e. USE WITH SURROUND-EX AND OTHER 6.1 CHANNEL SYSTEMS
When using the Surround-25 speaker with a 6.1 channel system, we strongly recommend using two
speakers to reproduce the back surround channel. These speakers should be mounted on the center area
of the back wall of the room, symmetrical to the wall’s center line.See FIGURE 6, page 7. Follow your
processor or receiver’s instructions for proper calibration.
7. HOME THEATRE USAGE
LEVEL-MATCHING
The factor most critical to achieving excellent Home Theatre performance is level-matching the three
front and two surround channels.
This is even more important than timbre-matching. We strongly
recommend that you purchase a Radio Shack Sound Level Meter which is available for less than about
$50, (get the analog meter, not the digital) and use it to measure the output of the speakers when playing
the test tones generated by your processor or receiver.
Set the meter to the "C" weighting scale and “SLOW” response, using your amplifier or receiver's
internal noise calibration test, set the levels so that all channels measure the same level. WHENEVER
POSSIBLE, DO NOT CALIBRATE LEVELS BY EAR! Using a meter is an inexpensive way to be certain
that your system is calibrated properly.
TIMBRE-MATCHING
One of the most important factors in achieving excellent Home Theatre performance is timbre-
matching. On film soundtracks, specific sounds are often moved from left to right or from front to back in
the room. When the speakers reproducing these sounds have dissimilar characteristics, there will be an
audible discontinuity when the sound shifts from one speaker to another.
Timbre-matched speakers have very similar tonal characteristics and sound, which come from three
critical elements: similar or identical drivers; similar or identical crossovers; and similar or identical
frequency response. In full M&K systems, these elements have been addressed. You can be assured that
the system can achieve the full potential of multichannel sound.
When you have a multichannel system, speaker placement becomes extremely important, as you will
be balancing four or five (or more) speakers rather than two. The following guidelines are for a 5.1
channel system, but if you do not have a Center channel, the instructions for the other four channels still
apply.
CENTER CHANNEL
The Center channel speaker in a 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.
SATELLITE SPEAKER
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