Installation, con’t
Locating the Loudspeaker System
Loudspeaker placement in a room can greatly affect performance. The XLS320, XLS340, XLS360 and XCS350 are designed for use as a Left and Right Loudspeaker in a Music System, or as a Front and Surround Loudspeakers in a Home Theater System.
The optimal method for selecting speaker locations in- cludes the use of a real time spectrum analyzer operated by the Professionals at your McIntosh Dealer. An uncompro- mising installation would take into consideration the floor, wall and ceiling coverings, the type and placement of furni- ture and can even include the architectural design of the room and its construction materials.
Locating Loudspeakers for use in Home Theater In a Home Theater application, the placement of Front Loudspeakers can be limited by such considerations as the size and location of the video monitor. The locating suggestions in the “for use in a Music System” section below can still be helpful. Side Surround Loudspeakers work best located to either side of and above the listening position, the same distance from the monitor. Back Surround Loudspeakers work best on the back wall. Refer to figure 35.
Locating Loudspeakers for use in a Music System When used in a Music System, the distance between the loudspeakers should not exceed the distance between the listener and either loudspeaker for the best sound imaging. Refer to figure 36. The Loudspeaker System’s Tweeter Array should be inline with the listeners’ ears. Placement near a wall, corner, floor, ceiling or any intersecting surfaces will reinforce some bass frequencies. Which bass frequencies are boosted by placement in a particular location is dependent on the dimensions of the room. Test the various loudspeaker locations by playing music with continuous bass, setting up the speakers and listening to them from the main listening spot. Move the loudspeakers to an alternate location and repeat the listening, paying attention to how articulate the bass notes are. Experiment with various loudspeaker positions until the locations that sound best are found.
Figure 35
Figure 36
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