Should Speakers be Set to Large or Small in an AV Receiver?

In virtually all modern AV receivers (or AVRs), you can designate each speaker in your system as "large" or "small." Surprisingly, the speaker-size setting has nothing to do with the physical dimensions of the speaker. Instead, the setting tells the AVR whether to divert low frequencies (or bass) away from that speaker and reroute them to the subwoofer.
The "large" and "small" speaker size designations are present in Yamaha, Denon, Marantz, Pioneer and many other model AVRs. There are some notable exceptions where the terms "large" and "small" are not used - and a crossover is simply specified for that channel.
The terms "large" and "small" were historically used to differentiate between a speaker channel getting a full range signal vs. a speaker channel being crossed over at 80 Hz (there was only one crossover frequency available in the infancy of digital bass management).
Now multiple crossover frequencies are available for each loudspeaker channel, allowing the user to set the crossover which best suits the bass capabilities of that loudspeaker. This has greatly reduced or even eliminated the need for any speaker channel to be run on "large" (full-range). And yet the option still exists in many AVRs and auto-set-up will still often select large - which can create performance problems outlined in the video.
In this video, SVS Director of Technology, Ed Mullen, explains what each setting means, when you should choose large or small for your loudspeakers and more details about digital bass management.
We've had a few questions about the concept of 'double bass' and what that actually means. Double bass has several names in set-up menus depending on the manufacturer - and is typically called "LFE + Main", "Extra" and "Plus". Below is a short explanation of 'regular bass' and 'double bass' and what the differences actually are:
Fronts set to Small and subwoofer mode LFE:
• A high pass filter is applied to the fronts at the crossover frequency.
• A duplicate signal is sent to the subwoofer and low passed at the crossover frequency.
Fronts set to Large and subwoofer mode LFE:
• The fronts get a full-range signal.
• The crossover for the fronts is grayed out and shows ‘full band’.
• The subwoofer gets no signal for the front channels.
Fronts set to Large and subwoofer mode LFE + Main (aka double bass):
• The fronts get a full-range signal.
• The subwoofer gets a duplicate signal for the front channels - hence the term ‘double bass’.
• In some AVRs the double bass cut-off frequency can be adjusted. In other AVRs it cannot be adjusted and is set the same frequency as the other channels set to Small.
Usually Large/full-band with double-bass enabled results in phase cancellation issues between the fronts and the subwoofer, because they do not have the same phase response over the bandwidth they are sharing.
We've also had questions about the LPF/LFE setting in some AVRs in the Bass menu. This is the low pass filter frequency for the LFE .1 channel on the soundtrack. The LPF/LFE setting has no bearing on the speaker/subwoofer crossover frequency for each channel. The LPF/LFE setting should be set to 120 Hz, which matches the historical standard for sound engineers mixing content into the LFE .1 channel.
For more info, you can visit the SVS blog here:
www.svsound.com/blogs/svs/sho...
SVS Speakers:
www.svsound.com/collections/s...
SVS Subwoofers:
www.svsound.com/collections/s...

[@Audioholics]

Ed Mullen always giving sound advice. Great video guys!

[@SVS_Sound]

Thanks, we love what you guys do for the audio industry, keep spreading the knowledge!

[@badejong]

Great video and I guess a lot of people will be adjusting their setups after watching this...

[@NorthernUnion13]

Thank you for this video. I had wondered what the small and large speakers setting was without ever finding out. Your video has just told me exactly what it means.

[@bradley8753]

I had no idea till I talk to svs customer service and Ted T explained all of this to me! Great video🤟

[@paullock8833]

Ive always set my pioneer reciever to small speekers just because it sounded better and now i understand why. Great video thanks.

[@jonnsmusich]

Recently got an SVS sub woofer and followed your advice. The improvement was outstanding! Set the SW crossover to 90. The surprise was how much the SW improved the overall sound stage and clarity with very little moving it around for best placement. Sure, two SW or even four as some suggest might be wonderful. But the system works in a small , acoustically difficult room and the divorce costs would be very high. V glad I got the SW and followed your advice.

[@SVS_Sound]

Haha, always have to account for the divorce costs. Thanks for sharing your experience.

[@Agent-fg9ol]

Very good information as usual, I have to say that I'm more than impressed with the customer service provided by Svs. You guys do an amazing job, my emails are answered within a few hours at most and the information is always very clear and informative.

[@SVS_Sound]

Thanks for the props Richard, we take a lot of pride in our customer service.

[@PIPERBOYWILLIAMS]

I can listen to the engineer talk all day. Extremely articulate.

[@nunocordeirodossantos5741]

I’m finally enlightened , after a few decades of existence. Thanks for the video guys

[@harmoncollege]

SVS customer service is awesome! Cory and Jeff helped me out when ordering and setting up my subs. I had no idea that my center channel and floor speakers needed to be set to small. Once I did that and set the crossover to 80 hz, my entire system was transformed. I started going back through the MCU movies, and re-watching Iron Man with correct settings and dual PB-2000 subs was glorious! I can't say enough good things about SVS...both the products and the people.

[@SVS_Sound]

Appreciate the kind words, we'll make sure Cory and Jeff get the props.

[@Richstreetdriven]

Great info! I changed my denon 4400 from large to small on my rf7iii after getting my 2 sb3000 subs. What a difference! I rush home from work to listen to my system.

[@thang1742]

what are the hz settings you have on the rf7 lll

[@Richstreetdriven]

@@thang1742 60. Dual sb3000s pound so I let them do the heavy lifting.

[@Muttonbird]

Great vid. Looking forward to having a play when I return home. Thanks for the valuable info.

[@markhammons01]

this was very informative, i'm someone who will now set his speakers properly. Thanks.

[@tomlademann2521]

This just opened my eyes. Thank you!

[@keepingupwiththejones2933]

Thanks Ed and Nick. Appreciate the content.

[@rxw5520]

I wondered why my 603s sounded weak and underpowered... switching them from large to small made a really surprisingly big difference in keeping those all important mids from getting lost in the mix. They livened right up. Thanks!

[@SVS_Sound]

Glad we could help!

[@rxw5520]

@@SVS_Sound haha there’s an interesting follow up here.... I got the prime pinnacles the day after I made that comment, and they blew my 603s and my Kef Q950s away on both large and small settings .... y’all’s speakers are phenomenal.

[@PIPERBOYWILLIAMS]

​@@rxw5520better than kef ? Nah

[@semiborejon1976]

Very informative!... that is why I set my Pioneer A/V receiver speaker setting to small for front, center & surround channel, and a subwoofer to YES... And it sounds best! Not only that, the sound quality especially the bass really very satisfying!

[@SVS_Sound]

Glad it was helpful!

[@semiborejon1976]

@@SVS_Sound Thanks! I've tried setting large for front speakers and small for a center, surround, and Subwoofer setting to PLUS...which also sounds louder and good bass. But the quality is not satisfactory. That's why the real best configuration is setting the front, center, surround to small and all the bass will come out to subwoofer thoroughly. That's where it sounds really great!

[@rainergro4055]

An addition: Sending a full range signal to a speaker that is not capable of handling deep bass will only create distortions within the speaker. Freed from high amplitude low frequencies the bass driver can work with much higher accuracy. My recommendation: Choose a cross-over frequency well above the cut off frequency of your "small" speaker. Since the cross-over is a gradual process it overlays with the dying out of your speaker at the low end. To minimize this overlay I suggest you double the low cut off frequency of your speaker and take that as cross-over frequency. But no more than 100 - 120 Hz. Greetings from Germany A physicist

[@col7649]

Thanks guys, this is very helpful indeed! So glad I watched this video. No wonder my amp was overheating and shutting down. Great work!

[@Metalhead-4life]

Time for a bigger amp!

[@col7649]

@@Metalhead-4life So true, but I couldn't afford one, so I got a pair of AC Infinity fans and that solved the problem. best 60 bucks I ever spent!

[@AlanMedina314]

I tought size was referring to the physical size of the speaker. However when I changed to large I did notice the sound quality diminished so i returned to small. Thank you for clearing that misconception.

[@techsamurai11]

Lol, it's so funny - I always and still think the same. What they mean is full range vs limited range.

[@jamesaddo9903]

Very educative video. I use Sony DH 550 AV receiver. I do not have an active subwoofer so instead I have a separate Amp, Sherwood Ax 4050r which acts as my subwoofer amp for the two 12 inch passive speakers I have. I followed the instructions here and set the Sony AV receiver speaker settings to small, and cross over to 80hz. The Sound from the Sherwood amp is amazing. The bass from the 12 inches speaker is deep.

[@SVS_Sound]

Glad it worked out!

[@jamesaddo9903]

@@SVS_Sound Perfectly

[@hi-fihaven2257]

Great tutorial guys, especially people new to the hobby.

[@ericnortan9012]

I have my CV! SL 15s set to large because the go to 28hrz and do as good or better than my 2 subs. everything else set to small and crossovers set to the standards. So I get basically 4 subs and it is awesome. I have an external power amp for the fronts to take the load off the receiver giving my surrounds plenty of headroom, my receiver runs nice and cool. The SL 15s are really great fronts on a surround system, and for 2 channel music, WOW they rock. Sorry I don't mean to plug another speaker brand. My main point was big speakers that go low, I like set on large, you get some great sound effects/bass. You're subs are nice, if/when I upgrade ill definitely check you out. Good video!

[@ChrisSmith-wo8jd]

Thanks guys, I recently set up my home theatre this was very helpful

[@OOnti-dz4jd]

I only have 2 fronts for now at large setting. Sounds great . I’ll change them to small once I add an SB2000. Thanks for advise

[@barryallen2534]

Talk about setting a standard in customer service, SVS is THE standard. Before purchase, during purchase, and after purchase....nothing but class. Thank you!

[@orlandomiranda5011]

I was fortunate to speak with Ed Mullen when I called SVS support department. Ed gave me detailed information on each aspect of my AVR set up in conjunction with my SB12 NSD subwoofer. I had purchased a set of B&W 607 to use as the surrounds, with his input I was able to make those speakers play with the rest of my speakers enveloping me in the surround sound. My AVR's EQ system did not work properly and he recommended I purchase an SPL meter that aided in the adjustment of the sound levels. Ed thanks again.

[@SVS_Sound]

Thanks for the comment, Ed's an amazing resource and we're fortunate to have him on the team.

[@michaelslocumbsr.2286]

Great Presentation... I'm locked in now...

[@bobpickering1]

I found the video both helpful and confusing. My new Sony 5.1 AVR forces all my speakers to Large when I run the auto setup. The video seems to say that the AVR won’t divert anything to my subwoofer, but the subwoofer still plays. I took your advice, changed all my speakers to Small, and set the crossover for each speaker a bit above the claimed frequency response. Happy camper!

[@SVS_Sound]

Thanks for the comment. We didn't mean to say no output would be diverted to the subwoofer, just that the speakers would not have to play as low, so they can focus more on mids and highs, which generally produces better dynamic range our total output.

[@lionpaw4068]

This is good information cuz some people don't know this good job guys just keep up the good work..I appreciate this a lot

[@TheRealMB]

Great info! Thank you! I've got the Klipsch RF7-IIIs and RC-64 III up front, and even have those set to small. The 2 PB-16s I think are happy to handle the low end for them. The towers are handled by an Anthem amplifier (not receiver), so I let them go down to 60hz. So far so good!

[@Metalhead-4life]

Nice setup! been wanting to upgrade my KLF30's to RF7III's. Also been wanting to upgrade to a new model Anthem reciever. SVS is great but I got my THX ULTRA II Subs on accommodation from Klipsch so I've stuck w/ them. Klipsch's new Subs look to give SVS a run for their money!

[@TheRealMB]

@@Metalhead-4life yes! I'm waiting to see these reviews for the new subs! If they're anywhere near the SVS (let alone better?), It will cause a major shift in the Market I think. Can't wait to hear them.

[@stevebuzz3967]

Speakers have built in crossovers, so I set my mains to large for full power and let the internal crossovers work. Set the sub to LFE + Main. Music sounds awesome! The sub and mains blend in perfectly.

[@GatesRapes]

Steve is completely correct !!

[@ericshutter5305]

This has nothing to do with the regular crossovers inside the front speakers. Unless you are talking about front speakers with a high pass filter option.... your usage of LFE+Main is probably based on faulty knowledge...

[@ericshutter5305]

@@GatesRapes actually ... No he isn't...

[@f430ferrari5]

@@ericshutter5305 you’re correct about the crossover. There is none for the fronts/mains with the LFE + Main configuration. They are simply playing full range for the lows and any internal passive crossovers within the speakers is more for the mids and highs if 3 way. And as far as LFE + Main whether faulty knowledge or not if Steve feels his system sounds great as is then good for him. I actually don’t believe in what SVS is stating related to chopping off low bass frequencies in floor standing speakers. Perhaps bookshelf but shouldn’t be necessary for floor standing speakers. And even if it were then there is more of an amplification problem here. SVS and most subwoofer companies cater to an audience that have a receiver / sound processor. The receiver has power limitations to properly drive floor standing speakers at full range. A separate pre amp power amplifier set up is the better way to go with floor standing speakers. If one has plenty of powerful bass in this set up then any added subwoofer is just gravy. Should still be a good one. The above has just been my experience. It best replicates live performance. Some are more into home theater so it just depends.

[@Excalabur50]

Wow Thanks SVS this is info that needs to get out there, extremely valuable!

[@SVS_Sound]

Glad it was helpful!

[@sherryinxs]

Thank you so much for a such a valued information and letting me enjoy my sound system! Optimally 👍

[@SVS_Sound]

Glad we could help!

[@viktorderka6348]

Hi Guys, I've set my receiver according to this video -> all speakers to small, LFE only (not LFE+Main), cut at 80 Hz for LFE and to tell you the trouth sounds weak and terrible, like an entry level system. So I turned back to large speakers to all, LFE+Main and cut at 100 Hz. Huge difference and now it sounds as a movie should with high end gear. I might have lost common sense here, but thats the fact, I need large to get sound right. My gear is X7200WA, SB4000 and RTiA7 Polks with bigger center.

[@SVS_Sound]

Thanks for sharing the experience. It's not a hardened rule to run "small" with a subwoofer considering the other factors involved. Ultimately, whatever sounds best to you is what matters most.

[@tee-jaythestereo-bargainph2120]

Nice overview ! I heard the ultra bookshelfs once , and for the small amount of time i was impressed with the detail , I'm a newer reviewer , who would love to review one of your alls smaller subwoofers in a 2ch set up with the ultras . I can dial them in last subwoofer how 2 video has about 107k reviews . Thanks again SVS for the video .

[@JohnSmith-qi6co]

Denon fnally got rid of the "small" vs. "large" terminology that confuses beginners. At least they did it on their mid-level products. On my x4800h the latest firmware update gives us a crossover menu with the normal descending frequency choices but the lowest one is now "full range" meaning no crossover. Way more intuitive. No "small" or "large." Thanks Denon!

[@DTec1978]

Just got a nice 5.1.2 setup and this was really helpfull, thanks!

[@wilhitman1]

Wow - never knew this either. Thank you for this clear explanation. 👍👍

[@si12volt1]

makes a big difference in the way you set your speakers freq independently in a system

[@moss8448]

thanks for this post. Sony never did discuss this in their user manual. 👍

[@joaolxu581]

I set it up with large speakers and they are large anyway bass is deep enough the result is very good. Of course add a sub will put lower end to the sound and brings a powerful sound

[@mrhobs]

Thanks for the video. What I really need to know now, is whether or not to use my single sub pre out (Denon 3806) to one of the L or R "input 2" inputs on my sub (YST-SW160), OR, and maybe this could help against signal degradation, go 6ft from the AVR to the sub's speaker terminals, then 6 ft to the front speakers, instead of 12 ft from AVR to speakers. Just might run into issues where the sub isn't detected or something... I don't really know what I'd have to deal with if I didn't use the dedicated sub pre out. The sub pre out seems easier, but relaying from the sub could be an elegant alternative, and maybe with a little crossover finesse it would sound just fine and I wouldn't ruin anything... idk. I keep going back and forth. EDIT: Hmm, something you said about the receiver having to work harder may apply here as well. I'd have to send a full range signal to power the sub if I don't use the "Input 2" (line in??) maybe? Would that bypass the subs internal amp or something? I'm probably not painting a very clear picture here... Well, I guess if I have the speakers set to "Small," it would limit the power sent to them, but then, since the sub is sharing a connection at the speaker terminal... it wouldn't be getting the proper frequency sent to it? Or maybe I can run a subwoofer cable to the sub for the low end, but relay/daisy chain the speakers from the subwoofer terminals just... because maybe that's better than running a long speaker cable. (Basically, would the signal be boosted at all degraded less by going through the powered sub rather than skipping it with long speaker cables?) Really hard to find information... I guess there's endless configurations...

[@warrencoakley]

I have a set of Bose AM10's going through an Onkyo receiver. When i try to run Audyssey and it does the high pitch tones to the speakers its not picking up the subwoofer at all? Any ideas?

[@edaubakaha1845]

Hi! Nice and informative video. How about if your front speakers has built in subwoofer. Do you still set the speakers into small and LFE+ Main in your reciver for bass management? And also is 250hz setting and 120hz for subwoofer is a right crossover for front speakers with. built in subs.Please help. Thank you!

[@BIGDRAWZ57]

Very informative! Thanks guys.

[@msamiullah001]

very informative, I always thought it was related to size of speakers !!!

[@Zyberwoof]

It kind of is. Larger speakers have a better chance of producing low frequencies. But it is making an assumption instead of basing it off of what is important.

[@jimmyFX]

Good point Currently I have my servo sub crossed at 40,and surrounds set at large via auto set up ,my towers will go down below 30hz,and surrounds I think go to around 38hz,,also this is in a small room,,10x12,,, And auto eq off, I going to test and change the speaker size ,, Thanks for the tip

[@andyhawkins9541]

Thank you so much eyes and ears opened very informative

[@bigbardmusiq]

Crossovers on mains is set to 40hz and large, ( Audussey ) and they are on a separate amplifier. Why would i need to switch to small?

[@deeeznutz23]

Great simple to the point video, 👌🏽

[@meat_loves_wasabi]

Thks for explanation .... my Denon X3600H config my Dynaudio M20 to be large speakers with 40Hz crossover

[@shimmy1083]

How do you connect studio monitors and a bbe audio processor to a tv. Do i need an av receiver?

[@patbhvac1]

Interesting. I always set the crossover in my receiver to 80hz. I thought anything below that would be sent to the sub.

[@fermitupoupon1754]

It depends on the combination of speakers and subwoofer really. The bookshelf speakers I have on my desk with my PC start rolling off at 140Hz, I have the crossover frequency set to 95Hz so it doesn't make a weird hump or dip in the frequency response. It's typically not a hard cut-off but more of a slope from the crossover frequency.

[@edwinrijos6679]

i have sony ss cs3 floor tower speakers should i set those to large or small manual says they rate at 45hz-50khz. i also have a definitive pro 1000 center speaker and a klipsch r-100sw 10inch subwoofer.

[@mrnolan27]

That was a great explanation!

[@cedric9370]

Interesting. Problem is, on most entry level and mid range receivers, there is no option to set the xover frequency for individual speakers. Or for that matter, the front, centre, rear etc. How do frequencies get directed then?

[@slentz69]

Hello I was wondering if you would be willing to share some advice, I have a Sony ah590 AV receiver, I have two cerwin Vega XLS 15 main speakers, one cerwin Vega XLS center channel speaker, and one cerwin Vega XLS 15 powered subwoofer, should I set speakers to large or small and what crossovers do you recommend or any other settings to get the best sound thank you for any help

[@user-jj8is1rt8x]

Awesome video. Explained very well with no bull in between.

[@Soulcommander]

Recently had SVS on the phone and after all these years 30 + found out my speakers were set wrong. Can someone eplain after the speakers are set to small how do you determine what Hz to choose? And Please explain what Hz is and does for that speaker. Example 80Hz vs 60 Hz. Thank you.

[@luisxav9030]

Hi Guys. I'm having Harmon Kardon AVR 171 with JBL ES90 main speaker and Sub JBL ES150P. When I drive those speakers, the sound from the loudspeakers are not loud enough even I set the crossover to Large.

[@saikatbose8370]

I could not agree fully as if the receiver is set to lfe +main and front left and right set to large the receiver still sends equal low frequencies to the subwoofer and I found that some sounds which belong to the front l and r speakers were actually not produced perfectly with speakers set to small. This was ofcourse while listening to 2.2 stereo. For the films too so far I did not notice any miss when it came to base response using the same set up. My lfe plus main 120 and front speakers which are 15inch towers are set to 100 but for the rest of the theatre I have it set to 80. Now if you have any suggestions

[@edwingarcia5287]

Very educational video thanks great job 💯

[@jsizzle2k6]

wow.. thank you. would of been a lot easier had the manufacture just said with or without subwoofer or put a cutoff range in the crossover

[@Nirabulator]

Very useful information! Thanks!

[@refrigeracionmartinez1134]

Hello I bought a 5.1 prime system and my satellite speakers say they are 8 ohms and I just measured them with Fluke and they say 4 ohms. Is this normal?

[@wktek48]

Thanx for the advice guys

[@510maddog]

What's the recommended crossover for the Prime Pinnacles?

[@briandee98]

Good to know about this topic.

[@user-yy4gf7uc6m]

Hello! Please tell me, I have two SVS PB-2000 pro subwoofers, I want to set the correct parameters in the application, but I don’t understand much, so I would like to ask two questions. 1. Is it possible to change the settings in the app on two subwoofers at the same time? There is a problem adjusting one when both are playing, no change can be heard 2. maybe there is a video explaining what the tabs mean and what they affect. 3. I have a dali opticon 8 front, - what sound parameters would you recommend for your subwoofers, small or large speakers? 4. how much to put the crossover on the speakers and subwoofer? I have a Denon AVC-A110 amplifier. Thank you in advance!

[@rameshchandrapatel6639]

please tell me about Sony Home theater system for their frequency? because i bought it recently (India) because your product not easily available here accept metro cities . so purchase BDV-N9200W model which is their best and top model but i feel bass is low and it gives 9.1 ch output of 6 speakers including sub woofer . i have room size L =22 ft and W =18ft where i can place sub woofer also i haven't install tiles on floor

[@mkashiff1]

Simple explanation. Thanks

[@vasme973]

I have a harman kardon with 7,1. The back sorround left , sometimed sounds like its broken. I guess becose i set the receiver on large to. Great info. I will put them back to small

[@sjsphotog]

Great stuff. 99% of the time set them to small and dry a crossover freq. I need to get my SVS sub fixed. Been way way too long not being used ;(

[@MichaelKirven]

I've found my Monitor 70's sound much better (to me) when in 2 channel full band mode since I added an external amp. I have an Onkyo TX-NR 809 that does pre-amp duty. Found an Adcom GFA-5500 on ebay, and the difference is night and day. With this amp pushing 200 wpc, the subs aren't needed for listening to music, and the bass is sufficient enough for me. I leave the front LR speakers in full band, and crossed over the rest at 80Hz for movie and tv viewing so the subs kick in. No SVS sub yet, but I'm running Polk Monitor 60, surrounds, JBL E10's, surround back, Velodyne DPS12 in the front, and a PolK PSW110 behind the couch. The surrounds and center channel are powered by an ancient Carver AV405 - so the stress on the Onkyo is minimal. Sounds great for a modest system.

[@jkairi4]

Using multiple subs for bass is proven to better for bass in within small room than floorstanding speakers.

[@jackryder6732]

Very good info. Thank you

[@JDRoss716]

I’ve been doing it wrong for so many years. My Sony STR-DN1080 doesn’t explain speaker size and even uses bookshelf icons for small and floorstanding for large settings.

[@Stragus_Macleod]

Thank you so much for this great video!

[@SVS_Sound]

Glad it was helpful!

[@KurganNL]

Very informative. Thanks.

[@foodog777]

Great info. I purchased a 5.0 speaker system a month ago and am learning. My first surround system powered by an older, basic Yamaha 5.1 receiver. My Klipsch R620F loudspeakers & Jamo S 803s (used as wall mounted rears) have enough bass for me that I don’t want a subwoofer. I have a small Jamo center channel 71Hz to 26 kHz with 4” speaker that sounds kind of thin set to small. When I calibrated my system from my sitting position with a mic it boosted all the Jamos to 6-10db higher than the Klipschs, put the crossover frequency at 60kHz, and set all the speakers to large. I have to admit everything sounds fuller and there is more even crossover and soundstage. I only reset the crossover to 80kHz because I thought that was the Dolby standard. I have 1 crossover setting which is not individualized on each speaker. Anyway, I know this is long winded but if you have any advise it would be much appreciated. I don’t plan to buy any new gear this decade. I just want to optimize the sound of what I have. Thanks for any response. Great channel!

[@SVS_Sound]

Trust the auto calibration over the THX standard. Then adjust based on the receivers recommended settings if something sounds off.

[@chrisharford2610]

Thanks, great explanation

[@azriazris]

Some of movie is high sound,, some movie lower sounds how to balance sound of home theater system??

[@Another_Random_Dave]

I have older 12 inch four way speakers in all four corners of my Atmos setup. They’re really good older speakers. JVC sealed in the front and Cerwin Vegas ported in the back. This video may explain why I smell them cooking during massive bomb explosions lol. I will continue to let them die in glory, but I’ll also probably change my settings to small once I have to replace them lol

[@SVS_Sound]

Haha, a true multi-sensory experience. Good call.

[@dazzenseabiscuit1366]

You really saved me time, I have already been reading about speaker size settings and crosstalk setting for the last few days and getting no where. However you didn't discuss crosstalk settings - if I decide to set all my speakers to 'small', what hz do you recommend? 40hz, 60hz, 80hz

[@SVS_Sound]

It depends on your model of speakers, but generally speaking, you should set about 10Hz higher than the rated low frequency extension of the speakers.

[@robertzenniful]

I have the Polk Audio RT 3000 sub Power speakers, Polk suggest the setting for large but the subs run separately if anyone is familiar with these speakers I’m open to suggestions thank you

[@apollian]

I'm stuck, I have an DENON AVR 2700H and I've set them to large and small, and my passive Bose AM10 sub is having problems getting deep bass. I've just changed my AVR 2000 Denon which I had set up perfectly. And I can't understand where I'm going wrong.

[@SVS_Sound]

Drop our support team a note at custservice@svsound,com and we may be able to help.

[@GalvatronTypeR]

My two front speakers are from Definitive Technology with built in active subs. They sound better when I run them at full band sending some LFE signal to them as opposed to small and setting a crossover point. Every other speaker is set to small with crossover points. Every should try for themselves but generally, you don’t want to set speakers to large unless those speakers have built in active subs.

[@oguzme]

I also have Definitive Tech Bp 2004. I set the Subwoofer mode to LFE Only also set them as full band and set large. Do you think its right?

[@dperr338]

Why not just set the cross over at around 60 hz or maybe even 40 hz? Send the lowest notes to the sub.

[@GalvatronTypeR]

@@dperr338 because it doesn't sound as good.

[@christopherbellamy3411]

What is the best receiver for polk t 15 speakers

[@xHaRm51]

Wondering if you might make a video to comment on this if there is something interesting to say - when setting the receiver to 'large', I get the option to specify if the subwoofer should or shouldn't be playing in addition to to the main speakers, both playing throughout their full range. What are the pros and cons to such an option

[@SVS_Sound]

Thanks for the suggestion, we'll work it into our planning.

[@russellleahy]

Mine says large or small and i can set for sub or not on both so either doesnt make s difference

[@saikatbose8370]

I am surprised to see the thumbs down as he is Absolutely correct.

[@phatdpc]

Really helpful, thanks

[@SVS_Sound]

You're welcome!

[@alexand3r1]

Good video. Should probably touch on LFE+Main, though.

[@SVS_Sound]

Thanks, we touch on that briefly in the blog post we wrote with it. www.svsound.com/blogs/svs/should-speakers-be-set-to-large-or-small-on-an-av-receiver

[@Jason-wc3fh]

LFE+Main is garbage and they will interfere with eachother, especially if you have a good quality subwoofer setup. It's very simple, your subwoofer is made better for bass, so let it do it and do it only. Allowing a combination of bass to both subwoofer and mains never yields a better result.

[@dbwater5154]

I also knew this already, this however is a great explanation. So many don't know what they don't know. BUT.. that being said, Read your manual!!

[@SVS_Sound]

Well said!

[@Leonard_Lewis]

Really good information guys, but can you tell me if you plan on making a PB 18" ultra that has the excursion of the PB3000, the force of the 16ultra and the wattage of the sun?

[@SVS_Sound]

Thanks! Not anytime soon, the PB16-Ultra will remain our flagship subwoofer for the indefinite future.

[@coreyspencer993]

Thank you sooo much my brother

[@dougbulldog9947]

Great explanations, thanks for sharing your knowledge. I understand why I should set all my speakers to small and the receiver crossover point to 80 but... when I use ypao mic to setup my Yamaha RX V473 receiver it changes all the speakers (except the center channel) from small back to large and crossover back from 80 to 120. The Yammy receiver is connected to Onkyo SKF-4800 floor-standing front speakers, Onkyo SKC-4800 center speaker, Infinity reference 5.5'' bookshelf rear speakers on stands and Sony SA-WM40 subwoofer. Do you think I should change all the speakers back to small and crossover to 80?

[@SVS_Sound]

The speakers need to be changed to Small after you run YPAO set-up in the Yamaha. Your AVR does not have the ability to set individual crossovers for each channel. They must all use the same crossover. 80 Hz will work fine for all of your channels. This is one of those situations where the exception might work better - so you can try setting the fronts to large, enabling double bass (typically referred to as Plus/Extra) and then setting all of the other channels to Small with an 80 Hz crossover.

[@dougbulldog9947]

@@SVS_Sound thank you for your reply I do appreciate your advice and funny enough I have been trying front speakers set to small and large with a crossover at 80 how do you say it depends on what you're listening to cheers

[@Dooguy]

But whats the differences if any IF your only concerned with music and not movies. I watch almost lil to no movies on my avr. Running your svs 4000 sub with marantz sr7007 7.1 With definitive techs that are self amplified in the bass speaker as my mains. I like alot of tight crisp kick drum bass in my music btw

[@RonaldvandePas]

Nice Video guys that opened up for me a question: i got 2 B&W 801 series 3 (they were used in an editing studio as monitors and got them for free) as left and right speakers for a 5.0 setup at the moment is it worth to buy a subwoofer or are those speakers to heavy to place a subwoofer next to it. And if the answer is yes what kind of subwoofer should i get? Thanks

[@SVS_Sound]

Hi Ronald - I'm not familiar with those speakers so if you don't mind sending a note to our support team (custservice@svsound,com), they will get back to you within 24 hours with recommendations.

[@RonaldvandePas]

@@SVS_Sound Thanks, i've send them a mail

[@luismarquez8439]

I have pioneer vsx1014tx reciever... I like the speaker setting on large when watching medium volume. When I set it on large speakers it turns my sub off completely... I'd like to keep some mid bass punch. Plenty of lows please help

[@elmy6124]

You need to change your lfe setting from lfe to lfe+main. If you can not find it. It could also be called double bass instead.