Home Theater Basics: Powered Tower Setup

[@utki17]

I'd like to point something out. I called Definitive Technology customer service for my new 9040 speakers and asked them about the LFE input. They mentioned that those inputs are for older receivers and should NOT be used along with the main input as it might significantly damage the amplifier. They explicitly recommended me to setup the speakers as "Large" speakers instead and not worry about the LFE input. So for those of you who are explicitly using Definitive technology speakers -- please take a note. Or else, do call their customer service once to see if you should indeed use a Y Splitter etc. for your receiver or not. Most likely you shouldn't (even if you do feel that sound is different). I hope the creator takes this information in the right spirit and keep this comment alive. Please subscribe -- this is still one of the best review channels out there.

[@angelwalker.]

My guess is that people expect it to perform like a powerful sub so it always too high.

[@justinmiller6844]

Thanks. I just got a deal on a pair of BP2000 so this was really helpful!

[@HomeTheaterHobbyist]

Happy to help! Thanks for watching. 😁

[@PaoXiong86]

the best setup for sub is, with only B/R input, set to knob 0 when doing the calibration, once done, set knob to 12 oclock, it's perfect

[@danemmerich6775]

Great video. Now it is time to start practicing. Thanks for understandable info.

[@HomeTheaterHobbyist]

Happy to help!

[@natureboy915]

Excellent video

[@HomeTheaterHobbyist]

Thank you very much!

[@GalvatronTypeR]

I have the BP8060. I have them set to Large/Full Range/Full Band to send bass info to the towers and they sound great in that configuration. But one warning. As good as the built in powered subs are, they are not adequate by themselves so I have two separate subwoofers. If anyone uses these without separate subs, they will be greatly disappointed.

[@avtechman77]

I have these as well and I agree with you. If you have the space and the funds to run 4 or 6 of them you may be able to get away with that without separate subwoofers

[@jr62inhometheater98]

Large and Full Range is the way to go with these speakers. I have them and they sound great. But yes you need separate subs.

[@HomeTheaterHobbyist]

Thanks for sharing!

[@HomeTheaterHobbyist]

Thanks for sharing!

[@stckyjoey1]

So how deep do these built in subs go? I'm considering buying some used ones

[@Phatje]

Thank you your information was informative, but I would like to see more

[@HomeTheaterHobbyist]

Thanks!

[@georgecoppenbarger2003]

Where do the speaker cables go in on the receiver??? Front???

[@madcrabber1113]

I have 4 of these wired through speaker terminals set to large and 2 powered subs. Talk about explosive.

[@rkan2]

More is better :P Now do a 7.1.2 with every surrounds and back speakers same too ; )

[@samirsyed547]

thanks

[@AlexJohnston94]

I have a denon avr-1709 that was gifted to me. Along with 2 Def.tech. Bp7004 Bipolar supertower with built in powered sub. I've tried hooking it up a bunch ch of different ways. When I am able to get sound I have no controll over the volume and sometimes the highs come thru then they will cut out and just sub then all audio cuts out. Any advice ?

[@jesusserratogonzalez2493]

Hi, i live in Mexico, and i have a Definitive Towers, BP 2002 bipolar array, built in subwoofer, and the speakers BPx, home theater, and i don´t have the receiver system, so, my question is, which receiver you recomend for this equipment.

[@SandeepPathak0203]

Hi thanks for your inputs. I have a BP9080X, CS9060 SR9040. It's all hooked to an Onkyo TX-RZ1100. The Onkyo doesn't allow me to select speaker level size ( Large/SMALL etc) it only allows me configuration selection. 5.1.2, 5.1.4 or 6.1.2 etc. Being getting conflicting suggestions on how to set up this system. In a 5.1.2 setup and no sub the front speakers are automatically set to Full Band and i can only set crossover settings for Centre, Height and Surrounds at the rear. When i connect Sub separately through LFE and set the Subwoofer=2 in configuration, then it allows me to set crossover settings for front, centre, Height and Surround. Can you please help me with the 5.1.2 setup for speaker config, crossover and level calibration please PS: Someone advised me to do a 5.2.2 setup because I have 2 subs and 2 Height speakers but Onkyo doesn't allow me to do a 5.2.2 config there's no option like that at all.

[@brooklynknightss]

Question definitive technology bp2000 has low mid and high connections.. which one do I hook up to from my receiver. And to I need to jump or bridge all three of them!

[@mrb552]

Great Explanation! Thank you.

[@HomeTheaterHobbyist]

You are welcome! 😀

[@normanchapman9063]

Have a pair 9020 nice

[@HomeTheaterHobbyist]

Nice! 😁

[@MrRaincrow]

So I have an older set of BP2006tl speakers and they sound amazing. Is it ok to plug them up to a receiver since they are amplified already? I have been saddened at the thought of selling these, so I would be pumped if I can use them with my receiver (Sony STR DH790)

[@xlaw6272]

excellent video

[@HomeTheaterHobbyist]

Thank you

[@fathmi]

Exactly what I was looking for! Got the question answered. Thanks! Only one question - If you use Y splitter, is the frequency is going to be distributed in half, like 40 Hz for ea subs? Also is it safe to split it this way?

[@HomeTheaterHobbyist]

Thanks for watching! Using a splitter from reputable companies is safe. No, it won’t change the crossover frequency. If you set it at 80hz for each speaker it will remain at 80hz.

[@1984bgonzalez]

Great video, very easy to understand. Would I be able to connect these speakers to the Sony STR-DN 1080? Since the speakers are self powered ?Thank you in advance

[@HomeTheaterHobbyist]

The sub has power but the tweeter and mid-range driver requires an external amp so yes, you can use them with an AVR.

[@1984bgonzalez]

@@HomeTheaterHobbyist thank you so much for the prompt response.

[@zamankumars]

@@HomeTheaterHobbyist if LFE is connected VIA Y splitter to AV, do we have to connect power for speaker ?

[@babymaker13th]

first you said to set the subs to no subd then you say when you plug it in with the rca for subs then you turn it back on ?? why not just leave it on also have you heard of the amp on these definitives tech 9080x having any problem with the base my subs on the dt 9080 x is not working ??

[@gabemartinez1012]

I have a Denon receiver and I notice that when I change the speakers to large and no subwoofer the speakers made a more noticeable white noise. Any idea this could be?

[@kathykim2703]

heeeyyyy brooooooooo i loooooved your t.shirt!!!!!!!!!!!!!! fabulous..................

[@HomeTheaterHobbyist]

😂😂 thank you!

[@philfang55]

Hi, I noticed you have banana plugs on your speaker, I have the 9080x, and mine don't appear to have banana plug connections, only screw posts. How did you get your speaker to accept banana plugs?

[@RealBatmanz]

The red and black caps pop off.

[@hosebarrera9962]

What size banana plugs does the speaker accept?

[@TOn-sk8mc]

Good day Cody. I have a question for you regarding home theater base settings. I just picked up a Marantz Cinema 50. At the moment, I have 2 sets of towers at my house. Martin Logan 60xti and Def Tech 9060. I also have a 15in powered sub. I'm only keeping on set. My AVR settings with the 60XTI is LFE + Main. However with the 9060 having powered 10's what would you suggest for them? Have a blessed day.

[@HomeTheaterHobbyist]

Hi, good question and nice components. 😁 I would set your receiver to LFE only, instead of LFE+main, that way all your bass is sent to the subs only. You already have bass coming from your mains (9060s) no need to send more bass. Since the Cinema 50 has 4 independent sub channels connect each 9060 and the 15” then run the AVR room calibration software. I’m not sure where the 15” sits in the room relative to the 9060s but if they are sit on opposite sides of the room you should get nice balanced bass. Hopefully this helps. 😁

[@TOn-sk8mc]

@@HomeTheaterHobbyist Absolutely that information helps. I also, today, saw another of your vids talking about the 9000 DefTech series. That was also great info. Also going to try the subwoofer wire directly into the towers. ✌🏾

[@monroethegreat7539]

Hi Cody I am new to the home theater world, I have the same speakers that will arrive in 3 days, I also have the A90 Dolby Atmos height speakers for the BP9060, When I connect the bp9060 to the Denon Reciever, Do I connect as R front L front or to the R height and L height components?

[@HomeTheaterHobbyist]

The height terminals on the 9060s should be connected to the height channels of your receiver.

[@monroethegreat7539]

@@HomeTheaterHobbyist Thanks but on the AV receiver do i also use the R front L front components or only the height components?

[@FalconsATL]

Do a good music & movie sound demo with the 9060’s!

[@HomeTheaterHobbyist]

Unfortunately I shipped them back last week 😞😞😀

[@gonzogear]

I purchased the BP9080x and Denon 4700H AVR. I want to make sure they are all connected with full potential, what speaker wire do you suggest I get? Thank you.

[@HomeTheaterHobbyist]

Hi! Great purchase! I typically use Monoprice 12 AWG cable. I like 12 AWG because it's thick enough to ensure good connectivity and can run long distances. You can find it here: amzn.to/3QxJhl3

[@Erick1811]

I have these and my subwoofers aren't working, they were at one point. They've always been surge protected, I've tried unplugging/plugging everything nothing works. The D on the bottom of the towers isn't lighting up anymore, any advice?

[@HomeTheaterHobbyist]

At this point I’d contact Def Tech tech support. Sorry I can’t be of more assistance.

[@machninety7334]

Let’s say you have X2 BP9060, and a center channel CS9080. All 3 come with a powered subwoofer. How do you connect the three of you only have 2 pre outs for subwoofer? Would you connect the center to one, and get a Y connector for the L and R floor standing speakers?

[@HomeTheaterHobbyist]

Yes

[@machninety7334]

Thank you so much. I’ve been beating my head against the wall trying to get everything figured out. I had to learn which hdmi ports where hdmi 2.1, or 2.0, and if the 2.1 was 40gbps, or 48gbps, how my receiver has eArc but cannot support 120hz (frames per second) at 4k, There is so much to learn it’s insane. What makes it worse is there is so many different ways to get it done that finding the perfect way is by opinion impossible to be the standard

[@BMWliterbikes4life]

Hello brother I have the same towers but not out of the boxes yet. Are you having interference noise? Popping thumping sounds? From the amps Thx

[@HomeTheaterHobbyist]

None at all during my test.

[@pvshetty1]

Hi, i am new to home theater set up and recently I purchased REL HT1205 subwoofer. When powered on i get a mild electric shock during flipping the metal switches on back of the sub. Is this normal? Can u give some of ur expert thoughts on this

[@HomeTheaterHobbyist]

Hi! Great question, This is not normal, please call customer service and let them know.

[@elmerbais]

Which one you like the q acoustic speakers setup or this def tech?

[@HomeTheaterHobbyist]

Which Q acoustics speaker are you referring to?

[@Prettytony0627]

Hey Cody, how do I remove the red and black caps on the speaker wire terminal in order to plug in banana plugs?

[@HomeTheaterHobbyist]

Hi! You just need to get something under it like a finger nail.

[@Prettytony0627]

@@HomeTheaterHobbyist thanks man that worked. I appreciate your help.

[@charlesfinn2221]

Should the subs be pointed in or out for bp2000s?

[@HomeTheaterHobbyist]

Set the speakers up for a good stereo sound (when listening to music) at your listening position. Since you have two subs the bass should balance out.

[@eddievega1100]

Can the power cable be upgraded?

[@HomeTheaterHobbyist]

Maybe, I didn’t try it.

[@adventuresofjandk]

Have a 9060 setup and just bought a new receiver with Dirac. Am I not able to use that if I select no sub?

[@HomeTheaterHobbyist]

You should still be able to use Dirac.

[@adventuresofjandk]

@@HomeTheaterHobbyist would you suggest lfe? Called support today and they said go lfe even with new receiver

[@HomeTheaterHobbyist]

Yes, because then a dedicated signal is going to the sub.

[@godfather1116]

Will you be keeping these or prefer the Arendal?

[@HomeTheaterHobbyist]

I don't have an Arendal but as for the Def Techs, I've already shipped them back.

[@ZND2022]

So if I have these but also dual subs do I set the speakers to large and say no sub still? I’m confused

[@HomeTheaterHobbyist]

Set them to small and say yes for subs.

[@ZND2022]

@@HomeTheaterHobbyist okay awesome! Thank you for your reply!!

[@TylerStout]

Personally I don't like those kind of speakers, I can see their appeal but I feel like that powered sub is compensating for the lack of bass from the main speakers. Personally the only way I'd set them up is with the LFE channel as bass is omni directional so unless your a 2 channel purist I'd always want the 2 drivers working together to make bass instead of just whatever bass is sent to their channel. However even though you have a multi subwoofer setup it's not like they are going to be placed for bass as generally corners or midpoints on walls or quarter points on walls is where you're going to have better integration together and those are necessarily going to be the best spot for placing the main tower speaker. Also you shouldn't have your LPF for LFE set to 80hz that should be 120hz as you don't want to be limiting the LFE that the director intended for there to be in the mix.

[@phillipsalaises2782]

Then the bass will be in the vocal range causing heavy chestiness in the vocal area... the mid range frequencies should be natural an accurate..

[@TylerStout]

@@phillipsalaises2782 The bass shouldn't be in the vocal range unless it's recorded that way and placed in the LFE channel. I think your confusing crossovers and LPF for LFE. I agree if you set your crossover to 120hz and you don't have your subs tuned well you could very well get some chestiness from it not being balanced but assuming you blend everything correctly it shouldn't be any different than a competent midrange woofer doing it. I will say that if you did do 120hz crossover you could get where bass coming out of a sub is potentially localizable which wouldn't be ideal if they aren't placed where the sound is supposed to be coming from which would vary depending on which channel the sound is put in.

[@hassanzaidi8031]

Are your speakers still working? The amp on my bp9060 and cs9060 has failed and been replaced 3 times already. Their amps are flawed with cheap capacitors and excessive glue. Do your research before you invest in Definitive technology, and then run the other way

[@mrbillinsf]

I have had two sets of BP towers over the past couple of decades. I never ever had an issue with either, or DT centers or my DT rears. Maybe it’s just you man!

[@hassanzaidi8031]

@@mrbillinsf maybe. But my experience was a nightmare with the bp9060. So far, the DM70's have been great with no issues. So either I got a lemon with the 9060, or they really did redesign the amps with better capacitors 🤷🏻‍♂️.

[@chiefspottedhorse8721]

I got 4 BP8060st tower speakers about 5 years ago and had the amplifier in 2 replaced. Now I got 3 amps out and it’s only 6 years old. Called today and they don’t make replacements anymore. So they say to send them in to repair for $300 each amplifier. So be warned these amps suck! Warranty is only 3 years! I have Bose I bought in the 90s that still rock better. Just saying

[@FalconsATL]

You should have the LFE set to 120Hz.

[@kevonmanuel]

Next video: How to integrate your powered towers and subwoofer to get perfect bass in your room.

[@HomeTheaterHobbyist]

That's a great idea! Unfortunately I shipped them back already but I'll see if I can make some type of video back on my experience.

[@keepingupwiththejones2933]

Try to say powered towers 3 times quickly😅🤣

[@HomeTheaterHobbyist]

😆😆😆 Yep that was difficult!

[@jesusserratogonzalez2493]

sorry, my name is Jesus