Speaker Placement

The Boundary Effect

Corners can affect the bass response of the speaker powerfully! This is called the boundary effect. You will emphasize par- ticular bass frequencies and cancel out other bass frequencies when you place speakers close to the wall/ceiling bound- ary or a corner wall boundary. This can make the speaker sound excessively boomy and inaccurate 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 tone controls at neutral, try to keep the speakers at least two or three feet from the boundaries of the room.

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 conven- tional “sound stage” facing you, consider the speaker placement techniques profes- sional installers use in restaurants and bars. They place speakers in an array around the listening area, so that the music is always surrounding you, regard- less of the direction you face.

The rule of thumb is to add one pair of speakers for every 100 to 200 square feet of listening area. Curiously, this is not so that you can play the music louder, but so that you can play it softer! When you have only one pair of speakers in a large room you will notice that when the sound is perfect in one part of the room, it is too loud near the speakers. By plac- ing more than one pair in the room you will avoid these “hot spots” of loud sound and you will create more sonic ambiance while maintaining clarity and a rich sound everywhere.

You can make listener position still less critical by using mono rather than stereo. This can be difficult to achieve with nor- mal stereo amplifiers. However, Niles manufactures Systems Integration Amplifiers which enable one room to be wired in stereo while other rooms are wired in mono! Consult your local Niles dealer for more information.

In smaller rooms or rooms that are infre- quently used, you typically can’t justify the expense of more than two speakers. Try to bracket the room with the two speakers. Diagonal placement is a very effective way to stretch the coverage pat- tern of two speakers. You can also com- promise between direct sound (for detail and clarity) and reflected sound (the ambient or “all around you” effect). By trying to place the speakers so that they create as much reflected sound as possi- ble you emphasize the ambient effect. They can be up high in the wall or even down low at power outlet height , in the ceiling, near corners, or directed at reflective objects and walls. The more reflected sound there is in the room the stronger the ambient effect at low vol- umes. You should use moderation, how- ever, otherwise the compromise becomes too one sided and at high volumes, the sound will be blurred and less distinct.

Placement for Home Theater Rear Applications

In a home theater, the goal is to repro- duce the experience of a great movie the- ater in our homes. The biggest difference between the two is the rear or surround speaker array in a commercial theater. Here, it is not uncommon to see twenty or thirty speakers around the audience. This huge array of speakers assures that you will feel completely surrounded by the ambient soundtrack of the movie. Film makers try to use the “surround”

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Niles Audio HD5 Boundary Effect, Placement for Varying Listening Positions, Placement for Home Theater Rear Applications
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HD8, HD5, HD6, HD8.3 specifications

Niles Audio, a reputable name in the world of custom audio systems, offers an impressive lineup of speakers designed to deliver exceptional sound quality for both residential and commercial applications. Among their standout models, the HD8.3, HD6, HD5, and HD8 offer unique features and technologies that cater to different listening environments.

Starting with the Niles Audio HD8.3, this model showcases a sophisticated 3-way design that includes an 8-inch woofer, a 4-inch midrange driver, and a 1-inch silk dome tweeter. This combination allows it to deliver deep bass, articulate mids, and crisp highs, making it ideal for large rooms where powerful sound is needed. The HD8.3 is engineered to integrate seamlessly with custom installations, featuring a low-profile design and paintable grilles.

The HD6 is a versatile option that excels in both performance and aesthetics. With a 6.5-inch woofer, a 4-inch midrange, and a 1-inch tweeter, the HD6 provides a balanced sound profile that works well in mid-sized spaces. One of its standout features is Niles’ proprietary Bass Reflex technology, which enhances low-frequency response without compromising overall clarity.

For those seeking a compact solution without sacrificing performance, the HD5 is an excellent choice. This model is equipped with a 5.25-inch woofer and a 1-inch tweeter, offering a surprisingly rich sound for its size. It is perfect for smaller rooms or areas where space is at a premium, yet still delivers robust audio that can fill a room.

Lastly, the HD8 combines advanced technology with superior craftsmanship. It features an 8-inch driver that provides potent bass while maintaining overall sonic balance. The HD8 is specifically designed for those who demand high fidelity in larger spaces and appreciate the depth of sound that it can provide. Like its counterparts, it also utilizes the same installation-friendly design, making it an ideal choice for custom home theaters.

All four models utilize Niles' high-quality materials and engineering techniques, ensuring durability and longevity. Each speaker is engineered to minimize distortion and deliver clear, true-to-life sound regardless of volume level. With their innovative designs and advanced audio technologies, the Niles Audio HD series continues to set a high standard for audio performance in custom installations. Whether you choose the HD8.3, HD6, HD5, or HD8, you can expect a premium listening experience that brings music and movies to life.
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