Connecting Polk subwoofer to Denon AVR-2807

[dadder]

I'm setting up a new Denon AVR-2807 with a set of Polk speakers, and am having some issues with the subwoofer, model PSW303. I've read the documentation for both, and connected it as I think they are recommending. I used a audio cable from the 'sub out' on the receiver, to the top "Line In" (filtered) connector on the Polk. I've run the auto-setup on the Denon, and I do get test tones from the subwoofer, and it is set to 'yes' but I don't seem to be getting anything during playback of a DVD.

Some of my confusion:

- Is the sub out on the Denon AVR-2807 filtered or unfiltered, the docs do not specify.

- I guess related, shoudl the output from the sub out be connected to the "line in (filtered)" connector, or the "LFE (unfiltered) connector on the PSW303?

- The Denon instructions suggest setting the crossover frequency to it's maximum or the Low Pass filter off. The subwoofer has a dial marked "Low Pass" but it's not an on/off setting, it's a range from 60 to 160 Hz, so is this really the crossover frequency? Also, besides the normal power switch, which turns the power to the sub on/off, there is a switch marked POWER that has three positions, on/auto/off. This is not the Low Pass Filter setting is it?

I've apolgoize if this is a redundant post, or an ignorant question. I've searched this forum, Denon and Polk's web site, and have really hit a brick wall. Thanks for any pointers or suggestions.

David

 

[markw]

I'd suggest you run the sub out to the unfiltered LFE input on the subwoofer. This way, receiver has full control over the signal and the sub simply accepts what's sent it, no questions asked.

As forthe power switcghhm, I beloieve the first two are fairly self-explanatory but that third term, "AUTO", sounds like it activates an auto sensing circuitm which will turnb the sub on wheh a signal is present and turn it off arter a short while on non-use. Check your manual on this, and other questions first.

 

[AVRat]

How are you connecting the DVD to the receiver? You should have a digital audio connection, coax or optical/Toslink. The regular analog stereo connections don't give you the multi-channel signals required.

 

[agarwalro]

- Is the sub out on the Denon AVR-2807 filtered or unfiltered, the docs do not specify.

It depends on your selection in the subwoofer setup section. If you select "LFE" it is filtered and if you select "LFE+Main" it is not.

- I guess related, shoudl the output from the sub out be connected to the "line in (filtered)" connector, or the "LFE (unfiltered) connector on the PSW303?

Like markw said, let the receiver handle all the processing. So in the receiver's subwoofer setting select "LFE". This way the receiver filters the signal. Now connect the receiver's sub out to the yellow LFE input on the subwoofer.

- The Denon instructions suggest setting the crossover frequency to it's maximum or the Low Pass filter off. The subwoofer has a dial marked "Low Pass" but it's not an on/off setting, it's a range from 60 to 160 Hz, so is this really the crossover frequency?

Basically, Denon is trying to get you to bypass or disable the sub's crossover circuit. If you use the yellow LFE input on the sub, the low pass filter on the sub is bypassed. Yes, its the crossover frequency setting, Polk just chooses to call it by its electrical function rather than use common AV terminology.

Also, besides the normal power switch, which turns the power to the sub on/off, there is a switch marked POWER that has three positions, on/auto/off. This is not the Low Pass Filter setting is it?

This switch has nothing to do with the cross over/ low pass filter. It controls how the sub's amplifier behaves. The auto setting basically turns the amplifier on when there is incoming signal and will automatically turn it off it there is no incoming signal for some time. Leave it on auto, its convenient.

 

[agarwalro]

How are you connecting the DVD to the receiver? You should have a digital audio connection, coax or optical/Toslink. The regular analog stereo connections don't give you the multi-channel signals required.

Good point.

 

[Methodical]

My .02. I have my Polk sub (PSW505) connected to the filtered side of the sub and my setting in the receiver (3805) is LFE+Main Xover at 80hz and the sub is set to auto. The sub works all of the time no matter what I'm playing (i.e tv, dvd, cd. etc.). Also, I have all of my sources connected via the digital connections in addition to the analog connections for the SACD and DVD A

 

[agarwalro]

my setting in the receiver (3805) is LFE+Main Xover at 80hz

By selecting "LFE+Main" you are sending full range signal to the sub. By using the filtered input on the sub you have engaged the low pass filter on it. So the quesitons are,
1) In the receiver speaker settings, are your speakers set to small?
2) On the sub, what is your low pass filter frequency setting?

 

[dadder]

How are you connecting the DVD to the receiver? You should have a digital audio connection, coax or optical/Toslink. The regular analog stereo connections don't give you the multi-channel signals required.

I'm connecting the DVD, a Denon DVD-1920, to the receiver using the HDMI connectors.

Thanks to those who have replied. I will try using the LFE connector on the sub, and make sure I set it to LFE and not LFE+main. I appreciate all of your expert advice.

 

[Methodical]

By selecting "LFE+Main" you are sending full range signal to the sub. By using the filtered input on the sub you have engaged the low pass filter on it. So the quesitons are,
1) In the receiver speaker settings, are your speakers set to small?
2) On the sub, what is your low pass filter frequency setting?

1) The fronts are set to large, the center and surrounds are set at small
2) The sub has 2 knobs 1 is a volume control the other is the low pass filter (ranges from 60-120hz). I have the LP set at 120hz

Note: According to the manual you connect an rca cable from the sub out of receiver to the LFE input on subwoofer (unfiltered), which bypasses the subs LP filter. However, if the sub out is an unfiltered signal use either left or right line level input (filtered) to use the low pass crossover in the subwoofer. When using this method it is necessary to adjust the settings of your electronics as follows: Front speakers = large or small depending on their output capabilities; subwoofer = on.

My settings: Front = large and center and surrounds = small and subwoofer is set to on.

I looked at the specs for the 3805 and can't figure out if it's filtered or unfiltered so I hooked it up as if the 3805 is unfiltered and followed the manuals hookup configs.

Enlighten me if I am incorrect on my configurations.

Thanks