6 Ways to tell your subwoofer is set incorrectly.

1. You set it by ear. Our ears are not perfect and neither are our perceptions. Mostly what we know is relative. We may have chose to set the subwoofer to a certain level only because its what we are used to. Maybe we guessed. Its probably too loud. We cannot match calibrated microphones or electronic software.


2. You set the crossover to to match the factory specs on your speakers. In the real world you probably don't get the promised bass extension. Smaller woofers just don't produce the levels you need in your room or listening position. You must set the crossover correctly and not by the factory specs.


3. Audible distortion. Maybe you are pushing your subwoofer too loud and its clipping during those movie explosions. But it could be your room. Check your levels again. Use subwoofer protection in your receiver if it has it.


4. You hear a drop out during the THX DVD crossover test. Set your crossover higher and do the test again. Repeat till its perfect. If you have a major loss of bass its probably not set up right and it isn't your room.


5. Bass is indistinct or feels floaty. Check your phase switch. Most likely + is the correct setting if your subwoofer is near the front of the room. Make sure all your cabling is set correctly too to avoid phasing.


6. You aren't happy with its sound. Try putting it in a different place in the room.