elricobank

Tried two experiments. Used a Y adapter to run my sub preamp output to both left and right inputs on the Sub. Then began messing with the phase adjustment. I'm now getting output that compliments the existing sub and main speakers with the gain at about 75%. However it seems that the two subs might not be completely in phase with each other. As if one is following the other slightly and causing an echoic or muddy effect. So at least i'm getting to the point where the Klipsch sub is actually contributing to the overall lower bass. I think i will try syncing the phase of both subs independantly with the mains and see how it sounds. I read an article that suggested reversing the polarity of both main speakers and adjust the sub for the nullest bass sound. Working on the pretense that it's easier to detect the absence of the bass rather than the most boost. Once you reach this plateau your mains and sub should theoretically be 180 degrees out of phase. Once you have the nullest sound possible, you put the polarity back to where it belongs on your mains and you should then have the sub phase matched to the mains. So hopefully, if I can sync both woofers this way, they both will in turn be in correct phase with each other. Got some test tones to experiment with. Will probably use tones in the 50-60hz range since this is about where the mains really take off in response. Thanks for all the suggestions.

I have used my prior two subs together for some time now. However, I have tested the Klipsch by itself to check the response and power. It replaced a less powerful, 10” down firing sub with a ported enclosure at 150 watts RMS and 400 watt peaks. I still have to turn the Klipsch gain to full to get the same output as the old sub at about 40% volume. I use an EQ in the receiver tape loop to boost the 25hz to 40hz range and leave my receiver bass control at flat response. I use the bass control on the receiver to attenuate the bass if I listen to material that is strong in bass. This has worked fine for me for years. I have a vintage pair of LaScala speakers for my mains. I purchased the subs to fill in at the lower levels. I wanted the Kilpsch sub to replace the less powerful sub and to get the sealed enclosure of the Klipsch. The only thing I can think to do is to somehow boost the signal to the Klipsch sub.

I put the SW310 in place of my older, suplementary powered sub. I'm looking into a line level amp to put between the Klipsch and my sub, preamp outputs on the receiver.

Oh, I completely understand that the paradigm will over power the Klipsch easily. I don’t expect the Klipsch to keep up, only to work together with the paradigm (by attenuating the paradigm). The Klipsch is replacing an older BASH 150 watt, 10” down firing powered sub with a ported enclosure. The old sub worked together with the paradigm pretty well. But you’re only going to get so much out of a 150 watt amp. The Klipsch has a BASH 400 watt (900 peak) amp, so I figured that would be a great replacement. Plus I prefer a sealed sub with passive radiators over the ported config. I have no doubt the Kipsch can provide great output and sound. I just can’t get it to the level I need with the gain control. I’m now looking into a line level amplifier to put between my sub, preamp out on the receiver and the Klipsch line level input. Hoping to find one that will not degrade the signal. Anyone have personal experience with such an animal?

Harmon Kardon 3490 receiver with dual Sub outputs. Good quality subwoofer interconnect to the SW310 LFE/Left input. Set the gain at 50% and didn't even think the sub was turned on. Have to max out the gain in order to get any real response from this unit. I bought it to compliment my existing Ultracube 12 from Paradigm (and just because i have the option of two sub outputs from the HK) I have to turn the paradigm sub down to about 40% volume and the SW310 to full gain to get roughly the same output level from both. I'm a bit astonished since the SW310 claims to have a sensitivity of 106db and max acoustic output of 116db which is 2db better in sensitivity and 4db less in output than my LaScalas and they can produce output that's absolutely scary. The paradigm does have a 650 watt Class D amp so i expect more output by default. But I have used the SW310 alone and still don't see anything close to what i would expect from a 400 watt (900 watt dynamic) BASH amp. Does the SW310 need a break in period? The sound quality from it is very satisifying, but the output level seems very weak. I keep the HK bass control at flat response and use my EQ to boost the 16hz to 50hz area. This has worked beautifully with the paradigm and sometimes even have to attenuate the bass depending on source material. Yet the SW310 is completely different and needs much more boost from either the EQ or the HK bass knob to get something that compliments the main speakers.