MK Sound LCR-55 Mkii, LCR-45, MkII Center-55, MkII LCR-45 B, A, X Y, 7. HOME THEATRE USAGE

Bookshelf-75/Center-75/LCR-75/LCR-55 page 6

to an optical illusion).

B

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.

LEVEL-MATCHING

The factor most critical to achieving excellent Home Theatre performance is level-matching the three front and

two surround channels. This is even more important than timbre-matching. We strongly recommend that you purchase

a Radio Shack Sound Level Meter (available for less than about $40, and get the analog meter, not the digital) and

use it to measure the output of the speakers when playing the test tones generated by your processor or receiver.

Set the meter to the "C" weighting scale, and using your amplifier or receiver's internal noise calibration test, set

the levels so that all channels measure the same level. WHENEVER POSSIBLE, DO NOT CALIBRATE LEVELS BY

EAR! Using a meter is an inexpensive way to be certain that your system is calibrated properly.

TIMBRE-MATCHING

One of the most important factors in achieving excellent Home Theatre performance is timbre-matching. On film

soundtracks, specific sounds are often moved from left to right or from front to back in the room. When the speakers

reproducing these sounds have dissimilar characteristics, there will be an audible discontinuity when the sound shifts

from one speaker to another.

Timbre-matched speakers have very similar tonal characteristics and sound, which come from three critical

elements: similar or identical drivers; similar or identical crossovers; and similar or identical frequency response. In

full M&K systems, these elements have been addressed. You can be assured that the system can achieve the full

potential of Home Theatre sound.

When you have a Home Theatre system, speaker placement becomes extremely important, as you will be

balancing four or five (or more) speakers rather than two. The following guidelines are for a five-channel Pro-Logic

or 5.1 channel AC-3 system, but if you do not have a Center channel, the instructions for the other four channels still