Speaker Upgrade/Addition

[watchdog]

Hi folks, I know this is really general, but Im thinking of upgrading my speakers, or maybe just my subs. The speakers I have now are all Klipsch. I have the RP5s up front http://www.klipsch.com/products/disc...ails/rp-5.aspx, the RC3 center channel, RS3 rear surrounds, and an RW12 Sub behind my couch. I just picked up the Yamaha RX-V663 Receiver which has 2 sub outputs. I have the RP5s jumped together, then "Y"d with my RW12 then into my older HTR-5250 receivers 1 sub input. I dont know if Im losing anything by "Y"-ing the subs? Guess Im wondering if fronts with a separate sub would be better, and also what subs do you all prefer (within say a $1000 budget)? I have to say my bass sounds pretty thumping now, but wouldnt mind upgrading/adding another. What would you all do? Thanks for the input!

[Big Daddy]

Your questions are a bit confusing.
Do you plan to use the new receiver or the old receiver?
Do you want to use two subwoofers with the new receiver?

I try to answer your questions the way I understand them.

• The signals for your subwoofers are low level signals. You won't lose anything if you use a Y cable. I am assuming your receiver has a calibration program. Use it to adjust your speaker/subwoofer levels.
• Using a subwoofer for your front speakers will not give you much benefit.
• Contrary to what most people think, the advantage of two subwoofers is not to create more boom.
• One subwoofer can give you satifying results for one position in a small home theater room.
• Two subwoofers can smooth out the bass across the room for multiple positions. Also you can buy two smaller subs as opposed to a super large one.
• It is a bit tricky to position them properly. One solution is to put one in the front and one in the back. Connect them to the two sub out of the new receiver.
• There are advantages in using identical subwoofers. Buy a second sub similar to what you already own.

For additional information and guidelines, read A Guide to Subwoofers and A Guide to Subwoofers (Part II).

[watchdog]

Originally Posted by Big Daddy

Your questions are a bit confusing.
Do you plan to use the new receiver or the old receiver?
Do you want to use two subwoofers with the new receiver?

I try to answer your questions the way I understand them.

• The signals for your subwoofers are low level signals. You won't lose anything if you use a Y cable. I am assuming your receiver has a calibration program. Use it to adjust your speaker/subwoofer levels.
• Using a subwoofer for your front speakers will not give you much benefit.
• Contrary to what most people think, the advantage of two subwoofers is not to create more boom.
• One subwoofer can give you satifying results for one position in a small home theater room.
• Two subwoofers can smooth out the bass across the room for multiple positions. Also you can buy two smaller subs as opposed to a super large one.
• It is a bit tricky to position them properly. One solution is to put one in the front and one in the back. Connect them to the two sub out of the new receiver.
• There are advantages in using identical subwoofers. Buy a second sub similar to what you already own.

For additional information and guidelines, read A Guide to Subwoofers and A Guide to Subwoofers (Part II).

Thanks for the reply.

I will be using the new receiver as soon as I hook it up; probably this weekend.

My current front speakers have a 12 inch powered sub in each tower (as well as mid-range and horn). So actually I have 3 subs, those 2 and the RW12 in the back of the room. Im wondering if its better to have front surrounds with no sub (just a higher quality front speaker?), and a higher quality sub up front, and one in the back. Im just wondering how much a better sound I could get if I went that route. I cant read specs for anything, but I think the RP5s I have are an "economy" speaker with everything integrated.

Thanks again...

[Big Daddy]

Originally Posted by watchdog

Thanks for the reply.

I will be using the new receiver as soon as I hook it up; probably this weekend.

My current front speakers have a 12 inch powered sub in each tower (as well as mid-range and horn). So actually I have 3 subs, those 2 and the RW12 in the back of the room. Im wondering if its better to have front surrounds with no sub (just a higher quality front speaker?), and a higher quality sub up front, and one in the back. Im just wondering how much a better sound I could get if I went that route. I cant read specs for anything, but I think the RP5s I have are an "economy" speaker with everything integrated.

Thanks again...

No, don't mess with your fronts. I have two 15" powered subwoofers in my front Def. Tech. speakers and two additional separate Hsu Research subs in my relatively large home theater room. It doesn't matter where you sit in the room as you get good and even bass throughout the room.

Connect your front speakers the way the manufacturer has suggested. The internal crossover setting of your fronts may be in such a way that those built-in subwoofers may actually be used for higher frequencies up to 500Hz or 1000Hz. Use your LFE/Sub out on the receiver for your subwoofer only. Connect the front pre-outs of the receiver to your front subwoofers.