The Official Acoustic Audio Subwoofer Owners Thread

[canative454]

Originally Posted by stcurell

Cool, I may recommend dual HD SUB12's to a friend. Or, perhaps a single 15.

The "light maple" color looks more like a medium oak, can anyone testify to the true color?

It is a very very light Oak (blond color). I have two of HD SUB12's and they work absolutely great. Of course I bought mine before they had the batch with bad amps.

[GregBe]

Originally Posted by Big Daddy

You can use a single cable. However, if you use a Y adapter (2 male, 1 female) and connect one sub cable to both the right and the left channel inputs, you will get 3dB+ of addittional output.

Hey Big Daddy...I know you probably know 10x the info about subs and bass that I do, but I respectfully think it is a mistake to keep telling people this. I get what you are trying to say, but I think the vast majority of people, especially newbies, will think you mean they can get 3dB of additional performance/headroom (which is huge), by simply adding a $2 Y adapter.

There is no increase in what a subwoofer can do by adding this adapter. If I am wrong here, please explain, but I do think many will get the wrong idea of exactly what you mean by 3dB of additional output.

[Big Daddy]

Originally Posted by GregBe

Hey Big Daddy...I know you probably know 10x the info about subs and bass that I do, but I respectfully think it is a mistake to keep telling people this. I get what you are trying to say, but I think the vast majority of people, especially newbies, will think you mean they can get 3dB of additional performance/headroom (which is huge), by simply adding a $2 Y adapter.

There is no increase in what a subwoofer can do by adding this adapter. If I am wrong here, please explain, but I do think many will get the wrong idea of exactly what you mean by 3dB of additional output.

It is really unfortunate that this issue has become an emotional issue for some people. Let's be clear about this. Nobody claims that a Y adapter with turn a subwoofer into a better subwoofer or will enhance its headroom. However, for some subwoofers (not all) adding a Y adapter is like increasing the gain by 3dB+. This simply means that if you add a Y adapter without changing anything else and measure the output of the subwoofer with an SPL meter, you will notice an increase in the output as measured by an SPL meter. This is something that I have confirmed with my SPL meter.

These are some quotes for your information:

Using a Y adapter on most, but not all, subwoofers will increase the sound level from 3 to 6 db.

Aperion Audio Subwoofer Y Cable
"Why, oh why do you need a subwoofer Y cable? Most AV receivers come with a single sub output while most powered subwoofers come equipped with left & right inputs. By using a subwoofer Y cable for both the left and right subwoofer input, you can increase the bass output of your subwoofer by about 3dB."

HDMI cable for home theater and high-performace audio video cables.
"Attach this cable to an existing subwoofer cable to split the signal into two inputs.

Many subwoofers have increased clarity and bass response when both inputs are fed with a mono signal."

Wye Y Cable
"Typically, powered subwoofers will come equipped with either a single RCA connector, or double RCA connectors. However, both connections typically only require a mono (single) connection. Therefore, if you have both right and left inputs, a single cable connected to the "left" input will probably work just fine. However, you can get anywhere from a 3dB to 10 dB gain from your subwoofer by plugging into both stereo inputs. To plug into both inputs with a single cable, simply purchase our Y adapter Cable along with your subwoofer cable."

This is the science behind it:

There are two formulas used to find the db ratio between sound levels.

The first is used ONLY FOR POWER (watts): 10 . log (P2/P1). This formula is used when comparing Sound Intensity, measured in watts.

The second is used ONLY FOR VOLTAGES (and SPL levels): 20 . log (V2/V1). This formula is for voltage relationships and Sound Pressure Levels.

Using a Y adapter will add two correlated signals. When you sum two equal correlated audio signals (i.e., mono sources from sub output on the receiver/preamp), you will get twice the signal level (A1 + A2 = 2A1, since A1=A2).

Therefore , since V2 = 2 V1 and the log (2) = 0.30103, it follows

20 . log (2V1/V1) = 20 . log (2) = 6dB gain in voltage.

For power, it will be

10. log (2P1/P1) = 10 . log (2) = 3dB increase in power.

These are a few advantages (some real and some claimed) to using a Y adapter:

• If you leave one of the RCA inputs open, dirt may get in there.
• Using a Y adapter may add a few dbs to the subwoofers's output.
• Some claim that the subwoofer works better at lower levels with the Y-cable.
• The auto-off mode of some older subwoofers (e.g, Velodyne CH-12) may not come on at lower levels without the use of a Y-cable.
• Some older subwoofers may actually need a Y cable because the left channel L may not default to mono signal.
• Another benefit of using a Y-cable at the sub input jacks may be for reducing the amount of Radio Frequency (RF) and Electomagnetic (EM) interference, because you are not leaving the other input open and active. Subwoofers can be affected by annoying buzzes and hums.

[GregBe]

Not emotional...just discussing.

I agree, and have also measured that the y-adaptor (I do have one, just don't use it) will increase the sub's output by 3dB. I guess the way I look at it, if I were to advise someone "Hey...if you were to go in your receiver menu and raise the subwoofer trim by +3dB, you will increase the output by 3dB", I would technically be correct, but if it is not doing anything to increase the performance, why would I recommend it to someone.

If you were to use some of your other listed reasons to recommend using the y-adaptor for someone, such as it will keep dirt out of the inputs, or it may help with the auto on/off feature of some older subs...etc, I get that. I just don't get why saying it will increase the subwoofers output by 3dB would be recommended if you agree that "Let's be clear about this. Nobody claims that a Y adapter with turn a subwoofer into a better subwoofer or will enhance its headroom."

Not a big deal either way, I just find this topic interesting and am always trying to learn more. If I am getting this wrong, sorry, and people follow BD's advice and purchase the splitter...why not, it is pretty cheap.

[dvs1270]

Originally Posted by sewerdog

Does the hd-10 come with an auto off/ on switch/

the auto on feature works fine. i used the y-adapter to keep mine from shutting off at low volumes. i'm up late & the wife can hear a spec of dust falling. i have a different amp, but those were my results before i changed.

[madcratebuilder]

Comment on customer service.

My HD-SUB15 arrived two days ago. I found the speaker grill cloth was damaged, looked like a cigarette burn hole, not real visible because it was at the corner. Also two of the grill pegs were broken.

I e-mailed DD and the next morning I received a answer saying I could return the speaker and they would send a new one. I'm disabled and that would be a pita so I asked for a partial refund and I would repair the damage myself. Within a few hours this idea has accepted, I asked them to cover the cost of pegs and cloth. I received a refund to my pay pal account in less than an hour.

My new tc-p65vt25 is finally being delivered today and I may have my system up and running late tonight. I well wake up the wild life.

Up until now I have been running a 10" Infinity sub, I'm really looking forward to listening to Master & Commander tonight.

[Big Daddy]

Originally Posted by madcratebuilder

Comment on customer service.

My HD-SUB15 arrived two days ago. I found the speaker grill cloth was damaged, looked like a cigarette burn hole, not real visible because it was at the corner. Also two of the grill pegs were broken.

I e-mailed DD and the next morning I received a answer saying I could return the speaker and they would send a new one. I'm disabled and that would be a pita so I asked for a partial refund and I would repair the damage myself. Within a few hours this idea has accepted, I asked them to cover the cost of pegs and cloth. I received a refund to my pay pal account in less than an hour.

My new tc-p65vt25 is finally being delivered today and I may have my system up and running late tonight. I well wake up the wild life.

Up until now I have been running a 10" Infinity sub, I'm really looking forward to listening to Master & Commander tonight.

Congratulations.

These are some helpful links to repair the grille.

Speaker Grill Cloth & Grill Pegs:
http://www.parts-express.com/wizards...AT&srchCat=140
http://www.parts-express.com/wizards...TOKEN=76228419
http://www.speakerworks.com/speaker_parts_s/33.htm
http://www.simplyspeakers.com/speaker-grills.html

Speaker Grill Magnets:
http://www.parts-express.com/pe/show...TOKEN=76228419
http://www.madisound.com/store/produ...oducts_id=8297
http://meniscusaudio.com/grille-magnets-p-191.html
http://www.rare-earth-magnets.com/?g...FRB1gwodXAZo0Q

[madcratebuilder]

Thanks BD, I have cloth and pegs coming from parts-express. I shouldn't have scrolled to the bottom of the page and seen the $27 a yard cloth!

[MrDeeds]

I have a a Yamaha YST-SW315 10" and Polk PSW10 10" sub-woofer....What I seem to have problems with is feeling the bass. My home theater is located in the basement and the floor is tile..so its basically just a giant concrete slab...I think I'm having problems feeling things because the floor can't carry vibrations to my seating position...so I am in search of another sub-woofer. Do you think the Acoustic Audio HD-SUB15 would solve my "feeling" problem or do you think it would sound sluggish and sloppy because of the size...and one more thing, is there a big difference $56 or so dollar bump up to the HD series over their down firing series, because I was going to get the Black finish anyways.
Thanks,
Nathan

[Big Daddy]

Originally Posted by MrDeeds

I have a a Yamaha YST-SW315 10" and Polk PSW10 10" sub-woofer....What I seem to have problems with is feeling the bass. My home theater is located in the basement and the floor is tile..so its basically just a giant concrete slab...I think I'm having problems feeling things because the floor can't carry vibrations to my seating position...so I am in search of another sub-woofer. Do you think the Acoustic Audio HD-SUB15 would solve my "feeling" problem or do you think it would sound sluggish and sloppy because of the size...and one more thing, is there a big difference $56 or so dollar bump up to the HD series over their down firing series, because I was going to get the Black finish anyways.
Thanks,
Nathan

The AA SUB-15 is a good value subwoofer and you may be able to buy from their Ebay store at an exceptional price. However, if you already own two subwoofers and are interested to feel the bass, your best option is a silent subwoofer. Check https://forum.blu-ray.com/subwoofers...er-thread.html.

[MrDeeds]

Originally Posted by Big Daddy

The AA SUB-15 is a good value subwoofer and you may be able to buy from their Ebay store at an exceptional price. However, if you already own two subwoofers and are interested to feel the bass, your best option is a silent subwoofer. Check https://forum.blu-ray.com/subwoofers...er-thread.html.

I've looked at those quite a lot today. The problem with using one of those in my set up is my seating. If you take a quick look at my set up...I'm using three mushroom seats... I don't have a couch or love seat. If i built like a small riser for them all to sit on and mounted these on the bottom of the riser would it have just as good of a effect. But, after all of that would it just be better to try to get a AA 15" off ebay?
Thanks BD,
Nathan

[Big Daddy]

Originally Posted by MrDeeds

I've looked at those quite a lot today. The problem with using one of those in my set up is my seating. If you take a quick look at my set up...I'm using three mushroom seats... I don't have a couch or love seat.
Thanks BD,
Nathan

How can I look at your setup?

The Clark Tactile Transducers are pretty flat and can be installed almost under any seat.

[gmanned23]

I currently have an eD A2-300 and would like to purchase me an AA HD-SUB15 to help my current sub with filling the room and even out the bass response some more. The way my eD performs is great and i would love to purchase another A2-300 but as of now money is tight. So i figured if i can get the AA for 150 or less and if it is able to help me get the additional 'omph' i am looking for it would seem to me as a good choice.

Will the AA sub get overpowered by the eD sub or will it hold its own?

Thank you

[Big Daddy]

Originally Posted by gmanned23

I currently have an eD A2-300 and would like to purchase me an AA HD-SUB15 to help my current sub with filling the room and even out the bass response some more. The way my eD performs is great and i would love to purchase another A2-300 but as of now money is tight. So i figured if i can get the AA for 150 or less and if it is able to help me get the additional 'omph' i am looking for it would seem to me as a good choice.

Will the AA sub get overpowered by the eD sub or will it hold its own?

Thank you

Two subwoofers will have two main effects:
1. More bass output.
2. More even bass across the room for all listening positions.

Because you will get more bass output, you can lower the gain of each subwoofer during calibration and as a result each subwoofer will have more breathing room.

The AA HD-SUB15 is pretty powerful and should hold its own, but I am not sure you can get it around $150, but it doesn't hurt to try. Make an offer on Ebay and see what happens. Good luck.

[neos_peace]

Well. It seems like this thread lives again huh. I'm sersioulsy thinking bout getting 2 more subs now. lol even though i don't need it just to stack ontop of my other two.lol.

[gmanned23]

I was keeping an eye out on an HD-SUB15 and it sold for 152.50 on bid. So im hoping i can get one for that amount as well. I should have gone for it but wanted some help/info before i went ahead and pulled the trigger.

Thank you for the info Big Daddy you sir are a gentleman and a scholar.

[MrDeeds]

Originally Posted by Big Daddy

How can I look at your setup?

The Clark Tactile Transducers are pretty flat and can be installed almost under any seat.

Ohhh, for some reason it shows up as I don't have any pictures posted. Sorry I probably put the pictures in the wrong spot or something..I'm kinda new to this. I did put some pictures up in a album on my page yesterday.

[big_b]

Hey Big daddy I just purchased the HD12 from ebay for $111 shipped. My home theater system is a sony with sair wireless, I have no audio outputs on the system only inputs. My sub has speaker terminal input, so can i just run an extra speaker wire out of the sub thats hooked up to my system and into the HD12. Is that safe and will it work, if not do you know of any way I can hook this sub up to my system. THANKS

[dvs1270]

Originally Posted by neos_peace

Well. It seems like this thread lives again huh. I'm sersioulsy thinking bout getting 2 more subs now. lol even though i don't need it just to stack ontop of my other two.lol.

it seems like it will never die. i'm also watching for a 2nd. nowhere to put it except away, but i still want it.

[Big Daddy]

Originally Posted by big_b

Hey Big daddy I just purchased the HD12 from ebay for $111 shipped. My home theater system is a sony with sair wireless, I have no audio outputs on the system only inputs. My sub has speaker terminal input, so can i just run an extra speaker wire out of the sub thats hooked up to my system and into the HD12. Is that safe and will it work, if not do you know of any way I can hook this sub up to my system. THANKS

No, the frequencies that come out of speaker outputs of the subwoofers are higher frequencies above the built-in crossover inside the subwoofers and are for connecting to speakers and not to subwoofers. Normally, you should connect the main speaker outputs on the back of the receiver to the HD-SUB12 speaker inputs and the speakers outputs on the back of the AA HD-SUB12 to the main front speakers. In the receiver's menu, you must set the front speakers to large.

If your Sony system is wireless and does not have speaker outputs for the front speakers, then you must find a way of connecting the HD-SUB12 directly to the subwoofer output of the Sony. This may require that you disconnect the subwoofer that came with the system. You normally should go into the menu of the system and set the front speakers to large. If the connection to the subwoofer is also wireless, then you may be out of luck and should buy a receiver and a couple of speakers for a proper 5.1 setup.