S E T U P D E T A I L S
15
8
Setup Details
Height
The zA1.1 speakers are very directive in the vertical. There is thus about a 22 cm [9”]
range of ear height that will experience full spectrum sound. It is thus important to
ensure that your speakers are placed so that the center of the rectangular electrostatic
element within an inch or two of your ear height when you are seated.
The center is about 12” [30 cm] from the bottom of the speaker, so the stand should be
about 12” [30 cm] shorter than your ear height. It is alright to use a stand with a tilted
platen to get the same effect, but in that case, make sure to account for your distance
from the speakers when selecting the height.
Stereo Image
The stereo image will be good when an equilateral triangle is created by the speakers and
the listening position. On the other hand, there is a strong argument that this angle was
simply made up for no good reason other than memorability, and everyone should use
whatever they want.
It is very important to avoid the use of a high backed chair that will reflect unwanted
sound into your ears with practically no delay, even when the headrest appears to be
made of soft, sound absorbent material. This has a disastrous effect on realism as well as
the stereo image.
For maximal seating width, you can try reversing the positions of the speakers, placing the
even serial numbered unit on the left, and aim them so their axes cross a couple or a few feet
ahead of your listening position, rather than behind it.
Lastly, if the back wall is less than a few meters [ten feet] behind the listening position,
and your room acoustics are relatively lively, it is helpful to add absorbent material there,
such as heavy curtains, a decorative carpet, or purpose built absorbers. If your room is