The X-Ref Monitors usually work best when placed on stands or strong shelves at a height which places the listener’s ear level with the center of the speaker (between the tweeter and woofer). If your X-Ref Monitors are to be placed lower or higher than ear height, they may sound better if tilted slightly up or down. If placed above head height, you may achieve better results by mounting them upside down (tweeter towards the bottom).
The X-Ref Surrounds are intended to be used as surround speakers in home-theater configurations, but may also be used (probably in multiples) to provide background music to large areas. The X-Ref Surrounds may be placed on a shelf or attached to a wall using the (included) mounting plate.
All X-Ref Series speakers offer a smooth off-axis response, thus will sound good whether they are positioned to directly face the listener or to face directly forward. One option which often produces good results is shown in the figure on the previous page; place the speakers so that they form an equilateral triangle with the listener (the distance between the speakers is equal to the distance between each speaker and the listener), with both speakers facing directly forward, and with both tweeters offset towards the center.
The following are a few tips that might help you choose the perfect location for your speakers:
•For good imaging, always try to place speaker pairs in symmetrical locations (equidistant from side and back walls)
•Facing the speakers directly forward will tend to produce a wide sound stage; adding toe-in (so that the speakers directly face the listening position) will make the sound stage more focused
•Moving the speakers further apart, or positioning the tweeters towards the outside, will make the sound stage wider; positioning the tweeters towards the center will make the sound stage more focused
•Placing the speakers at least a few feet from front and side walls will usually improve imaging and smooth frequency response
•Placing speakers close to room corners will usually boost bass, but often at the cost of making the bass more boomy and less smooth
•If possible, try to make the room acoustically symmetrical from side to side; doing so will usually significantly improve imaging. (If you have something reflective, like a large window, on one side, have a large picture or bare wall on the other. If you have a large absorptive couch on one side wall, balance it with a tapestry on the opposite wall.)
If your setup includes an X-Ref DSP Powered Subwoofer (or a pair), please refer to the subwoofer’s manual for suggestions about placement and configuration.
As we said before, there is no right or wrong, so experiment and find out what placement works best for you.
