My SMS-1 is level matched at 80db with my speakers, but the volume of the SMS-1 is under 10 out of 100.

Which does not seem right.
What db does most users, use to level match??

My McIntosh C46 (2 channel pre) does not have any x-over/ bass control or sub outs. So its all going into the SMS-1 with JL subs.

Sub sounds seems light, when level matched for music only. If I turn the SMS-1 up, will not the SMS-1 be set high compared to my speakers?
Dunno..

Don't worry about the 10 setting if it's calibrated properly (and using the display makes for pretty easy level adjustment). I've used a setting of 12 for years now. Also when listening initially, keep in mind that you may initially find the sound to be quite different because of the effect of the EQ (especially if you've tamed a peak that would have been creating an artificially high bass level at the expense of detail from other frequencies).

Oops.. I lied, when level matched my SMS-1 is only set to 5(SMS-1), at 80db with my speakers.

I later turned the SMS-1 to 10 for more bass for music.

Does this wreck my intital set up? (smooth curve)


5 out of a 100 on the SMS-1 does not sound like somehting is right!?
(My Equipment is Mcintosh C46 and Mcintosh 501 amps)plus SMS-1 and JL sub.

First, what position do you have the volume knob on your sub? If it is at or past twelve o'clock, you may not need a lot at the SMS-1.

Second, when you have the volume at 5 did you get a smooth curve from low frequency to up past where your fronts took over? If so, moving it up to 10 will create a line that slopes down to a level a few dB lower when you transition to the front speakers. That may be an effect you prefer, but it is not as "ideal" a configuration as calibrating for a linear response all the way up to 200Hz.