Audyssey crossover points

[M3_Pete]

I have an Onkyo SR 876 with Audyssey MultiEQ XT in a 5.1 setup with three original CMT-340 as L-C-R, and HTM-200 SE as surrounds, with an Outlaw LFM-1 sub.

Audyssey set the 340s as "Full Range" and the HTM-200s as "90 Hz"

I have the option to change the crossover points, the question is, should I?

Here is the text from the manual.

Changing the Speaker Settings Manually

In rare situations, proper measurements taken may not
be obtainable by the by the automatic speaker setup. For
example, there may be too much noise in the room. If
running the speaker setup a second time is still unsuccessful
you will have to set the speaker settings manually.
(see pages 95–102).

Notes:
• For THX-certified speakers, the 80 Hz (THX) crossover
frequency is recommended. If you use the automatic
speaker setup, you’ll need to manually select
80 Hz (THX) for each THX-certified speaker (see
page 95).

• Because of the complexities of low-frequency sounds
and the way they interact with a room, THX recommends
setting the subwoofer level and distance manually.

------------------

Speaker Configuration (page 95)

---These settings are set automatically by the Automatic
Speaker Setup function (see page 64).---

With the Speaker Configuration settings, you can specify
which speakers are connected and a crossover frequency,
distance, and level for each speaker.

You can choose which of the speakers you want to use
with the Speakers A and Speakers B configurations, and
set the crossover frequencies, distances, and levels of the
front Speakers A and front Speakers B independently.
The other speakers (i.e., subwoofer, center, surround,
and surround back) use the same crossover frequencies,
distances, and levels for Speakers A and Speakers B.

The following crossover frequencies can be specified:
Full Band, 40 Hz, 50 Hz, 60 Hz, 70 Hz, 80 Hz (THX),
90 Hz, 100 Hz, 110 Hz, 120 Hz, 130 Hz, 150 Hz, or
200 Hz.

Specify Full Band for speakers that can output low-frequency
bass sounds adequately, for example, speakers
with a good sized woofer. For smaller speakers, specify
a crossover frequency. Sounds below the crossover frequency
will then be output by the subwoofer instead of
the speaker. Refer to your speakers’ manuals to determine
the optimum crossover frequencies.

If you’re using THX-certified speakers, specify
80 Hz (THX) for all speakers.

--------------

There is also a "Double Bass" option, set up as follows

With this setting, you can boost bass output by feeding
front left and right channel bass sounds to the subwoofer.
This setting can only be made if the “Subwoofer” setting
in step 4 is set to “Yes”, and the “Front” setting in step 5
is set to “Full Band”.

*If you’re using THX-certified speakers, select
“Off(THX)”.

Off(THX):
The subwoofer only outputs the
LFE channel.

On:
In addition to LFE channel sounds,
the subwoofer outputs front left and
right channel bass sounds.

[M3_Pete]

35 views and no responses. I didn't think this was so tough.

I did find a thread in the Set-Up forum, but it is for Sierras.

http://forum.ascendacoustics.com/showthread.php?5091-Subwoofer-Crossover-and-Integration

I'd just like to know if I should run the 340s full range or cross them over, and if I cross them, at what frequency. I'm thinking between 60 and 80, just not sure. The specs for the SE model shows they are rated to 48 Hz, so 60 should be well within their range.

[curtis]

Hey Pete! How are you?

Audessey is a hit or miss IMO. I would definitely try different crossover points for the 340's....I think 60-80hz would be a good starting point. I would also experiment with setting the crossover on the 200's higher. Oh...and set them all to small.

In my system, my receiver uses the Trinnov correction system...I have Sierra-1's and HTM-200SE's. It set the crossover on the S1's to 80hz, and the HTM-200SE's to 120hz...and it all sounds great. You should stop by again one of these days.

[M3_Pete]

Hi Curtis!

I can't stop by, because then I'll get the upgrade bug! :)

But I hope you are well.

I just bought a used pair of CBM-170 SE and a used SVS PC12-NSD (those are much bigger in person than they look on the Internet!), and I'll use one of my existing original CBM-170's for a 3.1 setup for a family room system. Due to the room configuration, the surrounds will have to be in the ceiling, when I get a chance. I'm driving this with an older receiver that has no auto setup, I have to do it old school with an analog Radio Shack sound level meter!

Anyway, for the living room system I described in the first post, Audyssey sets the speaker size based on what it "hears" during the setup. So you don't set them ahead of time. And as I noted, you have the option to give them very specific crossover points after you set them up.

I'll try setting the CMT-340 at 60 Hz and and see how it sounds. It should be better than Full Range, since they can't dig very deep. The HTM-200 are rated at 74 Hz, so 90 should be fine, but maybe setting them at 100 might be better.

Interesting, I had to turn my LFM-1 up much higher on these recent tests, I used to run it at 4, now it's on about 7.5. Not sure what's going on there, whether it's wearing out or what. It has never been run all that hard. Maybe I should check the sub cable connections.