bass driver distortion

[mike67]

i occasionally experience bass driver of my martinlogan Aeon distorted during demanding scenes like SAVING PRIVATE RYAN( the tank scene)/ DAY AFTER TOMMORROW(as the vessel cruise into the city after the storm).
the dealer ask to set the Aeon to small,that help but i felt something might be missing. appreciate any advice before i replace them.
centre- NHT M6
MARTIN LOGAN DEPTH SUB
AEON -FRONT L/R

 

[jaxvon]

Do what your dealer said. You have a subwoofer, let it do its work in the low bass region. You can always change the setting back for 2ch listening. But for effects, make the sub do the work at let the speakers take a break.

 

[annunaki]

What are your crossover settings for your bass management. I would think they are a tad too low.

 

[mike67]

my harmon kardon 8500 receiver x-over at 80 hz.
i just got a reply from martinlogan guy ,ask to set the AEON as small.
however my previous pioneer RECEIVER detected the AEON as BIG.
i did notice some difference in setting them as small, less kick!

 

[annunaki]

I would definitely suggest setting to small. What is the frequency response of the speakers (+/-3db)? You could try a lower crossover setting. What other speakers are you using (Center, Surrounds) and what is their frequency response as well?

 

[mike67]

NHT M6 centre 61hz-30khz / 86db / 250watts/ 6 ohms

AEON 43HZ-22KHZ / 89db/ 200 WATTS /4 ohms

Dipole infinity surround (small )

 

[korgoth]

every receiver will recognize them as large or big. The receiver will set them to "big" if the speaker is capable of hitting a low enough frequency, but that doesnt mean you should keep it that way. My bookshelf speakers are recognized as large too.
only use large if you dont have a sub, or if your speaker can really handle the bass, and add to the sub. Most people set all their speakers to small and let the subs do all the hard work.

id cross the center at 80-100, and the fronts at 60-80

 

[annunaki]

If possible, I would set the Center at 80hz (small), the Surrounds at 80hz (small), and the Mains at 60hz(small). If not, set them all to 80hz (small).