5
Audio/Video CONSIDERATIONS
When a SUB THREE is used in an audio/video
system, the
basic configuration is similar to a music
system. The crossover Is inserted into the signal
path just ahead of the main amplifier, and the SUB
THREE is connected to the
amplifier in parallel with
the right and left main speakers.
With Separates (External Processor)
The crossover is inserted into the signal path
after the processor and just ahead of the main front
left and right amplifier. The surround processor
must be programmed to blend all the low frequencies
into the main front left and right channels rather than
routing them to the center channel or the processor's
subwoofer output. Information on configuring your
processor for these parameters is available in the
processor's manual or from its manufacturer.
WITH AN A/V RECEIVER
The crossover is inserted into the signal path
between the "Pre Out" and "Main In" jacks.
Without this connection option, the SUB THREE
cannot be used. The receiver must be programmed
to redirect the low- frequencies into the main front
left and right channels rather than routing them to
the center channel or the receiver's subwoofer
output. Information on configuring your receiver for
these parameters is available in the receiver's manual
or from its manufacturer.
DISCRETE MULTI-CHANNEL
Discrete multi-channel audio formats can use up to
four subwoofers. The best way to integrate
subwoofers into the system depends on how many
you use.
The following recommendations assume
that the
LFE information is redistributed to the
right and left front channels.
The Number of System Subwoofers:
1 Subwoofer:
Connect the subwoofer to the left front
and right front channels.
2 Subwoofers:
Connect one subwoofer to the left front
channel and the other subwoofer to the right
front channel. Two subwoofers are a quantum
improvement over a single unit and preferable
in high-quality multi-channel systems.
Systems that have reached the level
where there are no significant advantages to
Improving the electronics or speakers can
benefit from adding two more subwoofers for
surround channels.
4 Subwoofers:
Left front, right front, left surround, and
right surround. (When the SUB THREE'S
are used with Vandersteen VSM surround
speakers, the crossover should be two
settings below the surround amplifier's
input impedance. This setting will avoid
interaction with the VSM series surround.
Like the main amplifier, the surround
amplifier will use the speaker's integral
high-pass filter.)
OPTIMIZING SETTINGS
POLARITY
The SUB THREE's polarity may need to be reversed
with some main speakers to provide the best
integration. To reverse the SUB THREE's polarity,
simply turn the banana plug(s) around to connect the
main amplifier to the subwoofer negative and the main
amplifier negative to the subwoofer positive.
SENSITIVITY
The SUB THREE's sensitivity control should initially be
set to match the approximate sensitivity of your main
speakers and then be fine-tuned per the instructions on
page 2. Adjustments to the Q control or polarity may be
needed when the sensitivity is changed.
LOW-FREQUENCY ROOM OPTIMIZATION AND
LEVEL
The eleven room compensation controls located on the
rear input plate help counter the amplitude and phase
effects of room nodes and anti-nodes and provide the
most linear low-frequency response at the listening
position. This disk is calibrated for the Radio Shack
analog SPL meter. Once the controls have been set for
a particular room, they do not need to be readjusted
unless the speaker placement and/or listening position
are significantly changed.
All discrete multi-channel formats have a Low-
Frequency Effects channel. Experience and
research have convinced us that these formats
sound much better when the processor is
programmed to redistribute the LFE information
to the right and left front channels. You should
check with your processor's manufacturer as to its
capabilities in this regard.
The following information assumes that the
break-in period has elapsed. Finalizing
the
SUB THREE’s placement, sensitivity or
Q
setting before the it is
fully broken-in could
compromise the
ultimate performance level.