O.K. got the Dayton 12 inch subwoofer. Now how does one "dial" it in??? Also I can get a "Y" subwoofer cable from PE cheap ($1.88)(do not need 13 feet, but the price is right):
http://www.partsexpress.com/pe/showdetl.cfm?&Partnumber=189-300

The set-up book for the Onkyo SR-705 shows a single subwoofer cable to just one terminal. Will this be an issue?

Also how do you set / adjust the crossover freq????

The simplest connection to the sub would be the sub out from your Onkyo to the mono right input jack on the sub itself(this is per the instructions you attached).The Onkyo would determine, in the speaker setup process you would have done when you set up the system, which frequencies go to the sub and which frequencies to the main,center and surrounds.Most usually have this set at 80hz.If this is the case,set your sub freq to 80hz.

If you chose to use the speaker level inputs/outputs,then you would run the front two L/R speaker outputs from the Onkyo into the inputs on the sub and then take the outputs from the sub to the speakers.The sub then becomes the crossover and you can choose you own set frequency to cross.Again.most case scenarios,it's 80hz.

The third choice you have is line level.If the Onkyo has pre out/main in jacks,you would connect rca cords between the Onkyo and the sub from the pre out to the line in on the sub and then the output jacks on the sub back to the main in.Again,cross over freq is your choice on the subs control.

The volume control on the sub can drive you nuts. Speaker placement is your choice,but the room's acoustical properties sometimes can cause havoc.Where you place it is determined by your room,cable length,other outside nagging influances and so on.Sound pressure meters can help or just give a listen.Move the sub around until you think it's the best.Listen for awhile and make mental notes.It should not sound "boomy" or overbearing.A male voice should not sound boomy.If so,then the volume needs to come down.You should almost feel it more than anything else.Try setting the volume control at midpoint and go from there.The Onkko may have test tones for the sub.The best way to check speaker levels is by using a cheap sound pressure level meter.This way,you know you have the levels set equally for all speakers.A spectrum analyzer would really do the trick..but..

Bottom line,experiemnt with the room you have to work with.

TY
Hope to be playing around with it next Sat. Had to order a cheap TV LCD stand at AAron's yesterday. Should be in by next THUR or FRI. Pick it up, put it together and get the neighbor to help me put the LCD TV on top. Then bring out the SR-705 and hook it all up:) Think I saw a post some where that identified TRANSFORMERS as a good DVD to test out the sound. Got a copy this AM for $5.00... Any other recommendations for "test" DVDs on the sound set up... Hope to impress the wife with this part as much as she was impressed with the TV:) That will be a "home run"!!!

I think Duane's option #1 is the best bet. Use the Onkyo's subwoofer out into the left low level in of the sub. The line ins on the sub are summed internally. Turn the crossover frequency all the way up on the sub and then set it with the Onkyo. Choose crossover according to the way your mains and subs play together. In my setup, things sounded better if I used 60hz instead of 80hz, but my mains have pretty big woofers.

The best trick to determine sub placement is to put the sub at your listening position, then crawl around the floor (really) while playing something bass rich until you find the best sounding position. Then, put the sub where your ears are. This may, of course, take some compromise because of room flow and WAF.

Here's a list from Home Theater Shack of good movies to exercise the subwoofer:

http://www.hometheatershack.com/forums/home-audio-subwoofers/4070-master-list-dvd-movies-bass-waterfalls.html

Doug

Any other recommendations for "test" DVDs on the sound set up... Find a DVD with the THX Optimzer suite on it. Most of the recent Pixar titles have it. I'm sure others do as well.

One of the set-up stages is a "white noise" signal to allow you to check your volume levels. Very helpful when (as in your case) there is more than one amp involved. :thmbsp:

TY

My LCD TV was a package deal with a Toshiba HD-A30. Keeping my eyes opened for "fire sales" on HD disk now:) Saw a post on the Planet Earth - US version HD on sale at Discovery.com for $30.00 shipped and I ordered it. I have the BBC set with 5 disk - standard, that I found un-opened at our thrift shop on Post for $4.50. Watching disk 3 tonight... Will be interesting to see how much better the HD ver is. The standard one is amazing... Will see if I can find some HD vers of some of the DVDs on the list...

Spend $30-$35 more on a Radio Shack SPL meter.

I'll help you immensely in calibrating/fine tuning your system.

Yes, many newer HT receivers have built-in calibration, but many "old salts" still double check and fine tune with the trusty RS, et al., SPL meter.

Other than that, most of the basics have been mentioned.

Will be interesting to see how much better the HD ver is. The standard one is amazing...

I've only seen Planet Earth HD version on BluRay, but if the HD-DVD version is at all similar to the BD version, you're in for some real eye candy. :thmbsp:

Oh yeah... get a copy of AVIA or Digital Video Essentials. There are both audio calibration signals (although I just use the test signal from my pre/pro) and video calibration signals/patterns for your TV. Makes a big difference in the picture quality!!

Spend $30-$35 more on a Radio Shack SPL meter.

I'll help you immensely in calibrating/fine tuning your system.

Yes, many newer HT receivers have built-in calibration, but many "old salts" still double check and fine tune with the trusty RS, et al., SPL meter.

Other than that, most of the basics have been mentioned.

There used to be 2 types of meters (analog and digital).The analog meter was the preferred choice,but it doesn't appear to be available on their website,just the digital.http://www.radioshack.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2103667&cp=2032057

I have the analog meter,bought it quite some time ago and it's such a valuable tool to get all of the channels set to the right level.My processor has a built in auto calibration option,but it seems to be just a bit off.Using the SPL meter,it sounds right.You have to know how to use it properly and using the AVIA test disc has a demonstration on how to use it correctly.

Here's the RS analog SPL meter. (http://www.radioshack.com/search/index.jsp?kwCatId=&kw=33-4050&origkw=33-4050&sr=1) I have one, and use the Digital Video Essentials DVD to calibrate the audio and video in my set-up. As far as using a Y adaptor for the sub cable goes, it gives a slight boost in Db's, to trigger the sub to come on faster, than just using the single input. I bought a Y adaptor at RS to try it out, after reading about it on the AVS forum. I have the 10" sub from PE, I think you'll be happy with your new sub.:thmbsp:

TY
I ordered "The Ultimate DVD - Home Theater fine Tuning Made Simple" a week or so ago and it came in yesterday. Played with it a bit last night and looks easy to follow with commentary on "how to do the test". Also found a free simple version to DL at www.tvblink.com. Has a number of test patterns and film clips to run and grade out your TV. Will get deeper into this after I get my TV stand in. Then will hook up the A/V control and stuff and get down to business and set it all up. Looks like I should be doing that all this weekend :)