Snell IC-B7S, Owner'S Manual

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6
plaCement of tHe Surround SpeaKerS
There are many opinions about where surround 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 IC models. The illustration below shows the
speakers custom-installed in recesses in the wall. Alternatively the equivalent in-wall models
could be used. Note: The choice of models used in the illustration is arbitrary. Any of the models
covered in this manual may be used in any of the surround locations. However, the midrange/
tweeter array in the IC-B7VH / IC-C7VH must always be vertically oriented.
If two surrounds are used in a standard 5.1 configuration (not 7.1 or EX), they are best mounted
directly to the sides of the primary seating location, preferably within ±15°. (See the illustra-
tion.) This is preferred over back wall mounting for several reasons: It places the surround
speakers where our ear’s ability to discriminate left from right is at its best. This gives the
maximum sense of “envelopment” or being surrounded by sound. Furthermore, mounting the
rear speakers behind the listener increases the angle between the front and rear speakers. This
reduces the likelihood that there will be a continuous front-to-rear sound image. Finally, our
ear’s ability to discriminate the front-to-rear location of a sound source is not very strong.
Locating surround speaker to the side of the listener helps in this regard. 7.1 or EX systems that
use side and rear speakers together overcome all of these obstacles and give both maximum
envelopment and a more continuous surround effect.
A second factor to consider is the evenness of sound coverage over the seating area. Most
surround processors have features for setting the balance of all channels. A circulating noise
signal is adjusted in each channel until the apparent or measured sound level is even. Of course,
moving to another seat will shift this balance somewhat. Well-placed surround speakers will
minimize the level variation from seat to seat. The best way to improve evenness is to increase
the distance of the surround speakers from the listening area. Mount them high on the side
walls or even in the ceiling. Surround speakers should be at least one foot above the height of
a standing listener. If the speakers are ceiling-mounted, they should be close to the side walls,
well away from an overhead position.
If a large theater room with three or more rows of seats is planned, then more than one pair of
surround speakers should be used to give more even coverage and a more diffuse sound field.
We recommend that a pair of surrounds be used for every other seating row (the first, the third,
the fifth, etc.). This follows standard cinema practice.
Alternate Surround Speaker Locations
Preferred Surround Speaker Locations
15°
15°