Question

I don't have a subwoofer yet, and won't have one for a few months. My front speakers are Paradigm Reference Studio 80's. Can they handle the "large" designation, or do they need to be noted as "small" to handle the bass?

Without a subwoofer, you definitely want your front speakers set to large, if not you will just miss out on bass that would be redirected to your sub.

[This message has been edited by Jed M (edited September 26, 2003).]

Even large mains that can supposedly handle the full 20hz to 20khz frequency, in my opinion, should still be set to small.

It will clear up the sound a bit and your amp/receiver won't have to dig as deep, which will keep everything running cleaner.

But, I went a while without a LFE sub and Yes, I set them to large. Movies can be a tad boring when theres no bass whatsoever.

You probably won't harm your speakers unless you have weak amplification, and start clipping.

------------------
Play it LoUd!!

[This message has been edited by SpOoNmAn (edited September 26, 2003).]

A sub will certainly be a good addition, but I ran a set of Studio 60's as "large" with no sub for a year and a half without trouble (driven initially by an Outlaw Model 1050 and for the last year or so of that time by a Model 750 amp).

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

If you have a concern about the lowest frequencies in your current speakers, remember, you have a choice of crossover frequency in the 950. In essence, if you choose "small" for your speakers and set the crossover point at it's lowest, it's like setting your main speakers on "medium" or "medium-large," don't you think?

I think you can set them as large until you get a sub. You might not get the best sound, but I don't think you'll do any damage to them unless you listen at insane sound levels. But you should get a sub sooner or later.

When listening in Stereo Bypass Mode (main speakers set to small), the mains get the full range signal, and a sub (if you have one) will get what ever the digital crossover setting is for the sub. This could lead to double bass problems if your crossover is above the speakers LF limits.

I personaly like this mode, and use the ICBM to make it work in a similar way to the configuration that Soundhound uses for his Stereo Subs. ...Set the mains to "large", so the full range signal only goes to the mains, and use the crossover inthe ICBM, which allows for some stereo sub-woof'n. I have the crossover set at 40 Hz and it just happens to work with my paticular speakers and subs. If you have the LFE output connected to the ICBM and you have the speakers set to "small" you will get a double bass signal sent the the sub(s), so beware...

Many subs have a contiuously variable crossover setting that is more flexible and probably better for some speaker/sub combinations.

Good luck...

Allan

In the beginning of the DVD world, I also did not have a sub, so I set my mains to "large." The only concern you may have is with volume settings. You may find yourself setting the volume levels higher so as to hear the quiet passages and then the mighty bass explosion. Had this happen on Apollo 13, it convinced me that I needed a subwoofer to spare my mains. Maybe go with one of the compression settings until you buy a sub, (just a thought).

JFro,

for subwoofer tips, try this: http://ubb.outlawaudio.com/ubb/Forum4/HTML/000265.html

Thanks for the responses. I'll probably be getting a sub in the next 4 - 6 months. I'm using the Large selection and the movies sound much better so I'm anxious for the sub when it comes.