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 AMC900dp (dipole surrounds) or AMC700 or 800 (direct speakers).
When selecting installation locations for the AMC 700 and 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
AMC900dp tweeters should not be repositioned.
45
°
-60
°
AMC 800
AMC 900dp
Typical Home Theater Speaker Placement
8
Setting the Dispersion Switch
The illustrations below show the recommended Dispersion Switch setting for most common
placement options for the AMC 800.
Note: When the AMC 800 is used as a center channel speaker and is placed horizontally, the
dispersion switch may be set in either position.
INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS
IMPORTANT: This manual assumes that the installer possesses skill in the proper use of
hand and power tools, knowledge of local building and fire codes, and a familiarity
with the environment behind the wall or ceiling in which the speakers will be installed.
Optional preconstruction brackets are available for each model.
PAINTING THE SPEAKERS
If you intend to paint the speakers, it is best to do so before installation.
1) Remove the speaker grille.
2) Mask the baffle.
3) After painting, carefully remove the paint mask.
Note: Custom paint and grilles are available for an extra charge.
Horizontal Placement
Vertical Placement
