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powered subwoofers
Another option for multiple subwoofers is to place them in different locations. This is appropriate
when you have limited choices in locating the subwoofer and none of the available locations work well.
Try to place multiple subwoofers at equal distances from the listening position to avoid phase
cancellation.
2.
Locate the surrounds. Determine the best position in the room. It will probably be the position
used for THX speaker, directly to the right and left of the main listening position on the side walls (so
that a listener in the center seat is directly between the speakers). If that doesn’t work or is not practical
because of the room, try these locations: on the ceiling; on the back wall, or in the back corners (using
an M&K ST Corner bracket).
3.
Install all wiring and interconnects.
4.
Connect the subwoofer. Always use the processor/receiver’s subwoofer output.
5.
Aim the front speakers (this is a must for THX front speakers). Use a laser level to align each
speaker. Place the level on the flat surface between the midranges and tweeters that is roughly in the
center of the front baffle. The red dot of the laser should be aligned to the center of the listener’s
forehead at ear height. Make sure that the volunteer who sits in the main listening position keeps their
eyes closed!
Make sure that you aim the left and right speakers in both the horizontal and vertical planes.
Horizontal toe-in is important for the best possible imaging.
6.
If you have a Dolby Digital AC-3 5.1 channel processor/receiver, follow these instruc-
tions. If you have a Pro-Logic processor/receiver, go to item 7 below.
SPECIAL NOTE: Always check the processor/receiver’s owner’s manual. Different manufactur-
ers use different descriptions for the same function, and sometimes the same description for different
functions!. Your component may use terminology different from that used below.
A.
High-Pass Filters: All Dolby Digital processor/receivers have built-in high-pass filters for
the Left, Center, Right, Left Surround, and Right Surround channels. Always turn these
filters ON by using the SMALL setting. If you have a THX component, use the THX
setting. See the owner’s manual of the processor/receiver for instructions.
B.
Bass Management: If the processor/receiver has a setting to turn the Subwoofer off or
on, make sure that it is set to SUBWOOFER YES or ON.
C.
Dialog Normalization: If your component has this function, turn it off to avoid any
possible effect on sound quality.
D.
THX Dolby Digital units have an adjustable limiter for the subwoofer feed, called “Bass
Peak Level Management”. Turn it off, or set it for the highest possible level. M&K
subwoofers do not need this limiter.
7.
If you have a Pro-Logic only processor/receiver, follow these instructions.
SPECIAL NOTE: Always check the processor/receiver/receiver’s owner’s manual. Different
manufacturers use different descriptions for the same function, and sometimes the same description
for different functions! Your component may use terminology different from that used below.
A.
If the component has high-pass filters for the Left, Center, and Right channels (usually