Problem with Monitor Audio BXW-10 and Yamaha V667 - recommend setup

Hi Ritz,

I've tried a few configurations and played around with the settings on the AVR based on various posts I've seen, but hadn't put up the different ways I've tried to connect it as I wanted to know what was the recommended default way to set it up.

However, happy to share. I think the following is the way it should connect but doesn't seem to be working:

To the BXW-10 sub I've connected as per photo below (Pic 1)
- connected cable to LFE IN (cables as supplied by you guys as well - came as a pair)
- connected power cord to socket
- volume set to around 10 o clock position (I've tried this at various settings - hence shown different in photo)
- crossover frequency control to 90Hz (Again, I've tried this at various settings - hence shown different in photo. But guess this shouldn't make any difference as I'm using LFE input and therefore it should be controlled by AVR right?)
- phase control switch to 0
- power mode switch to on
- mains power switch on

To the Yamaha AVR I've connected the sub as per second photo below:
- connected cable to 'SUBWOOFER 1' in 'PRE OUT' section


In addition to above, I've tried a variation using the lead for 12 volt trigger input also. It made no difference. (Also, the pin seems to go in at a slightly offset angle into the back of the sub). But I guess the only addition this would have would be that the sub would turn itself off when not in use?

I don't suppose I could have set something incorrectly on the AVR so that it's not picking it up now? Is there a way to restore default settings on the Yamaha? Although I would have thought by using the YPAO microphone and the autosetup it should be able to pick it up. But it doesn't.

Cheers

Pic 1:


Pic 2:

Hi eddiem74,

Thanks for suggestions.

Yes, I think I’ve followed settings for the sub and 667. I’ve laid out the procedure in painstaking detail below. Apologies for the ramblings. I thought by doing this I might find the problem myself.

---

According to the 667 manual the main steps are as follows:

Step 1A
Connect the subwoofer input jack to the SUBWOOFER 1 or 2 jack on the Yamaha 667 with an audio pin cable. I have used one of the stereo audio cables (insert link) – a pair of which I purchased with system from richersounds. I’ve inserted one end of one of them into SUBWOOFER 1 jack on the Yamaha 667.

Step 2A
Set the subwoofer volume as follows:
Volume: set to approx half (or slightly less than half)
Crossover Frequency: set to max
So I’ve set volume to 11 o clock position and crossover frequency to 150 Hz (as this is the max on the BXW-10)

Step 3A (not sub specific)
3.1 Check unit, TV, sub
3.2 Place YPAO at ear height
3.3 Turn on receiver
3.4 Connect YPAO
3.5 On screen, select ‘measure’, then ‘enter’ – performs measurement and displays result.

---

According to the Monitor Audio BXW-10 sub manual the main steps are as follows:

There are two possibilities for input – 2 x stereo, 1 x LFE. All 3 are RCA connection. As I am connecting to a Yamaha 667 (and not a stereo amplifier), I presume I should follow instructions for using the LFE input on the sub (is this correct?). Also, by using this, the crossover frequency shouldn’t matter, as the crossover function being controlled by the AV amplifier (Yamaha 667) to which it is connected.

Even though this is the case, suggested settings are provided for the cross over frequency. They are as follows:

Type of Main Speaker
Monitor Audio Product Crossover
Control Setting
Small stand-mount/ bookshelf speaker RX1; BX1/2; R225HD/250HD;R oneHD 60-90 Hz

(Theres a more extensive list but I’ve only included this as I have pair of BX2’s). Thus there is a conflict – as the Yamaha 667 manual suggests setting it to 150Hz and the BXW-10 sub is suggesting to set it lower at 60-90Hz. I think the hierarchy is the Yamaha so I’ve set it to max of 150Hz. Plus, shouldn’t this just mean that it kicks in more often? (Although not really as the cross over is set in the Yamaha 667 menu).

Volume Control – Advice as follows: Start with the volume at a low level and increase the level control until a balanced sound is established. If using an AV processor or AV receiver amplifier, the system can be adjusted by the test tone function within the set-up features. (Refer to the set up section in the AV processor or AV receiver amplifier user guide.)
Thus I’ve used the recommended setting of 11 o clock as per Yamaha 667 manual.

Phase Control Switch – Advice as follows: it should be noted that in most cases the phase control switch should be set to 0 degrees, especially when using a digital AV processor or AV receiver amplifier.
Thus I’ve set it to 0 degrees.

Power Mode Switch with On-Auto-Off Facility
I’ve switched this to on.
(Should the LED immediately go to green to indicate it is operational? Or will it only go green when it is ‘on’ AND it receives a signal? (e.g. test signal from auto setup procedure with the YPAO mic)).

12 Volt Trigger Input ~ Centre Pin = +12Vdc
Monitor Audio recommend using this function and a lead is supplied. This 12 volt signal is supplied by the AV amp/receiver and tells the BXW-10 to turn on from standby mode. This allows a more accurately controlled auto on/off function, and is far more energy efficient. When using the 12v trigger, the Power Mode Switch (7) can be in any of the three positions, for it to function correctly.
I’ve not connected this and won’t bother trying until its up and running. Unfortunately at the moment it is very energy efficient as it aint working at all.

Its plugged in.

---

Summary

So I’ve set it up as best with the guidance from both manuals.
- Using 1 cable (stereo audio cable) to connect ‘Subwoofer 1’ jack on the ‘PRE-OUT’ section of the Yamaha receiver to the ‘LFE IN’ at the back of the sub.
- Set volume to 11 o clock position (on sub)
- Set cross over frequency to max 150Hz (on sub)
- Turned on the sub (its plugged in, mains power switch is on, power mode switch set to ‘on’) and a red LED comes on to indicate standby mode at the front, and the LED at the back is red.
- Turned on the Yahama 667 – standby screen appears on TV
- Inserted YPAO microphone into front of Yamaha 667 for autosetup
- Pressed enter on remote to start – it selects ‘Measure’ in on screen menu for autosetup
- It then finds my front left, centre, and front right, but not my sub.

---

So basic setup according to the manuals doesn’t seem to work for me. Now onto some variations to standard suggested settings.

---

Variation 1: Changing crossover frequency to 80Hz. (Now within recommended range as per BXW-10 manual)
- I changed crossover setting on back of sub to 80 Hz
- (I didtn turn anything of and on again – presume there is no need?)
- I then performed ‘Measure’ step again. Still doesn’t pick up sub.

---

Variation 2: Change to Subwoofer 2 on AVR
- Turned off Yahama 667
- Turned off sub
- Took out cable from ‘Subwoofer 1’ and inserted into ‘Subwoofer 2’
- Repeated as per summary above
- Still doesn’t pick up sub

---

Variation 3: Used different cable to connect sub and Yamaha 667.

---

Variation 4: Used different socket for plugging in sub to main power.

---

Variation 5: Tried to setup the sub manually and then played BD to check.

None of the above worked.


Note that I am using Philips stereo audio cable that I purchased with system:
http://www.philipsshop.ie/Spec%20Sheets/swa3523_10_pss_eng.pdf

Am I doing something wrong with the cables hooking-up the sub to the Yamaha 667?

Any other suggestions?

@eddiem74

Thanks. Yeah, I've looked up articles on this before and done a search for my issue but found nothing. I've just signed up so will get a post up there later today.

@Sapele

I'd be very happy if this was the problem. The cables haven't been used for anything else and were new from the box. I thought of that, and tried to use both cables in case it was that either one of them was faulty. Is it likely that both cables from a new box would be faulty? Any other easy way of checking the cables on something else?

@zarkov

I'm not sure how I change the subwoofer setting to both main and sub? I don't think I've seen this option in the settings menu.
But I have set all of the speakers to small (both by trying the autosetup, and this is the way I configured it when I did it manually - always setting the speakers to small).

Cheers for suggestions

zarkov wrote: »

There's a setting in my receiver for LFE/BASS OUT that can be set to main/sub/both.

I'd say the old Yamaha setting to LFE out via main speakers or the sub output has been superseded on the Yamaha V667 by having the option to set the bass cross over frequency? I've set this at 90Hz so it should be basically doing the same thing as setting LFE out to sub output? So signal should be sent to sub also - its not.

ucdier wrote: »

Richersounds.ie: Kenny wrote: »

HMM

Yeah sounds like the sub is not happy.

Where abouts in the country are you? This will give me the answer to how best to have this corrected for you

In Dublin

And I still have original packaging if that makes a difference.

Richersounds.ie: Kenny wrote: »

Would it be possible for you to drop it into the Philips Shop on the corner of Dame street?

We could have it tested there and then, if we arrange a day for you to call when one of our repair guys would be there. This is not too important as you could drop it in any day that suits you.

If its faulty then we can look at getting you a replacement sent down to your home address (or work address) or the sub fixed. Although from your posts it seems that this is the first time it has been out of the box which would push me to exchange it rather than fix a faulty brand new product!

Yep. Sure can. They're open 1-5 tomorrow right? I can drop it in then.

Well. I took it out of the box when I got it. I'm pretty sure it worked. But then couldn't use it. So it's not been used other than for original setup. So say for an hour 11 months ago. So it is pretty much still brand new. Once it's up and working again I'd be happy!

Richersounds.ie: Kenny wrote: »

Yeah tomorrow would be fine.

They do indeed open 1PM - 5PM.

If you pop it back in its box it will keep it safe.

I've let them know you will be dropping into them.

Great. Yep. I'll drop it in tomorrow. Thanks

Hey Kenny,

Did you manage to get the new amp module in?

Cheers