Placement
The Model VT-1.2 is a floorstanding loudspeaker that requires no stands or mounting hardware other than the included SpikeKit. The VT-1.2 is designed for indoor use only.
For best results, the VT-1.2’s are best situated at least six inches from the rear wall (due to the rear vent) and at least one foot from the side walls. The speakers should be arranged as symmetrically as possible so that the drivers face the listening area without obstruction from furniture. With the VT-1.2’s set up properly, the side-firing woofers face to the outside (away from the TV) and the tweeters are at approximately ear level. If possible, arrange the speakers so that the distance between the listener and the center of the speaker plane is about 1.5 times the distance between the two speak- ers (fig. 2). This configuration puts the listener in the center of the stereo image.
The upper portion of the VT-1.2 features magnetically shielded drivers, allowing the speakers to be placed in close prox- imity to a television without causing picture discoloration. Ideally, the three front speakers in a home theater system should be placed at equal height, equidistant, and at ear level from the listening position. However, it is frequently not possible to install a center speaker at ear level, as the top surface of most televisions tends to be higher than ear level in the seated position. In this case, it is advantageous to tilt or aim the center speaker toward the listening position.
Experimentation is the key to finding the best arrangement in your listening environment. Be patient, have fun, and remem- ber that small changes in speaker position can sometimes have a significant effect on the sound. For example, moving the speakers nearer to a room boundary (walls, corners) will tend to increase their bass output, but may result in “boomy” or “muddy” sound. Conversely, placing the speakers farther away from room boundaries will tend to decrease their bass output, but may result in greater articulation and better imaging.
In addition, room furnishings play an important role in absorbing and reflecting soundwaves. Midrange and high frequen- cies in particular will be absorbed by soft furnishings such as sofas, carpets and curtains. A large number of these soft furnishings will dull the sound, while a “live” room with few furnishings will brighten the sound. If you are willing to spend
some time fine-tuning the performance of your system, you will enjoy the benefits for years to come.
SpikeKit Installation
A SpikeKit is included with the Model VT-1.2 to provide optimum stability and to firmly couple the speakers to the floor for improved bass performance. Each VT-1.2 loudspeaker is shipped with its own SpikeKit. Caution: the VT-1.2 is unstable without the SpikeKit (or at least the stabilizer bars) installed.
To begin assembly, unpack the SpikeKit and inspect all the parts. The SpikeKit includes: (2) stabilizer bars, (4) metal spikes, (4) Phillips head machine screws, (4) lock nuts and (4) rubber feet. We recommend installing the spikes only after you have found the ideal location for the speakers. Begin by installing the stabilizer bars. Carefully turn the speaker upside down or on its back and attach the stabilizer bars with the Phillips head machine screws, using a #2 Phillips screwdriver (fig. 3). Note: When installing the bars onto the bottom of the speaker, use your fingers to start all the machine
