Paradigm subwoofer not switching on sometimes

[Skyglider218]

I'm hoping someone can help me with a small problem. I have a Yamaha receiver Htr6063, and Paradigm Cinema speakers and subwoofer hooked up.

The subwoofer is set on the "Auto" setting, but sometimes it doesn't automatically switch on when i have the receiver on a low volume. For example, when I want background music while I have company over or when I watch tv at night.

On the back of the sub, I have the subwoofer level at half and the subwoofer cut off frequency at "normal". On the receiver, the output level is set at +4.0 db. The distance that the sub is from the receiver is approximately 10 feet. The bass crossover on the receiver is set at 200 hz.

Any help would be appreciated. Thanks!

 

[FirstReflection]

Yeah, this is a very common issue with the "Auto"-sensing on most subwoofers. At low volume, it just doesn't recognize the signal coming from the receiver. The simplest solution is just to leave the subwoofer in the "On" setting. With nothing playing, it doesn't draw very much power at all - maybe 3-5 Watts. Although that's still higher than what it draws on "standby".

The other solution is just to turn up the volume loud enough for the subwoofer to recognize the signal and turn on and then back the volume down to where you want it. Some subwoofers will turn off after a while if you do this though.

You could try turning up the subwoofer trim level (that +4dB setting) to its maximum on the receiver and then turning the volume knob on the subwoofer itself down to compensate. That might give the signal from the receiver enough strength to activate the "auto on" sensor even at lower playback volumes. I can't promise anything, but it's worth a try

Honestly, I messed with the same problem for a little while, but then I just went the easy route and leave my subwoofers in the "on" position at all time

 

[Skyglider218]

I'll try adjusting the settings as you suggested and see what happens. If that doesn't work, then I'll probably just have to leave it on the "on" position. I guess if its not recognizing a high enough signal, it won't kick in. Hopefully adjusting the settings will work. Thanks

 

[Adam]

You could try turning up the subwoofer trim level (that +4dB setting) to its maximum on the receiver and then turning the volume knob on the subwoofer itself down to compensate. That might give the signal from the receiver enough strength to activate the "auto on" sensor even at lower playback volumes.

That's exactly what I did with my B&W sub, and it worked great. That was going to be my suggestion, by FR's got you covered (as always!), so I just wanted to say that it can work. With your YPAO system, you'd just need to turn down the volume on the sub itself and run YPAO again to get everything properly level matched.

 

[Pyrrho]

There is a way to have a subwoofer turned on and still not draw any power when your receiver is off:

http://www.amazon.com/Smart-Energy-Saving-Autoswitching-Technology/dp/B000P1QJXQ/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1314112276&sr=8-2

You plug the receiver into the "control" outlet and your subwoofer into one of the switched outlets. I use such a thing with my amplifier for my subwoofers, and for my computer peripherals, and for a power amp for my living room stereo (preamp switches on, and the power amp comes on automatically).

Depending on the power draw of the control device, you may need to adjust the sensitivity control on the outlet strip. I have used several of these over the years, and am very happy that I found out about them.

 

[FirstReflection]

mmm...good call, Pyrrho!

Yes, I forgot all about using a controlled power protection unit. Very good idea!

APC makes some good power units with "Master/Slave" power outlets as well. Love me some APC when it comes to power protection

 

[Skyglider218]

You could try turning up the subwoofer trim level (that +4dB setting) to its maximum on the receiver and then turning the volume knob on the subwoofer itself down to compensate. That might give the signal from the receiver enough strength to activate the "auto on" sensor even at lower playback volumes. I can't promise anything, but it's worth a try

Do you think this would "overwork" the receiver if I turn it up to the maximum (or close to)?
Also when I run the YPAO test again, should both the sub level and the cut off frequency be turned all the way down or just the sub level? Thanks guys

 

[Pyrrho]

Do you think this would "overwork" the receiver if I turn it up to the maximum (or close to)?
Also when I run the YPAO test again, should both the sub level and the cut off frequency be turned all the way down or just the sub level? Thanks guys

With the cut off frequency, since you are (presumably) using the crossover in the receiver, you should either be bypassing it (if possible) or have the crossover frequency on the subwoofer all the way up. The level (or volume) on the subwoofer is what should be turned down to match how far up the output of the receiver is turned up.

Since we are discussing a preamp output, it will have no effect on the power amp section of the amplifier. However, there can be issues with a signal clipping if they improperly designed the preamp section of the receiver. The way to find out if it is a problem is to try it and see if you hear a problem.