Crossovers for Polk "R" Series Bookshelves?

[talstarone]

I started off this January with Polk R150's and a Polk CSR(Center Channel).
In Late March I added the Polk R300's for my front speakers.

I can tell you with all assuredness 80hz as the crossover point is perfectly fine.I started with the Polk R150's as my front speakers and a Pioneer receiver(SV-317)that didnt allow me to adjust crossover levels.

So the crossovers(including the R300's floorstanding speakers as fronts later)were all carried by the actual crossover in the speaker.I had NO problems at all running my system like this,so I can agree with all the many other wise answers already contributed.

[Linksys2.4]

Originally Posted by talstarone

I started off this January with Polk R150's and a Polk CSR(Center Channel).
In Late March I added the Polk R300's for my front speakers.

I can tell you with all assuredness 80hz as the crossover point is perfectly fine.I started with the Polk R150's as my front speakers and a Pioneer receiver(SV-317)that didnt allow me to adjust crossover levels.

So the crossovers(including the R300's floorstanding speakers as fronts later)were all carried by the actual crossover in the speaker.I had NO problems at all running my system like this,so I can agree with all the many other wise answers already contributed.

Thanks for your assuring answers and your input, 'Tals...

Even for smaller R15 bookshelves like mine and a CSi center, it's okay to keep 'em at 80?

[Fors*]

Originally Posted by Linksys2.4

Thanks for your assuring answers and your input, 'Tals...

Even for smaller R15 bookshelves like mine and a CSi center, it's okay to keep 'em at 80?

Based on specs, they can handle down to an 80Hz frequency with plenty of headroom at louder volumes. I would suggest 80Hz as a good start, but I would not go down any lower than that.

[Linksys2.4]

Originally Posted by forsberg21

Based on specs, they can handle down to an 80Hz frequency with plenty of headroom at louder volumes. I would suggest 80Hz as a good start, but I would not go down any lower than that.

As always, thanks Fors...

When you say "lower," do you mean in which way...like 60 or less?

Just trying to get a handle on this frequency thing...

Plus: Shouldn't we also be taking into account the fact that surrounds don't carry, traditionally, much low information at all? They're mainly there for ambience and directional cues and such, so do they really need much analysis on their frequency cutoffs?

[Fors*]

Originally Posted by Linksys2.4

As always, thanks Fors...

When you say "lower," do you mean in which way...like 60 or less?

Just trying to get a handle on this frequency thing...

Plus: Shouldn't we also be taking into account the fact that surrounds don't carry, traditionally, much low information at all? They're mainly there for ambience and directional cues and such, so do they really need much analysis on their frequency cutoffs?

Some higher end surrounds are pretty powerful, and can carry some add'l bass without a problem. For your speakers, you need to limit yourself to the speaker's frequency range, per the manufacturers specs in order to maintain the integrity of the sound that your surrounds produce, even if it is only the ambient sounds. And yes, I meant no lower than 80Hz (which would mean not going down to 70Hz, 60 Hz, etc...), because then you would introduce some of the lower frequencies not designed to be provided by that speaker.

[jomari]

Originally Posted by Linksys2.4

As always, thanks Fors...

When you say "lower," do you mean in which way...like 60 or less?

Just trying to get a handle on this frequency thing...

Plus: Shouldn't we also be taking into account the fact that surrounds don't carry, traditionally, much low information at all? They're mainly there for ambience and directional cues and such, so do they really need much analysis on their frequency cutoffs?

what the hell!?! only Fors?

anyways,

1. lower means er.... any frequency lower than the settings you've inputted in the AVR. 60,50,40,30 and so forth will go into the subwoofer, easing up the load on your AVR and delegating that responsibility towards the sub.

2. surrounds will normally go only to a high of 80hz, and nothing more. unless you are listening to some DVD-Audios and/or SACDs which a very little number of media, would have. the frequency cutoffs wouldnt be the main thing you'd likely focus on when it comes to surrounds, but more of distance, delay, and well, more importantly, placement.

[Linksys2.4]

Originally Posted by forsberg21

Some higher end surrounds are pretty powerful, and can carry some add'l bass without a problem. For your speakers, you need to limit yourself to the speaker's frequency range, per the manufacturers specs in order to maintain the integrity of the sound that your surrounds produce, even if it is only the ambient sounds. And yes, I meant no lower than 80Hz (which would mean not going down to 70Hz, 60 Hz, etc...), because then you would introduce some of the lower frequencies not designed to be provided by that speaker.

Thanks; I am just thinking that not much low information comes from the given soundtrack to go into surrounds...

[Linksys2.4]

Originally Posted by jomari

what the hell!?! only Fors?

Didn't mean any disrespect; just abbreviated the name, which I always do...

anyways,

1. lower means er.... any frequency lower than the settings you've inputted in the AVR. 60,50,40,30 and so forth will go into the subwoofer, easing up the load on your AVR and delegating that responsibility towards the sub.

2. surrounds will normally go only to a high of 80hz, and nothing more. unless you are listening to some DVD-Audios and/or SACDs which a very little number of media, would have. the frequency cutoffs wouldnt be the main thing you'd likely focus on when it comes to surrounds, but more of distance, delay, and well, more importantly, placement.

This is what I thought; getting a better handle on it now.

[Fors*]

Originally Posted by Linksys2.4

Didn't mean any disrespect; just abbreviated the name, which I always do...

Linksys, by no means was jomari referring to any kind of disrespect to anyone on any level....he was getting on the other members for not chiming in with their opinions.....everything is good to go.

This is what I thought; getting a better handle on it now.

Just sit back now and enjoy your speakers!

[Linksys2.4]

Originally Posted by forsberg21

Linksys, by no means was jomari referring to any kind of disrespect to anyone on any level....he was getting on the other members for not chiming in with their opinions.....everything is good to go.

Oh, OKAY! I thought he meant that I didn't complete your name!

[Fors*]

Originally Posted by Linksys2.4

Oh, OKAY! I thought he meant that I didn't complete your name!

So, have you changed the crossovers to 80Hz yet? If so, what are your impressions Linksys?

[jomari]

sorry about that link, i guess at times other members around here who try to assist, or help with learning new things, are 'lost' at the end of the day, which at times can be somewhat discouraging on their end. thus i was named 'the other guy' at one point or another.

anyhoo, as foss mentioned, whats the verdict on your settings? keep in mind tho, that you'd need to give it a couple of days or so, to get the best 'evaluation'. no point in being finicky, and end up adjusting it after two or three listens. it has to 'grow' on you. this is one part of the educational process, distinguishing the 'better sound' and familiarizing yourself with it.

[Linksys2.4]

Originally Posted by forsberg21

So, have you changed the crossovers to 80Hz yet? If so, what are your impressions Linksys?

Oh, my crossovers all already WERE 80Hz across the board; I just wanted to know if it was okay to keep them there...

[Linksys2.4]

Originally Posted by jomari

sorry about that link, i guess at times other members around here who try to assist, or help with learning new things, are 'lost' at the end of the day, which at times can be somewhat discouraging on their end. thus i was named 'the other guy' at one point or another.

anyhoo, as foss mentioned, whats the verdict on your settings? keep in mind tho, that you'd need to give it a couple of days or so, to get the best 'evaluation'. no point in being finicky, and end up adjusting it after two or three listens. it has to 'grow' on you. this is one part of the educational process, distinguishing the 'better sound' and familiarizing yourself with it.

Hey Jomari,

Sorry for the delay in getting back to you guys -- as I said to 'Fors, my crossovers were ALREADY ON 80Hz for all speakers, so I just wanted to know if I should KEEP them there.

The blend between speakers and sub sounds accurate -- just wanted to be sure I COULD use 80Hz for ALL the Polk speakers in my setup, such as the R20, CSi30 and R15s.

[callas01]

yes u can, 80hz is a good spot for most speakers, given your speakers low end frequency range 80 across the board sounds about perfect.