SVS 20-39 pc plus sub - set up help

[DRob1]

I just bought a used svs 20-39 pc plus sub, I have the gain at 9am, phase at almost zero, I used a interconnect cable from right (input low level) to Denon AVR 3805 sub preout.

i have one port plugged, and have SS filter set to 16 Hz on amp.

I also have crossover on Amp set to 60 HZ, and + 4.5 db on sub speaker setting.

I have to turn up the volume very high to get the bass to sound good or kick in, Help, shouldn't i be able to hear bass even at normal sound levels??

Any suggestions for a beginner much appreciated

 

[Adam]

Welcome to the forum!

Two questions for you:
1. Do you have your speakers set to "Small" so that bass from them will be sent to the sub?
2. Have you level-matched the sub with the speakers?

Just let us know, and we'll go from there.

 

[DRob1]

I had fronts to large, changed to small, I manually adjusted EQ for room.

I have SPL meter, along with some other suggestions. sounds much better already. don't have to turn it up so loud to get good bass. any other tips/suggestions to improve?

I have sub set to 10+ db on input of AVR receiver, is that normal?
Also what does 60 HZ do compared to larger (80 HZ) from AVR Receiver? does it produce more power, bass, ? very raw/ new to this learning on the fly and don't want to tear up anything.

 

[Adam]

Cool, I'm glad that it's sounding better.

I'd suggest checking out some of the articles on the Audioholics main site under Tips & Tricks for Get Good Bass. They have articles on setting up and calibrating subwoofers.

Having the AVR set to +10dB isn't bad or anything, and it can help keep the sub on if you have it set to turn on automatically (because the audio signal is higher and can help keep the sub's auto-on sensor triggered).

As for the difference between setting the crossover at 60 Hz or 80 Hz, that would depend on your overall system. The sub will certainly put out more if you set it to 80 Hz because it will be playing frequencies between 60 and 80 Hz that it wasn't playing before. Conversely, your speakers won't be playing those frequencies.

 

[GlocksRock]

I don't think you should have to have your sub output set so high, I would back it off some and up the gain on your sub amp. Also give the 80 hz. crossover setting a try, and make sure you turn the crossover on the sub amp all the way up since you are using the crossover inside the receiver. Also try to move the sub to different locations to see where it sounds the best.