FAQ: Properly setting up a 2.1 system.

[The Mad Norseman]

Everything you need to know is in this book "Get Better Sound" by Jim Smith.
Its EXCELLENT!
Here's a link to it on Amazon:
www.amazon.com/Get-Better-Sound-Jim-Smith/dp/0982080700/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1353987107&sr=1-1&keywords=get+better+sound

And this to Smith's direct web site:
getbettersound.com/index.php

This is an extremely helpful book on the correct set up of (primarily) 2-channel systems, but with surround advice as well. Highly regarded, and highly recommended!

Attachments:

[novisnick]

Ok guys, I just had to get up and walk over to my center channel to make sure it wasn't on! Nope it wasn't. Ya think its dialed in?

[turner]

Jul 10, 2011 21:14:43 GMT -5 paintedklown said:

Jul 10, 2011 21:06:50 GMT -5 jlafrenz said:

Have you tried having each of your subs in 2 different spots instead of stacked? This may help smooth out the frequency response and blend in better with your mains.

I have to admit that I have not.

From my understanding, having your subs in two separate locations is extremely helpful in obtaining a smooth low end, but (embarrassingly) I have to confess that I wasn't sure about how to properly place the second sub in the room. That's why I picked one good spot and stacked 'em! ;D

Having two subs helps with nulls in a wider seating area. With one sub placed in a good location, you can use the crawl test to find a good location for one seat.  Try placing them to the right and left of the main front speakers. 

Disclaimer, I haven't read the whole thread, so I could be behind the times.  I built a pair of DIY subs placed left and right on of the room and they sound fantastic. Using Yamaha YPAO as well. 

[turner]

I would also add that the subwoofer crawl might help find a good spot for gain, the advantage being that the subs amp doesn't have to work as hard. If you get a 3+db gain in one spot, that can leave some nice headroom in driving your subs amp. However, the sub might still need to be moved farther away from a corner or wall if it sounds boomy.

In my experience, having two subs, the placement is not as important, but I would still start with them to the right and left of the mains, but still try to keep them away from corner loading. Without knowing your setup, rear ported subs might still need some distance from the wall.