+ pages) + 197 pages of the Amp's PDF Manual
* I have tried RCA SINGLE Subwoofer Pre-Out to Y-split RCA into the AMP INPUTS (1-Left, 1- Right) set as Monaural
* Have also tried dual RCA from Front/Rear Subwoofer Pre-Out to dual RCA into AMP INPUTS (1-L, 1-R) as Left/Right as well as Front/Rear
* Power assign: set as 7 channel normal configuration

* Have tried max volume on the amp which results in VERY faint bass with test tone --> are you saying I may need a pre-amp to amplify the signal to the RX-A2000? My old reciever is a 5 year old, $200 dollar receiver... it would be a HUGE BUMMER if I need to buy a pre-amp for this >$1K receiver

** http://forums.klipsch.com/forums/p/91368/925257.aspx **
Just did some research about the pre-amp.. and it looks like there's some signal issues with the KA-1000 amp:
" impedance mismatch between the receiver and the subwoofer amp. In such a situation, the only way to get the most out of your subs is to insert a powered device between your receiver and the subwoofer."
" Klipsch sub amp was built to cater to the Ultra2 subwoofer spec set forth by THX, so it's really not the fault of the subs. But at the same time, there are a lot of receiver and pre/pro's out there that aren't able to provide the full voltage required by that spec either. But that's not totally a design flaw on their part because those receivers will work with most of the subwoofers out there"

* AAHHHH what a BUMMER... my cash is totally tapped out
* Have not done the automatic setup , will do so tonight
* Will also try to flash the firmware tonight if the automatic doesnt do the trick

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Recap:
* all speakers set to small w/ 80Hx crossover
* subs set as ON (tried L/R, front/rear and mono)
* the sub is set at 0.0dB, volume knob at 1/2 on the external amp
* power amp assign: 7 channel normal configuration
* dual RCA cable to RX-A2000 "PREOUT Sub front and rear" (have also tried single side of Y-split RCA cable)
* dual RCA cable connected to Klipsch KA-1000 input (AMP), tried THX mode ON/OFF, Gain ON/OFF
* dual Klipsch KW-120 (passive subs) connected to amps correctly (Speakon cables)
* AV3 set up with Xbox360 + HD-DVD material (set as component C + optical #3)
* AV4 set up with TV cable box (HDMI 4)
* decoding set up as "straight" as well as all other possible settings
* speakers ok on TV/XBOX but with no subwoofer sound (just humming noise)
* test tone = just humming noise from subs, when raised to max some VERY faint bass is heard
* plugged everything back into my old reciever = everything works

 

[jinjuku]

* plugged everything back into my old reciever = everything works

Plug the sub amplifier into the center channel out of your AVR. Play any movie. Let us know what comes out of the sub.

 

[BillCinLR]

If you really require a pre-amp, running the automatic setup won't help. It still won't have a loud enough subwoofer output to properly calibrate.

Sears has a Pyle PYP-1 pre amp for about $70 and that is about the best price around for a pre amp.

Good Luck, I went through the same thing when I added an Onkyo amplifier to drive a passive sub of mine. It just wouldn't work without the pre amp.

Bill C

 

[Guavamanh]

Finally!

Ive disconnected everything, flashed the firmware to 2.05 and then reconnected everything/re-setup everything. Now the subs are SINGING! Thanks everyone for all your input and help. Only weird thing now is the humming is still there. I realized from fiddling around that it only is there when the cable box is connected to the tv or receiver (either with HDMI or component). If i disconnect the cable box everything is perfect. Is this a result of using a cheap RCA split cable from Radioshack? (not shielded enough?)

Been swamped with work... can't wait until this weekend to calibrate and play with the system. Thanks everyone! You guys ROCK!

 

[Guavamanh]

Photo

Here's a photo of the setup... it's temporary. My wife and I just purchased our first home and will be moving in on July. Can't wait to set up shop in the new home =) This 42" will stay in the bedroom... hoping to get a 60" plasma for the downstairs home theater. Will be loading music onto the new iTouch and setting up the dock this weekend. Probably get a PS3 slim to play Blu-ray. Sorry picture isn't great (from phone). Will take better pictures once we get into the house =D

 

[jinjuku]

Ive disconnected everything, flashed the firmware to 2.05 and then reconnected everything/re-setup everything. Now the subs are SINGING! Thanks everyone for all your input and help. Only weird thing now is the humming is still there. I realized from fiddling around that it only is there when the cable box is connected to the tv or receiver (either with HDMI or component). If i disconnect the cable box everything is perfect. Is this a result of using a cheap RCA split cable from Radioshack? (not shielded enough?)

Been swamped with work... can't wait until this weekend to calibrate and play with the system. Thanks everyone! You guys ROCK!

You have to love software

For quick hum elimination you can get an isolation transformer (rca hum eliminator) for about $16 from Radio Shack. Long term the Cable company needs to come out and correctly ground the CATV.

 

[Guavamanh]

I'm moving into a new home in about 5-6 months, so hopefully the new house will not have the same problem. In the meanwhile, I recieved this over the weekend: http://www.amazon.com/Scosche-Eso34-Ground-Loop-Isolator/dp/B00009UHL0/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1292890637&sr=1-5 A breeze to set up, and worked for the hum. Watched Gone Baby Gone yesterday, and there's a scene where the guys are in a SUV with some gangster rap. My wife was amazed at the bass and how clean it was. KL-650 LCR were sweet for dialogue and were very dynamic. Also spent some time with Joan Armatrading and Jack Johnson... wife says she'd actually listen to Jack Johnson now (didn't like his voice before). Currently saving up for the KS-550 pair for the rears. Can't wait to set everything up in the new house and really crank up the volume! =) Thanks everyone for your help... it was greatly appreciated.