7
AMPLIFICATION
MX SUBWOOFER SPEAKER AMPLIFIER POWER
To deliver Dolby® reference sound pressure
levels (SPL) in the home cinema, three main
design elements are critical to this outcome.
The size of the room, the sensitivity of
the speakers and the power output of the
amplifiers.
The Series MX speakers and subwoofers
have much higher sensitivity than typical hi-
fi speakers. This means that the amplifier
power requirements are not excessive, even
when installed in larger than average room
sizes.
The MX-20 model, when used in a room
of recommended size, can be powered
successfully with a mid to top tier AV receiver.
For larger rooms, a separate processor and
power amplifier can be used to deliver extra
power and will enhance the dynamics of the
overall system.
The MX-30 system is best utilised in
larger home cinemas and it is strongly
recommended that they are driven with a
separate processor and power amplifiers,
rather than an all-in-one AV receiver.
Separate power amplifiers (including ones
with multiple channels) have the capability to
deliver more current and therefore produce
the dynamics and impact desired for a true
cinematic experience.
As the subwoofers in the Series MX
systems are passive (not self-powered), an
independent power amplifier, connected
to the LFE channel(s) of the AV receiver/
processor, is required to power these units.
For best results with all MX series subwoofers,
it is strongly suggested that a professional
style power amplifier is employed which
has a selectable output limiter and high-
pass filtering options. For more information
regarding the configuration of these options
see section 8.
Below are two graphs of the recommended
amplifier power for each Series MX model in
relation to room size. The minimum power
line will provide cinema Dolby ATMOS®
reference levels (105dB mains, 115dB LFE).
Anything above this will allow additional
headroom.
Room Depth (meters)
Amplifier
Power
(Watts)
0
200
400
600
800
1000
1200
1400
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
MX-20 SUB
MX-30 SUB
Power handling
(Program) limit
Min. recommended
amplifer power
for 115 dB*
