makeshift sub

[james_j2001]

I finally pieced together my 5.0 system with Infinity P363s in front, P163s in rear, and PC351 in the center. My budget was next to zero, so it will be a while before I can afford a decent sub. What I'm using for a sub right now (don't laugh) is an old Optimus speaker cabinet with a 15" woofer driven by a 300W PA amp. I don't really know what I'm talking about when it comes to measurements like frequency response, but I put a 28Hz test tone through it and was able to hear it okay. I don't have any way to measure anything else. Here's my question (assuming I've given enough info). I know that this is not a good setup, but would I be better off using nothing at all? In other words am I hurting myself with this setup or is this better than nothing?

Don't worry, this is not permanent.

 

[ParadigmDawg]

I think you are the only one that can answer that.

If you like the way it sounds when it's crossed over to the sub then that's the way you should run it.

 

[Adam]

Hi, James. I experimented with doing something very similar. I hooked up two Realistic Mach 2 speakers (with 15" woofers) to an older receiver and then compared it against my B&W sub. It actually compared pretty well, IMO.

Like Dawg said, though, only you can decide if you like it better with or without that sub.

As for measuring, do you have an SPL (sound pressure level) meter? If you do, you can download test tones off of the internet (just sine waves at different frequencies) and play them while measuring the sound level. That's what I do. I actually ordered a CD with frequencies from 16Hz up to past 100Hz, but you can find the files for free online very easily.

 

[Bryceo]

Or you can download the spl app for iPhone iPad and stuff works the same way

 

[james_j2001]

Thanks, guys. I guess it sounds better with the rigged up sub, (at least there is more bass) so I'll keep it. I don't have an SPL, but I'm going to look into getting one. Thanks for your help.

 

[ParadigmDawg]

Or you can download the spl app for iPhone iPad and stuff works the same way

I wonder how accurate the app is compared to the $50 Radio Shack SPL most of us use? I guess I could download it and test it out.

 

[Adam]

I wonder how accurate the app is compared to the $50 Radio Shack SPL most of us use? I guess I could download it and test it out.

My buddy downloaded it and used it to calibrate his car system. He was pleased with it. I recall asking if there were adjustments that got added based on the microphone capability in the phone, and I think that there were - but I don't remember for sure. That would be my biggest question. There are offsets that should be applied to measurements from the Radio Shack meters, but I think maybe that app had them built in. If so, that would be handy. I forgot all about that app.

 

[ParadigmDawg]

My buddy downloaded it and used it to calibrate his car system. He was pleased with it. I recall asking if there were adjustments that got added based on the microphone capability in the phone, and I think that there were - but I don't remember for sure. That would be my biggest question. There are offsets that should be applied to measurements from the Radio Shack meters, but I think maybe that app had them built in. If so, that would be handy. I forgot all about that app.

I have never re-calibrated my system after changing displays so I figured this was a good time to do it and try the SPL app.

I used the "Sound Meter" by Smart Tools. It was very accurate with the speakers when compared to the RS SPL meter but it just feel apart when I got to the sub. It was off as much as -20db at some points.

You can "buy up" to a pro level so maybe that would make a difference but I am not going to try it.

EDIT****
LOL...right on the App it states "REMEMBER!! The smart phone microphones were aligned to human voice (300-3400Hz, 40-60dB)'.Therefore the maximum values are LIMITED by the manufacturers.