How close for the subwoofer?
December 29, 2006
How close does a subwoofer need to be to the main speakers
for it to blend properly? Can I place it a few feet away, or should it be directly below
the speakers? Thanks for a great website.
Ralph
It depends. Subwoofers that are crossed over very low in
frequency (below around 50Hz) can be placed almost anywhere in the room. Low bass is
almost omnidirectional, meaning that the bass won’t sound like it is coming from a
specific location. If the subwoofer is crossed over at a higher frequency it will become
necessary to place the sub closer to your main speakers. As the subwoofer reproduces
higher-frequency sounds, it will become more directional, and you will be able to hear it
as a source of sound as opposed to just feeling the low bass. The lower you can cross over
the subwoofer, the better the chance you’ll have for good integration, and in the
end, the best sound from your system.
New amp?
December 26, 2006
I have a Yamaha RX-650 receiver powering two VE-12 300W
Cerwin Vega speakers. My basic use for this equipment is for house parties connected to a
laptop or mixer, but the amp switches off at high volumes, so I have to turn down the
volume and switch it back on. Furthermore I want to add a sub and two horn speakers to
improve the high- and low-range sound. Can my receiver be adjusted to handle the load?
Will the sound quality improve, or do I need a more powerful amp? How do you match an
amplifier to the speakers so that they both know each others’ capacity and can handle
the load?
Simmer
You do need a new amplifier capable of handling the
higher volumes and increased load of more speakers. I would suggest finding a used Crown
or perhaps a new Sampson. These amplifiers have a reputation for sounding good, being able
to drive most any load, and have gobs of power for whatever need arises. They also can be
had for very little money. In fact, I can’t think of where you could get more power
for your dollar than with one of these "pro" amps. The added benefit is that
they are extremely reliable and won’t shut down under almost any circumstances.
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