Help with setting up my RM6800’s please

[theseeker]

I’ve used my spl with my rti 38 csi 30 and fxi 30 and my psw450 and my Denon 3803. that was fairly easy for me. Now I need to calibrate my RM6800 system but the manual doesn’t explain it enough for me. (noob that I am) I plan on following the manual’s suggestion to use the speaker output for the fronts to the speaker level input of the sub and then connect the L/R satellites to the sub and sub=no on the receiver. But what do I do with the volume setting of the sub? Will there still be a test tone for the sub (LFE?) when using the built in test tones from the receiver? TIA
Robert

[bertram]

Your sub's volume level control is for the sub's internal amplifier when you connect it using its line level input (from your receiver's sub out). Since you're going to be using the speaker level connection, the volume control does not come into play and it doesn't matter what position it's in.

Since you set your receiver to "no sub," it will redirect the LFE test tone to the front speakers, which means the sub will pick the tone up and filter it out from the satellites.

Now that I think of it, I'm not sure that your sub's volume control is out of the circuit when using the speaker level inputs... someone will confirm this or you can just try it (start with the control turned all the way down).

[theseeker]

Originally posted by bertram
/sinp

Since you set your receiver to "no sub," it will redirect the LFE test tone to the front speakers, which means the sub will pick the tone up and filter it out from the satellites./sinp

So in affect the sub becomes a crossover of sorts? I will still get the 5 test tones AND a LFE test tone and just use the receiver’s +/- for the sub’s calibration? Thanks for your reply!
Robert

[bertram]

Hi, yes your sub is acting as a high-pass filter as far as the satellites are concerned. I see from the manual that it has a 80Hz/full range switch for the satellites... you should set it to 80Hz as you don't want to drive the satellites full range.

I edited my post above... I'm not actually sure if the sub's volume control is not usable with the speaker level inputs... you can just try it. I guess it would have to be if you're to adjust its level relative to the satellites...

[theseeker]

Originally posted by bertram
Hi, yes your sub is acting as a high-pass filter as far as the satellites are concerned. I see from the manual that it has a 80Hz/full range switch for the satellites... you should set it to 80Hz as you don't want to drive the satellites full range.

I edited my post above... I'm not actually sure if the sub's volume control is not usable with the speaker level inputs... you can just try it. I guess it would have to be if you're to adjust its level relative to the satellites...


I should set my receiver to have an 80Hz crossover point? Ok I'll be sure to set the volume low before hand, again thank you for your help

[bertram]

Originally posted by theseeker
I should set my receiver to have an 80Hz crossover point? Ok I'll be sure to set the volume low before hand, again thank you for your help
No, I meant your sub should have a switch marked "80Hz/full range" which determines what is passed to the satellite speakers: 80Hz-and-above or full range. You probably want your satellites to get only 80Hz-and-above, with the sub handling everything below 80Hz, so set the sub's switch to 80Hz. Some people with large satellites capable of reproducing deep bass may want to use the full range setting.

As far as the crossover setting on your receiver goes, I'm guessing 80Hz is right given your center and surrounds. They should be set to "SMALL" in the receiver so that everything below 80Hz gets rerouted to your "LARGE" fronts (i.e. the sub and satellites).

As far as the volume control on your sub, try turning it while playing a low test tone. If it affects the sub's volume, then you can use it to calibrate the sub's level to match the other speakers. If the volume control has no effect, then you're stuck with whatever levels the sub and satellites play at.

I've never used the speaker-level inputs on my subs so maybe someone who has can provide better information.

Have fun.

[bertram]

Wait a second, any special reason you didn't go with the more conventional hookup--Denon's sub out to the sub's LFE input, and the other speakers to the terminals on the back of the receiver? I think this would be the right way to do it. On the receiver, you would set "sub" to "yes," all the other speakers to "SMALL," and crossover to 80Hz. This way you're taking the low frequency load off the Denon--the sub's amp will take care of that.

[McLoki]

I had/have the RM6600 series speakers. They are similar (but a couple of model years older) to your 6800 set. This is what I have figured out about them so far......

If your reciever has a variable crossover that you can set for 150hz - hook up the system in a conventional way. (set all speakers to small, sub to on, hook sub to the LFE output on your receiver. - all speakers hooked to the reciever. - set the crossover on the sub all the way up. (if your sub has an option for unfiltered, hook the RCA cable up to that.))

If your reciever does not have a variable crossover (mine did not) -
hook the sub up to the right and left outputs of your avr. (right and left speakers hook up at the sub) all other speakers hook up as normal. In your reciever set your sub to off and front speakers to large.

On the back of your sub, you will set the crossover level fairly high. (not maxed, but about 2/3 to 3/4 of the way around)
You will set the volume control so that it blends well with the rest of your system. (use a track of music you are familar with for this. It is almost impossible to blend a sub correctly with only movie soundtracks. - an SPL meter from radio shack is the best way to set it, but setting by ear is possible.)

Once you are done - you are good to go. The best option by far is the first one, but if your reciever does not have the variable crossover, you are stuck with option 2.

Good luck and enjoy your system,

Michael

[bertram]

theseeker: sorry, I misread your original post... thought you were talking about your rti38s, ps450, etc. Everything I said was for that system, not your rm6800. Guess I shouldn't be posting when I'm half asleep after a day's work.

[brendy]

The volume control on the sub will control it's level & there will not be a separate test tone for the sub when using speaker level connections.

[theseeker]

Originally posted by brendy
The volume control on the sub will control it's level & there will not be a separate test tone for the sub when using speaker level connections.
thanks for all the replies, and yes you were right brendy this is the way it worked out. I’m not sure how different it would sound connected the more conventional manner, as this is the only way I set it up, but I may try connecting all the speakers to the speaker out and the sub to the LFE out. as it is I can hear a difference from my larger book shelfs, but that was expected. I did my best to match the sub’s volume setting, as there is no test tone for it during the set up, by ear but I found myself moving the sub volume a lot during our first movie. I have a copy of AVIA so I’ll be using it soon maybe, I’m just scared that in using AVIA that I might reveal how much this is a sub/sat system and not be able to let go of that? (hehehe) so I might continue to try and dial it in by ear, it doesn’t sound bad mind you, in fact it sounds great for what it is, a sub/sat system. Thanks again for all the help
Robert

[JoyandJos]

Well, I was really trying to take in the info on the RM6800, only to get to the bottom of the messages and have the main poster say...sorry, wrong system!! I'm lost. I have the same system, and am majorly confused. Should I use the subwoofer output jacks or not? The manual (what a joke), does not prefer this method. The salesman said use the pre-amp and sold me wiring without a Y. AND, I don't see where to set the speakers to large or small. I wish I had bought an easier system! No music tonight! Can I have some advise? Joy

[danger boy]

Joy, don't give up on it.. Polk makes some really good speakers. more people will chime in soon. just be a little patient.

the people in here do not work for Polk.. so this isn't a customer service forum. it's mostly used by regular folks like me... who have a real love for Polk speakers.

I'm not familar with your system.. but someone in here will know and can be of some help.

ask as many questions as you need to get you all set up. it will sound really good once all set up properely.

Al