Floor Model Subwoofer (1 Viewer)

[Daniel G]

Hey everyone,

I bought a floor model sub. It sounds great to me (but that's not much consolation!). I am much better at determining quality with full range speakers, but Subs are new to me. How can I tell if the sub's sound quality is in good shape? Obviously, asthetically it is in perfect shape.


Thanks,



Dan.

 

[Tom Vodhanel]

Which model?

Tom V.
SVS

 

[DavidES]

Make sure all SPL levels are balanced including sub. You don't mention what main speakers you have, but set all your speakers to small and set a/v crossover to 80 Hz, max out or disable the sub's crossover then listen to some familiar music that has some good walking bass lines. I find movies too distracting and mixed incorrectly to properly check out accuracy.

The sub and room combo shouldn't sound peaky, boomy, one-notey, muddy, boxy, over-powering, or buzzing at the sweet spot.

It should be detailed, even sounding and balanced, with tight, clean transients and you shouldn't hear the sub working until you turn it off then you should notice the missing frequencies and presence.

The sub should add presence to the acoustic image but not be attracting attention to itself in any way. The same goes for all speakers. It should all be seamless.
You should be able to close your eyes, relax (moderately use whatever you need to relax) and just slip into the music.

As you begin to clear up all the coloration, you begin to hear the way the bass players pluck the strings, the way the drums are struck, the way everything just blends in together, etc... If you are familiar with the way acoustic double-basses, cellos, kettle drums, pipe organs, etc... sound live you're halfway there.

Trust your ears but give them time to get used to any changes you do. Take small steps, grasshopper, small steps. When you get the music like you want it, the movies fall right in line too in most cases.

The room has a lot to do with the way bass sounds. A bad speaker and listening position setup will make a top of the line sub sound really bad.

Hope this helps you out.