No subwoofer with DD/DTS 5.1 = no deep bass?

[mithrandir2001]

If you do not connect a subwoofer to the LFE channel (the .1) in a DD/DTS system, is the channel signal lost or is it mixed with the front channels? I don't have a subwoofer and don't notice any deep bass when playing movies. My front speakers are floorstanders with dual 6.5" woofers and can belt out bass when playing music but they don't provide that visceral punch during DVD playback. One example is when Sauron gets "killed" in the opening sequences of LOTR:FOTR. You should hear an almost subterranean moan that you can feel as much as you can hear but it just seems MIA on my system. The bass isn't deep and foreboding enough even though my loudspeakers extend down to around 35Hz@-6dB using test tones.

Could the receiver's AC-3 processor be applying a 100Hz highpass to the front channels? Is there generally a setting that can turn on/off the LFE channel?

 

[MichaelD]

You should be able to set your reciever to "Subwoofer - NO" or words to that effect. When you do that, it redirects the bass freqs to whatever speakers you have designated as "LARGE." Hope that's clear enogh. HTH.

 

[MichaelD]

I didn't see that you have 6.5" inch woofers....it is physically impossible to get real bass out of there...maybe down to 70 or 80 Hz, but the real "punch in the gut" stuff is 50Hz and below.

You can try designating those speakers as "LARGE" though and see how you like itt.

 

[Ameesh]

i would suggest getting a velodyne sub, it will make a huge difference in your setup. mine cleanly goes down to 21 Hz.

 

[Zugzwang152]

yeah if you want deep bass, don't leave it those puny satellites

sub all da way.

 

[StageLeft]

I also have 5.1 with no sub. That LOTR scene makes me sad. Until I stop living with people below me (apartment) I have no desire or even use for a sub though.

 

[kami]

Originally posted by: Skoorb
I also have 5.1 with no sub. That LOTR scene makes me sad. Until I stop living with people below me (apartment) I have no desire or even use for a sub though.

Blasphemy! My sub in my dorm doesn't register too many complaints I have a little understanding with my neighbour though.


Make sure your speakers are set to LARGE. If they are set to small, everything under the crossover frequency gets sent to the LFE channel. If it's set to large, it will be sent to both the speakers and the LFE. Still though, with 6.5" woofs you won't get any real hardcore punch out of movies.

 

[Stealth1024]

Try getting something like this: http://www.paradigm.com/Website/SiteReferenceProduct/RModels/SystemChoice/Studio100System.html
Nothing like a little 14Hz -3db to rattle the house

 

[0roo0roo]

windvd 4 gives u the option of mixing in lfe channel, so i guess some setups can.

 

[Kelemvor]

If you are looking for a great deal on a sub, check out This Thread over in the Hot Deals area. a Sony SA-WM40 12" sub for like $125.

But like some others have said, on My receiver if you set the Subwoofer = No setup it should reroute some bass to the front speakers but it won't be the same amount.