Surround Back Speakers

Standing waves depicted in a room. “Peaks” are good, “Dips” are bad.

Many preamplifier processors feature additional outputs for surround back speakers. These create a wonderful sense of realism in surround effects during playback of Dolby Digital EX, Dolby Pro Logic IIx, and DTS ES.

Ideally, all the surround speakers should be of the same make and model as the surround speakers, and fitted at similar heights to produce a smooth continuous sound field.

Subwoofer Location

Although subwoofers are normally configured with their own internal power amplifier (rather than using the MPS- 1), we know you will probably use at least one subwoofer in your home entertainment system. As such, it’s important to understand correct subwoofer placement so that you get the most out of the other speakers connected to the MPS-1 Modular Power Amplifier.

A subwoofer typically sounds best in a corner with at least

5 feet of wall to either side. Due to the short wavelengths of high-frequency sounds, they don’t interact strongly with the size and shape of a room. Lower frequencies long wave- lengths that can cause “Standing wave” problems. Placing the subwoofer in a corner usually creates the best possible situation for the sound to interact with the room, allowing

even distribution of the bass frequencies. Often the corner that offers nearby placement to the front speakers may yield the best results, but you should try several locations before settling on just one.

The best location for a single subwoofer can be found by playing a couple of different low frequency test tones (or some music with heavy sustained bass passages) and proceeding with the following easy 1-2-3 process:

1.Place the subwoofer right on the seat of your couch or listening chair.

2.You can then either run the calibration (noise) signal through it, or simply plug the analog outputs of a CD player directly into your subwoofer’s low-level inputs. Turn down the subwoofer’s volume level before turning on the CD, then play the test tones or some music with heavy sustained bass passages.

3.Walk around the room, standing in all the positions where you might be able to place the subwoofer. Again, this is usually near the corners of the room. Try locations fairly close to the front speakers.

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MPS-1 specifications

The Emotiva MPS-1 is a powerful and versatile multi-channel amplifier designed to enhance audio performance in both home theaters and high-fidelity music systems. Known for its robust construction and high-quality sound output, the MPS-1 stands out as an ideal choice for audiophiles and home theater enthusiasts alike.

One of the defining features of the MPS-1 is its impressive power output. The amplifier delivers 200 watts per channel into 8 ohms and 300 watts into 4 ohms, providing ample headroom to drive even the most demanding speakers. This high power output ensures that users can enjoy dynamic sound without compromising on clarity or detail, making it suitable for both movies and music.

The MPS-1 utilizes advanced Class AB amplification technology, combining the efficiency of Class A with the thermal performance of Class B. This design minimizes distortion and maximizes linearity, ensuring that the sound remains clean and accurate across a wide frequency range. The amplifier also features a high-current output stage, allowing it to handle sudden peaks in audio without clipping, an essential quality for impactful sound reproduction.

Another significant aspect of the MPS-1 is its comprehensive connectivity options. It is equipped with both balanced XLR and unbalanced RCA inputs, providing flexibility for integration into various audio setups. The amplifier can also be configured to operate in a bridged mode, effectively doubling the output power to drive larger speaker setups or subwoofers, which enhances its versatility in custom installations.

In terms of build quality, the MPS-1 showcases Emotiva's commitment to durability. The amplifier features a heavy-duty steel chassis designed to minimize interference from external sources, while the high-quality components used in its construction—such as powerful power supplies and premium capacitors—ensure longevity and reliability.

The MPS-1 also incorporates intelligent thermal management features, including heat sinks and a built-in fan that operates only when necessary, keeping the unit cool during extended use without introducing unwanted noise.

Overall, the Emotiva MPS-1 represents a compelling choice for those seeking a high-performance multi-channel amplifier that combines power, flexibility, and exceptional audio fidelity, making it a worthy addition to any serious sound system.