C
ongratulations on your purchase of the THIEL model PCS loudspeaker system. This fine product
is the result of a dedicated effort to provide very accurate sound reproduction. We have used very
high quality components and taken great care in the PCS’s construction. Properly set up and used with
good associated equipment, the PCS will provide you with a great deal of musical enjoyment for many
years.
SPEAKER PLACEMENT
Because the PCSs are designed to be placed in a variety of locations and are relatively noncritical to room placement, they
will provide good results from almost anywhere. However, here are some guidelines to help you achieve the best sound from
your speakers. Speaker placement will affect the accuracy of timbre, spatial performance, and bass performance.
Orientation: The PCS is designed to be placed vertically.
Spacing: Because of their very wide, even dispersion of energy, THIEL speakers should usually be placed farther apart
than most. Optimum imaging is usually achieved when the speakers and the listener form an equilateral triangle, although
this will depend on the width of the room—a narrow room will require closer placement. If the speakers are too far apart for a
given environment, there will tend to be a “hole” in the middle of the sound stage; if they are too close together, the image
will be compressed and will not achieve optimum width.
Aiming: We usually prefer the imaging obtained when the speakers are pointed straight ahead rather than pointing toward
the listener. This placement produces the largest, most natural soundstage. However, toeing the speakers in somewhat may
produce more specific placements of instruments. Also, if it is not possible to get the speakers far enough away from the side
walls, a toed-in position can be helpful to reduce the strength of wall reflections.
Bass: Bass response is also affected by speaker placement. In
general, when a speaker is close to a wall the bass response is stronger
and placing a speaker in a corner will make it even more so.
Height/Listener position: The PCSs provide broad dispersion of
energy at all frequencies and therefore provide good results throughout
a large listening area. Best imaging is provided for a listener centered
in front of the speakers at a height 18 to 32 inches from the floor to the
bottom of the speaker. Optimum phase and time alignment is provided
for a seated listener who is eight or more feet away from the speakers.
The PCS is magnetically shielded so it can be placed near televisions
without causing picture distortion.
All aspects of speaker placement are dependent on the particular
room. Since every room is different, no hard rules can be given, and
experimentation is necessary to achieve the best results.
USING WITH STANDS
THIEL offers optional stands for use with the PCS (shown at right).
PCS shown with optional stands
