Axiom Home Page Forums General Discussion Home Theater Large vs Small speaker settings

I'm sure this questions has been discussed here previously but unable to find something via seach. I have my current set up of M-60, Vp150 ,QS-8 and 175 sub set to large. I understand the setting some to small or all to small will direct LFE signal to sub but is there another benefit ? I'm trying to maxiize the sound of my system. It is used for both home theater and music listening with both SACD & DVD-A cababilites. What setting do other M-60 folks use ? Thanks for the input !!!!

CD, the general principles, which should apply to the M60s, are that even speakers with good bass can be helped by setting them "small" and taking some of the load in the lowest bass off them(and the receiver). Besides the LFE channel itself which is sometimes present in movies, the sub would get most of the bass in all channels below the selected crossover point(generally 80Hz is suggested). The sub should be better at handling these frequencies and can be placed in an optimum position for bass(usually the corner)while a better position for the higher frequencies is some distance away from at least one wall. Letting the receiver handle the crossover and turning the sub crossover all the way up to get it out of the way also removes the step of trying to adjust crossovers to "blend" the sub with the other speakers.

If you have a processor and outboard amp(s) you could use an Outlaw ICBM bass management unit, set all your speakers to "large," and set the cross over point for each channel independently using the ICBM. I'd try 80Hz for the M60s/M80s/ 100-120 Hz for the QS8s and M2is. Sounds very good!

The M60 can go as low as 37Hz, I don't they it's a good idea to set it to small. By setting it to small, you cap out the signal below the crossover.

So? It's not going to hurt the speaker not to play at maximum extension. It might even help... That said, I'd probably cross them at 60 Hz.

I haven't seen any graphs of the M60, but although they go down to whatever, I'm guessing they start to drop off pretty noticeably at 80Hz. Here's the SPL/frequency graph for the M80



Where would you set your cross-over on these?

Here's a test of the M3Ti

I would agree with 2x6 and cross at 80 for M60 or M80...match a good HSU or SVS sub from 80Hz down at the same dB till it goes to about 20hz and have it relatively flat.

Are these suggestion for home theater only, or do you you suggest the small setting for Stereo only as well?

Usually for home theater setting. Some people just can't be bothered to switch it for stereo and leave it as is. Some receivers has a function that do direct and bypass the digital part but based on my finding on my Pioneer 43Tx I still have my sub going even in 2 stereo direct mode unless I have set it up wrong. Anybody try out direct mode analog and see if your sub stop working?
Personally I just run my mains for 2 stereo ... I have a passive pre-amp that let me do it and switch inputs. Its really a matter of preference for each individual. Whatever makes you happy to enjoy your music is the most important.