Setup of Onkyo receiver TX- NR5009 with Mirage PS-12-90 Subwoofer

[satwar]

I'm in the process of installing an audio/video listening room. I've been reading and learning a lot from this forum, but I stumble over the language. I've installed a Onkyo Receiver TX-NR5009, which I successfully updated the firmware, that was a lot more difficult than I expected. I have installed the receiver on the top open shelf (all shelving is open concept) and I added external fans sitting on the top of the receiver to extract heat out through the top.

My source of confusion is how I integrate the Mirage PS-12-90 subwoofer into the system. Initially my understanding, from various sources, was to plug an RCA cable into the Pre-Out SW1, on the Receiver, and then connect the other end of RCA plug into Subwoofer Low level input. A "Y" connection between the Left and Right Low Level powered subwoofer is acceptable.

The powered SW comes with instructions on how to connect it's High level inputs to Left/Right Front-Main speakers using speaker wire. Alternately the powered SW can connect with Low level inputs and outputs and RCA connectors, and it warns about producing full range signals.

Some help is needed. I worry that I not following the manufacturing instructions.

 

[lovinthehd]

So far sounds fine. Might depend on whether you can use a sub's high pass filter for your speakers (if it really offers such). I'd just run Audyssey on your avr to set things up in general.

 

[satwar]

So far sounds fine. Might depend on whether you can use a sub's high pass filter for your speakers (if it really offers such). I'd just run Audyssey on your avr to set things up in general.

Are you saying I run Audyssey without physically connecting SW ?

 

[everettT]

Are you saying I run Audyssey without physically connecting SW ?

No connect the sub first and you can just use the left or right input if you don't have a y splitter (which may or may not increase the input sensitivity by 3db). Make sure your turn the low pass all the way up and then run audyssey.

 

[lovinthehd]

Are you saying I run Audyssey without physically connecting SW ?

No, I just didn't explain enough as I should have. You need to have all speakers/subs connected when you set up your avr. The sub is just giving an alternative way of connecting (high level inputs are for those with older 2ch gear without a sub pre-out primarily). I'd not bother with the high level inputs in any case, just use an rca cable to connect a sub pre-out to your sub like everettT says. Try this article for setup of your avr/sub https://www.audioholics.com/subwoofer-setup/basic-subwoofer-setup

 

[satwar]

Are you saying I run Audyssey without physically connecting SW ?

Are you saying I run Audyssey without physically connecting S

So far sounds fine. Might depend on whether you can use a sub's high pass filter for your speakers (if it really offers such). I'd just run Audyssey on your avr to set things up in general.

Are you saying I run Audyssey without physically connecting SW ?

W ?

No connect the sub first and you can just use the left or right input if you don't have a y splitter (which may or may not increase the input sensitivity by 3db). Make sure your turn the low pass all the way up and then run audyssey.

Yes i've read that article but I still found it hard to understand in places. I have attached a better picture of my subwoofer.

The woofer article seemed to recommend using a RCA cable to connect the Onkyo Receiver SW PRE-OUT to the Mirage SW Line Input. The article spent a lot of time talking about COAX connection, but that doesn't seem to be necessary.

I note that you are turning Low Pass all the way up, which I have read elsewhere also. I don't understand what the "Level" (0-10) is for, but it appears to be set at a setting of "5"

 

[Eppie]

Yes i've read that article but I still found it hard to understand in places. I have attached a better picture of my subwoofer.

The woofer article seemed to recommend using a RCA cable to connect the Onkyo Receiver SW PRE-OUT to the Mirage SW Line Input. The article spent a lot of time talking about COAX connection, but that doesn't seem to be necessary.

I note that you are turning Low Pass all the way up, which I have read elsewhere also. I don't understand what the "Level" (0-10) is for

Just use the RCA cable for the sub. If the Onkyo AVR has a single sub pre-out you do not need a splitter on the subwoofer. Connecting just to the left or right is fine as the sub is mono any way.

The level is like a volume control for your subwoofer that allows you to match the volume to your main speakers. If you are using Audyssey, set it in the middle (5) and let Audyssey set the sub level. You can fine tune to taste afterwards.

The reason the low pass control is set all the way up to 150 is to allow the AVR to set the crossover frequency. Without Audyssey you would use that control to set how high up the subwoofer functions. It is typical to set the subwoofer crossover frequency at 80Hz in your setup menu, and then you run Audyssey. If you change the crossover frequency in the menu then you should run Audyssey again.

 

[lovinthehd]

Yes i've read that article but I still found it hard to understand in places. I have attached a better picture of my subwoofer.

The woofer article seemed to recommend using a RCA cable to connect the Onkyo Receiver SW PRE-OUT to the Mirage SW Line Input. The article spent a lot of time talking about COAX connection, but that doesn't seem to be necessary.

I note that you are turning Low Pass all the way up, which I have read elsewhere also. I don't understand what the "Level" (0-10) is for

Yes, from your 3009's sub pre-out to either the left or right rca input. A shielded sub cable is often recommended. Yes, you want to get the sub's own low pass filter out of the way by turning it to max (to not compete with the low pass the avr will implement). Level is to help match the output of the avr's sub pre-out to the sub's amp. Your manual (avr) likely recommends you start at the midway point, which is simply a medium point as they don't know the input sensitivity of your particular sub amp. Run Audyssey and if it sets your subwoofer trim level in the negative range, but not the maximum value you're good; (-12 in most avrs, maybe -15 in some) as that would indicate you've got the level on the sub amp too high; turn it down some and run it again in that case. I'd want it in the negative part of the range, I prefer just short of max....

 

[satwar]

Thank you so much guys.

As luck would have it I recently purchased a Subwoofer cable, but wasn't sure what was so special about it besides the price. After reading the sub woofer article I realized that it was exactly what was called for, RCA ends and a shielded COAX wire. I have a 20 foot cable run so I need all the protection I can get.

 

[everettT]

Thank you so much guys.

As luck would have it I recently purchased a Subwoofer cable, but wasn't sure what was so special about it besides the price. After reading the sub woofer article I realized that it was exactly what was called for, RCA ends and a shielded COAX wire. I have a 20 foot cable run so I need all the protection I can get.

Glad you're up and running. Long runs with low level signals (100') generally aren't much of an issue, especially in the home environment, so if you need to add additional subs, you can be pretty confident that you won't have any issues.

 

[lovinthehd]

Thank you so much guys.

As luck would have it I recently purchased a Subwoofer cable, but wasn't sure what was so special about it besides the price. After reading the sub woofer article I realized that it was exactly what was called for, RCA ends and a shielded COAX wire. I have a 20 foot cable run so I need all the protection I can get.

Hopefully that's a reasonably priced cable, not one of the silly cables that permeate audiophilia?

 

[satwar]

Hopefully that's a reasonably priced cable, not one of the silly cables that permeate audiophilia?

I hope it wasn't too silly also. Mediabridge Ultra Series Subwoofer Cable (25 Foot) - Dual Shielded with Gold Plated RCA to RCA Connectors for $50 CA

 

[everettT]

I hope it wasn't too silly also. Mediabridge Ultra Series Subwoofer Cable (25 Foot) - Dual Shielded with Gold Plated RCA to RCA Connectors for $50 CA

Not unreasonable for 50' terminated. Follow up on your room correction settings to make sure it didn't set your speakers to large or the sub won't see anything. If your mains are capable your can set it to lfe + main, but most will have small, regardless of physical size.

 

[lovinthehd]

I hope it wasn't too silly also. Mediabridge Ultra Series Subwoofer Cable (25 Foot) - Dual Shielded with Gold Plated RCA to RCA Connectors for $50 CA

That works, have a few Mediabridge cables myself. Bit cheaper here at $22 for that one (delivered to door via Amazon).