When you are operating your speakers as Full Range Vented Box speakers, taking advantage of the M&K Backfire Port system, you will hear maximum bass and low frequencies when the speakers are located within a few inches of a wall or the back of a cabinet. See Section 4 below for more details.

When you are operating your speakers as Sealed Box speakers, it is not necessary to locate them near a wall. In fact, you will probably find that the sonic imagining of the speakers improves as you move the speakers away from room surfaces.

You will also find that the imaging improves when the speakers are away from room surfaces when operating them as Full Range Vented Boxes. In either case, please feel free to experiment to find the best sound in your room.

SEPARATION BETWEEN LEFT AND RIGHT SPEAKERS

Here is a formula for achieving the ideal left to right stereo imaging. Think of a triangle formed by the locations of the Left and Right speakers and your listening position. Ideally, the subtended angle formed should be between 45 and 50 degrees. Roughly, this means that the Left and Right speakers should be separated by about the same distance that you are sitting back from the speakers. In other words, if the distance from your listening position to the point directly between the speakers is 10 feet, place the speakers so their centers are 10 feet apart. See Figure 2.

XA

FIGURE 2

Y

On Figure 2, the length of line A - B should be about the same as the length of line X - Y. (They may not seem to be the same in this diagram due to an optical illusion).

Try to follow the formula as close as you can. You can fine tune the placement by listening to a source with an image (such as a vocalist) centered between the speakers. When listening in stereo (no Center Channel speaker), move the speakers closer together or farther apart in small increments until you hear the sharpest and most cohesive image, especially in the phantom center. You may also want to angle (or "toe-in") the speakers slightly. This often improves the sharpness of the stereo image, reduces room colorations, and provides a wider seating area. The angled front baffles of your speakers also provide this benefit.

B

Aim the speakers

at the primary listener.

Line X - Y should equal line A - B.

(Line A - B appears longer in this diagram due to an optical illusion).

4. M&K BACKFIRE PORT SYSTEM (rear of cabinet)

On the back panel of the speaker is the M&K Backfire Port. Inside its plastic tube is a plug that can be easily removed or inserted. DO NOT THROW THIS PLUG AWAY. This plug can be used to adjust the performance of the speaker to fit your system needs or personal preferences.

When the plug is inserted into the speaker cabinet, the plug seals the speaker port, making it a SEALED BOX speaker. When the plug is removed from the speaker cabinet, the port is open, making it a VENTED BOX speaker. When the speaker is used as a vented box speaker, the 1500 and 1600 operate as FULL RANGE speaker. Here are the advantages and disadvantages of each mode, with recommended applications. Feel free to experiment with both configurations to see which one you prefer.

FULL-RANGE VENTED BOX - UNPLUG AND PLAY! (Plug removed from port):

Removing the plug increases the bass output of the speaker. This is recommended when the system has no subwoofer. The vented box configuration generally gives the most satisfying bass when the speaker is being used as a full-range configuration. When you are not using a subwoofer, the plug should be removed. The M&K Backfire Port system is most effective when the output of the port couples to a room surface (such as the back wall). You will hear the greatest bass output from your speakers when they are located close to the wall. Feel free to experiment for the best sound.

SEALED BOX (Plug inserted in port):

If you are using a subwoofer with your B-1600 or B-1500 speakers, operate them as sealed boxes. This will give you the best transition of sound between the satellite speaker and the subwoofer. If you are using a high-pass filter (BMC-MINI), you must operate the speaker as a sealed box in order for the filter to operate optimally.

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MK Sound B-1600, B-1500 operation manual Separation Between Left and Right Speakers, Sealed BOX Plug inserted in port
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B-1500, B-1600 specifications

MK Sound is renowned for producing high-performance subwoofers, and two standout models in their lineup are the B-1600 and B-1500. Both subwoofers exemplify the brand's commitment to realism, precision, and musicality in sound reproduction, making them popular among home theater enthusiasts and audiophiles alike.

The B-1600 is a powerful subwoofer, featuring a 12-inch driver that delivers deep, impactful bass response. It is equipped with a 300-watt RMS amplifier, which allows it to easily fill larger rooms with rich, thundering lows. One of the key technological advancements in the B-1600 is its dual-chamber design. This design minimizes distortion while maximizing efficiency, resulting in clearer audio at higher volumes. The B-1600's frequency response ranges from 20 Hz to 200 Hz, ensuring that it can reproduce everything from the rumble of an action movie’s explosion to subtle background melodies in music.

On the other hand, the MK Sound B-1500 maintains a compact design while still delivering exceptional performance. Featuring a slightly smaller 10-inch driver and a 200-watt RMS amplifier, the B-1500 is perfect for those who have limited space but do not want to compromise on sound quality. Its innovative port design allows for extended bass response without increasing the cabinet size, making it ideal for smaller home theater setups or apartments. The frequency response of the B-1500 extends from 24 Hz to 200 Hz, ensuring an immersive listening experience.

Both models come equipped with advanced room correction technology, allowing users to optimize the subwoofers' performance based on their listening environment. This feature automatically adjusts the subwoofers’ settings to counter room acoustics, making it easier for users to achieve a balanced sound profile.

In addition to these technologies, both the B-1600 and B-1500 use high-quality components, including reinforced cabinets to reduce vibration and enhance overall sturdiness. Their design not only looks aesthetically pleasing but ensures durability over time.

In conclusion, the MK Sound B-1600 and B-1500 subwoofers are distinguished by their powerful bass performance, innovative technologies, and compact designs. Whether you're looking for a robust sub for a home theater or a smaller option without compromising on quality, these models showcase MK Sound's dedication to excellence in audio engineering.
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