Emotiva X-Ref 10, User Manual

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Page 14
System Configuration
Configuring the X-Ref 12 for use with a
home theater system
Virtually all home theater pre/processors and receivers include bass management,
so it’s best to set the X-Ref 12 X-Over (crossover) setting to Direct and let the pre/
processor handle the bass management. Many high-end home theater pre/processors
include equalization controls of some sort. If your pre/processor includes automatic
equalization, then you should consider letting it handle the equalization. If your pre/
processor has simple graphic-equalizer type controls, then you will probably find that
the X-Ref’s advanced parametric equalizer controls make adjustment easier and do a
better job. While it is possible to use source component and subwoofer equalization
controls simultaneously, and doing so may actually prove useful in certain situations,
it’s usually easier to achieve better results if you use one and leave the other set to
flat.
Configuring the X-Ref 12 for use with a stereo system
Sophisticated high-end stereo preamplifiers often include bass management, in which
case it is best to set the X-Ref 12 X-Over setting to Direct and let the preamp handle
the bass management. If the bass management in your preamp also includes simple
shelving or graphic-equalizer type controls, then you should probably not use them,
since the X-Ref’s advanced parametric equalizer controls make adjustment easier
and do a better job. While it is possible to use source component and subwoofer
equalization controls simultaneously, and doing so may actually prove useful in certain
situations, it’s usually easier to achieve better results if you use one and leave the
other set to flat.
Configuring the X-Ref 12 for use with a stereo system
without bass management
In a system with bass management, very low frequencies are directed to the subwoofer
and away from the main or satellite speakers. The advanced DSP Management System
in the X-Ref 12 provides complete control of the frequencies handled by the X-Ref 12
but does not control the frequencies being handled by other speakers (which is what
bass management does).
If your preamp lacks bass management, you can still add an X-Ref 12 subwoofer to
augment the low bass frequencies produced by your main speakers, and the precise
X-Over (crossover) and Equalization settings on the X-Ref 12 can then be used to
configure a smooth transition between your subwoofer and main speakers. You must
remember, however, that the low frequencies will still be reaching your main speakers.
If your main speakers are full range, this will not be a problem. If, however, your main
speakers are “small” or “satellites”, then you should add an extra line level crossover or
high-pass filter to prevent low frequencies from reaching your satellites or small main
speakers (failure to do so may damage them).