HTPS400 Subjective Impressions
To review, I have two PS1400s stacked with PT800s and used as full range loudspeakers (not as sub units). I also have one PS1400 hooked up as a subwoofer, as the .1 in 5.1 or 7.1 surround.
When I first put the HTPS400 into the above Performance Series system, I noticed an immediate and pleasing improvement.
When the HTPS400 joined the family, I was quite impressed. After a few days of listening, I was playing the DTS 5.1 version of Days of Future Passed, and decided to experiment by disconnecting the HTPS400. My expectation was a fall off in bass. In reality there was no discernible difference with the darn thing on or off.
So, was I a victim of rising expectations? Did I imagine an improvement at first because I expected an improvement? :hmm: If this were true, I'd be a very sad boy.
Over the next several days, I experimented with a number of recordings, movies, and input configurations, and a trend began to emerge.
First, I had to learn to better utilize analog bass management on my pre/pro.
Second, I had to ignore the THX setting and rely on the normal input setting.
Third, following the Harman white paper, I tried wall midpoint positioning until I discovered that the center front wall was the best place for the unit—right under the center channel.
Fourth, I realized that the first music I listened to when I installed the unit was quite different than the DOFP recording, which was a fine DTS remaster but almost completely lacking in LF and VLF material. The first thing I listened to was Sting's Ten Summoner's Tales, a recording done under much more exacting conditions and mastered with a far broader frequency range.
Fifth, during movie playback, the VLF material was definitely more visceral, yet clean.
Sixth, there was much greater articulation of notes played on a well-recorded bass, with no boominess or goofy resonances.
So it seems that the smaller, sealed, and rigid enclosure, coupled with the extra power, the rigid cone, the lower frequency response at higher output levels, and the low distortion all work together to provide a lower, more articulate, and more powerful sound at the very bottom of the range, say 25Hz to 35Hz, and from there on up, there's no difference that I can discern subjectively. So it's that narrow band of improvement that seems to add so much.
There were times with the PS1400s that I wished for just a little more bottom end. I had no idea that a 12" driver would be the thing to bring it to me. This little cube can really kick some ass. :moon: Two of them, as recommended by JBL would be amazing, but one in conjunction with the PS1400 is enough for me. :yes: