MK Sound S-90, S-1C Speaker HOOK-UP & Usage, Hookup, Variations of Sound, Midrange Contour Switch

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satellite speakers

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4. S-90 SPEAKER HOOK-UP & USAGE

The sound quality that you get from your Satellites can be affected by the type of speaker wire that you use to connect them. While it is possible to use speaker wire as thin as 22 gauge to hook your Satellites up, we recommend using the largest diameter wire that you can. This means a minimum of 18 gauge wire. Over 10 feet, you should use 16 gauge, and for more than 30 feet, we recommend using 14 gauge or heavier. The smaller the number, the thicker the wire.

There are a very wide variety of premium speaker cables available from a number of specialist manufacturers. We do not endorse any specific brand of premium cable, but we do recommend using as high quality a cable as fits your budget. Using better quality cables will improve the sound of your Satellites.

If you wish to bi-amplify your Satellites in combination with an M&K Powered Subwoofer, see Section 11 (page 18) for more details.

S-90 HOOKUP

There is one set of terminals on the backplate, one Red terminal and one Black terminal. Connect the Positive

(+)lead from your amplifier or receiver to the RED (+) INPUT terminal, and the Negative (-) lead from your amplifier or receiver to the BLACK (-) INPUT terminal. See Figure 2 (page 7).

S-90 VARIATIONS OF SOUND

Your M&K Satellites reproduce sound with exceptional transient accuracy and a very wide dynamic range. Because of these qualities, they give outstanding results with any high quality amplifier or receiver in virtually any listening environment.

However, getting the best tonal balance in any given room involves many variables. Therefore, your S-90 Satellites allow you to alter their tonal balance in order to get the ideal sound quality at your favorite listening location (where it counts!), through the use of two three-position switches.

The best way to find the ideal setting for these switches is to listen to some familiar music with the switches in the NORMAL position, and then listen to how the sound changes as you set the switches to the other positions.

If you find the sound to be too bright or harsh-sounding, try the TREBLE CONTOUR switch in the MID TWEETER or LOW TWEETER position. You can also try setting the MIDRANGE CONTOUR switch to NORMAL or LOW EFFICIENCY. If the sound lacks brilliance or sounds bass-heavy, set the TREBLE CONTOUR switch to HIGH TWEETER or set the MIDRANGE CONTOUR switch to NORMAL or SPECIAL.

It is not possible to tell in advance which settings will produce the ideal response (which is a flat frequency response at your ears), because this is dependent on your room, its size, its furnishings, your listening location, and more. The switch choices, however, can help you create the ideal response in your room. Therefore, set the switches for the best sound balance for your ears and your room, so that you get maximum enjoyment from your speakers.

S-90 MIDRANGE CONTOUR SWITCH

The MIDRANGE CONTOUR switch is the primary control for altering the tonal balance of your Satellites. Its major effect is in the midrange, but it does shift the balance over the entire audible spectrum.

The NORMAL position gives the flattest frequency response in most rooms and installation conditions. This should be the starting position for you in determining the optimum setting for your system. Relative to this position, you will find the SPECIAL position to be brighter and more forward-sounding, and the LOW EFFICIENCY position to be mellower and more recessed-sounding.

When you are locating the speaker directly against a wall or directly against the floor or ceiling, you may find that the SPECIAL position gives the best response. This is because this position is designed to account for the increase in midbass response that occurs when a speaker is directly against a room surface. (This is referred to as 2 π space, as opposed to a speaker located out in a room, which is known as 4π space. The SPECIAL position should be used for 2π conditions, and the NORMAL position should be used for 4π conditions).

Use the SPECIAL position if you are optimizing your system's response with a third-octave equalizer and calibrating the equalizer by using a third-octave analyzer. The SPECIAL position will always maximize output and dynamic range, while placing the least demand on your power amplifier.

The LOW EFFICIENCY position trades efficiency and output for a warmer, mellower midbass sound. If you have a room with a lot of reflective surfaces or an otherwise bright-sounding system, try this position. Some listeners will prefer this position to the NORMAL position in any room, so we suggest that you at least make that comparison.

All positions have the same power handling capacity, but because of their greater efficiency, the NORMAL will be louder than the LOW EFFICIENCY, and the SPECIAL position will play the loudest. Bear in mind that as you switch

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Contents Satellite speakers Table of Contents Diagrams100B Speaker HOOK-UP & Usage Placement of Your Satellite SpeakersIntroduction Special Note TV Shielded Satellite Speakers100B Midrange Contour Switch 100B Hookup100B Variations of Sound Wiring with the S-100B 100B Treble Contour SwitchHookup Midrange Contour Switch90 Speaker HOOK-UP & Usage Variations of SoundWiring with the S-90 Treble Contour Switch80 Speaker HOOK-UP & Usage High Efficiency / LOW Efficiency InputsWiring with the S-80 High EFFICIENCY/LOW TweeterLOW Efficiency / LOW Tweeter 1C Speaker HOOK-UP & Usage Wiring with the S-1C 1C Midrange Contour Switch1C Treble Contour Switch 1C Directivity Control SwitchBI Wiring the S-1C Optimizing Speaker Placement BI Wiring with the S-1CLocation Away from Reflecting Surfaces Separation Between SpeakersHeight or Angle Separation Between Left and Right SpeakersHome Theatre Usage Cabinet Orientation Horizontal or VerticalSpeaker Placement SATELLITE/SUBWOOFER Phasing Test SubwooferSpeaker Damage & HOW to Avoid IT If YOU Need ServiceBI Amplifying Your Satellites with M&K High Pass Filters Cabinet Maintenance SpecificationsSelecting the Right Omnimount Bracket Uses Omnimount 75-WB Selecting the Right Omnimount BracketUSE Omnimount 75-WA Uses Omnimount 53-RST

S-80 SX-7, S-90, S-1C specifications

MK Sound has long been a name synonymous with high-quality audio solutions, and their product lineup, including the S-1C, S-90, S-80, and the SX-7, showcases the brand's commitment to delivering exceptional audio performance. Each of these models has been engineered with specific technologies and characteristics that cater to both audiophiles and casual listeners alike.

The MK Sound S-1C is a compact center speaker designed to deliver clear vocal reproduction and an engaging soundstage. It features a high-quality 1-inch tweeter and dual 5.25-inch woofers that work in unison to provide a balanced sound profile. This model excels in dialogue clarity, making it an essential component for home theater setups. The S-1C also boasts a frequency response that extends down to 70 Hz, ensuring it can adequately reproduce lower frequencies for a fuller sound experience.

Moving on to the S-90, this floor-standing speaker is a testament to MK Sound's dedication to performance and precision. It features a 1-inch tweeter and three 5.25-inch woofers, allowing for a powerful bass response and detailed high frequencies. With a frequency response of 40 Hz to 20 kHz, the S-90 is designed to fill larger rooms with immersive sound. The speaker's high sensitivity level allows it to produce loud volumes without distortion, making it an excellent choice for music and movie enthusiasts.

The S-80 is another stellar offering, designed as a versatile bookshelf speaker. Like the S-90, it features a 1-inch tweeter paired with dual 5.25-inch woofers. With a compact design, the S-80 can easily fit into smaller spaces while still delivering a wide soundstage and impressive audio fidelity. Its frequency range extends from 45 Hz to 20 kHz, ensuring a broad sonic spectrum. The elegant cabinet design also integrates acoustic dampening technologies to minimize distortion and enhance sound quality.

Finally, the SX-7 is an advanced subwoofer that reinforces MK Sound’s commitment to low-frequency performance. It includes a powerful 12-inch driver and a built-in amplification system that delivers deep, impactful bass. With a frequency response extending down to 25 Hz, the SX-7 is perfect for users seeking a cinematic experience at home. Its adjustable crossover and phase control features allow users to tailor the subwoofer’s performance to their specific room and listening preferences.

In summary, MK Sound’s S-1C, S-90, S-80, and SX-7 represent a harmonious blend of innovative technology and exceptional sound reproduction. Each model is crafted to not only meet but exceed the expectations of discerning audio enthusiasts, making them a powerful addition to any sound system.
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