With other close-field
speakers, positioning and
maintaining an equilateral
triangle between speakers
and listener is critical for
accurate imaging. The HG3
system is designed to pro-
vide accurate imaging with
separations ranging from 3'
to 10' (1 to 3 meters). Sim-
ply adjust the mid/high
cylinder to the desired
angle.
Keep in mind that close-
field positioning is de-
signed to let you hear the
source before you hear any
reflected sounds. In small
rooms, we recommend 2' to
5' (1 to 2 meters) separa-
tion of the speakers.
Greater separation dis-
tances increase the chances
of room reflections becom-
ing a problem in small, un-
treated rooms.
The HG3's may be placed
on a console meter bridge
(good), or on speaker
stands (best). The use of
isolation pads underneath
the speaker cabinets is
highly recommended for
best performance. The ro-
tating mid/high cylinders
are designed to be placed
inside the listening position. The ports should be on
the outside, furthest from the listening position.
Mid/High Level Controls
The Mid Range/High Range Level Controls are nor-
mally set straight up (12 o'clock position) for flat re-
sponse. They go from full off (5 o'clock position) to
+2 dB (3 o'clock position). The extra 2 dB of boost
lets you adjust for heavily damped rooms, wider or
distant cabinet spacing, or as a “magnifier” to zoom in
on critical mid or high frequency music components,
or as fine adjustments, to compensate for your particu-
lar room conditions. For example, if your mixes sound
overly bright or
midrangey on other
systems, turn up
the treble or the
midrange on the
HG3's slightly to
compensate. Not
enough midrange
or treble? Turn the
knobs down.
In some cases, an
equilateral triangle
between speakers
and listener is not
possible. When the
speakers must be in
an asymmetrical
position, use the
mid/high controls
on the furthest
speaker to boost the
output to correct
for center image
drift.
Testing The HG3's
The Diana Krall
“Love Scenes”
album (produced
by Al Schmitt) on
Impulse (IMPD
233) provides a
great demonstration
of imaging, separa-
tion, and wide
range frequency re-
sponse. Any track
will do nicely, but Track 11 (“My Love Is”) is out-
standing for showing off the bass, midrange, and high
frequency imaging of the HG3's. Listen especially to
the even response of the upright bass, the rock steady
center vocal imaging, and the sharp click of the finger
snaps.
Cyrus Chestnut's “Earth Stories” album on Atlantic
Jazz (82876-2) provides a great demonstration of wide
range frequency response. Track 6 (“Cookdaddy's Per-
spective”)
Positioning the Speakers
6
