Subwoofer output and room size

[collegeaudio]

Quick question for clarification. I picked up a Polk 505 last week. Definitely not the optimal choice, but the $140 price tag I snagged it at made it make the most sense, especially after overspending on my towers. Anyway, it's currently in my living room, temporarily hooked up to the receiver in our family room to be tested while I wait on the other receiver. So, this room is strange. It's not huge but big, roughly 16' by 20'. However, it's connect via large open spaces to the dining room, kitchen, and hallway to the bedrooms. Overall size is our entire first floor minus bedrooms if you close the doors.

My problem is the subwoofer output seems low. It's about the same level as the towers (infinity 363's), but only when the volume is near maximum, certainly greater than 75%. This isn't really a big problem, as it's at the normal listening level here, but it seems very low and lackluster. Is this a result of the very large room size? Will it be different in a smaller space, like the 16'x16 room it was intended for? I would move everything, but re-wiring this receiver is not something I am looking forward to.

Thanks!

 

[j_garcia]

Yes, the room size is a huge factor in the output of the sub. The bigger the room, the more sub you need. There are a LOT of factors though, number one being placement within the room where you are listening and where you sit in the room. Have you done any kind of calibration to set the level properly from your seating position? I am not a fan of Polk subs, but I understand the whole price is right thing too, and in a room that size it should be adequate, but I wouldn't expect it to amaze anyone.

Where in the room do you have it? Most people place their sub where they think it looks good, and that usually isn't the best spot for good sound. If it isn't near one of the front corners, try it there. If that doesn't help, you could try moving it closer to the listening position. There is also the "crawl" method for locating it. You put the sub in your seating position and "crawl" around the room to spots where it might go to determine where the bass is strongest - that's where it should go.