As a new owner of the 950/7100 I have found this forum to be very helpful in getting my system set up as it is more difficult (Or more choices/flexibility) than my plug in play HK AVR 300. So, here is another question for all you pros out there.
How do I determine what crossover frequency to use to set up my system. I use no sub and have Klipsch KLF 20 as the L/R mains where I derive my serious bass. The KLFs are reported to be plus/minus 3db from 38-20,000Hz. Do I set at 40,60,80,100.
The reason for my question is that with A/B testing between my old HK and the Outlaws the bass seems to be "tighter" with the HK. This is a big disappointment as the HK was a lot cheaper 3 years ago. I am using the same CD player and CD to test this. So, I guess I am questioning the stereo ability of the Outlaws. The HT portion of the Outlaws is wonderful. By the way, I have tried the bypass in the above tests. Am I missing something in the setup or are the Outlaws just average for stereo. Could it be possible that a $400 receiver could beat the Outlaws in this area?
Thanks to all for helping me out with all my questions. Just seeking musical nirvana.

I would use whatever setting that sounds the best to you - not lacking in bass, not boomy, no obvious peaks or dips in the bass response etc. I would start at 60Hz and see how 80Hz compares. Given the low frequency cutoff of your speakers, one of those frequencies is about right.

As soundhound suggests, I'd try 60Hz and 80Hz and see how both sound. If you have no sub, though, you should make sure the sub is disabled and the mains are set to "large" -- that way, the 950 will ignore the crossover point for the mains and will redirect data from the surrounds and center to the mains.

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gonk -- Saloon Links | Pre/Pro Comparison Chart | 950 Review

Maybe I'm missing something here. His speakers go down to 38 Hz, and the 950 supports a crossover of 40 hz, yet two people have suggested 60 hz or 80 hz? Since he has no sub, doesn't that mean that the 950 will nuke all frequencies below 60 hz or 80 hz respectively?

Unless I'm missing something, I'd suggest that he use a crossover of 40 Hz.

Jeff

I too would not discount the 40Hz setting. When matching up crossover settings with speakers, previously with an ICBM, and now with a 950, I've liked the next crossover point up from the -3dB low frequency cut-off the best.

Soundhound: as a proponent of stereo subs, and since this fellow does not have any sub(s), I would have at least thought that you would have gone for the 40Hz extended "stereo" bass as well? Or am I missing some finer detail here?

Jeff Mackwood

Congrats Soundhound,

You've managed to confound two Jeffs in one thread.

Sanjay




[This message has been edited by sdurani (edited July 13, 2003).]

It's typically best to use a crossover freq that's one octave above the -3 dB point. If the -3 dB point is 38 Hz, that's close to 40 Hz, so one octave up is ... 80 Hz.

Think of it this way: if the -3 dB point is 38 Hz, that means the freq response is already dropping by that point. If you choose a crossover of 40 Hz, you're effectively *adding* the slope of the crossover to the natural roll off of the speakers, and effectively increasing the slope of the crossover. You could end up with a "hole" in the response, and you will get some nasty phase issues as a result. But your ears have to be the judge.

Hmmm. I never knew that!! Are you certain? I mean, -3dB is not an awful lot; barely perceptible, in fact.

Jeff

Also, 80 hz is somewhat localizable. I'd really hate to have a speaker that extends comfortably down to 40 hz still have to relegate the bass to a subwoofer.

I can't imagine crossing my Aerials over at 80 dB! All that lost bass!!

Jeff

Kevin,

I disagree.

Raider has no sub. Less of nothing is still nothing. Better to cross over as low as possible - which would be 40Hz given his speakers' rated -3db point.

Even if he had a sub I'd still start my serious listening / comparing at 40Hz - unless there he's seriously short of amp power or speaker power handling / dynamic capbility, and needs to redirect to the sub to relieve some of the burden.

Sanjay,

At least neither of us is a "Geoff".

Regards.

Jeff Mackwood