Some sub questions... (1 Viewer)

[Nathan Gillmore]

I've been itching to upgrade my somewhat old Energy Take 5 system lately, and I was thinking that maybe adding a new sub first would be a nice first step (I currently have an Energy ES-8 sub). Here are some questions I have related to this, I hope some of you can help answer:

1) Would adding a nice SVS 25-31 PCi sub overpower my Energy Take 5's, or would it make a nice addition, providing for more fuller sound?

2) Would I be better off upgrading the Take 5's first, instead of adding a sub first?

3) Kinda off the main topic, but it's something I've been confused about: When calibrating your sub (in my case, using VE and a RS SPL meter), what do you set the "volume" dial on the sub itself to? I've never seen the answer to this, and I'm unsure of what to do. What I ended up doing is setting it rather low (say, 4 outta 10) and calibrating from there...


Any hints would be appreciated. Thanks!

 

[Dan Hine]

When calibrating your sub (in my case, using VE and a RS SPL meter), what do you set the "volume" dial on the sub itself to? I've never seen the answer to this

That is because there is no one answer. Everyone's system is going to be different so you just have to do what works for you. Typically, I try to have a balance between the gain on the sub amp and the preamp output. But don't think that it isn't set up right b/c the gain on the sub isn't turned up all the way. Just calibrate using your meter and VE and you'll be fine.

-Dan

 

[ChadLB]

I agree with everything dan said. A sub can make a great improvement once calibrated. If you like the sound of your speakers start with changing the sub. Just a little info..I went from a kenwood 8" sub to a Acoustic Research 12" sub to the 25-31pci and now I have the 25-31PC+ that I just got.
They were all improvements...just my opinion.

 

[Nathan Gillmore]

Good advice guys! I appreciate it. I really didn't know if adding such a good sub to admittingly mediocre speakers would help.

 

[Michael R Price]

It depends how loud you watch movies. If you like it loud (near reference level, for example) I'd suggest upgrading the speakers (mains) first to something larger and better sounding. That's also a good idea if you listen to a lot of music. A subwoofer would have a benefit at any level, but it'd be pointless if you couldn't use all of the output potential because the Take 5's couldn't keep up. If your speakers are not straining, a new sub is probably the better choice for now.

 

[Kip Lackey]

I was kind of in the same boat. I have Boston Acoustics CR7's in the front, Boston VR-10 Center, Boston Micro 80's in the back and a Boston Acoustics PV400 sub. This was bought when I had a much smaller room. Now, I have a large room in the basement and just purchased a SVS 20-39PCi. With my listening level and mix of movies (action), I determined the sub would make the biggest difference. Actually, I did upgrade my center channel from a Boston CR2 to the VR10 (HUGH difference) but the sub was the next biggest impact. I don't listen to much music or I would probably have upgraded the mains before the sub.

By the way, thanks Tom/Erik/Ron at SVS; look forward to receiving the sub!