Advice for current Onkyo/Polk setup appreciated.

[mcinturf]

Hi all. Haven't posted in some time. I just purchased a pair of Rti8s from Frys for a pretty good price. It made me start thinking about my current setup and quite frankly they sound better than my older Bose so I needed to make some changes to my setup. I guess I would like either confirmation that my current setup is ok and/or any suggestions for improvement. As it is now, it sounds pretty good to me. I use it mostly for gaming and movies and less often for music. Current set-up:

Receiver: Onkyo TX-SR601
Fronts: Rti8 - Set to large
Center: Csi30 - Set to small
Rears: Fxi30 - Set to small and bipole (located behind head)

Subs: I have two smaller subs (PSW10 and PSW202) located beside of each of the front speakers. I'm currently connected by running out of the receivers sub out using a Y that splits into two additional Y cables plugging in to each subs left and right.

Receiver is set for Sub=Yes, Front=Large, Center=Small, Rear=Small, Rear Center=No, XOver=80Hz

I also have the crossovers on both subs set to max, vol set to mid, and phases set to 0.

I realize that I can wire directly from receiver to subs and then to the fronts from the sub and set the Sub=No in the receiver filtering. Assuming I dont want to go this route and I want to continue to use the sub out on the receiver (the way I have it now) does anyone have any advice for a better set up than my current one? I'm mostly curious about sub and reciever filter settings and avoiding dual filtering and such. Thanks.

[cfrizz]

Do you feel that anything is missing from the sound? It is recommended that all speakers be set to small so that the bass is handled by the subs.

Another crucial component is to calibrate your system. If the Onkyo doesn't have it built in, go to Radio Shack & get the digital SPL meter & use the receivers test tones to calibrate all speakers.

Other than that, enjoy!

[mcinturf]

Missing? Not really. I live in an apt and dont use a whole lot of base consequently. I will try setting all to small though just to see. I just figured since my subs are pretty small (50watt RMS) that I should probably allow the fronts to bear some of the low end burden. Thanks for the advice though. Just curious about my other sub and receiver settings. Do I have things set up right regarding filtering and connections?

Thanks Again.

[McLoki]

Looks about right to me. You have balanced your setup with an SPL meter correct? If so you are golden, if not, I would at least check into getting one. (about $60 at radio shack)

Michael

[mcinturf]

Yeah, its balanced. I did end up setting all of the speakers to small, sub to on, and xover set to 80. Sounds better that way. Thanks for the feedback.

[McLoki]

Enjoy what you have for awhile, first upgrade when you get the tickle should be a better subwoofer.

I did not suggest the front speakers set to small just because I was not sure if the RTi8's could play bass better than your subs could or not.

In the meantime - enjoy what you have...

Michael