MATCHING THE SIGNAL LEVEL
(Note: If you have a pre-amp equalizer in the system or built in to the source unit, bypass or turn
off the equalization while level matching)
1. Turn all three output level dials on the XEX-23 (SUBWOOFER, REAR and FRONT) to maximum
position.
2. Turn the BASS BOOST level on the XEX-23 and the amplifier to minimum.
3. Turn all input sensitivity gain control adjustments on the amplifiers to the minimum position.
4. Turn on the system and increase the source unit’s volume to 80% of maximum.
5. VERY SLOWLY increase the input sensitivity gain on each amplifier to the point right before
the speakers begin to distort. Use CAUTION not to overdrive the speakers. Do this for all
three amplifiers, one by one, starting with the tweeter amplifier.
Once all adjustments are made the system should sound clear without distortion up to 80% of
main volume. Also, the volume should increase very evenly. We only use up to 80% of maximum
volume on the source unit because after this point most source units begin to distort the signal.
If you want your system louder you will need to get more powerful amplifiers.
ADJUSTING OVERALL BALANCE OF THE SYSTEM
Once you complete the signal matching stage the following steps should be made to set the
overall linearity of the system. This may be necessary due to the relative efficiencies of each of
the speakers. For example, smaller speakers are normally more efficient than woofers, and play
louder sooner, at given equal power levels. The XEX-23’s individual output level controls allow
compensation for this.
It is important to understand that the output levels are not designed to add gain to the signal.
Actually, the output level controls attenuate (reduce signal gain). It is for this reason that in the
following steps we will start with the output levels at the maximum position, and then reduce
the outputs to balance the system. For example, if you like heavy bass you will most likely leave
the SUBWOOFER OUTPUT LEVEL at the maximum position, and reduce the MID and HIGH output
levels by, up to, half. This will allow the bass to reach a high output faster than the MID and
HIGH speakers. If you wish to increase the MID and HIGH frequencies, reduce the SUBWOOFER
OUTPUT LEVEL. You should make these adjustments to your liking. This means tune your system
so it sounds best to YOUR ears. After all, this is YOUR system.
You are now ready to enjoy your audio system.
