The Official Acoustic Audio Subwoofer Owners Thread

[Fors*]

Originally Posted by pokefan

I don't think that's it, plus it was there before the sub. I just noticed it again this morning. Before I had written it off as maybe a disc error or scratch but that doesn't seem to be the case. It's not really a hum though more of sparatic static and the AVR shutting down makes me believe it's a power supply issue. I'll look into all my options when I get home for lunch though and see if I can find anything.

Thanks for the link.

Then check your speaker wires and make sure you do not have any of the red ends of your speaker wire on either end touching the black ends, this will cause your AVR to go into protection mode and shut down......

[Big Daddy]

Originally Posted by pokefan

I got the sub last night when the UPS man finally got back to their loading office around 8:30. By the time I ran to radio shack to get a sub cable (that wasn't needed because AA put everything in the box that I would need!) and got home to get everything set up and adjusted everyone was asleep. So, unfortunately I didn't get to really play with it too much.

The cables that are in the box are ordinary RCA cables. Regular RCA cables can pick up hum everytime you move or touch them. You should use a shielded RG6 digital coaxial sub cable. Monoprice sells them real cheap. Radio Shack, Best Buy, and Wal-Mart should also have them, but they may not be as cheap as Monoprice.

Also, use a Y adapter (2 male, 1 female) and connect the sub cable to both the left and right channel inputs on the back of the sub. You will get a few additional dB's of output on AA subs.

[Fors*]

Originally Posted by Big Daddy

The cables that are in the box are ordinary RCA cables. Regular RCA cables can pick up hum everytime you move or touch them. You should use a shielded RG6 digital coaxial sub cable. Monoprice sells them real cheap. Radio Shack, Best Buy, and Wal-Mart should also have them, but they may not be as cheap as Monoprice.

BD, can the regular RCA cables also cause the AVR to possibly shut down and go into protection mode? I have always been afraid to use them becuase they just looked too small to me.....

[Big Daddy]

Originally Posted by Grevlin

Hey Big D, will the two AA subs match well- the 10" and 12" I want to say yes...just checking??

Ideally, two identical subs from the same manufacturer is the best option and easiest to match. However, two different subs from the same manufacturer may be the next best option.

With patience and a little experimentation with their positions and levels, you can make them work. In situations like this, an SPL comes in handy. You want to make sure that each sub gives you approximately the same level of output at your primary listening position so that one is not louder than the other one.

[Big Daddy]

Originally Posted by forsberg21

BD, can the regular RCA cables also cause the AVR to possibly shut down and go into protection mode? I have always been afraid to use them becuase they just looked too small to me.....

Never heard of an AVR shutdown because of ordinary RCA cable. I used ordinary RCA cables for the built-in powered subwoofers in my Def Tech speakers for a long time. The only problem was that when I touched them or moved them, I could hear a big hum. Eventually, I replaced them with RG6 cables and the problem went away.

[Fors*]

Originally Posted by Big Daddy

Never heard of an AVR shutdown because of ordinary RCA cable. I used ordinary RCA cables for the built-in powered subwoofers in my Def Tech speakers for a long time. The only problem was that when I touched them or moved them, I could hear a big hum. Eventually, I replaced them with RG6 cables and the problem went away.

Thanks, I have always been curious as to why they provide them, yet they looked so small that I didn't want to try and find out. Yep, RG6 cables are usually shielded better and they just look "beefier" to me....

[Big Daddy]

Originally Posted by forsberg21

Thanks, I have always been curious as to why they provide them, yet they looked so small that I didn't want to try and find out. Yep, RG6 cables are usually shielded better and they just look "beefier" to me....

Too much beef will increase your cholesterol.

[pokefan]

Originally Posted by Big Daddy

The cables that are in the box are ordinary RCA cables. Regular RCA cables can pick up hum everytime you move or touch them. You should use a shielded RG6 digital coaxial sub cable. Monoprice sells them real cheap. Radio Shack, Best Buy, and Wal-Mart should also have them, but they may not be as cheap as Monoprice.

Also, use a Y adapter (2 male, 1 female) and connect the sub cable to both the left and right channel inputs on the back of the sub. You will get a few additional dB's of output on AA subs.

I planned on getting something better for it I just needed something quick last night to hook them up. I assume THIS is what you're referring too?

But the problem doesn't lie in the sub, the sound is coming from my fronts and surrounds. Like fors said, I'm also having issues with the AVR shutting down. Sorry I know this is OT from AA....

[Big Daddy]

Originally Posted by pokefan

I planned on getting something better for it I just needed something quick last night to hook them up. I assume THIS is what you're referring too?

Yes, that is the correct one. Make sure it is long enough so that you can experiment with the subwoofer's position. Make sure the level on the back of the sub is around 50% to 60%, no higher than 75%. Also, turn the crossover all the way up and attach the sub's power chord to a surge protector.

But the problem doesn't lie in the sub, the sound is coming from my fronts and surrounds. Like fors said, I'm also having issues with the AVR shutting down. Sorry I know this is OT from AA....

If the AVR is shutting down, there must be a serious problem. There is a safety issue that causes the shutdown. Assuming that none of your equipment are malfunctioning, there must be a short or another electrical problem. Some power conditoners and some equipment do work together nicely.

Unfortunately, you may have to unplug everything and connect them one by one to find the cause of the problem. Make sure you are using good quality power conditioners. Also, try other wall outlets. It is possible that the builders have not done a good job. I had that problem with my electrical wiring in my brand new home.

[duneaholic]

I plan on buying a sub for the bedroom and was wondering if a HD Sub-10 would be big enough. My bedroom is 16X18. Thanks, Shawn

[Big Daddy]

Originally Posted by duneaholic

I plan on buying a sub for the bedroom and was wondering if a HD Sub-10 would be big enough. My bedroom is 16X18. Thanks, Shawn

For a few dollars more, you can get the 12". Make an offer on their Ebay store. If your offer is accepted, you can save an additional $20-$40. Maple subs are the least popular, but very beautiful. They are more likely to accept a lower price on Maple subs as opposed to Black subs.

All the links are in Post #1.

[cdanielski]

I'm getting closer to pulling the trigger on the HD-Sub12 and so now I'm looking into the proper cable and adapter.

I see that Big Daddy recommended this monoprice one in another forum. The mfgr says the male ends are spaced 7/16" apart. Can I put this right into the Sub12's RCA "line in" ports?

Also, I may need up to 50' of RCA cable to make sure I have enough to play with various positions (after running through walls and above a suspended ceiling). If I don't end up needing the entire length is it best to return this one and get a shorter cable or just coil up the 50' one?

Thanks for your help.

[pokefan]

Originally Posted by Big Daddy

If the AVR is shutting down, there must be a serious problem. There is a safety issue that causes the shutdown. Assuming that none of your equipment are malfunctioning, there must be a short or another electrical problem. Some power conditoners and some equipment do work together nicely.

Unfortunately, you may have to unplug everything and connect them one by one to find the cause of the problem. Make sure you are using good quality power conditioners. Also, try other wall outlets. It is possible that the builders have not done a good job. I had that problem with my electrical wiring in my brand new home.

I think I may have fix the issue or at least improved on it. I went home for lunch and unplugged all of the connections then cut wires that had been stripped to much and had excess wire exposed then reconnected all of it. Then I turned everything to low and tried to do a quick calibration. (which I have a few questions but I'll take it to the appropriate thread) Seems the problem went away and I pushed it through a couple of scenes in both Transformers and the Hulk.

Now I just need to play around with placement then poly-fil and a riser. I think when I finally get everything adjusted properly I'll be happy with this sub. I wasn't too sure about it last night, everything seemed muddy and just didn't seem to have much punch. After the few tweaks today it was MUCH better but still not where it could be. Overall I think I'll be more then happy once everything is set correctly.

[Big Daddy]

Originally Posted by cdanielski

I'm getting closer to pulling the trigger on the HD-Sub12 and so now I'm looking into the proper cable and adapter.

I see that Big Daddy recommended this monoprice one in another forum. The mfgr says the male ends are spaced 7/16" apart. Can I put this right into the Sub12's RCA "line in" ports?

Also, I may need up to 50' of RCA cable to make sure I have enough to play with various positions (after running through walls and above a suspended ceiling). If I don't end up needing the entire length is it best to return this one and get a shorter cable or just coil up the 50' one?

Thanks for your help.

That Y adapter fits.

I am not sure you need 50ft unless you have a huge room and thinking about putting the sub in the back of the room. Usually, if you have one subwoofer and you place it up front, 12ft to 25ft is more than enough. Once you get into 2 and 4 subwoofers, you may need longer lengths. I have 4 subwoofers and one of them required a 60ft cable. To hide it better, I may have to increase the length to 75ft.

It is a good idea to measure the distance before you order just to make sure.

[Big Daddy]

Originally Posted by pokefan

I think I may have fix the issue or at least improved on it. I went home for lunch and unplugged all of the connections then cut wires that had been stripped to much and had excess wire exposed then reconnected all of it. Then I turned everything to low and tried to do a quick calibration. (which I have a few questions but I'll take it to the appropriate thread) Seems the problem went away and I pushed it through a couple of scenes in both Transformers and the Hulk.

Now I just need to play around with placement then poly-fil and a riser. I think when I finally get everything adjusted properly I'll be happy with this sub. I wasn't too sure about it last night, everything seemed muddy and just didn't seem to have much punch. After the few tweaks today it was MUCH better but still not where it could be. Overall I think I'll be more then happy once everything is set correctly.

If you need help with the setup, read A Guide to Bass Management.

[kndy]

Originally Posted by DonRSD

thanks for the heads up.
any info on the power use when in 'standby mode'??

and is it recommended i turn off the subwoofer when i go to sleep?

I just leave it on now..24/7 (unless I'm going to be traveling or gone for several days)

Side note: figure that acoustic audio probably notices quite a number of sales thanks to Big Daddy.

I've tested this subwoofer out on so many films in the last few months and for it's price and how it performs, don't be on the fence about this subwoofer. I have had no problems nor regrets with this purchase. And again BD, thanks for all you have done for everyone and their questions. It's great to see this thread continually grow in such a short time.

[Big Daddy]

Originally Posted by kndy

I just leave it on now..24/7 (unless I'm going to be traveling or gone for several days)

Side note: figure that acoustic audio probably notices quite a number of sales thanks to Big Daddy.

I've tested this subwoofer out on so many films in the last few months and for it's price and how it performs, don't be on the fence about this subwoofer. I have had no problems nor regrets with this purchase. And again BD, thanks for all you have done for everyone and their questions. It's great to see this thread continually grow in such a short time.

Thank you. I appreciate your comments.

[Irrob]

posted pics of my new sub in my gallery. Special thanks to Big Daddy for the expert advice. you are the man!

[Mickeymizzzouse]

Added pic of my sub from my phone. Ill take a better one later.

[callas01]

Originally Posted by Driver_King

No problem. I didn't mean for it to come off as "it is bad at music". JJ, for example, has his Martin Logan and says it is much better for music than the AA. His HSU is up there with musicality which is why I said that.

Yeah, I know it doesn't hold up to the Dynamo, I have yet to hear a sub that I prefer more then that one. I haven't heard an HSU, eD or SVS. I have listened to everything BB Magnolia has and my own and like I said my dads. Still the Dynamo I prefered over the supercubes and klipsch's and everything else i've heard, even though it doesn't get as low... it is still great for movies and music. Heck, that thing was walking itself at BB.

Really I just wasn't sure if classical had something special I was unaware of... I was about to go get a Bach or Chopin CD.