E. Positioning Surround Speakers
All PSB CustomSound Series speakers including the CW800E and CW600E are
timbre matched (have similar tonal characteristics) for easy mix and match home
theater system flexibility and ultimate performance. Most surround sound (that is
sound that comes from the surround speakers, not the front speakers) is meant
more to create greater depth and overall ambience than to localize effects as
coming from a particular spot. How much you prefer these localized effects vs.
overall sonic depth and diffusion is up to your listening preferences. If you are
listening to multi-channel music from DVD-Audio or SACD, you may want the
maximum localization of instruments. However, for most home theater
applications a diffuse soundfield might be preferred. You can locate your surround
speakers to produce the effects you prefer, whether precisely pinpointed or
pleasantly diffused.
Most people find it best to mount surround speakers on the side walls slightly
behind the prime listening position and two feet above ear height when seated
(this typically places the top of the speaker near the ceiling.)
Note, that as you move from Figure 1 through to Figure 3, the surround effect will
become more diffuse and more evenly spread.
F. Positioning Subwoofers
The location of subwoofers will interact with the dimensions of the room to
determine the low frequency response of the overall system. Unlike with a free
standing subwoofer the CWS10 in-wall subwoofer can't be mounted away from
the wall surfaces! The key question is where on the wall should they best be
located.
Generally the CW600 or 800 should be located first by following the guidelines for
placement (above) with regard to angles around the listener. Their location is
more critical than the location of the subwoofers. Once the main front speakers
are located then you may want to mount the CWS10(s) in a spot that visually
looks appropriate relative to the front speakers. This might be in the same stud
bay but directly below the front left or right. Alternatively they may be mounted at
just the same height as the other front speaker, yet outside them and more
towards the corners. Either approach is generally acceptable. Be aware that
mounting the CWS10 closer to a corner will generally increase the overall bass
level and that will increase its output capability, a good thing.
30°
30°
30°
30°
All distances
are equal
30°
30°
Figure 1
6.1/7.1 System using
two Surrounds
Figure 2
6.1/7.1 System using
three Surrounds
Figure 3
6.1/7.1 System using
four Surrounds
6
