Positioning your X-Ref Series speakers for home theater use

Although the goal is always to achieve the best overall listening experience, because more speakers are required for home-theater than for stereo, you are more likely to encounter practical constraints on where they can be located. Various surround-sound systems and standards also recommend slightly different speaker placement for optimum performance.

When listening to most music, the surround speakers are primarily used for ambience information. In most movies, important and highly-localized information is present in the Left Front, Right Front, and Center (front) channels. The sound quality, voicing, and optimum placement of those speakers is, therefore, the most critical. While surround speakers must still be of good quality and must match the voicing of the main speakers to maintain proper imaging and a cohesive sound stage, there is much more latitude in terms of the type of speakers used for surrounds and how they are placed and configured.

In this section we will give you some suggestions for which speakers to use for each job, and where to place them. Please take these suggestions as starting points and try different variations to determine what works best for you. Neither our advice (nor anybody else’s) should ever prevent you from doing what sounds best to you.

The X-Ref Tower models are intended to stand directly on the floor (with the included bases and carpet points), and should not be placed on top of other objects, stands, or furniture. They make great main Left Front and Right Front speakers.

The X-Ref Series Center/LCR Monitors are designed to work well both as Front Center speakers in a large system (with X-Ref Towers as front mains), or as Left Front, Center Front, and Right Front main speakers in a system where stand or shelf mounting are preferred. If you are using them as Left Front and Right Front main speakers, they should be placed vertically and symmetrically (with both tweeters offset either towards or away from the center). Ideally they should be mounted on stands, with the tweeter at approximately the ear height of the listener. (When mounted vertically, the XRC’s should not be tilted forward or backward).

If you are using one XRC as a Center Front speaker, then it will probably be mounted horizontally either above or below your screen. Emotiva offers a high quality stand for supporting the XRC Center/LCR Monitors when they are mounted horizontally, which includes a foam pad to prevent damage to your XRC’s finish, and applies a slight vertical tilt to the speaker. We suggest offsetting the tweeter upwards and tilting the XRC upwards when you position it below your screen, and offsetting the tweeter downwards and tilting the speaker downwards when mounting it above your screen.

The XRC’s can also be used as surrounds, in which case they can be mounter either vertically or horizontally. (If you mount them horizontally, try mounting them on shelves above head height. You can use the optional stands to point them down towards the listener for a more focused presentation, or up towards the ceiling for a more diffused ambience effect).

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Emotiva user manual Positioning your X-Ref Series speakers for home theater use
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X-Ref specifications

Emotiva has long been synonymous with high-quality audio equipment, and the Emotiva X-Ref series continues this tradition with exceptional sound performance and cutting-edge technology. The X-Ref series is designed for audiophiles who demand the best in both functionality and aesthetics.

At the heart of the X-Ref series is its commitment to delivering an immersive listening experience. Each speaker in the lineup features proprietary drivers that have been engineered for high efficiency and extraordinary clarity. The midrange drivers utilize a woven composite material to reduce distortion, providing a natural and smooth vocal reproduction. Additionally, the high-frequency drivers are meticulously crafted to ensure precise sound staging and detail, allowing listeners to hear every nuance in their favorite recordings.

One of the standout features of the X-Ref series is its advanced waveguide technology. This innovation allows for optimal dispersion of sound, resulting in a wider sweet spot and improved imaging. Whether you are seated directly in front of the speaker or off to the side, you can expect consistent sound quality and an accurate representation of your music.

The build quality of the X-Ref speakers is equally impressive. Each cabinet is constructed from high-density MDF to minimize resonance. The elegantly designed enclosures not only look stunning but are also acoustically optimized to enhance performance. The striking finish options, including high-gloss and matte surfaces, allow these speakers to blend seamlessly into any home décor.

Connectivity is another area where the X-Ref series excels. With bi-wire and bi-amp capabilities, users can customize their audio setup to their preferences. The included terminals accept various cable types, ensuring compatibility with a wide range of audio systems.

Emotiva's dedication to performance extends beyond hardware; the X-Ref series also incorporates sophisticated crossover networks that utilize high-quality components. These crossovers ensure that each driver receives the correct frequency range, leading to a cohesive and balanced sound.

In summary, the Emotiva X-Ref series embodies the company's commitment to high-performance audio. With advanced driver technology, waveguide design, thoughtful construction, and user-friendly connectivity options, these speakers are sure to satisfy even the most discerning audio enthusiasts. Whether you are an avid music lover or a home theater aficionado, the X-Ref series is engineered to elevate your listening experience to new heights.
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