XLS200-DF Connection & Amp Setup Query

[dj_ooms]

Ok. Finally decided to get my new sub. Just got a few questions though.

My speaker consist of Mordaunt Short MS302 sats and an MS304C centre speaker. I want to connect both the high and low level inputs on the sub. I would like to know if these connections will work? I am thinking of connecting the high level to the front left and right speaker connectors on the Amp and a single low level connector to the single LFE on the preout. I know that the speakers have to be set to large on the Amp for the fronts if connecting to the high levels. What I would like to know is if it is possible to connect the other low level input to the preout for the centre speaker on the Amp and set the centre also as large? Would this work or would that be a dumb idea? From what I have heard, having a large centre speaker can make a huge difference in movie playback.

Also my manual states my speakers have a frequency range of 100Hz-20kHz. I have done frequency tests on the speakers and they definitely go lower then that. I could hear the tone clearly up to about 70Hz. Below that the sound started to roll off. Should I set the crossover frequency value to 100Hz as stated in the manual or to 80Hz as recommended by THX?

Looking forward to getting my new sub soon. Apprecaite any comments.

Thanks.

[eviljohn2]

Your connection plan will certainly work but I can't promise that it will provide the absolute best results. Only one way to find out though! I'd certainly be interested to hear how you get on with such an arrangement.

For the crossover, I would be inclined to dial the level in using frequency sweeps such as those on the THX Optimiser. There's no real way to predict the best value for your room I'm afraid but you'll be looking for a smooth transition from your main speakers to the sub without any major change in volume at the listening position. Naturally the gain on the sub will also have an effect but that should be noticeable enough to ignore.

[dj_ooms]

Thanks for the help. I will post a response on whether the setup I am thinking off works. For now, I have to wait until the XLS200-DF is delivered. I have already placed the order but know that BK does not reopen until Jan 3. Even then I won't know how long it will take for my sub to be despatched.

Can't wait though. I am already drooling in anticipation.

Regarding the sub setup. I know it would be better to set it up using an SPL meter but I can't really see myself spending money on something that I will probably only use once. Unless someone would be interested in lending me there SPL meter?

[eviljohn2]

Whilst you say that you'll only use it once (I too thought that), I can't emphasise enough how many times I've used mine since with every tweak and just how much of a difference it makes in the first place. Your call at the end of the day though.

[dj_ooms]

Could you recommend a place to get a cheap SPL meter then? Obviously I'd want my system to sound it's best. If this is a way to do that at a smallish cost then it's worth a buyor look at least.

[eviljohn2]

I got mine from Keene Electronics but BK sell them now too so you should be able to save on postage.

[dj_ooms]

Woohoo. I finally received my sub on Monday and managed to hook it up yesterday. I have set up the speaker levels using an SPL meter and the Amp test tone. I used the DVE disc to setup the Sub as I wasn't getting much of a response from the Amps sub test tone. The dial on the LFE gain is at about the 8:30 position. The system sounds good so far.

I now have one more question. I also have the high level connected to the amp, but how am I supposed to set the high level gain? I can't really see a way to set it up. I want it to be balanced just like on the LFE dial. Can someone help me with this?

Thanks.

[PJTX100]

Originally Posted by dj_ooms

I also have the high level connected to the amp, but how am I supposed to set the high level gain? I can't really see a way to set it up. I want it to be balanced just like on the LFE dial. Can someone help me with this?

Can't you unhook the LFE lead and go through the same process? Though of course not touching the crossover as that will affect the LFE channel too.

Must admit I only use the High Level because I have an independent amp in the same room purely for HiFi not AV. I would think using both Hi and Lo on the sam amp might "muddy the waters" though of course there's only one way to find out - try it, as you are doing.

[dj_ooms]

Originally Posted by PJTX100

Can't you unhook the LFE lead and go through the same process? Though of course not touching the crossover as that will affect the LFE channel too.

I don't see what you mean by can't I connect the LFE lead. My lead is connected to the LFE channel and setup for 5.1/6.1 audio. The high level is also connected. I want to improve the sound on the high level connection also but want it balanced. Having large front and center speakers is supposed to improve cinema sound quite a bit. I can't see a way to set it up using, say a DVD, as the .1 track is usually sent along the LFE channel.

Do you think it would work if I set the bass out as the front speakers instead of the sub and see if I can set the high level gain using the DVE disc again?

How did you set up the position of your dial on the high level gain?

[PJTX100]

Originally Posted by dj_ooms

How did you set up the position of your dial on the high level gain?

I simply turned it up until it made a nice sound that I liked. It's worth pointing out that, unlike the low gain which is set at around 8 o'clock (from memory), the high gain is set at about one o'clock hence I didn't have much adjustment to play with.

[eviljohn2]

What do you hope to achieve by connecting both high- and low-level inputs to the same amplifier?

[dj_ooms]

I am hoping to have a better sound stage for movies. I have managed setup the high level and the audio playback in movies is a lot better than with just using the LFE. I have set the fronts as large. I have also connected the other low level connection to the center preout on my amp and set the center as large. Dialogue is much clearer now. Connecting the high level is in effect simulating having large front speakers like floorstanders or bookshelves though probably not an equal comparison. I am sure it doesn't sound better than floorstanders but with the limited space in my bedroom it does sound a lot better. The front sound stage does sound a lot better. The only thing I can say is try it for yourself. That's what Tom from BK suggested and I am happy with the results.