Subwoofer behind couch

Hi, I am in need of some advice regarding placement of my subwoofer. I've a Harman Kardon HKTS200/230 down firing subwoofer with HKTS9 satellites and center, as part of a HTIB set. I've now connected them to a Denon 2113 (not CI) since I wanted something with Audyessey.

I've ran the Calibration already, but from the primary listening position I feel the left especially SL a bit louder than the right channels, since I'm closer to the left side. Some threads here say to start at position 1 (sweet spot) on the audyessy diagram, (sets levels) but 90% of the time, I'm the only one seated and sit in position 3.  Earlier threads suggest to start at position at the main listening position (positition 3) instead of the center (position 1), which as you'd say the head of the triangle. Position 3 is located 0.6m away from left wall, and position 1 is 0.6m to the right from that. (Measured to center of seat).

a) Is it okay to start at position 3? I did this initially and felt the levels a bit more even. Position 3 is about 0.6m from the left wall. Which is abut 0.6m from the "centre of the triangle".

 

My crossovers are set at from from the Audyessy setup: Fronts 120Mhz, Center 200Mhz (seems a bit high, but I suppose that's what Audyessy determines best after a few runs yielding the same result) and Rears 100Mhz. LFE setting is left at 120Hz as suggested, or should it be 80Hz? Speakers are all set to Small and Bass Management of LFE only (not LFE+Mains)

What bothers me most is bass response which is "muddy" even after calibration. Ideally I would have placed it in the front of the room, but in fear of toddlers destructive ability, have to place it out of sight/reach and am stuck with it behind the couch. Couch back is about 0.6m away from the rear wall, it is a corner suite so curves through to the right wall, but not flush against the wall. 

b) Any ideas for best placement options and settings to reduce "muddy" bass, and at times I've also heard muddy dialogue, which is just awful. I think I mostly sorted that out. Attached some pictures to give an idea of the placing. Sub is in the corner, about 0.7m away from rear wall of couch at farthest, or just over 0.5m at closer edge.

 

c) Should I face the radiators of the rear satellites to the front then, as per the advice on the forums?
Though they are wall mounted just a few centimetres behind the plane of my ears if seated. Due to the mount design, they won't turn all the way 180 degrees, towards the fronts, so maybe about 160 degrees.  Room dimensions: 5m length x 3m width. Primary use for Dolby Digital 5.1 TV Shows. Interestingly, dolby.com usually said to have the radiators face each other. Also watch movies on Blu-ray etc.

d) Does speaker wiring affect sound quality for these lesser 80 watt speakers? In terms of length, thickness, mixing or copper and the silver wire? Got some through the roof from some time ago.

I'd really appreciate if you guys with experience and sound knowledge could help me out. Thanks in advance.

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4 Comments

  • 0
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    Audyssey Labs

    Hi Mohamed,

    a) Yes it's fine to start in position 3 if that is where you sit most of the time

    b) Crossovers seem normal.  The LFE filter should always be at 120 Hz because the LFE track is authored with content up to 120 Hz.  Any other setting is wrong...

    Corner placement of the sub is most likely contributing to muddy bass

    c) It's best to have diffuse sound from the surrounds (i.e. not localized).  Front facing is a way to achieve that.  Dipole speakers is the best way

    d) Wires have no effect unless there is something wrong with them

  • 0
    Avatar
    Mohamed Parker

    Thanks so much for the advice Chris, you are legendary. I've read about 90% of all the threads here, and after a Marantz SR5006, I swore I'd never own an AVR without Audyessy.

    From the images, do you maybe see a better space in the behind the couch I could try? I know it should go to the front, just in fear that my niece and nephew might do some damage to the sub and the gloss finish.

  • 0
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    Audyssey Labs

    Hi Mohamed,

    Perhaps moving it forward could help get it out of the corner mode.  Not much room, but maybe worth a try.

  • 0
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    Mohamed Parker

    Hi Chris

    Yeah I had it a little forward before but it was worse I think and more localised. I'll nudge in a like 25cm cm from the walls then retry calibration. Appreciate your expertise.

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