Best way to set distance for the subwoofer

[astartesultra]

For the main speakers, I think it's pretty simple, I use auto EQ for it, or, a laser pointer sitting at the main listening position. But, subwoofers seem a little different, I only know of three little methods of doing it, one being to simply measure from the main seat to the sub, just like the mains, two, let Audyssey set the distances, which I believe takes reflections into account, and only measures exactly the point where the sound hits the mic, or finally, using an SPL metre. Basically adjusting the distances from the main seat up or down till you find the point at which you get the loudest output.

So my question basically is, which is the better option, in terms of getting the best sound at least in that part of setup.

 

[lovinthehd]

Best to think of it as to what it is....setting delay. Sub amp processing can add delays, too....so physical distance isn't necessarily correct. I'd use Audyssey of those choices. You can use the "distance" setting on the avr as a phase adjustment, too.

 

[ryanosaur]

Agreed, start with your room correction to set levels and distances across the board, even if you turn it off, afterwards.

 

[astartesultra]

Best to think of it as to what it is....setting delay. Sub amp processing can add delays, too....so physical distance isn't necessarily correct. I'd use Audyssey of those choices. You can use the "distance" setting on the avr as a phase adjustment, too.

So distance or delay and phase are two different things? Does the phase have anything to do with using the SPL meter?

 

[ryanosaur]

Setting the phase knob of your sub can be assisted with an SPL meter. But this is slightly different than distance/delay, which is about getting each of your speakers synchronized with each other.

 

[lovinthehd]

Not particularly different things, they're related. Settings for distance/delay can help you get your sub/speakers in phase. Phase between your sub and speakers will change with frequency, but generally you worry about it at the crossover. A phase switch on a sub is often merely a 0/180 polarity flip and may not address your phase issues. Try searching for some articles on setting phase between sub and speakers...

 

[ryanosaur]

Not particularly different things, they're related. Settings for distance/delay can help you get your sub/speakers in phase. Phase between your sub and speakers will change with frequency, but generally you worry about it at the crossover. A phase switch on a sub is often merely a 0/180 polarity flip and may not address your phase issues. Try searching for some articles on setting phase between sub and speakers...

So... we're kinda saying the same thing.
There are more Subs now with 0-180º phase knobs vs 0/180º switches.
That said, this is one area where I freely admit my own weakness in being able to define and explain. However, one must be careful that over-tinkering the Distance/Delay can throw overall timing off between all speakers.

 

[lovinthehd]

So... we're kinda saying the same thing.
There are more Subs now with 0-180º phase knobs vs 0/180º switches.
That said, this is one area where I freely admit my own weakness in being able to define and explain. However, one must be careful that over-tinkering the Distance/Delay can throw overall timing off between all speakers.

Yep. I was more answering the OP than commenting on your post. Good to see variable phase more than the simple toggle, but be nicer if it were more than 0-180 (which is about 6ms at 80hz).