Adjusting Time Delay

Where can I find a chart or calculation method to find out how I should set the time delay (in milliseconds) for my speakers and sub? Both my HU and Sub Amp have time delay settings and I can't find the calculation or chart yet. Of course I read and re-re-read the owner's manuals etc. I know setting that right will improve the sound to near perfection (provided everything else is too) and am looking for it. Thanks.

From my Eclipse manual:

A = (B - C) / 34

A: Delay time (ms)

B: Distance from listening position to furthest speaker (cm)C: Distance from listening position to the speaker to be adjusted (cm)

Example:

Listening position = drivers seatB:  right rear speaker 200cmC:  front left speaker 50cm

Delay time = 200 cm - 50 cm / 34 = approx. 4.4ms

New Project: 2003 Pathfinder

What about the subwoofer delay time? Do I set it to zero delay and take that as my reference point for the "furtherest" speaker and set the remaining 4's delay times with the formula? I guess yes, but then I wonder why they put a delay time setting on the subwoofer's Amp, assuming that it will always be the furthest speaker in any car.

Are you talking about the ARC controls on the Xtant amps?  I am not aware of actual "time alignment" controls in Xtant amplifiers, but I could be wrong.Support the12volt.com

I think his Eclipse deck has time-delay built into it.

It was markcars who asked the question.  He didn't specify what brand HU or amp he is using.  I was just trying to help him out.  :-)New Project: 2003 Pathfinder

Ah, sorry.Support the12volt.com

I am using everything Alpine (HU, Main 4channel amp, Subwoofer Amp and subwoofer; except for the door speakers which I changed to RockFord' Punch series) and have only 1 sub now. To check the list, click here. The subwoofer amp (an MRD M500) has a setting on it for time delay, which I was wondering why it was there on a Sub, and how to adjust it properly.

The time correction is there so you can match it to an existing system that does not have time alignment controls.  I suggest setting the sub amp to zero and delaying the mains is you have time alignment problems.  HERE is a not-so-positive review of the MRD-M500 I found.  Take it for what it's worth, but if your experience is similar in terms of disapointing low frequency responce, perhaps there is a legitimate performance issue with this amp.Support the12volt.com