CENTER CHANNEL
The Center channel speaker in any multichannel system is the most important speaker in the system.
This speaker often produces more output than the left and right speakers combined. This speaker should be of
the highest possible quality, and as similar as possible in response and radiation pattern to the left and right
speakers. Three identical speakers are best, unless the center channel is designed to work with a set of left
and right speakers.
It is also important to have as much amplifier power as possible for the Center channel. As a minimum, the
three front channels should be identical in power output, but it is better if the Center channel has more. If you have
less power in the Center channel, this will be the limiting factor in the total output capability of the system when
watching and listening to video sources.
The Center channel speaker should be located as close as physically possible to the television or projection
screen, preferably just above or below the screen. If that is not possible, then just to the left or the right of the
screen may be acceptable. M&K’s Phase-Focused crossover will always give you smooth and even coverage
throughout the room.
If the television is not in the center of the room (or not centered between the Left and Right speakers),
the Center channel speaker should still be as close as possible to the screen -- even if it is outside the left and
right speakers (such as a TV located in a corner of the room outside the stereo spread of the left and right
speakers). Good results can be achieved in unusual configurations when the Center speaker is as close as
possible to the screen.
The Left and Right front channel speakers in a Home Theatre system should be placed the same as the left
and right speakers in a stereo setup. Some listeners, however, may prefer to reduce the distance between the left
and right speakers to bring the size of the acoustic image closer to the size of the screen image.
For example, with a 25" direct-view television, you would want the speakers closer together than you would
with a 100" projector. One recommendation is to separate the speakers by 1.5 times the diagonal screen size;
another is to place the left and right speakers to create a 45 degree angle with the main listening position.
There is a great deal of latitude in this area, as it is one of personal preference (especially if you will listen to
music without video).
It is also preferred that the speakers be equidistant from the listening position. Equidistant usually means that
when the center speaker is on top of the television, the left and right speakers will sit in front of the set (they will
be farther from the wall behind the TV than the center speaker). Ideally, the speakers should be at the same height
as the screen, but it is much more important that all three speakers be at as close to each other's height as
possible. If the center is much higher or lower than the other speakers, the effect can be distracting. Angling, or
toeing-in the speakers, to aim at the listening position often improves imaging.
When using a Center channel speaker, you have extra flexibility in placing the left and right speakers, as the
Center channel speaker will tie most dialog and effects directly to the screen.
SURROUND CHANNELS
Surround speakers can be installed in a wide variety of locations, but in some rooms their installation can be
quite a challenge to install. If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to contact your M&K dealer or the M&K
factory. We will be happy to discuss your system with you.
We recommend placement of the surround speakers on the side walls of the room, two to three feet above the
listeners' heads, either directly adjacent to the listening position or behind it. You can aim the speakers to fire
towards each other (across the listening area), or you can aim them to fire towards the back wall at an angle. The
surround speakers should not be in front of the main listening position if possible.
SATELLITE SPEAKER
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