Expert: Cleggsan - 12/2/2008

Question
Hi, my name is is Shayan and I recently got a new sub/amp in my car.  My amp is a Sony Xplod XS-1S and my sub is a 1500 watt Sony Xplod XS-L12S.

My amp has settings for "Level" which goes from 0.3V to 5.5V, "Low Boost (40Hz)" and "LPF" which goes from 50Hz to 300Hz.  It also has a switch to turn on "Subsonic Filter."

I was wondering what you think the best settings for my amp would be.

Thanks in advance!

Answer
The settings are very subjective and depend not only on the speaker and head unit, but the automobile acoustics - and, of course, personal taste.

The level is variable in order to accommodate the output of various head ends that will be driving the input.  The Low Pass Filter is to adjust for the crossover from the sub to the other speakers in the car.

The subsonic filter is to keep very low energy from overdriving the amp or speakers - if you are using source material that has low frequency rumble or traffic sounds, etc.

The best way to set these controls is through listening tests.  With a variety of music similar to what you listen to go through the adjustments for the best, well balanced sound output.  I would start with the LPF at 100Hz and the subsonic filter OFF.  Adjust the level so that the sub's bass output matches level of the other speakers in the vehicle.  Then, adjust until you get the sound you are wanting.

Hope this helps.
C