Speaker Placement - Niles AT8000 Installation & Operating Manual

Although the AT speakers utilize an infinite
baffle design which does not require the
use of a backbox, critical listeners may
appreciate the tighter bass and extended
frequency response into the lower octaves
that the use of a backbox (or blocking off
the wall cavity) will provide. A hole cutting
template is provided with the AT8000
Series Bracket Kit. The cutout for the speak-
er must measure 9-3/4" x 17-1/4".
Insulating the Wall Cavity
When it is not possible to use a backbox,
good results can be achieved by treating
the interior of the drywall cavity with
Dynamat™ or a similar cabinet damping
material. At least two linear feet of damp-
ing material should be adhered to the rear
wall and to the front wall (one foot above
and one foot below the cutout) of the wall
cavity. Additionally, insulating the wall
cavity behind the speaker with fiberglass
insulation (e.g., R-19 unbatted insulation)
will improve performance. Try to keep the
Figure 2
amount of insulation used for each speak-
er equal, as bass output will be more con-
sistent. Further improvement can be made
by wedging a brace of 1x1 stock between
the front and rear walls, both above and
below the cutout. Use care when inserting
the brace, as too much pressure will create
a bulge in the wall.

Speaker Placement

Placement for Critical Listening
If you like to imagine that the band or
orchestra is playing in front of you as you lis-
ten to music, or you are very conscious of
clarity, detail and the textures of the individ-
ual instruments, you are a critical listener.
In a home theater, the intelligibility of dia-
log and action reproduced by the front
speakers is paramount! The position of the
speakers plays a very important role in
how clear the sound is and how a stereo
Speaker
Placement
Zone
10'
Speaker
Placement
Zone
5'
10'
5