About Home Theater, Enjoying Home Theater

Onkyo TX-L55 instruction manual About Home Theater, Enjoying Home Theater, Speaker Conﬁguration

TX-L55_En.book Page 15 Tuesday, June 1, 2004 9:02 AM

About Home Theater

Enjoying Home Theater

With the TX-L55’s superb functionality you can enjoy surround sound with a real sense of movement in your own home—just like being in a movie theater or concert hall.

For best results with DVDs that feature THX Surround EX, use a THX-certiﬁed THX speaker system.

With DVDs you can enjoy DTS, Dolby Digital, and THX soundtracks. With TV and satellite broadcasts you can enjoy Onkyo’s original DSP surround listening modes.

Center speaker

This speaker enhances the front left and right speakers, making sound movements distinct and providing a full sound image. In movies it’s used mainly for dialog.

Position it close to your TV (preferably on top) facing forward at about ear level, or at the same height as the front left and right speakers.

Front left and right speakers

These output the overall sound. Their role in a home theater is to provide a solid anchor for the sound image. They should be positioned facing the lis- tener at about ear level, and equidistant from the TV. Angle them inward so as to create a triangle, with the listener at the apex.

Surround back speaker

This speaker furthers enhance the realism of surround sound and improve sound localiza- tion behind the listener. Posi- tion it behind the listener about 2–3 feet (60–100 cm) above ear level.

Subwoofer

The subwoofer handles the bass sounds of the LFE (Low-Frequency Effects) channel. The volume and quality of the bass output from your subwoofer will depend on its position, the shape of your listening room, and your listening posi- tion. In general, a good bass sound can be obtained by installing the subwoofer in a front corner, or at one-third the width of the wall, as shown.

Surround left and right speakers

These speakers are used for precise sound positioning and to add real- istic ambience. Position them at the sides of the listener, or slightly behind, about 3 feet (100 cm) above ear level. Ideally they should be equidistant from the listener.

Speaker Conﬁguration

For the best surround-sound experience, you should con- nect six speakers and a powered subwoofer.

The following table shows which channels you should use depending on the number of speakers that you have.

Number of speakers:	2	3	4	5	6

Front left	✓	✓	✓	✓	✓

Front right	✓	✓	✓	✓	✓

Center		✓		✓	✓

Surround left			✓	✓	✓

Surround right			✓	✓	✓

Surround back					✓

To get the best from your surround-sound system, as a bare minimum you need to do the Speaker Setup (see “Speaker Setup” on page 30). This consists of automati- cally detecting which speakers are connected and adjust- ing the volume level of each speaker. For a more detailed setup, you should specify which speakers are connected and their sizes (see page 48), adjust the subwoofer cross- over frequency (see page 49), specify the distance from each speaker to the listening position (see page 50), and then adjust the volume level of each speaker (see “Speaker Level Calibration (Test Tone)” on page 30).

No matter how many speakers you use, a powered sub- woofer is recommended for a really powerful and solid bass sound.

TX-L55 specifications

The Onkyo TX-L55 is a remarkable piece of audio equipment that caters to both audiophiles and casual listeners alike. As a part of Onkyo's renowned lineup of receivers, the TX-L55 is packed with features and technologies that enhance the listening experience while boasting impressive connectivity options.

One of the standout features of the TX-L55 is its 5.2-channel surround sound capability, which allows users to immerse themselves in a truly cinematic audio experience. With an output power of up to 80 watts per channel, the receiver is capable of delivering a rich, dynamic sound whether it is used for music, movies, or gaming. The TX-L55 also supports various surround sound formats, including Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio, which further elevate the clarity and depth of the audio playback.

The receiver also incorporates advanced technologies to improve sound quality and enhance the listening experience. One notable technology is Onkyo’s proprietary AccuEQ, which calibrates the audio output to match the acoustics of the room, ensuring optimal sound reproduction. This feature takes into consideration the position of the speakers and the environment, allowing users to enjoy a balanced and immersive soundstage.

Connectivity is another highlight of the Onkyo TX-L55, which features a versatile array of inputs and outputs. It includes multiple HDMI inputs, allowing for easy connection of various sources such as Blu-ray players, gaming consoles, and streaming devices. The receiver also supports 4K video passthrough, making it a future-proof addition to any home entertainment system.

For those who value convenience, the TX-L55 is equipped with Bluetooth technology, enabling users to stream music wirelessly from their smartphones, tablets, or computers. This feature allows for seamless integration with personal devices, making it easy to enjoy favorite playlists without the hassle of wired connections.

The user-friendly interface of the TX-L55 further enhances its appeal, with an intuitive on-screen menu and remote control that make navigation straightforward. The unit's sleek design fits well into any home theater setup, offering both aesthetic appeal and practical functionality.

In conclusion, the Onkyo TX-L55 stands out as a versatile and feature-rich AV receiver, making it an excellent choice for those seeking high-quality audio performances without compromising on connectivity and user experience. Whether you are watching a movie or hosting a music party, the TX-L55 ensures that every audio moment is enjoyed to its fullest.