T I L T
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11
Backward Tilt
Valentina A8 speakers are very directive in the vertical. There is thus about a 9” [22 cm]
range of ear height that will experience nearly full spectrum sound, e.g., ±3 dB to 15 kHz.
The window for extension to 20 kHz is a bit shorter, more like 5” [13 cm]. If you were
interested in extension to 30 kHz, there are two shorter windows, one above and one
below the exact central axis (perpendicular to the centers of the speakers), as is explained
farther down.
In addition, the backward tilt serves to present the sound from all the drivers in phase
(“time aligned”) at your ears, which improves the smoothness of the frequency response
by minimizing the effects of interference between the drivers, and creates a high degree of
phase coherence.
It is thus important to ensure that your speakers are tilted so that they are both equally
well aimed upward at your ears when you are in your usual listening position.
The speakers are shipped with the angle set for a listening distance of 8’ (ideal) to 12’ [2.5
to 3.6 meters] from each speaker, with a nominal ear height of 38” [1m]. Since listening
heights and distances vary, you might benefit from some experimentation with the angle.
You can prop the front or rear of the speakers with books, tableware, whatever, until the
vertical centers of the speakers are fairly close to being aimed directly at your ears.
You can then make your new angle permanent by screwing the feet part way out of the
plinth, and fixing your setting with the thumbnut on each screw.
The speakers are supplied with adjustable feet at the front of the plinths under the
assumption that more people will want to listen at a distance of 12 feet or less. If you are
listening from a great distance, you may have to swap the front and rear feet.
To remove the feet, set the speaker on its face. The rubber feet are held on with screws
that take a #3 Phillips screwdriver. If your pair has carpet spike, they’re screwed onto
studs, and are turned counterclockwise to remove them.
