5
PLACEMENT OF THE FRONT CHANNEL SPEAKERS
A home theatre system includes three loudspeakers placed across the front of the listening
room. The distance between the left and right speakers determines the width of the stereo
image. If the speakers are placed too close together, the image will be too narrow; too far apart
and the blend will suffer, creating a hole in the middle. When properly placed, your speakers
will create a continuous “virtual image” from left to right, with an illusion of sound outside, in
front of, and behind the speaker systems.
We recommend an angular separation between 45 degrees and 60 degrees (when viewed from
above). This is equivalent to a separation between the speaker systems that is about 85% of the
distance to either of the speakers.
Creation of sounds between the speakers
requires some precise placement. The
distance from the left speaker, right
speaker, and center channel to the
listener location should all be as equal as
possible. We advise using a tape measure
to equalize these two distances to the
primary listening location.
Ideally the front channel speakers should
be installed at the same height as the
ears of a seated listener. Try to keep the
front channel tweeters within two
vertical feet of that height. If speakers
must be installed more than 2-3 feet
above or below the ideal position, take
advantage of the DPT rotating feature.
For example, aim the tweeter downward
when the speakers are mounted high on
the wall. For more information, refer to
the “Aiming the DPT” section.
PLACEMENT OF THE SURROUND SPEAKERS
There are many opinions about where surround or “rear” speakers should be mounted. The
following is based on the findings of the best academics, and on our experience with many
installations. These placement recommendations apply to all the AMC models, whether you are
using AMC 900
THX
(dipole surrounds) or AMC 720, AMC 760 or AMC 800 (direct speakers).
When selecting installation locations for the AMC 720, AMC 760 or AMC 800, remember that
you can increase the diffusion of their sound by aiming their DPT drivers away from the
listening area (see the “Aiming the DPT” section). The tweeters can be aimed toward a reflecting
surface, or a surface that will scatter the sound, such as a shelf full of books or other irregular
surface. The AMC 900
THX
tweeters should
not
be repositioned.
45
°
-60
°
AMC 800
AMC 900
THX
