screen as possible. Try to keep the tweeters of
all three speakers (Left, Center, and Right)
as close to the same height from the floor as
possible.
If the tweeters are at - or very close to
- on-axis with your ear level when you're seated,
you're doing very well
indeed (this may pose a
challenge if you're placing a single Center Chan-
nel speaker either above or below the
screen. Try aiming the Center Channel slightly
down or up to compensate). It's a good idea to
place the Center Channel speaker at exactly the
same distance from your listening/viewing
position as the main Left and Right speakers.
This will ensure the sound from all three front
speakers arrives at your ears at the same time.
This will help to create the most convincing im-
age (yes, some surround receivers and
processors have circuitry that can compensate
electronically for different distances but we feel
it's always good to start mechanically rather
than electronically if possible).
2.4 Surround Speaker Placement
Surround speaker placement is a bit more chal-
lenging. Ideal placement can either be on the
back or side walls of your listening/viewing room
depending on how the system will be used. Re-
gardless of exactly where they are placed on ei-
ther wall, make sure to locate them above ear
level. Try not to place furniture between your
speakers and your listening/viewing position.
You have every right to expect a high level of
sound quality from your Rocket Tyke speakers.
Make sure you can see them when you're ready
to enjoy some music or a movie!
2.5 Alternative Speaker Placement Options
We realize that the real world (family opinions,
room traffic patterns, etc.) will have more im-
pact on where you place your Rocket Tyke
speakers than any academic discussion of a
room's acoustical properties. That being said,
following are some guidelines you might find
useful as you scout out possible locations.
1.
Shelf mounting:
Logically, this may be your
first consideration. That's fine if the shelf is
sturdy enough and deep enough to hold your
speakers securely. Remember, a shelf that is
up against a wall should be at least 2" deeper
than the speaker itself to allow for cable con-
nections. Thus, since your Tyke front
speaker is 3.75" deep, you will need to allow
a minimum 5.75" of shelf space. Note that
the Rocket Series speakers are sealed
(acoustic suspension) enclosures, and thus
do not need “breathing room” like many
ported (bass reflex) loudspeakers.
Note:
these instructions are for
open
shelves.
Mounting your speakers on "enclosed shelves" as
would be found in an entertainment
center or built-in cabinets can affect bass re-
sponse substantially.
1.
Wall mounting:
Your Rocket Tykes include
color-matched wall-mounts for all (5) speak-
ers. Simply place these speakers at the ap-
propriate distance along your wall, as indi-
cated in the previous section, and hang using
the included hardware and keyhole mounting
cut-outs in each mount.
2.6 Your Tyke SW-8 Subwoofer Placement
Unlike most all-in-one home theater systems,
your Tyke 5.1 system includes a true 50W pow-
ered 8” subwoofer. Because subwoofers play a
frequency range few other speakers can handle,
setup, configuration, and placement for this
speaker is different from that we’ve just finished
explaining.
Unlike regular loudspeakers, subwoofers work
very well when placed in a corner - even if a few
feet to the side and/or behind the closest main
speaker. Try your front right or left corner first.
