on a home theatre receiver?

Question

are the speaker outputs only hi-medium frequencies or could i use a full range bookshelf speaker to rely on bass instead of a sub?

Answer 1

Short answer is full range. Unless you have used the sound setup settings on the receiver (some DVD -- notably those with discrete 5.1 output to support, for example, SACD -- also have this "bass management" capability, and if present you should ensure the two sets of settings do not conflict) to tell the reciever to send low frequencies (LFE) to a subwoofer all outputs will be full frequency range.

Once you find the appropriate menu (which you will need to see on a connected TV) there will be list of outputs, such as left front (or LF) and right surround (RR or RS) with a name such as LARGE or SMALL beside each. If set to LARGE you will get full frquency sound from that speaker. SMALL will send bass to the subwoofer outlet. You may also have a variable crossover frequency setting (typically 50 - 100 Hz or so) which is the upper frequency of the bass sent to the subwoofer. Note that normally only the front left and right speakers would ever be set to SMALL.

The theory behind the SMALL and LARGE nomenclature is that you will probably want to use a subwoofer with small (therefore more likely bass weak) speakers and may not with a large full spectrum speaker.

It may be obvious, but note that the actual speaker capability is not determined by the SMALL/LARGE setting (this is a function of the physical design of the speakers themselves), nor will there be bass with a SMALL setting unless there is a subwoofer actually connected. In fact unless there is a subwoofer present all settings should be LARGE.

Hope this helps/

Answer 2

If you don't have a sub for your home theater , you can use full range speakers instead of speakers and a sub.
Just in your set up for your receiver, tell it you do not a have sub and it will route all low frequencies to your speakers.

Answer 3

Read your owner's manual. many of the newer receivers let you choose where to send the LFE (Low Frequency Emission, or Bass). You may be able to select the front left and right (my choice, as long as they have 6 to 8 inch woofers in them).

If not, then yes, the entire sound spectrum is default to all speaker connections, unless you mess with the equalizer or choose a pre-selected mode (ie - theater, concert hall, rock, jazz, etc).

Can't stress enough, read the owner's manual. You do not need a subwoofer to enjoy surround sound or 2 channel stereo music (although it is pretty stinking cool if you have one).

Answer 4

i would go with the sub for heart pounding bass that is the only way to get real home theater sound book shelf are ok for ambience and surround not bass