Am thinking of getting another sub and would like to know more about your set-up. I am intrigued by what you wrote in another thread, just have a question or two. How do you control the output level of the sub hooked to the players output and if the player has bass management, what are your recommended settings? Any potential problems I may need to watch out for if I am setting this up in a rather small room?

Thanks in advance,
Noloft

Noloft,

In the player, basically no BM. Set the speakers to Large and SW to Yes. Set all distances to the same distances, or '0' for best results.

You calibrate the LFE only sub using the player's calibration tone and the player's SW level setting.

Your player may have a global LP filter on the LFE output (check your manual). You can use the filter that's on the subwoofer's plate amp and dial any setting you prefer if your player has no global SW filter. If it does have one, it's probably high enough (120-150 Hz) to allow for a lower setting on your sub's filter (75-90 Hz).

As far as controlling the LFE sub's volume, you can either change it in the player's menu or manually at the sub's amp.

One of the distinct advantages to this system is knowing if and when there is any .1 content. You'll become accustomed to it's use in different formats for the first time, because with the summed signal system, all bass is played through the sub(s) and you just can't know which is which.

I've come to the conclusion that calibrating LFE is completely dependent on the room and the capabilities of a given sub and format. As you play with this set up, you'll learn to preset the LFE sub's level according to format and listening level before you pop in the disc.

The only potential problem is one of phase alignment between the 2 subs. Adjust the redirected bass sub 1st to be sure it's properly aligned with your mains, then, using a Hi-Rez MC disc that uses the .1 channel as a boost channel, align the LFE sub to the RB sub.

DVD soundtrack: Heavy LFE use.
CD music program: No LFE sub use.
SACD/DVD-A MC: Wildly differing .1 channel use, mostly as a boost channel, sometimes as a height, or full range channel and sometimes no use at all (even though all of those discs will say 5.1).

An interesting tidbit: The new Spyro-Gyra MC SACDisc, 'The Deep End', Track #3, has a low drone in the intro that's strictly in the .1 sub, and a sliding pulse on the 4, every other bar that's stricly in the RB sub.

I measured IMD with a single summed signal into the 2 subs, then with seperate discrete subs, both volume leveled, using extremely accurate equipment. The results were as predicted. It's funny to me how many, many people have told me that there is no advantage. They are all folks who've never tried the scheme. To me, it's instantly audible, but that's because my ears have become conditioned to the differences through many tests.

I love the big, clean subsonic sub for LFEffects, but hate that sub for music. Coversely, the music sub just can't cut movie sound tracks.

I think the intro of Blue Ray, etc., formats will add to those differences.

Sorry for the long version answer...

Thanks Boss!!!
That should get me ever so slightly closer to musical nirvana. I love it when someone gets new ideas rolling in my Dumb (relative to you guys) head. Thank you. I don't have the second sub yet, but I can't wait to try it out. I decided not to get the extra Rw-12 as I would like a sub that goes lower, what would you recommend? I have a Klipsch rw-12 now if that matters. I like it, but think it could be better. I will not get rid of the Klipsch and would prefer more Klipsch if possible. Is this doable?

Did I say thanks,
Thanks,
Noloft

Noloft,

The thanks is certainly appreciated, but not necessary.

I hear that there's actually a darned good sub right under your nose. The Outlaw LFM-1 seems to be a great low freq machine for little dough from a great Company.

Maybe Gonk can chime in as he owns one, and you sure can trust his opinion on how it performs.

LMK what you decide, how it all pans out and if I can help in any way.

Dave

If you are in the market for a new sub, I would certainly recommend including the LFM-1 on your list (see my sig below for a link to my review). It's a nice package.