Large Fronts? Small Front? Amp Settings?

Vin_G · 02-20-2008, 03:33 PM

Ok guys I have purchased some gear, but not all of it. I am concerned about how amplifers work before I buy my fronts and rears.

I purchase two MFW 15's (subwoofers) and I bought the huge Paradigm cc-390 center channel speaker (see link below)
(Paradigm : Models CC-390

Now I have yet to purchase my fronts and rears. My problem is that I hear a lot of debate between large fronts vs small fronts.

For small fronts, you would set your fronts to "small" in your amp and let the subwoofer take most of the bass. For large fronts, you set them to "large" I guess?

So my question is, how do I set up my amp now? With this big center channel do I set it to "large" in my amp, or "small"? Do I buy large bookshelves (i.e. Titan Monitors) or get floor standers and let them take some bass?

My concern is that if the fronts or rears take too much bass will they sound like crap as the subs have so much more power?

Ed Moxley · 02-20-2008, 04:20 PM

Since you have two big 15" subs, I'd set all speakers to "small", no matter what size they are. Then, the bass goes to the subs, and the speakers handle the mids and highs. Absolutely no need to set any speaker to large, when you have two big subs.

As far as what speakers to buy, just get some you like the sound of. Ideally, they should timbre match your center channel speaker. So Paradigm speakers would be the ideal match, especially the fronts, but even better if for fronts and rears.

Ask dealer which speakers match your center. Since the center is big, it probably will take a bigger speaker to match, instead of small bookshelf speakers.
Good luck!

LanceJ · 02-20-2008, 10:29 PM

Keeping in mind Vince's situation, maybe Ed or another bass expert can help answer this:

Standard HT speaker set up rules say 80Hz is the point where for all practical purposes bass is non-directional, but the "all practical purposes" caveat is what gets my attention. So if someone does use large speakers for the front mains - i.e. say with dual 6.5" woofers or a single 10" woofer - since such speakers usually can make it down flat to around 40Hz with no problem........

---> Does one HAVE to use the standard 80Hz crossover point? Could there be an advantage in using a lower xover point?

I see many music-only systems on audiophile sites where the subs are crossed over around 50 to 40Hz, and quite often as low as 30Hz.

BTW: if possible, to keep this simple don't worry about the issue of the receiver being "overstressed" sending the satellites anything under 80Hz.

Ed Moxley · 02-20-2008, 11:35 PM

I'm, by no stretch of the imagination, a bass expert......
If your sub can go that low, and if your receiver has a setting lower than 80Hz, by all means, try it and see if you can notice a difference. I'd say it could be different for each person, depending on their equipment's capabilities, and their ears.

I'd check each setting, with music and movies that you're very familiar with, so it will be easier to tell any differences. Your findings will be interesting to hear.

Philip Hamm · 02-21-2008, 10:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ed Moxley

Since you have two big 15" subs, I'd set all speakers to "small", no matter what size they are. Then, the bass goes to the subs, and the speakers handle the mids and highs. Absolutely no need to set any speaker to large, when you have two big subs.

+1000. As a general rule, never use the "Large" settings for any speakers when using a sub. With larger speakers you can set the crossover frequency lower, THX original recommendation was 80Hz, and I think that is a good crossover frequency for most usage.

**HTF Ads**

Philip Hamm · 02-21-2008, 10:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LanceJ

Keeping in mind Vince's situation, maybe Ed or another bass expert can help answer this:

Standard HT speaker set up rules say 80Hz is the point where for all practical purposes bass is non-directional, but the "all practical purposes" caveat is what gets my attention. So if someone does use large speakers for the front mains - i.e. say with dual 6.5" woofers or a single 10" woofer - since such speakers usually can make it down flat to around 40Hz with no problem........

---> Does one HAVE to use the standard 80Hz crossover point? Could there be an advantage in using a lower xover point?

I see many music-only systems on audiophile sites where the subs are crossed over around 50 to 40Hz, and quite often as low as 30Hz.

BTW: if possible, to keep this simple don't worry about the issue of the receiver being "overstressed" sending the satellites anything under 80Hz.

Kind of hijacking the thread... One would think that it may be a good idea to crossover as low as you can possibly go. However, since low frequency sound waves have very long wavelengths, you may end up with the same kind of bass cancellation which can sometimes occur with multiple subwoofer setups. Not a problem in some rooms and some situations, but a big problem in others.

As always, the recommendation is small all around with THX spec crossovers (80Hz), but the reality is try things out and see what sound good!

Gregg Loewen · 02-21-2008, 11:03 AM

what Phil said

(hi Phil!!)

JohnRice · 02-21-2008, 12:36 PM

Regulars here know I am a big proponent of not setting the crossover too low. There are many advantages to letting the sub handle the lower frequencies, in addition to what has already been said. I've said it before, and I'll say it again. I'll never understand why people spend big $$ on subs and then limit their range to an octave or so.

I have Thiel CS 3.6 fronts, a legendary quality (not to mention, rather large) speaker which is truly flat down to 30 Hz. I cross them over at 80 Hz, and sometimes I am tempted to try raising it a bit.

Just get the best fronts you can afford, that blend with your center. So, paradigm is the place to look. They make good speakers. Get floorstanders if you don't mind the size and can afford them. The better each component is, the better the overall result. Also, particularly with speakers, the less you push them to their limit, the better the result.

Philip Hamm · 02-22-2008, 08:40 AM

Dude, Thiel CS 3.6 are white van speakers. Bose would be better.

....hee hee hee..... I've loved every set of Theils I've ever heard.

John, what frequency would you use as a "ballpark" recommendation, assuming a sub that produces perfect bass (my dual 15" driver IB is about as close to perfect bass as I've ever heard)? THX and "conventional wisdom" say 80Hz. Would you recommend 100? 150?