Much more could be said on this topic. However, I believe that there is really only one approach for an individual to take, if that individual wants to fully understand the capabilities of his or her equipment. For me, it comes down to two simple steps:

1. Create a Test CD with tones ranging down from 1 Khz to 16 Hz. I have two such disks - one of which I created from a free download of test signals.

2. Use the Test Disk to check out various setup options with your equipment.

3. In lieu of a Test Disk, choose a CD with regular and pronounced bass (a piano, bass, and drums jazz disk for example).

If you want to understand how your Triton Speakers handle signals from your AV Receiver, you can set your AV Receiver to LARGE or FULL RANGE, disconnect the LFE cables from the Tritons, run the test disk and listen to how the Tritons handle various frequencies.

Next, reconnect the LFE cables, run the tests again and listen for differences.

Next, change the speaker setup to SMALL or Specific Crossovers and run the same test sequences.

Then, you can activate such features as DOUBLE BASS or ANALOG DIRECT BASS and run the same test sequences again to hear the results.

After you have run all of these tests, plus any others which present themselves based upon your equipment's capabilities, you should be in a position to decide which setup works the best for you. You will also have learned a significant amount about your equipment and about how signals are processed under different setup options.

Enjoy the journey,

Art

KimchiHo wrote: So, theoretically, the following 2 configurations should be the same in terms of the "total signal" that is sent to the Tritons:

1) Large speakers + Yes Sub w/ LFE output used
2) Large speakers + No Sub w/ no LFE output used

But, it sounds like in #2, most receivers actually clip or filter out some of the LFE signal when "blending" it into the regular L/R outputs, which is why most Triton owners are having better results by using #1.

Does that sound about right?

KimchiHo,

In a nutshell, you've got it. Rick and Art have both added some valuable info as well. The connections I previously described are simply a baseline. Art's procedures will help you identify the settings that best suit you based on your equipment, room, and listening preferences. Start with the basics and enjoy the journey!

Cheers,

T Cobe

I just read this thread but didn't quite find what I'm looking for. I have T1's and two powered subs. I want the fullest sound through my T1's when listening to music, which is about 70% of the time, I don't want my subs on, which they aren't. I currently have my T1's set to large (Emotiva xmc-1) and only speaker cables running to them. I don't need the LFE inputs on the T1's due to my powered subs...is this a correct setup?

Yes, your outboard subs will only play on multi channel sources with this setup.

Moderator wrote: Yes, your outboard subs will only play on multi channel sources with this setup.

Yes, I understand that. I just want to make sure I'm not missing out on anything. I just see so many people connecting the LFE along with speaker cables to their T'1's but they aren't saying if they have external subs connected as well. It would be a pretty big PITA for me to run LFE cables to my T1's to try so I'm trying to gather as much info as possible..

"Yes" meant "Yes, that's the correct setup for what you want." Clearer?