Is my sub working? (1 Viewer)

[PaulDF]

I recently upgraded my A/V receiver, but am getting low sub output through the rca hookup. I have had the sub for two years, but have always used high level input since my previous receiver had no sub output connector. I have exchanged the receiver 3 times with no luck (the first DSX850S had NO sub output at all!). I have tried every setting possible, and with all my subwoofer levels turned as high as they go, I can barely tell the sub is even working. It does work somewhat, but especially with the levels all turned up, it should be close to blowing!! I have had it hooked up to other receivers, and it pounds like it should... My receiver is a Pioneer DSX810S, and the sub is a Pioneer 150 watts and 10". Anyone seen this particular problem before?? Should I get the same response from the low level input as I would the high level?? Will it hurt my receiver to turn the sub setting up high? Also the sub is on a cement floor now, so maybe it won't be pounding so obviously? Maybe it's just me? Any help here would be appreciated....

 

[Doug_B]

I have had it hooked up to other receivers, and it pounds like it should...

If this was done using the sub out of other receivers and did the test under the same conditions as with the receiver that is a problem (i.e., changing only one variable), then it sounds like your receiver may not be pushing as much juice out of its sub out connection as the other receivers. How much of a difference may determine whether it's just part of the receiver's design or something wrong with the receiver. I don't see what the cement has to do with it if the sub sounded fine with speaker level connections or with another receiver in the same environment.

If possible, borrow a sub from someone and try that in your room with the problem receiver's sub out.

Doug

 

[Martin G]

Are your speakers set to small? I found my old pioneer (VSX-D409) didn't give me very good bass until I used the subwoofer plus setting or had the speakers all set to small.

 

[PaulDF]

I have tried the speakers on small. I have been told that it should make no difference with this receiver whether they are set to small or large. Anyone else have a similar pioneer? I have a friend with a 710, and he says it works well.

 

[Ned]

For movies you should always set all speakers to small and let the sub do all the bass work. Sub placement is the next item to check. Is it in a corner, away from doorways and windows? Set the receiver to 0db for the sub (the range is probably -10 to +10) then adjust the input level on the subwoofer itself to desired amount or calibrate if possible. If you had it in a wood floor room before, the apparent amount of bass will be much less now in the concrete floored room.

 

[Jeffrey Forner]

I have been told that it should make no difference with this receiver whether they are set to small or large.

You have been told incorrect information. If it makes no difference, why have the setting at all? Unless you have large, full range speakers with 10" or 12" woofers, you should be setting the speakers to small, end of story. Send that bass to the sub. That's what it's there for.

 

[Geoff L]

Could be a LFE trim problem. RE-read your manual and see if you have something like this. Could be called something else. Possibly in the set-up area and called ~{setting bass level}~

This is NOT the sub volume level up or down on the reciever. I know the Pioneer 709's and Elite 33 have this and if not set-up right bass performence suffers big time.

Hopefully someone with the 810 will chime in and be a little clearer with wheather the 810 has this in the set-up area of the receiver. I don't have the 810 but a friend did have the 709's and had the same problem. This turned out to be his problem.

Geoff

 

[PaulDF]

Thanks guys.

I have an LFE setting, is currently at 0, and have the option of 10db or off. I also have sub on/off/plus. It is set to plus. And Ned, if I set my sub out to 0db, The sub itself will have to be turned right up, and will not even be audible.

What difference will Low Cut Filter make?

If my last three receivers have all acted the same, it must just be the nature of the beast. Perhaps I expected too much. I understand this is not top of the line equipment... I am very happy with the rest of it, but am losing faith that I'll be satisfied with my sub.

Somebody with an 810 or 850 PLEASE let me know how yours works!!