The Official Acoustic Audio Subwoofer Owners Thread

[Big Daddy]

Originally Posted by MikeDaWiz

Hey what should i set the Crossover on the receiver to? I have it at 80.

80 Hz is a good start. You want to make sure the crossover is higher than the minimum low frequency extension of your other speakers. Read A Guide to Bass Management.

[MikeDaWiz]

Originally Posted by Big Daddy

80 Hz is a good start. You want to make sure the crossover is higher than the minimum low frequency extension of your other speakers. Read A Guide to Bass Management.

CROSSOVER FREQUENCY Satellite: 2800Hz
Center: 2700Hz

FREQUENCY RESPONSE Satellite: 120Hz-23kHz
Center: 125Hz-23kHz

Thats what the Klipsch website says. What should it be?

[Driver_King]

I would suggest turning the crossover of all of your speakers and subwoofer to 120hz to ensure you get complete frequency coverage.

[Smarty-pants]

Ok, so I came across one of these subs on Ebay, which I often do come across off_brand junk all the time.
Just to prove it was not a quality product, and that I should move on, I did a quick Google against the model.

After a bit of quick reading, I actually saw some positive things being said. Then after more searching, it lead me to this thread.

Now this thread if freakin huge, and Big Daddy, you seem to be the ring leader here and think very highly of the subs for the price/performance that they offer.
After about an hour of reading though, I still don't know what to think as there are a lot of mixed reviews.

What is the general overall consensus as to what these subs offer?

I will give my personal scenario...

I have a dedicated theater/ media room of approximately 2000+ cu ft.
I currently use 1 SVS PB-10 ISD, and 1 SVS 20-39 PCi subwoofers.
While the bass sounds good, I would love to find a cheap way to enhance the 16-20HZ range for movies.
I would consider buying two of the better 15" AA subs if they can really perform with cheap/small modifications.
CAN these subs actually perform in the subsonic regions that I need them to?

I greatly appreciate any wisdom and feedback given. Thanks.

[Big Daddy]

Originally Posted by Smarty-pants

Ok, so I came across one of these subs on Ebay, which I often do come across off_brand junk all the time.
Just to prove it was not a quality product, and that I should move on, I did a quick Google against the model.

After a bit of quick reading, I actually saw some positive things being said. Then after more searching, it lead me to this thread.

Now this thread if freakin huge, and Big Daddy, you seem to be the ring leader here and think very highly of the subs for the price/performance that they offer.
After about an hour of reading though, I still don't know what to think as there are a lot of mixed reviews.

What is the general overall consensus as to what these subs offer?

I will give my personal scenario...

I have a dedicated theater/ media room of approximately 2000+ cu ft.
I currently use 1 SVS PB-10 ISD, and 1 SVS 20-39 PCi subwoofers.
While the bass sounds good, I would love to find a cheap way to enhance the 16-20HZ range for movies.
I would consider buying two of the better 15" AA subs if they can really perform with cheap/small modifications.
CAN these subs actually perform in the subsonic regions that I need them to?

I greatly appreciate any wisdom and feedback given. Thanks.

I never thought of myself as the ring leader. Now, I feel like I belong to an organized crime group.

I cannot comment on the HD-SUB15 as I have no personal experience with it. Most of my experience is with HD-SUB12 and I have a very brief experinece with PSW-8. My HD-SUB12 has performed well and I have had no issues with it. I measured its frequency response several times and it hit the 20Hz without any problems. I did not test it in the subsonic range. Please refer to Post #3 in this thread for the graph and other comments.

It is true that a few people have had unsatisfactory experience with their subwoofers, particularly the amplifier, but the vast majority of owners have had positive experience with their subwoofers. Also, if you check other subwoofer threads, you will notice that others have had similar problems with their more expensive subwoofers. Usually, if there is a problem with a subwoofer, it is the amplifier.

You can check the list of owners in Post #1 and send them a private message and ask them about their experience with the larger HD-SUB15 subwoofers.

[picture_shooter]

Originally Posted by Big Daddy

I never thought of myself as the ring leader. Now, I feel like I belong to an organized crime group.

I cannot comment on the HD-SUB15 as I have no personal experience with it. Most of my experience is with HD-SUB12 and I have a very brief experinece with PSW-8. My HD-SUB12 has performed well and I have had no issues with it. I measured its frequency response several times and it hit the 20Hz without any problems. I did not test it in the subsonic range. Please refer to Post #3 in this thread for the graph and other comments.

It is true that a few people have had unsatisfactory experience with their subwoofers, particularly the amplifier, but the vast majority of owners have had positive experience with their subwoofers. Also, if you check other subwoofer threads, you will notice that others have had similar problems with their more expensive subwoofers. Usually, if there is a problem with a subwoofer, it it the amplifier.

You can check the list of owners in Post #1 and send them a private message and ask them about their experience with the larger HD-SUB15 subwoofers.

I cannot see any reason why anyone should complain at the selling price of this sub. Even though it is very cheap, you get what you pay for and I am sure in it's price range, there is really not much to compare it to. If I had a choice between this sub and a Dayton, I'd probably go with dayton b/c it is brand name and cost little cheaper. I would love to see a side by side test between this sub and the Dayton 12" that parts express sells.

[Smarty-pants]

Thanks Big Daddy (kisses Big Daddy's ring and bowing repeatedly while walking backwards out of room)

Thank you too Picture Shooter.

[crazyBLUE]

Originally Posted by Big Daddy

I never thought of myself as the ring leader. Now, I feel like I belong to an organized crime group.

[jonesyg27]

If you don't read Big Godfather's 'guide to bass management' thread before you set up your new sub, you might wake up to a severed driver in your bed.

[gushin]

That's right, fool. Bow down to the Big Daddy!

You damn right Big Daddy is the Godfather of subs.

OK, still loving my HD-SUB12.

[neos_peace]

OK bigdaddy, I wil be finaly getting my RW sub 12 back form DD on monday. Can't wait. I will be getting some polyfill for it from walmart, and I will moving the sub form next to the tv at the left to the rear of the room to the left, that way I can lower the volume on the sub but still get a good bass sound form it becasue it will be closer to the main seating area. so to recap real quick

1. getting polyfill fo the sub
2. moving it closer to the main seating area
3. becasue of 2, I wil be able to lower the level on it becasue it wil be closer.

NOW is there anything else I can do so that I will NOT blow it this time. I plan on setting to where it was then form that point lower the gain, lower the output on my reciever and yea. Is there anything else I should do to insure that my sub doesn't blow this time. I do plan on getting another sub hopfully a 15" to add to the bass becasue apparntly the amount of bass I wanted, my 12 wasn't capable of doing it at the level I wanted which makes me more usured I wantt a nother as well. Any help from bigdaddy the "Godfather" is more then wlecome.

[Big Daddy]

Originally Posted by neos_peace

OK bigdaddy, I wil be finaly getting my RW sub 12 back form DD on monday. Can't wait. I will be getting some polyfill for it from walmart, and I will moving the sub form next to the tv at the left to the rear of the room to the left, that way I can lower the volume on the sub but still get a good bass sound form it becasue it will be closer to the main seating area. so to recap real quick

1. getting polyfill fo the sub
2. moving it closer to the main seating area
3. becasue of 2, I wil be able to lower the level on it becasue it wil be closer.

NOW is there anything else I can do so that I will NOT blow it this time. I plan on setting to where it was then form that point lower the gain, lower the output on my reciever and yea. Is there anything else I should do to insure that my sub doesn't blow this time. I do plan on getting another sub hopfully a 15" to add to the bass becasue apparntly the amount of bass I wanted, my 12 wasn't capable of doing it at the level I wanted which makes me more usured I wantt a nother as well. Any help from bigdaddy the "Godfather" is more then wlecome.

1. It is ok to add polyfill, but don't overdo it. Make sure the polyfill is loose and can move. Also, cover it with the sheet (layered type) polyfill so that the loose polyfill does not get into the driver. You can use a very small amout of spray glue.
2. Experiment with the placement of the sub so that you get the highest level of bass without increasing its level.
3. For two subwoofers, calibrate them individually. Just because the levels of both of them are set at 50%, it does not mean that you will hear exactly the same level of bass at your main listening position. Turn one off and adjust the level on the other one's back (not in the receiver' menu) so that each one gives you approximately the same level. After you make sure that one subwoofer does not overpower the other one, do not touch their levels anymore. Now, run the receiver's calibration program and let it adjust the combined level of both subwoofers by adjusting the gain in the receiver. Alternatively, it may not be a bad idea to buy a digital SPL meter from Radio Shack and adjust the level of each sub manually.

For additional information, read A Guide to Bass Management.

[Blu Titan]

Well, I was watching Land of the Lost an hour or so again, and my AA sub was doing the job. That first scene has some serious LFE.

[neos_peace]

Bigdaddy how do I know if and when I have to much polyfill in my sub. Will it cuase it to sound off, meaning to sound weird. I just added some to my sub that i just got back and it sounds a bit oof to me.

[Smarty-pants]

Originally Posted by neos_peace

Bigdaddy how do I know if and when I have to much polyfill in my sub. Will it cuase it to sound off, meaning to sound weird. I just added some to my sub that i just got back and it sounds a bit oof to me.

If you didn't realize, you will need to rerun your Audyssey calibration.
Then followup with changing the crossover settings where you want/need them, and then tweak speakers and sub with an SPL meter and audio calibration disc.

"Off" is also about as vague as you can get. Of course adding too much poly will kill the sub. It will sound muffled and the amp may over heat too.
If adding poly is necessary, it should be fairly loose feeling inside the cabinet. If you are "packing it in there", then it's probably too much. Better to have too little, than too much. A little bit can go a long way.

Check out the links to guides for subwoofer setup and calibration that Big Daddy has made available. They are very good.

[neos_peace]

Well I realiazed they didn't even send me the right sub they sent me a PSW sub 12 totlay different sound then my RW Sub 12 so thye are gonna call me tomorrow to get it straightened out. I don't have the money to get a meter thin so that is out of the question. I will have to wait proly another 1 or so for my sub now. I'm having sub withdrawl now.

[slickooz]

after about a month of my aahd-10, i been wondering around into the element design forums and now i really want an a2-300. i just got my hd-10 and i want more. the upgraditis is getting to me, it contagious so be careful

[MikeDaWiz]

Originally Posted by slickooz

after about a month of my aahd-10, i been wondering around into the element design forums and now i really want an a2-300. i just got my hd-10 and i want more. the upgraditis is getting to me, it contagious and be careful

I hear you slick. Eventhough i am happy with my HD12, i too want more now. Especially with TF2! But I wont dip into that until i have my own place. I am concentrating on upgrading my speakers first. Gotta get back to work!

[slickooz]

im thinking of selling my aa hd-10 sub. if anyone is interest you can pm. i had it for less then a month and want to upgrade to ed a2-300. its a great sub but after reading few pages of element design i want more. also want to sell my polk rm6750.
want to sell my hd-10 for 140 and my polks rm6750 for 150.
this will be a very nice setup for someone who starting their home theater.

[arrt vandelay]

ok, after much research and budget considerations, i've decided to add an hd-sub12 to my set-up. i was wavering b/t the 10" and 12", but just figured i should go ahead and spring for the 12" and be done with it. i just need to wait for them to get the black color back in stock.

anyway, my question comes in regards to placement. i currently have an a2-300 in the only corner available, and it does a great job. i just feel i could use a little more bass.who doesn't feel this way? also the 2nd sub output on my yammy is begging to be used. if you take a look at my gallery, i'm thinking the best placement for the new aa will be directly behind the sofa, under the table. since this is a rear ported sub, do you guys think it would be better firing into the couch, or firing sideways?

thanks for all the useful observations on this sub, makes the decision that much easier...