screen as possible. Try to keep the tweeters of
all three speakers (Left, Center, and Right)
as close to the same height from the floor as
possible.
If the tweeters are at - or very close
to - on-axis with your ear level when you're
seated, you're doing very well
indeed (this may
pose a challenge if you're placing a single Center
Channel speaker either above or below the
screen. Try aiming the Center Channel slightly
down or up to compensate). It's a good idea to
place the Center Channel speaker at exactly the
same distance from your listening/viewing
position as the main Left and Right speakers.
This will ensure the sound from all three front
speakers arrives at your ears at the same time.
This will help to create the most convincing im-
age (yes, some surround receivers and
processors have circuitry that can compensate
electronically for different distances but we feel
it's always good to start mechanically rather
than electronically if possible).
2.4 Surround Speaker Placement
Surround speaker placement is a bit more chal-
lenging. Ideal placement can either be on the
back or side walls of your listening/viewing room
depending on how the system will be used. Re-
gardless of exactly where they are placed on ei-
ther wall, make sure to locate them above ear
level. Try not to place furniture between your
speakers and your listening/viewing position.
You have every right to expect a high level of
sound quality from your Rocket ELT Series
speakers. Make sure you can see them when
you're ready to enjoy some music or a movie!
2.5 Alternative Speaker Placement Options
We realize that the real world (family opinions,
room traffic patterns, etc.) will have more im-
pact on where you place your Rocket ELT Series
speakers than any academic discussion of a
room's acoustical properties. That being said,
following are some guidelines you might find
useful as you scout out possible locations.
1. Shelf mounting:
Logically, this may be your
first consideration. That's fine if the shelf is
sturdy enough and deep enough to hold your
speakers securely. Remember, a shelf that is up
against a wall should be at least 2" deeper than
the speaker itself to allow for cable connections
and port “breathing” room. So, since your ELT
speaker is 7.5" deep, you will need to allow a
minimum 9.5" of shelf space. Note that the
Rocket Series speakers are bass reflex enclo-
sures with a port on the rear panel. Because the
port is very important for proper bass reproduc-
tion, please do not block it. In fact, if you're
shelf-mounting your speakers, try to leave at
least 3" to 6" of open space behind the rear
panel.
Note:
these instructions are for
open
shelves. Mounting your speakers on "enclosed
shelves" as would be found in an entertainment
center or built-in cabinets can affect bass re-
sponse substantially.
For shelf mounting, use the adhesive rubber feet
provided or a moldable, reusable adhesive such
as BluTack or other "earthquake wax." If you
elect to use the rubber feet, simply peel them
from the protective sheet and apply them close
to the corners of the speaker bottom. Be sure
the shelf itself is firmly in place and there are no
loose items on the shelf to rattle or buzz while
the speaker is playing. Again, BluTack or similar
is great for securing and dampening your speak-
ers.
2. Stand mounting:
If you're placing your
Rocket Series
bookshelf
speakers on stands, you
have several options:
•
a. You can use the rubber feet on a
speaker stand, but this may be risky if
there is a chance the speaker or stand
may be bumped and the speaker
knocked off.
•
b. You can use a material like BluTack to
keep your speakers firmly (but not per-
manently) attached to the stands. If you
can't find BluTack, just ask your
neighborhood hardware store for the ge-
neric equivalent or some "earthquake
wax."
•
c. We do not recommend the use of
double sided foam tape or other strong
adhesives to secure your speakers to a
stand, as they will damage the furniture
grade finish if and when removed.
