Home Theater, Front .Left .and .Front .Right

Home Theater

It had long been the practice of stereo buffs to connect their television to a stereo system. The advantage was the use of the larger speakers and more powerful amplifier of the stereo system. Even though the sound was greatly improved, it was still mono and limited by the broadcast signal.

In the late 1970’s and early 1980’s two new home movie formats became widely available to the public: VCR and laser disc.

By 1985, both formats had developed into very high quality audio/video sources. In fact, the sonic performance of some video formats exceeded audio-only formats. Now, with theater-quality sound available at home, the only element missing was the "surround sound" presentation found in movie houses.

Fortunately, Dolby and DTS encoded DVD’s emerged with the same surround sound information encoded on home releases as the theatrical release. Additionally, new high-resolution home-viewing formats such as Blu-ray as well as high-definition content provided via cable or satellite have evolved which include multi-channel encod- ed audio that is virtually master tape quality. All that is required to retrieve this information is a decoder and addi- tional speakers and amps to reproduce it.

Home theater is a complex purchase and we recommend that you consult your local MartinLogan dealer, as they are well versed in this subject.

Each piece of a surround system can be purchased sepa- rately. Take your time and buy quality. No one has ever complained that the movie was too real. The following list and descriptions will give you only a brief outline of the responsibilities and demands placed on each speaker.

Front .Left .and .Front .Right

If these speakers will be the same two used for your stereo playback, they should be of very high quality and able to play loudly (over 102 dB) and reproduce bass below 80 Hz.

Center .Channel

This is the most important speaker in a home theater system, as almost all of the dialogue and a large por- tion of the front speaker information is reproduced by the center channel. It is important that the center speaker be extremely accurate and mate well with the front

speaker, and that it is recommended for use as a center speaker. This is not the place to cut corners.

Surround .Speakers

We recommend (along with the film industry) that the sur- round speakers play down to at least 80 Hz. Surround speakers contain the information that makes it appear that planes are flying over your head. Some may suggest that this is the place to save money and purchase small, inex- pensive speakers. If you choose to do so, be prepared to upgrade in the future as discrete multi-channel digital encoding is proliferating rapidly and the demands on sur- round speakers have increased.

Subwoofer

With any good surround system you will need one or more high-quality subwoofers (the .1 in a 5.1, 6.1, or 7.1 channel surround system). Most movie soundtracks contain large amounts of bass information as part of the special effects. Good subwoofers will provide a foundation for the rest of the system.

Figure 8. CW10 Subwoofers as the LFE (effects) channels, MartinLogan Motion 12 speakers as front channels, and Motion 4 speakers as surround (effects) channel and Motion 8 as the center channel.

Home Theater 11

CW10 specifications

The MartinLogan CW10 is a sophisticated in-wall subwoofer that redefines the boundaries of audio performance while seamlessly integrating into any living space. Designed for those who value both sound quality and aesthetic appeal, the CW10 delivers deep, impactful bass without sacrificing room aesthetics.

One of the main features of the CW10 is its advanced subwoofer technology, which includes a high-performance 10-inch cone driver. This driver is engineered to reproduce low-frequency sounds with immense accuracy and power, allowing users to experience thumping bass that is both rich and controlled. The driver operates within a carefully crafted enclosure, optimizing its performance and ensuring minimal distortion, which is critical for both music and home theater applications.

The CW10 also employs MartinLogan's patented Vojtko crossover technology. This feature is integral in managing the transition between high and low frequencies, ensuring that every note and nuance is captured and delivered seamlessly. The crossover helps maintain the dynamic range and tonal balance that listeners demand, making it an excellent choice for audiophiles and casual listeners alike.

One of the primary characteristics that sets the CW10 apart is its compact and discreet design. The subwoofer is intended for in-wall installation, allowing it to blend effortlessly into wall spaces while freeing up valuable floor space. The flush mount installation maintains the room's visual integrity, making it an ideal solution for modern living environments where design is just as important as performance.

Moreover, the CW10 is equipped with an adjustable low-pass filter, allowing users to tailor the subwoofer's response to suit their specific room acoustics and personal preferences. This level of customization enhances the listening experience, ensuring that the subwoofer works harmoniously with existing speakers and other audio equipment.

The CW10 also features a durable and aesthetically pleasing grille that can be painted to match your wall color, further enhancing its ability to integrate into any home decor.

In conclusion, the MartinLogan CW10 is a feature-rich in-wall subwoofer that combines advanced audio technologies with a sleek, unobtrusive design. With its powerful driver, innovative crossover technology, and customizable settings, the CW10 is an exceptional choice for anyone looking to elevate their audio experience while maintaining the elegance of their living space.