AV1s + Tempest + 250w Plate (1 Viewer)

[AlexKunec]

Im about to build GR AV1s, and A Tempest Sub (250w plate amp). I heard that the av1s may be lacking a little on the bottom end. My receiver has a fixed bass cutoff fq. of 90hz. , but i think it would be better in the tempest played up to about 150hz.

Should I:

A. Redirect bass to fronts, and hook up plate amp to fronts, then plate amp to front spkrs.

B. All on (A.) but also hook it up to the LFE channel.

C. Hook it only up to the LFE channel?

 

[Jeffrey Noel]

Alex, you do not want the Tempest to play up to 150hz. I would suggest to not let the crossover go above 100hz, but it would be best if the Tempest is crossed over at 80hz. Just my understanding from what I've read hear!

 

[Martice]

Alex, I have the AV1+ speakers and these have the (2) 5" drivers as opposed to the single driver AV1. I currently cross them over at 80hz. I also run them with my 214L Tempest sub. I would like to know why aren't you building the AV1+'s if you're wondering about bottom end?

 

[Brian Bunge]

Alex,

I have AV1's with a fixed 100Hz crossover and dual 12" subs. I think they do quite well considering I have a huge room. I will admit that I've already got an AV1+ kit that I'm going to move up to when I have the time to build them.

Brian

 

[Ryan T]

One thing to keep in mind is that the A/V 1+'s are 4 ohm speakers. So his amp might not be able to drive them. I would have done the A/V 1+'s but my H/K can't take a four ohm load so I built the A/V 1's instead.

Ryan

 

[Kevin_V]

Alex-

I've been asking myself the same questions as you. I got the AVA250 last week & the Shiva came yesterday. From the white papers & recommendations I am planning on going with the EBS alignment, but I was also concerned with a sound gap around the crossover.

I have PSB Image 1B's. They probabily have a similar range as your AV1's. Considering both our sub designs & speakers, any chance we can't adjust for a seamless soundstage (as well as going low).

I'm thinking this is just as much a base management issue as it is a sub design question.

-Kevin

 

[Danny Richie]

For over all best sound quality and integration without a doubt would be to keep the electronic crossover out of the signal path to your A/V-1's.

Let them play full range to their -3db down point of 55Hz. After all they do have a natural roll off rate greater than 22db per octave below 55Hz.

Then let your sub cover the bottom end and adjusting its crossover setting in the 45Hz to 50Hz range.

For one, crossing a sub-woofer over at frequencies in the 100Hz range, or higher, the sub woofer can be very directional. Meaning you will clearly hear the sound of the sub-woofer emanating from the sub-woofer box itself.

Setting the sub-woofer setting at lower frequencies will elevate this problem.

Secondly, allowing the sub-woofer to play higher frequencies will make it very placement sensitive.

Higher frequencies mean shorter wavelengths. Where it is placed in relation to the main speakers will determine weather they will integrate without causing peaks and dips in the response.

Keep in mind the phasing problems this presents. This means time arrival problems. You will wind up causing a dip or peak in the range just above or just below the crossing point.

I recommend any instance where a sub has to play above 80Hz that a pair is needed, and one should be used in close proximity to each speaker.

Also, the ability of a 15 inch woofer (even for one as good as a Tempest) is no comparison to a good 5.25" inch woofer like the GR-130 in reproducing fast, accurate detail and resolution in the 60Hz and up range. The larger woofer will have way to much stored energy and inertia from playing the lower frequency ranges to do any justice to covering higher frequencies.