The other day I took possession of 2 SVS PC Ultra subs. These subs have an auto on feature that wasn't present on my last sub. I've noticed that when watching TV or playing my Gamecube the subs fail to initialize. Sometimes even after they have been on they power down. This doesn't seem to be a problem though when playing a DVD. I have all of my speakers set to small and the x-over at 60hz for all. To get the subs to become active I had to go into the test tones menu and play the sub tone generator. When I hook the subs up to my Sonic Frontiers Line 2 SE pre amp in my 2 channel rig the subs fire up right away. So I know my subs aren't the problem. I think there are some issues with the processor in my pre pro. I am wondering if it is because my main channels are run via XLR connections to the 7500 amp and the subs are single ended. Has anyone else had any odd behavior from the sub outputs on this thing?
I also have 2 PCUs . As the manual states, the input level has to be a certain loudness in order for the auto-on to trigger. Next time you're listening to the TV, try turning up the preamp's volume and see if the subs don't turn on.
Registered: 03/21/01
Posts: 14054
Loc: Memphis, TN USA
The reason you haven't haad any trouble with DVD's is that 5.1 tracks are almost always sending at least a low-level signal to the subs. Two channel sources like TV or the GameCube will only send data to the sub when the full-range channels have data below the crossover point (which could be very rare depending on the source material) so that a signal for the sub is generated. When you hooked up to the two-channel rig, you were doing the same thing as a 5.1 soundtrack does with DVD's - instant signal.
I still think that something isn't right with my unit. I'll have to try contacting Outlaw on Monday. My brother owns the Sherwood iteration of this pre as well as the SVS PC ultras and he has told me that this has never happened to him. I stepped out for a half hour earlier on while The Aviator was playing on one of the cable channels. The volume was set to 23 and when I came back in the subs were off. This doesn't seem right to me.
You could try lowering the gain on the SVS and then re-calibrate using a higher channel trim on the 990. Where do you have the gain set at on the SVS anyway? You might want to try crossing over at 80hz too. Is the crossover on the SVS turned all the way up or disabled?
Hi Obie, Outlaw Audio actually sent me an Email this morning recommending that as well as some other options. I have just changed the Xover settings to the 80 Hz option on all the speakers. My gain settings on the SVS subs are at 9 O’clock. I do have the Crossovers on the sub disables as well. Thanks for the help and Ill let you guys know if changing the setting higher alleviates my issue. Regards Svet