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BIC Acoustech H200 Subwoofer (AKA PL-200) - Page 41

post #1201 of 1303
5/19/12 at 5:43pm
Yeah, be careful about driving them too hard. If you want more bass, just get 2 PL-200s. Then you can enjoy more bass without turning them up too much.
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post #1202 of 1303
5/19/12 at 11:25pm
Question for anyone, if I turn the volume to max on the sub, will it output more then the 250 watt RMS and 1000 watts peak that it is rated at? Or is the max volume the max rated specs?
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post #1203 of 1303
5/20/12 at 4:01pm
Depending on the strength of the signal you are feeding it you WILL damage your sub. Why would you want to turn it up to max? Most subs are made to handle quick small bursts of powerful sound but to turn it up full blast just to see what the sub can handle is not very smart at all. That 1000 watt rating is just for peak bursts. If you desire that much more bass you need to get a much more expensive powerful sub such as a JTR Orbital Shifter or build you own unit.
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post #1204 of 1303
5/20/12 at 6:08pm
Just making sure so I DON'T blow the sub. I currently have it slightly less then half. So if the signal being sent to the sub is high and I have the sub at max volume, then the subs amp will try to exceed 250 watts? Of course if this happens, then there is a chance the sub will blow because it is rated at 250 watts.

This is just theoretical talk.
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post #1205 of 1303
5/20/12 at 6:53pm
In my experience when setting up your subs you leave the trim level in the A/V Receiver to 0db and you adjust the gain level on the actual sub to your taste. You can max out the gain level on the sub but you will start to distort the bass sound and it will sound bad. If you really must and just have to max everything out on the gain level on the sub and the trim level on the A/V Receiver you will get the 250 watts RMS but you will not get the 1000 watts peak. If you like bass that much try the Definitive Technology Reference Trinity Subwoofer, that will give you what you want out of bass.
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post #1206 of 1303
5/20/12 at 7:46pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by skiman24 View Post

In my experience when setting up your subs you leave the trim level in the A/V Receiver to 0db and you adjust the gain level on the actual sub to your taste. You can max out the gain level on the sub but you will start to distort the bass sound and it will sound bad. If you really must and just have to max everything out on the gain level on the sub and the trim level on the A/V Receiver you will get the 250 watts RMS but you will not get the 1000 watts peak. If you like bass that much try the Definitive Technology Reference Trinity Subwoofer, that will give you what you want out of bass.

Better to just set the sub to 75dB using an spl meter. Keeping the gain at max will cause the sub to bottom out easily
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post #1207 of 1303
5/20/12 at 8:52pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by pokekevin View Post

Better to just set the sub to 75dB using an spl meter. Keeping the gain at max will cause the sub to bottom out easily

When I did my Audyssey calibration I had the gain level on the subs at the 10 o'clock posistion and it read the subs at 82-83db's with 0db on trim level. I initially adjusted it down to 75 db but Audyssey bump up the trim level to 2.5db, and I like a little extra bass more then the next guy so I reset the trim back to 0db and put it at the 10 o'clock position. Its still clean but not as tight as I would like for my music but in movies these bad boys rock.
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post #1208 of 1303
5/20/12 at 8:53pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by skiman24 View Post


When I did my Audyssey calibration I had the gain level on the subs at the 10 o'clock posistion and it read the subs at 82-83db's with 0db on trim level. I initially adjusted it down to 75 db but Audyssey bump up the trim level to 2.5db, and I like a little extra bass more then the next guy so I reset the trim back to 0db and put it at the 10 o'clock position. Its still clean but not as tight as I would like for my music but in movies these bad boys rock.

Make sure your setting the gain when the avr trim is at 0. Adjusting the gain after audyssey can cause the risk of damaging the sub on very low scenes!
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post #1209 of 1303
5/21/12 at 9:07am
Quote:
Originally Posted by skiman24 View Post

When I did my Audyssey calibration I had the gain level on the subs at the 10 o'clock posistion and it read the subs at 82-83db's with 0db on trim level. I initially adjusted it down to 75 db but Audyssey bump up the trim level to 2.5db, and I like a little extra bass more then the next guy so I reset the trim back to 0db and put it at the 10 o'clock position. Its still clean but not as tight as I would like for my music but in movies these bad boys rock.

This is what you do not want to do with Audyssey.

If your AVR has Multi EQ or higher set the sub to 75db as heard by the Adyssey mic by using the level adjustment on the sub's amp.

Once you hit 75db, go though the normal Audyssey setup. Let the system set the levels where it wants. Be sure to use a tripod for the mic and don't be in the room when Audyssey is running.

From there if you want a bit more bass, use the trim levels in Audyssey to bump up the sub. If you make changes on the sub itself Audyssey has no way of knowing you've made a change and can not make adjustments of its own to compensate for the increased sub output.

Also make sure you've done the Sub Crawl. If you have not, there are many topics and Youtube videos on how to do it.

After running Audyssey you see that it has set your sub to a high -db level, you need to either turn down your sub or try running setup again. A light to moderate level of background noise can make a difference in readings.

When set properly the PL-200 is a very nice sub for the price. I'm in the process of building my dedicated HT and will be buying another PL-200 so I can run dual subs. Lastly decoupling the sub from the floor helps quite a bit. An Auralex SubDude really helps tighten things up.
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post #1210 of 1303
5/21/12 at 11:35am
Quote:
Originally Posted by pdxfj View Post

This is what you do not want to do with Audyssey.

If your AVR has Multi EQ or higher set the sub to 75db as heard by the Adyssey mic by using the level adjustment on the sub's amp.

Once you hit 75db, go though the normal Audyssey setup. Let the system set the levels where it wants. Be sure to use a tripod for the mic and don't be in the room when Audyssey is running.

From there if you want a bit more bass, use the trim levels in Audyssey to bump up the sub. If you make changes on the sub itself Audyssey has no way of knowing you've made a change and can not make adjustments of its own to compensate for the increased sub output.

Also make sure you've done the Sub Crawl. If you have not, there are many topics and Youtube videos on how to do it.

After running Audyssey you see that it has set your sub to a high -db level, you need to either turn down your sub or try running setup again. A light to moderate level of background noise can make a difference in readings.

When set properly the PL-200 is a very nice sub for the price. I'm in the process of building my dedicated HT and will be buying another PL-200 so I can run dual subs. Lastly decoupling the sub from the floor helps quite a bit. An Auralex SubDude really helps tighten things up.

I never said that my way was the right way, but it is what I did with my system. at 0db trim and at the 10 o'oclock position +7-8db above 75db will not damage my subs or bottom out the subs or distort the sound. Like I stated I like my bass a little on the heavy side and I think a 0db on the trim level will not strain the subs with the gain level set that low. Lets face it most subs you have the gain level at the 12 o'clock position. With these subs you have a lot of headroom and can adjust to your taste. Thats my opinion and in fact you might not be able to tell the difference when Audyssey did its adjustment and my adjustment.
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post #1211 of 1303
5/21/12 at 11:37am
Quote:
Originally Posted by skiman24 View Post

I never said that my way was the right way, but it is what I did with my system. at 0db trim and at the 10 o'oclock position +7-8db above 75db will not damage my subs or bottom out the subs or distort the sound. Like I stated I like my bass a little on the heavy side and I think a 0db on the trim level will not strain the subs with the gain level set that low. Lets face it most subs you have the gain level at the 12 o'clock position. With these subs you have a lot of headroom and can adjust to your taste. Thats my opinion and in fact you might not be able to tell the difference when Audyssey did its adjustment and my adjustment.

I'd still recommend being careful when listening at very high levels. Some scenes like htyd can bottom subs easily at high levels!
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post #1212 of 1303
5/21/12 at 3:52pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by pokekevin View Post


I'd still recommend being careful when listening at very high levels. Some scenes like htyd can bottom subs easily at high levels!

I rarely listen to anything at reference level I am usually at -10db on my system. I might go down to -5db but that is if the soundtrack is for whatever reason is low. On regular TV watching I am at -15db to -20db.
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post #1213 of 1303
6/22/12 at 7:15pm
I noticed my amp being warm/hot when the sub is in Stand by...as in not being used. Is this normal?
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post #1214 of 1303
6/24/12 at 10:52am
I checked mine out and did not notice any warmth to it
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post #1215 of 1303
6/24/12 at 5:19pm
Mine is just a little warm but you need to place your hand on it for a long while to feel anything.
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post #1216 of 1303
6/24/12 at 6:29pm
Ok I just checked mine again. And it's cooler than before. Maybe it was the temperature in my room at the time. I still didn't think the amp would be even warm when not in use.
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post #1217 of 1303
7/5/12 at 8:53pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by freeyayo50 View Post

Ok I just checked mine again. And it's cooler than before. Maybe it was the temperature in my room at the time. I still didn't think the amp would be even warm when not in use.

You got to remember that the red stand by light, while not a lot of power is being push to it is generating some heat.
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post #1218 of 1303
7/5/12 at 9:11pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by skiman24 View Post

You got to remember that the red stand by light, while not a lot of power is being push to it is generating some heat.

Yea, didn't think it would draw that much power for one little ole light wink.gif. I'm still loving the sub though. Works great!!
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post #1219 of 1303
7/7/12 at 3:43am
Hi all.

I've noticed that the PL-200 / H200's are becoming hard to find....

Did Bic make a sub after this that is comparable? I'm looking to match one Bic sub with another - or at least one very close to it, if need be. (Though, yes I know that having matching subs is a lot less important than having matching speakers - guess I just want a set.)

Thanks.
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post #1220 of 1303
7/7/12 at 8:31am
You can still buy them online from amazon or directly from Acoustic Sound Design, which is where I bought mine from.

http://www.acousticsounddesign.com/core/view_BigProduct.cfm?pid=1555&sc=28
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post #1221 of 1303
7/7/12 at 8:39am
Quote:
Originally Posted by freeyayo50 View Post

You can still buy them online from amazon or directly from Acoustic Sound Design, which is where I bought mine from.
http://www.acousticsounddesign.com/core/view_BigProduct.cfm?pid=1555&sc=28
Just don't forget Best Offer, it will usually save you about $50 on this item.
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post #1222 of 1303
7/10/12 at 11:04am
Well...my PL-200 is gone. I just sold my house and the new owner wanted some of my home theater equipment. In order to make the deal, I gave up my PL-200.

I'm buying another home with space for a larger home theater. I even have room for 2 subwoofers this time. I really like the PL-200, but for around the same price range, is there a better subwoofer? I watch 100% movies.

Thanks
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post #1223 of 1303
7/10/12 at 1:04pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by JeffreyJonesBSME View Post

Well...my PL-200 is gone. I just sold my house and the new owner wanted some of my home theater equipment. In order to make the deal, I gave up my PL-200.
I'm buying another home with space for a larger home theater. I even have room for 2 subwoofers this time. I really like the PL-200, but for around the same price range, is there a better subwoofer? I watch 100% movies.
Thanks
Go for broke and get a pair of HSU ULS-15's or a pair of SVS PB-13 Ultras. biggrin.gif
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post #1224 of 1303
7/10/12 at 2:20pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by raistline View Post

Go for broke and get a pair of HSU ULS-15's or a pair of SVS PB-13 Ultras. biggrin.gif

I'd be willing to pay 1.5 times as much for a sub, but not that much more. I was really happy with the PL-200. Is there anything considerably better in the $400-$600 range?
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post #1225 of 1303
7/10/12 at 2:26pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by JeffreyJonesBSME View Post

I'd be willing to pay 1.5 times as much for a sub, but not that much more. I was really happy with the PL-200. Is there anything considerably better in the $400-$600 range?
I really enjoy my HSU VTF2 MK3 (now MK4 for sale). It is 529$ + shipping. I came from the Bic H-100 (model previous to PL-200) and the difference is truly night and day.
ED and SVS also have some really good alternatives in that price range. I have found that you start breaking into the really good sub territory start at around $550 form my experience and research.

It also really depends on the dimension of your room which is best for you. Let us know that and we can easily help you find a great sub/subs in the $500-$600 range.
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post #1226 of 1303
7/10/12 at 2:38pm
My theater will be 14.5 X 23 with 8.5 ceilings. I'll be putting the subs behind a speaker cloth covered screen wall. Corners seem to be the optimum choice. I haven't decided if one in each corner, or both in the same corner.
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post #1227 of 1303
7/10/12 at 2:54pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by JeffreyJonesBSME View Post

My theater will be 14.5 X 23 with 8.5 ceilings. I'll be putting the subs behind a speaker cloth covered screen wall. Corners seem to be the optimum choice. I haven't decided if one in each corner, or both in the same corner.
At almost 3,000 feet cubed, that is a large space to fill. You will definitely need 2 subs, although one is a good start. You may want to consider putting them closer to the seating area for more impact as they may not be sound strong enough far away unless you get to the 800+ range, this is just speculation of course. Your new room could be a dream for Bass reproduction. Either way, when you get them, do the sub crawl with your favorite and most well known audio tracks be it movies or songs that you know like the back of your own hand. No one will fault you for visible subs if shakes them so hard they nearly fall out of their chairs.

I suggest any of the following choices in pairs. I am partial to HSU, especially with the newly added Q-control on them as it just sweetens the deal even further but any all of these are fine choices.

http://www.svsound.com/subwoofers/sealed-box/dual-sb12-nsd (this is discount price for buying 2, normally $649 each)
A pair of these: http://www.hsuresearch.com/products/vtf-2mk4.html (this will cost about the same as above after shiping)
A pair of these: http://www.edesignaudio.com/product_info.php?cPath=2_41&products_id=102 (once again discount for 2 at once and near the same rice range again)

This is just a short list of well known Internet Direct brands that are really good and that I can think of on a moments whim.
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post #1228 of 1303
7/10/12 at 6:02pm
I have 2 PL-200s and they work really good in my theater. I paired them with two Klipsch RW-12D subs. I run them thru my SMS-1 eq and get a really good response. If you like the PL-200s that much why not get a couple of them and spread them around your theater. Get two for now and then two more later on. I would have got two more PL-200s but I have Klipsch speakers and wanted to try the subs. They sound great in my room but after runningnthem for awhile, I really like the PL-200 a little better than my Klipsch subs. They tend to have a deeper more tacticle sound in my room than the RW-12Ds. Here is the response I'm getting with all four running.
450
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post #1229 of 1303
7/11/12 at 9:20am
Quote:
Originally Posted by capricorn kid View Post

I have 2 PL-200s and they work really good in my theater. I paired them with two Klipsch RW-12D subs. I run them thru my SMS-1 eq and get a really good response. If you like the PL-200s that much why not get a couple of them and spread them around your theater.

Because of the theater layout, I only have the option to put the sub/subs on the front wall. I'm thinking 2 subs should be plenty. I've got some time to research.
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post #1230 of 1303
7/11/12 at 5:36pm
In my room they have a big peak from 32hz to about 50hz. The SMS-1 really comes in handy to reduce this range and smoothen things out. I think it is a combination of my room and the subs because even my Klipsch subs have the same peak within the same range.
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