S E T U P
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If you’re not sure which one was pressed, or how many times, the procedure is still
fairly simple.
There will be two selections that let sound come out: one sets a manual selection of
the current input, and the other sets auto-detection. Here’s how to tell which is
which:
After pressing the arrow button until there is sound, auto-detection will be the one
that takes a little more time before the green indicator comes back on after blinking
off, whereas direct selections blink the indicator quickly. When you’ve selected auto-
detection, there will also be a brief delay between the sound from the left speaker
compared to the right one.
Placement
At mid and high frequencies, the Valentina’s directivity keeps the stereo image from being
affected by room placement in all but the most reflective rooms. As with any non-dipole
speakers, though, the bass is practically omnidirectional, so nearby walls will reinforce it.
A good starting setup:
•
The speakers are acoustical mirror images of each other, and optimal sound
occurs in the sweet area (inboard) when so arranged. The speaker with the even
serial number should be placed to the right, and the odd to the left. The the side
tweeter should be aimed outward, namely toward each near side wall, and not
toward the center.
•
Arrange into an equilateral triangle setup, that is, an equal distance between the
speakers and each other, and between each speaker and you. Of course, some will
prefer or be practically limited to a smaller angle between the speakers, which is
perfectly fine. It can be argued that an equilateral triangle setup is just an artifice
cooked up in the early days of hi-fi in an attempt to standardize things. In reality,
it makes little difference, other than the obvious, namely affecting the stage width.
•
Aim them slightly less toed in than directly at your listening position, so that their
axes cross a foot or two behind you.
•
Position fairly close to the front wall, with the rearmost corner between 24 and 36
inches [60 to 80 cm] out.
•
Correct proximity to the walls can be very important for bass reproduction,
because these speakers are designed to rely on wall reinforcement, but not too
much or too little. When the speakers are close to both front and side walls,
however, better bass might be had with a bit more distance from the front wall.
