Proficient Audio Systems M80, Installation & User Manual

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SPEAKER PLACEMENT
Determine The Ideal Listening Zone
The area where the user will most likely be sitting when listening to the speakers is the Ideal Listening Zone.
Speaker Placement Relative to the Video Display
For best overall results in creating a realistic sound/visual environment, whenever possible, try to position the Video Display at
typical, seated viewing eye level, directly in front of the Ideal Listening Zone. This will allow the viewer to sit in a normal comfort-
able position, without having to look uncomfortably up, down or sideways at an oddly positioned Video Display. The speakers
should ideally be positioned at ear level, referenced to the same seated position. Whenever possible, all speakers (except the sub-
woofer) should be positioned at the same height. This relative positioning of the Video Display and speakers will create a sound/
visual environment that allow the eyes and ears to see and hear as they would in a natural setting.
Once in place, optimizing the speaker configuration with SmartEQ will fine tune the balance of voice and ambient sound to the
Ideal Listening Zone, by compensating for speaker placement (if the front/center/surround/back speakers are not equal distances
from the listening position) speaker size and general room conditions. See sections below for additional information regarding
use of bookshelf, inwall and ceiling speakers.
Placement of Stereo Speakers
If only connecting stereo speakers, (Front left/Front right), the distance between the left and right speakers should as closely
equal the distance from one speaker to the listener as possible. (A=B=C) The left and right speakers should also be equal distanc-
es from the TV or Video Display for balance with audio/video content. (Diagram 5)
Placement of 5.1 Surround Speakers
When placing speakers in a 5.1 Surround configuration, always try to maintain an equal distance from each speaker to the Ideal
Listening Zone. The Front left/right speakers should be placed approximately 30° off axis from the center of the video display.
The Center channel speaker should be placed directly above or below the Video Display. The Surround right/left speakers should
be placed approximately 20° behind the Ideal Listening Zone. If that position is not practical, the Surround speakers can also
be placed behind the Ideal Listening Zone approximately 30° off axis from center, essentially in line with the Front left/right
Speakers. Subwoofer placement is somewhat less critical in that low frequency information is non-directional. (Diagram 5)
Placement of 7.1 Surround Speakers
When placing speakers in a 7.1 configuration, always try to maintain an equal distance from each speaker to the Ideal Listening
Zone. The Front left/right speakers should be placed approximately 30° off axis from the center of the Video Display. The Center
channel speaker should be placed directly above or below the Video Display. The Surround right/left speakers should be placed
directly to the sides of the Ideal Listening Zone, 90° off axis from center. The Surround Back left/right speakers should be placed
behind the Ideal Listening Zone approximately 30° off axis from center, essentially in line with the Front left/right speakers.
Subwoofer placement is somewhat less critical in that low frequency information is non-directional. (Diagram 6)
Bookshelf Speakers
In audio/video applications when using bookshelf speakers, locating the speakers at the same height as the Video Display and at
equal distances to left and right of the Video Display will create an effect where the sound emanates from the picture.
Inwall Speakers
Ideally, speaker placement should be similar to that described for bookshelf speakers. Many brands of inwall speakers, including
most Proficient models, have pivoting tweeters that can ‘focus’ the high frequency content directly to the Ideal Listening Zone
and compensate for sometimes less than desirable placement so the sound will still be balanced with the Video Display.
Ceiling Speakers
Ceiling speakers are very popular in modern architecture. Ceiling speakers, like bookshelf or inwall speakers, should be placed at
an equal distance from each other and the Ideal Listening Zone. Many Proficient ceiling speakers have pivoting tweeters that can
‘focus’ the high frequency content directly to the Ideal Listening Zone and compensate for sometimes less than desirable place-
ment so the sound will still be balanced with the Video Display.
Subwoofer
Subwoofer placement isn’t quite as critical as placement of the left and right speakers. The low frequency output of a subwoofer
is non-directional, so the sub can be placed almost anywhere in a room. A little bit of trial and error may help in finding a particu-
larly good location. Refer to the instructions provided with the sub for additional information.