Snell CLS.5, Owner'S Manual

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4
Stereo Image
The distance between the 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 continuum of
“virtual images” from left to right, with an illusion
of sound outside, in front, and behind the
speaker systems.
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We recommend an angular separation between
45 and 60 degrees (when viewed from above).
This is equivalent to a separation between the
speaker systems that is about 85% to 100% of
the distance to either of the speakers.
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Aim the center of the speaker to your ear level
while listening in a seated position.
Creation of sounds between the speakers requires
precise placement. The distance from the left
speaker to the listener location should equal the
distance from the right speaker to the listener
location. We advise using a tape measure to equal-
ize these two distances to the primary listening
position. The payoff will be well worth the time
and effort.
Toe In
"Toe in" refers to the angling of the speaker sys-
tems toward the listening location. Toe in is a mat-
ter of taste. As the degree of toe in increases, the
stereo effect becomes more direct-sounding, like a
pair of headphones. Wider angling will give a more
diffuse sound with perhaps a less well-defined
central image. Use the pivoting bracket to experi-
ment for the best effect.
Location Affects Bass Level
Close proximity to rigid wall, floor, and ceiling
boundaries will accentuate the bass level, but may
cause uneven bass. Experiment until you find the
best overall sound for your room. Choose a source
with a heavy and continuous bass line, repeat a
short section until you have a firm impression of it
in your mind, and then try another speaker loca-
tion. Repeat this process until you are content with
the bass response you are getting. Moving your
listening position may affect the sound as much as
moving the speakers. Try different listener locations
as well as speaker locations.
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Try the speakers at the intended location before
permanent mounting.
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Moving speakers nearer to a wall increases bass
level.
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Moving speakers toward a corner will increase
bass level even more.
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Bass response is smoother if you keep the dis-
tance from the back wall and the distance from
the side wall different.
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The CLS.5 was designed to have the optimum
balance when close to one boundary surface.
H O W T O P L A C E Y O U R S P E A K E R S Y S T E M S
45
deg
60
deg