Speaker Placement

clarity, detail and the textures of the individ- ual instruments, you are a critical listener. In a home theater, the intelligibility of dialog and action reproduced by the front speakers is paramount! The position of the speakers plays a very important role in how clear the sound is and how a stereo image is created. Here are some guidelines to make the process of placement quick and easy.

Make sure the sound will not be blocked or reflected off of furniture or other objects. You should have a direct line of sight with the front of the speaker. To determine the best position, measure the “listening” dis- tance between the ideal listening position (your favorite chair or couch) and the wall in which you plan to install the speakers. Try to place the speakers so that they are equally distant from your listening spot and at least one half of the listening distance apart (this maintains a large pleasant stereo “image”). In home theater applications where there is a center channel you may choose to space the left and right main speakers farther apart for a “bigger than life” sound with Dolby® encoded movies and TV shows. However, for combined music and movie usage stay within the good placement zone for music. For exam- ple; if you are ten feet back from the wall, the speakers should be between five and ten feet apart (See Figure 2).

The Boundary Effect

Corners can affect the bass response of the speaker powerfully! This is called the boundary effect. You will emphasize partic- ular bass frequencies and cancel out other bass frequencies when you place speakers close to the wall/ceiling boundary or a cor- ner wall boundary. This can make the speaker sound excessively boomy and inac- curate to some listeners, while to others it just seems like more bass sound. A good rule of thumb is if you always listen to your current pair of speakers with the bass turned up, you’ll enjoy corner placement. If you keep your preamp or receiver’s tone con- trols at neutral, try to keep the speakers at least one or two feet from the boundaries of the room. The baffle-mounted Acoustical Configuration Controls may be used to help reduce the affect of corner placement (or the room’s own acoustics) on the speakers per- formance. (For more information, see Setting the Tone Controls on page 20).

Placement for Varying Listening Positions

If you want the freedom to sit anywhere in a room facing any direction, and/or find that you prefer the “all around you” sound of some car stereos to a conventional “sound stage” facing you, consider the speaker placement techniques professional installers use in restaurants and bars. They place

Figure 3

AT8700

For an AT8700 placed above a TV, install the speaker with the tweeter up.

Not Greater than 24"

TV

AT8700

AT8700

6

Page 7 Page 9
Page 8
Image 8
Niles Audio AT8700, AT8500 manual Boundary Effect, Placement for Varying Listening Positions
Page 7 Page 9

AT8500, AT8700 specifications

Niles Audio, a renowned name in the audio industry, has introduced its AT series amplifiers, notably the AT8700 and AT8500 models. These amplifiers are designed to deliver high-performance audio for residential and commercial installations, ensuring an enhanced listening experience for users.

The Niles AT8700 is a powerful 8-channel amplifier capable of delivering a robust 70 watts per channel into 8 ohms. This strength allows it to drive multiple speaker systems effortlessly while maintaining audio clarity and fidelity. Ideal for larger home theaters or multi-room audio setups, the AT8700 offers advanced features such as a unique auto-sensing technology that powers the amplifier on and off as needed, conserving energy and simplifying use for consumers.

On the other hand, the Niles AT8500, while slightly less powerful, also offers 50 watts per channel into 8 ohms across 8 channels. The AT8500 provides sufficient amplification for most residential needs and comes loaded with features aimed at optimizing audio distribution across various environments. Its flexible configuration allows users to customize speaker zones, providing the ability to enjoy different audio sources in multiple rooms simultaneously.

Both models boast a compact, rack-mountable design, making them easy to integrate into existing AV setups or new installations. The AT series amplifiers are also equipped with signal sensing inputs, allowing them to respond to audio signals effectively, and ensuring that they are only active when needed. This is not only efficient but also helps to extend the lifespan of the unit.

In terms of connectivity, both amplifiers provide numerous options, including balanced inputs for professional-grade sound quality, as well as standard RCA inputs for compatibility with a variety of audio sources. This versatility enhances their appeal for both home and commercial use.

Some additional standout features include built-in protection circuits that safeguard the amplifiers from overheating and short circuits, ensuring reliability in performance. Furthermore, their low profile and sleek design add an aesthetic appeal, allowing them to blend seamlessly with modern home entertainment setups.

In conclusion, the Niles Audio AT8700 and AT8500 represent a compelling choice for anyone seeking durable and powerful amplifiers. With their impressive power output, sophisticated features, and high-quality build, these models continue the Niles legacy of providing exceptional sound solutions to audio enthusiasts and professionals alike. Whether for a dedicated home theater or a multi-room audio system, these amplifiers deliver both performance and versatility, making them a standout option in the competitive amplifier market.
Top Page Image Contents