CSi40 and RTi38 question....

[MSkeezer]

I recently picked up the CSi40 at CC for only $169 open box, and, I have to say, it's a tremendous improvement over the CSi30. I'm wondering, is it ok to set it, and the RTi38's to "large"? I know everything is supposed to be set to "small", but I let a friend have my old Sony subwoofer. I usually listen to movies at a low to medium sound level(apartments suck). Will setting the speakers to "large" damage them in any way?

[Tour2ma]

Largely depends on the corresponding LFE routing. If it goes to any speakers set to large, there is reason to be concerned on two levels.

First, the direct impact on the speakers as you asked. Second, the demands on your amp section driving it into clipping, which of course comes back after the speakers tweeters. I think the latter is the greater threat.

Safe move is to kill the LFE. You may be able to do this directly in setting up your AVR or by simply lieing to it by telling it there is a sub. With sub set to "yes", it probably rotes the LFE there regardless of the speaker setting. But consult your manual to be sure.

[scottvamp]

Originally posted by MSkeezer
I recently picked up the CSi40 at CC for only $169 open box, and, I have to say, it's a tremendous improvement over the CSi30. I'm wondering, is it ok to set it, and the RTi38's to "large"? I know everything is supposed to be set to "small", but I let a friend have my old Sony subwoofer. I usually listen to movies at a low to medium sound level(apartments suck). Will setting the speakers to "large" damage them in any way?
Yes the 40 is a nice improvement over the 30. I have had my 35's at large with no problems to the speakers probably due to the internal crossovers. I have been huge into HT for a long time now and playing with my 3 setups in every case setting everything to small with a quality subwoofer yielded much better results....(clarity, stronger smoother bass)

[walk]

It really doesn't matter if you don't have a subwoofer. In fact most AVR's won't route LFE or bass freqs to the center, *ever* regardless of size setting or sub on/off setting. They may route LFE/bass to the Fronts, though. But most AVR's don't even let you change the Fronts from "large" if you don't have a subwoofer (ie if Sub=No then Front=Large, no matter what).

In any case, you shouldn't damage the speakers at low to medium (or even moderately high) volumes.