Speaker Installation - Arcam AV9 User Manual

Speaker Installation

The AV9 allows you to connect up to seven channels of
amplifi cation and three active subwoofers in the main
system. The output channels correspond to speakers
installed in the front left, centre, front right, surround
left, surround right, surround back left, surround back
right and an active subwoofer (see diagram).
All speakers, with the exception of the subwoofer, should
be arranged around your normal viewing/listening
position (see diagram). The subwoofer can be placed
almost anywhere and we recommend experimenting with
it in various positions to obtain the best result.
The confi guration and placement of your speakers
are very important. For THX surround EX playback we
recommend that you use a THX speaker system that
is certifi ed by Lucasfi lm Ltd. If you are not installing a
full THX surround EX system then ignore the instructions regarding the surround back left and right full THX surround EX system then ignore the instructions regarding the surround back left and right
loudspeakers.
Front left and right
Position your front left and right speakers to achieve a good stereo image for normal musical
reproduction as well as for the multichannel modes. If they are placed too close together there will be a
lack of spaciousness; if they are placed too far apart a stereo image will appear to have a large 'hole' in
the middle and will be presented in two halves. If there is no practical alternative to placing the speakers
widely apart, this effect can be overcome in music reproduction by using centre sound extraction from
the left and right speakers (see Dolby ProLogic II Music Mode).
Centre
The centre speaker allows for a more realistic reproduction of dialogue and centre sounds. The centre
speaker should have a similar tonal balance to the front left and right speakers and be positioned at a
similar height.
Surround left and right
The surround left and right speakers reproduce the ambient sound and effects present in a multichannel
home cinema system and should be installed approximately one metre higher than the listener's ears.
Surround back left and right
The surround back left and right speakers are used to add extra depth and better sound localisation
and should be installed approximately one metre higher than the listener's ears. Place the two surround
back speakers such that there is an arc of approximately 150 degrees between each surround back
speaker and the centre speaker. The surround back speakers should face the front of the room as shown
in the diagram to provide the largest 'sweet spot'. You will then need to measure the distance between
the two surround back speakers and set the 'Advanced Speaker Array' line of the 'THX Settings' menu
accordingly.
Subwoofer
A subwoofer will greatly improve the bass performance of your system. This is useful for reproducing
special cinema effects, especially where a dedicated LFE (Low-Frequency Effects) channel is available, as
with many Dolby Digital or DTS encoded discs.
Multiple subwoofers may be required for larger installations, particularly in rooms of a timber frame
construction. Multiple subwoofers need care in placement because there may be cancellation effects
between the units. Seek expert advice on multiple subwoofer placement.
AV9
E-32
Front Centre
left
Surround
left
Surround
back left
Front
right
Subwoofer
Surround
right
Surround
back right