803D2 with Sub Frequency Question

[sgbroimp]

I assume most of you are running one or more subs with these speakers. May I ask how you are managing the crossover if at all? Allowing the 803's to run full spectrum or cutting them out at 80 or 60 hz for example?

[Patrick Butler]

Hi sgbroimp,

Good question. Depends on what kind of low frequency extension you have where your 803's are presently positioned. In general I would run them full range for music and movies. If you want more bass, you could use whatever extra-bass mode comes with your home theater processor/receiver. In essence, the sub would then duplicate the bass being played by your 803's below a defined frequency (80Hz or so.)

Regards,

Patrick Butler
B&W Group North America

Originally Posted by sgbroimp

I assume most of you are running one or more subs with these speakers. May I ask how you are managing the crossover if at all? Allowing the 803's to run full spectrum or cutting them out at 80 or 60 hz for example?

[sgbroimp]

Thanks. I use an Mc MX151 with Lyngdorf RoomPerfect. One speaker is near a corner, the other not. Some say I should let the sub handle everything below 80 hz, i.e. cut the 803's and CWM's (surrounds in wall) at that point. Apparently there is no fixed rule and maybe smart money says I ought to experiment with the frequency settings for the 803's

[audioguy3107]

On a speaker like an 803D, I would definitely run them full range, I would never cross a speaker like that over. I would only cross over smaller ones like bookshelf models or sub/sat systems, systems that are not made to handle low bass.

- Buck

[Patrick Butler]

Hi sgbroimp,

While some will advocate crossing everything over at 80Hz and then sum the bass to a subwoofer, in my experience if your speakers are capable of producing high quality bass with low frequency extension- run them as large. Part of what makes 803 Diamonds sound as good as they do are Rohacell woofers. If a plastic, paper cone or aluminum bass driver that you are likely to find in a subwoofer were as good as Rohacell- we'd be using one.

Regards,

Patrick Butler
B&W Group North America

Originally Posted by sgbroimp

Thanks. I use an Mc MX151 with Lyngdorf RoomPerfect. One speaker is near a corner, the other not. Some say I should let the sub handle everything below 80 hz, i.e. cut the 803's and CWM's (surrounds in wall) at that point. Apparently there is no fixed rule and maybe smart money says I ought to experiment with the frequency settings for the 803's

[joey_v]

I would not cross them over prematurely...

[sgbroimp]

Interesting. A certain Mc advisor stated his view that the 803D2's do not handle gobs of bass below 60 hz or so that well, so his view was to cut out the 803's from 50-80 and let the sub carry the entire ball.

[Patrick Butler]

Hi sgbroimp,

803 Diamond not handling gobs of bass below 60 Hz? That's a good one.

Best regards,

Patrick

[eljr]

80 here

[Indytown]

I would let them play full range and roll them off on a gentle slope to a sub below what sounds good to you, in your room with your current configuration, if you want to use a sub.

After listening you may feel that a good starting point may be between 30 to 40.