JL Audio CR-1, Owner'S Manual

 | 

CR-1

Page 20

SCENARIO 1 SETUP GUIDE:

2-channel Subwoofer/Satellite System, Bass-Managed by the CR-1

Connect your CR-1 as shown in Scenario 1 Connection Diagram on page 15. 

For many 2-channel audiophiles, it is intuitive to select a very low crossover 

frequency, especially if the satellite (main) speakers are large and capable of 

good low frequency extension on their own. After all, we have all been taught 

that subwoofers should be integrated in a manner that they “disappear” 

acoustically, and that low crossover frequencies are a good way to reach this goal. 

Unfortunately, this advice is usually WRONG.

In light of the above, we will share some very important advice, borne 

from extensive experience setting up subwoofer/satellite systems in the most 

demanding applications. An unnecessarily low crossover point (40 Hz, for 

example) wastes the potential benefit of your subwoofer in most subwoofer/

satellite systems. The goal is to unburden your satellites as much as possible, 

and to pass that low-frequency burden to your subwoofer. Done correctly, the 

resulting system is more dynamic, more “open” at all frequencies, and will 

exhibit a wider bandwidth at all listening levels. If you select a very low crossover 

frequency, you will leave a lot of those performance gains behind.

To get maximum benefit from the integration of a subwoofer (or subwoofers) 

into your 2-channel audio system, we recommend crossover frequencies 

between 60 Hz and 120 Hz, with 80 Hz being an excellent starting point 

(and often, a very good ending point). The CR-1 allows you to select crossover 

frequencies outside this recommended range in the event of highly unusual 

system setup requirements.

If you are worried that a higher crossover frequency will lead to easily 

localizable bass or “disconnected bass”, stop worrying. The CR-1’s powerful 

features allow for superior integration at any crossover frequency. It is this 

precise integration that will truly make your subwoofer/satellite seamless and 

your subwoofers truly “disappear” into the sound stage. The ultimate reward is a 

remarkably open sound stage, with better imaging and much cleaner dynamics. 

Really amazing low-frequency qualities will also be evident, with complete unity 

between subwoofer and satellite outputs. 

To begin setup, set the CR-1’s front panel controls as follows:

Power: “On”

Crossover Function: “On” (switch pushed “in” with NO red light)

Subwoofer Output Mode: “L+R” (mono sub output)

Subwoofer Frequency: 80 Hz (ideal for many systems)

Subwoofer Damping: “0”

Sub/Sat Balance: “0” 

Satellite Damping: “0”

Satellite Frequency: 80 Hz (ideal for many systems)

Crossover Slope: 24 dB/Octave (preferred for most systems)

All Muting switches set to “Operate” (all switches “out” with NO red lights.)