Speaker/sub bass When I try to adjust my bass level using the knob on one of the speakers (the subwoofer knob), my bass does not really adjust. It is just either on or off. If it is turned all the way clockwise, its on. If i turn it less than a 1/4 counterclockwise, the subwoofer is just shutoff completely. How can I make it so that my bass can be adjusted and remain on, but just at lower levels of bass?

It seems like you've tried various connections and settings to get your JBL135 subwoofer working with your Kenwood receiver, but you're still facing issues. Let's break down the situation and provide some recommendations:

1. Subwoofer Connection:
   • Using the LFE/Subwoofer Out: This is the preferred method for connecting a subwoofer. Ensure that the cable is firmly connected to both the subwoofer's LFE input and the receiver's Subwoofer Out port. Make sure you have enabled the subwoofer output in the receiver's settings menu.
2. Subwoofer Settings:
   • Gain: Adjust the gain knob on the subwoofer to achieve the desired bass level. Experiment with different settings to find the right balance.
   • Crossover: Set the crossover frequency on the subwoofer to blend with your tower speakers. Start with a conservative setting, such as 80Hz, and adjust as needed.
3. Receiver Settings:
   • Speaker Configuration: Set your tower speakers to "Small" in the receiver's settings menu to redirect bass frequencies to the subwoofer. This ensures that the tower speakers are not trying to reproduce deep bass.
   • Bass Management: Enable the appropriate bass management settings in the receiver's menu, which typically includes crossover frequency and speaker size adjustments.
4. Check Subwoofer Cable and Port:
   • Ensure that the subwoofer cable is in good condition and securely connected to both the subwoofer and receiver.
   • Try using a different cable or testing the subwoofer with another receiver if possible to rule out cable or port issues.
5. Factory Reset:
   • If you've exhausted all troubleshooting steps, you may consider performing a factory reset on your Kenwood receiver. This will reset all settings to their default values, potentially resolving any configuration issues.

If none of the above suggestions work, it's advisable to consult the user manual for your specific Kenwood receiver model or contact Kenwood customer support for further assistance. They can provide more detailed guidance based on your equipment and setup.

It might be easier to "skip" the subwoofer meausrement step in Audessy and tune it by ear instead. Refer to page 52 in the manual, step 6/7.

I use familiar music and test tones when I tune my sub to the mains. Generally, I set the preamp trim to -10db, the crossover as appropriate (80 or below), and then bring up the level knob on the sub to taste. Confirm phase alignment, if possible, by having someone flip the phase (if available) so the response is strongest at the main listening position.

Keep it a little "lean" at first, and over the next several hours or days, bring the preamp level up one db at a time. It takes several days of tweaking to arrive at a level that I find appropriate. Once there, I try to ignore programs with bloated bass - remember, not all recordings are created equal.

Should you fond yourself bringing the preamp level to 0 or above, kick the sub amp level knob up a couple of clicks, and back off the preamp level. It's safer to have the amp do the work, than driving too hot of a signal at the preamp level and clipping it.

try using a ohm meter and if its not making what the factory specs are its most likly it will keep loosing more and more power then stop working which is what ive had happen to me before

I assume you are using XP. Try these steps.
1. Open 'Sound and Audio devices' in Control Panel.
2. Select 'Advanced...' button near bottom.

3. Select 5.1 system

4. Start playing a sound.
5. Set the volume control of the subwoofer to the middle position.
6. Open volume control and adjust Master volume to a comfortable level (i.e. until there is no hum).

Also make sure you haven't muted any sound device except microphone. I think your problem is you have set it to the maximum level. So decrease it.
7. Mute the sound and check.
Good luck! Let us know the result.

Hi, have you tried adjusting the "subwoofer level", and or the "subwoofer cut" controls? Every sub I have ever seen has at least the level control on the back. The "cut or crossover" control determines the frequency at which the sub will start to respond. Additionally, you may need to access the appropriate menu on you reciever and adjust the "low frequency effects" (LFE) output level (assuming you have connected your sub to the reciever's sub output jack.

Hope this helps.

First, you have to have a self-powered subwoofer (or two) with this reciver. That means the sub has its own amplifier. These are usually capable of accepting either Line Level (RCA) input or direct L and R amplifier channel speaker wires from your receiver from which it will react only to frequencies in its range. It doesn't actually use any if the power from your receiver's amp.

That is why you can extend your front speakers from the sub. Again, understand this - it is not playing any part in amplifying them. The amps in your receiver are just passing through it.

Setting your speaker 'Type' definition to Large will tell your receiver that they are capable of real bass (as opposed to small satellites) but won't necessarily steal anything from the subs. Set your LFE/Bass Out setting to Both if your front speakers are capable of handling real bass. Why would you want to deny them bass if they can handle it?

This part is confusing "If I can get the sub working on taking the lows out of the front speakers if I set them to large on the receiver then that is one thing less to send to the other sub on the LFE channel". The crossover feature allows you to define what bass goes to the sub. You would use the various points to smooth out the transition between your sub and the rest. Your quote of 47hz spec for something doesn't suggest your other speakers are great bass reproducers. One needs to see the +- db spec with less than x% distortion for that number make any sense.

Your receiver has two RCA Subwoofer Outputs but I'm sure they get the exact same level. If you're having trouble matching two different subs doesn't at least one of them have an adjustment for volume? Or maybe you could use physical positioning to adjust their comparative volume.

The problem was that some subwoofers (inluding my velodyne model) cannot process the LFE signals through the line level inputs on its amps, so the other way to run your subwoofer is to run the front left and right speaker outputs from your receiver to the speaker-level inputs on your sub, and then plug your front and left speakers into the soeaker level outputs on the sub. you have to set the onkyo receiver to "Subwoofer: No". that way the LFE signals are sent through the front speaker channels and you will get the same BASS output as if using the line-level input. O So yes it does require a bit more speaker cable, but it works fine now.

i had the same problem when i tried to adjust speaker output levels, distance and equalizer manually without using audessy setup..so i reset everything to factory setting (0s)..and then ran 
audessy setup..reduce volume on your subwoofer to slightly above minimum(behind the subwoofer) before running the setup..once audessy setup is completed successfully..i started changing setup
manually..changed speaker config for front speaker to small (it is set as large by audessy setup), this should automatically adjust center and other speaker configuration (if not make sure to set them to small as well), then set the cross over frequency to 120..increase the volume on your subwoofer and now you should hear it fire..if this does not help..try playing some rock music with all channel streo mode..if your subwoofer does not fire even for this..then take the system back for exchange..

According to the KLH manual for the 9906 "6 pack" with the BassBite sub... it says "if your sub is connected via the speaker - level terminals, your reciever must be set for "NO" subwoofer - even though you are using one. VErify proper polarity on your speaker connection wires. (red or gold to +, black or silver to -). Depending on how you have your woofer connected to the reciever, if connected to a reciever without a subwoofer out then set your reciever for LARGE speakers and turn the subwoofer setting "OFF". Failure to do so will result in little to no bass. If you do have a subwoofer out from your reciever adjust your speaker size setting to small or large speakers as appropriate. Set the recievers sub output to ON. Connecting small speakers to a reciever set for LArge speakers can result in damage to small speakers.

Hope this helps.