Proper/best amp settings? (and a side question about 2-way/3-way speakers)

[hans030390]

Alright, for those of you that have been following me, I decided to purchase a 12" Blaupunkt sub (200W RMS, already came with and was installed in an enclosure) and a Blaupunkt THA275 amp (total cost was $150 at Fry's...the amp was marked down $100 for some reason).

I did manage to get it set up with a friend, and we tweaked the settings on the amp (and headunit, which is less of a concern to me) to something we felt was acceptable.

As a side note, I'm very pleased with this setup. The sub hits hard and loud, but it's not boomy (seems to be pretty clean/accurate, which is nice for metal).

However, I figured some of you would be familiar with setting up subs/amps, and I thought perhaps someone could give me suggestions for some good amp settings. Here's what's listed on my amp (knobs I can adjust)(also, these numbers might be off...I'm trying to read them off the image Crutchfield provides):

Crossover (switch): Flat, LP, HP (currently on LP)
Low Pass: 50Hz-150Hz-250Hz (I think it's a bit under 100Hz currently)
High Pass: (Same as above, not sure what it's set at)
Bass Boost: 0db-6db-12db (around 6db currently, I think)
Gain: I can't really read the image...it looks like 4V-1V-0.2V (Currently at 1V)

If it helps, I drive a 95 Civic (sedan), have a Sony Xplod headunit (not sure which one exactly), two Blaupunkt front speakers (GTx652) and two rear Roadmaster speakers (who knows what model...they're not half bad).

I listen mostly to metal (In Flames, Children of Bodom, Still Remains, Dark Tranquillity, Opeth, etc)...and like I said, I'm pretty pleased by the current setup, but I thought I'd ask some more experienced people if they had any suggestions as to what I should set my amp settings at (I know it's personal preference, though).

Side question: My Blaupunkt speakers are 2-way speakers, and the Roadmaster speakers are 3-way...is it better to have the 3-way up in front or the 2-way? Is it best to have all 3-way, all 2-way, or maybe have some 4-way speakers?

 

[jtvang125]

Crossover set at LP is correct as you only want it to keep the low bass notes and filter out the mids and highs. Once you engage LP, any HP setting has no effect. Bass boost is really a personal preference so set it to what you like, not too much or you'll start clipping the signal. To properly set the gain you'll need a multimeter. Here's a walkthrough on how to properly set it, http://mobile.jlaudio.com/pdfs/gainSetting.pdf. If you don't want to go through all that, half way or 3/4 of the way is usually a safe setting. I've never blown an amp or speakers using gain settings in that range.

I would keep the blaupunkt up front because they're better than the roadmasters. If you really want good SQ, get a good set of components (seperate mid/woofer, tweeter, crossover) and a 2 channel amp around 75w per channel to power them.

 

[hans030390]

Originally posted by: jtvang125
Crossover set at LP is correct as you only want it to keep the low bass notes and filter out the mids and highs. Once you engage LP, any HP setting has no effect. Bass boost is really a personal preference so set it to what you like, not too much or you'll start clipping the signal. To properly set the gain you'll need a multimeter. Here's a walkthrough on how to properly set it, http://mobile.jlaudio.com/pdfs/gainSetting.pdf. If you don't want to go through all that, half way or 3/4 of the way is usually a safe setting. I've never blown an amp or speakers using gain settings in that range.

I would keep the blaupunkt up front because they're better than the roadmasters. If you really want good SQ, get a good set of components (seperate mid/woofer, tweeter, crossover) and a 2 channel amp around 75w per channel to power them.

Ok, thanks...any idea what that LP should be set at?

 

[DisgruntledVirus]

LP is the upper end of what signals you want the sub to play. I do not have a sub (running CDT Eurosport's in front off a Pioneer DEH-P9800BT to a ED amp, and if I get a new car I won't be getting a sub. If I keep my current car will be getting the Focal 42kx most likely), but I personally would just as a quick and easy setting would say around 120 hz. Ideally the sub does ~30hz-80/100hz depending on the sub, enclosure, etc. Since you have aftermarket front/rears you should be fine at 100-120hz range.

If you want more of the "right" way to figure it out I can post that as well, but the OP didn't seem to want the "right" way to set stuff up for SQ (I have never looked into for SPL so don't know that).

 

[jtvang125]

I'm not much of heavy metal listener but I would assume there's a lot drums and bass guitar so a higher cut off might help bring out these notes better. I would say 120hz or so would be a good starting point.

 

[hans030390]

Originally posted by: jtvang125
I'm not much of heavy metal listener but I would assume there's a lot drums and bass guitar so a higher cut off might help bring out these notes better. I would say 120hz or so would be a good starting point.

Yeah, I've tried 120hz, but it seemed to add too much noise. The bass drum wouldn't come out as clean...Things just sounded messy, but where it's at now, the bass drums are usually clean and hit hard (and it still picks up enough of the bass guitar and other stuff). Perhaps what I have it at it totally fine...I just didn't know if there was some "better" adjustments that I should look at.

 

[DisgruntledVirus]

Originally posted by: hans030390

Originally posted by: jtvang125
I'm not much of heavy metal listener but I would assume there's a lot drums and bass guitar so a higher cut off might help bring out these notes better. I would say 120hz or so would be a good starting point.

Yeah, I've tried 120hz, but it seemed to add too much noise. The bass drum wouldn't come out as clean...Things just sounded messy, but where it's at now, the bass drums are usually clean and hit hard (and it still picks up enough of the bass guitar and other stuff). Perhaps what I have it at it totally fine...I just didn't know if there was some "better" adjustments that I should look at.

If 120 hz had too much noise drop it down to 100hz, and try it there. Me personally I have my system currently setup for a sub to be cutoff at 100 hz. Just keep dropping it down until you don't pick up noise. You may need to drop it to 80hz, but thats a bit low (only will play a range of 50 hz or so, 30ish-80ish) IMHO

 

[hans030390]

Originally posted by: DisgruntledVirus

Originally posted by: hans030390

Originally posted by: jtvang125
I'm not much of heavy metal listener but I would assume there's a lot drums and bass guitar so a higher cut off might help bring out these notes better. I would say 120hz or so would be a good starting point.

Yeah, I've tried 120hz, but it seemed to add too much noise. The bass drum wouldn't come out as clean...Things just sounded messy, but where it's at now, the bass drums are usually clean and hit hard (and it still picks up enough of the bass guitar and other stuff). Perhaps what I have it at it totally fine...I just didn't know if there was some "better" adjustments that I should look at.

If 120 hz had too much noise drop it down to 100hz, and try it there. Me personally I have my system currently setup for a sub to be cutoff at 100 hz. Just keep dropping it down until you don't pick up noise. You may need to drop it to 80hz, but thats a bit low (only will play a range of 50 hz or so, 30ish-80ish) IMHO

Ok, cool. I suppose I have it around the proper area, then.

Now, does anyone have any answers to my side question in my OP:

"My Blaupunkt speakers are 2-way speakers, and the Roadmaster speakers are 3-way...is it better to have the 3-way up in front or the 2-way? Is it best to have all 3-way, all 2-way, or maybe have some 4-way speakers?" Ignoring brands, is it generally better to have 3-ways up front and 2-ways in back? All 3-ways? etc

 

[Raduque]

The Blaupunkt, despite being only 2way are going to sound better then the Roadmaster 3ways. Somebody did answer your question above, in fact you even quoted him, it was jtvang125. He recommended getting components if you want the best sound.

 

[hans030390]

Originally posted by: Raduque
The Blaupunkt, despite being only 2way are going to sound better then the Roadmaster 3ways. Somebody did answer your question above, in fact you even quoted him, it was jtvang125. He recommended getting components if you want the best sound.

Right, I understand with my current setup, it's best to have the Blaupunkt up front, and I know that was answered. However, let's pretend the brands didn't matter...let's pretend I just have one brand of speakers. What's the best setup? 3-ways in front, 2-ways in back? All 3-ways? All 2-ways?

 

[jtvang125]

components > 2 ways, 3 ways....10 ways.

 

[hans030390]

Originally posted by: jtvang125
components > 2 ways, 3 ways....10 ways.

Great, I know. That's not the question I was asking...