1961 Amplifier settings – Best practice for Stereo
Article summary
- Set correct input gain for optimal performance based on your source's output voltage.
- Adjust crossover settings for best bass output based on speaker size and placement.
- Phase adjustment is crucial for integrating your subwoofer with other speakers effectively.
- For enhanced bass clarity, consider the 1528 Tower 8 for your audio setup.
- Use the Parametric EQ menu only if you're familiar with measured response adjustments.
Here are the settings we recommend for Stereo purposes, specifically stereo setups that do not have room correction or adjustability on the subwoofer output. For stereo sources with room correction please refer to the home cinema guide. Settings not mentioned are ones we would rather leave as is unless you for any specific reason want to change them.
This guide should be read in conjunction with the Amplifier Operation Manual in the handbook.
Please see our other guides for Dual Source or Home Cinema settings.
- Levels Menu
- First step will be to set the correct input gain. Depending on the output voltage of your source you will have to select the correct position, typically an analog stereo preamp will have a relatively low output of around 1V, which makes +6dB the correct setting.
- Set Ref. Level to off.
- Adjust Master Level to the position until you have adequate bass in your room. This setting should be fully optimized after other settings are properly adjusted.
- Crossover Menu
- LPF Bypass should be left off.
- LPF Frequency may have to be tweaked a little for room, personal preferences, and also to the type of speakers you use. If you use larger floor standing speakers, a good place to start will be a LPF frequency of between 50Hz and 80Hz. If you use a smaller bookshelf type speaker that need more help in the bass, you could consider adjusting the LPF Frequency between 80Hz and 120Hz. The subwoofer should be placed close to the speakers if you set a very high frequency as it will be easier to locate where the subwoofer is when playing music.
- LPF Slope is how fast you want the signal to fall off after the LPF Frequency you just set. We recommend setting it to 12dB/Oct, unless you want to play around to see what gives the best bass in your setup.
- Phase is the single most important adjustment to get your subwoofer properly integrated with your speakers. The easiest way to adjust this setting properly is using a song with a steady bass beat and adjust the phase until you have the most bass in the listening position. If that setting is above 90 degrees, we recommend setting signal invert to on, and resetting the phase (which now should be less than 90 degrees with optimal performance).
- EQ mode 1 for larger rooms, or smaller rooms if you just want some extra rumble in the deepest bass. EQ2 mode will roll-off earlier and not give as much of an earthquake effect.
- Parametric EQ Menu
- Only make changes here if you have measured the response and know where you need to make some changes.
- Setup Menu
- Input/Turn-on should be in Auto or 12V if you have a 12V trigger signal from your source that you want to use. Then set the correct Input Selection.
- If Auto turn-on is active, we would recommend setting the Wake-up Sens. to High so the amplifier turns on with very low input signal.
Frequently asked questions
What are the recommended settings for stereo setups without room correction?
For stereo setups lacking room correction, start with setting the correct input gain, turning off Ref. Level, and adjusting the Master Level for adequate bass. The Crossover Menu settings should also be optimized based on your speakers and room preferences.
How do I set the input gain for my stereo amplifier?
Typically, for an analog stereo preamp with an output of around 1V, set the input gain to +6dB.
What should I adjust in the crossover menu for my speakers?
Keep LPF Bypass off, and set LPF Frequency between 50Hz and 80Hz for larger speakers, or 80Hz to 120Hz for smaller ones. Use a 12dB/Oct slope for best results.
How do I adjust the phase for my subwoofer?
To optimize bass, adjust the phase while playing a song with a steady bass beat until you achieve maximum bass at your listening position. If the phase is above 90 degrees, turn on signal invert and reset the phase.
When should I use the parametric EQ menu?
Only make changes in the Parametric EQ Menu if you have measured the response and know where adjustments are necessary.
What settings should I choose for the setup menu?
Set Input/Turn-on to Auto or 12V if a trigger signal is available, and ensure the correct Input Selection is set. For Auto turn-on, set Wake-up Sens. to High for optimal response with low input signals.
How high should I set the LPF Frequency for subwoofers with smaller speakers?
For smaller bookshelf speakers needing more bass, adjust the LPF Frequency between 80Hz and 120Hz.
What EQ mode should I use for different room sizes?
Use EQ mode 1 for larger rooms or smaller rooms if you want deeper bass. Choose EQ mode 2 for earlier roll-off and less intense bass effects.
