Placement for Critical Listening

Speaker Placement

Although the CM5HD, CM6HD and CM8HD have extensive ability to compen- sate for unusual placements with their unique pivoting tweeters and acoustic fine- tuning switches; placement is still the pri- mary tool for satisfying your particular lis- tening needs. In the following section, we discuss how speakers should be placed and how tweeters should be directed and how the acoustic fine-tuning switches should be set for different purposes.

If you like to imagine that the band or orchestra is playing in front of you as you listen to music, or you are very conscious of clarity, detail and the textures of the individual instruments, or you listen criti- cally to movie soundtracks or music videos in your home theater, you will need your speakers placed so that they are optimized for critical listening. Here are some guidelines to make the process of placement quick and easy.

Make sure the sound will not be blocked

or reflected off of furniture or other objects. You should have a direct line of sight with the front of the speaker. To determine the best position, measure the “listening” distance between the ideal lis- tening position (your favorite chair or couch) and the location in which you plan to install the speakers. Try to place the speakers so that they are equally distant from your listening spot and at least one half of the listening distance apart (this maintains a large pleasant stereo “image”). In home theater applications where there is a center channel you may choose to space the left and right main speakers far- ther apart for a “bigger than life” sound with Dolby® encoded movies and TV shows. However, for combined music and movie usage stay within the good place- ment zone for music. For example; if you are ten feet back from the speakers, the speakers should be between five and ten feet apart (See Figure 4).

Tweeters should be directed at the listen- ing position.

Placement for Varying

Speaker Placement

					Figure 4
					In this example,
					the speakers
		Direct tweeter			could be
		Direct tweeter			placed five to
		towards listener			placed five to
		towards listener			10 feet apart,
					10 feet apart,
					since the listen-
					er is 10 feet
					back from the
					speakers
Critical
Critical	10'		5'	10'
Listening	10'		5'	10'
Listening
Position

Direct tweeter

towards listener

CM6HD, CM8HD, CM5HD specifications

Niles Audio has long been synonymous with high-quality sound solutions, and their line of in-ceiling speakers, the CM5HD, CM8HD, and CM6HD, showcases this commitment to excellence. Designed for residential and commercial applications, these speakers combine aesthetics with performance, making them ideal for any setting.

The CM5HD is the entry-level model, yet it doesn't compromise on sound quality. With its 5.25-inch polypropylene woofer and 1-inch silk dome tweeter, it delivers clear, balanced audio across various frequency ranges. The CM5HD is equipped with a patented Tri-Logic™ technology, allowing for seamless integration into a home’s audio system. This technology helps in achieving a wider soundstage and better imaging, making it perfect for both music and movie experiences.

Moving up to the CM6HD, the larger 6.5-inch woofer enhances bass response, providing a richer audio experience. Its 1-inch pivoting soft dome tweeter allows for customizable sound direction, ensuring that listeners get the most immersive audio experience possible. The CM6HD also features a unique magnetic grille that allows for easy installation and discreet appearance, ensuring that the aesthetic of any room remains intact while still enjoying exceptional sound quality.

The CM8HD is the flagship model of the series, designed for audiophiles seeking the ultimate performance. With an 8-inch woofer and dual 1-inch tweeters, this speaker is built to fill larger spaces with powerful, full-bodied sound. The CM8HD includes Niles Audio’s advanced dual voice coil technology, offering flexibility in audio performance. Its optimized tweeter placement means that users can enjoy sound that is evenly distributed throughout the room, making it perfect for larger home theaters or entertainment spaces.

All models in the CM series feature a weather-resistant design, making them suitable for indoor and outdoor installations. Niles also offers customizable paintable grilles that allow these speakers to blend seamlessly into any décor. Additionally, each model incorporates advanced high-definition sound reproduction capabilities, ensuring that high-resolution audio files are played back as intended.

In conclusion, the Niles Audio CM5HD, CM6HD, and CM8HD in-ceiling speakers combine cutting-edge technology with elegant designs. With features that enhance sound quality, user flexibility, and aesthetic appeal, these speakers are perfect for anyone looking to elevate their audio experience in any environment, proving that great sound can be enjoyed without sacrificing style.