Placement of Your Home Theater Speakers

Speaker Placement

Proper speaker placement is essential for optimum performance of your home theater sys- tem. The following are basic guidelines for speaker placement based upon idealized condi- tions. You may need to make placement compromises to allow for room shape, furniture placement, windows, doorways, and other considerations. The AVC-2500 permits electronic compensation when asymmetrical speaker placement is required.

Front Speakers

Try to locate your front left and right speakers an equal distance to the right and left of your monitor or projection screen. Ideally, your listening position should be at one point of an equilateral triangle with the left and right speakers at the other two points. To achieve what is commonly called the “sweet spot,” your left and right speakers might sound better facing forward or slightly toed-in, depending on their dispersion characteristics, room reflections, and the number of people in the room.

Center Speaker

The center speaker’s main function is to reproduce most of the cinema dialog and blend the sonic image from your speakers with the visual image on the screen. It is best to place your center speaker directly above or below the monitor, as close to the same height as the left and right speakers as possible. Be sure your center speaker is shielded to prevent discoloration of the picture tube. If you have a projection screen that is perforated to allow sound to pass through, you should locate the center speaker behind the screen at the same vertical plane as the left and right speakers. The distance from your preferred listening position to the center channel speaker should be the same as the distance from your listening position to the left and right speakers. You can accomplish this by measuring the distance to a left or right speaker and locating the center speaker as far behind the plane of the left and right speakers as required to be the same distance. If you can’t move your center channel behind the plane of the left and right speakers, you can compensate for its shorter distance electronically during setup. The purpose of physical placement or electronic adjustment assures the sound from all three front speakers will arrive at your listening position at precisely the same time.

Conventional Surround Speakers

Surround speaker placement is a little more flexible than the front speakers are. Although

5.1channel processing offers discrete surround channel information, movie soundtracks use the surround channels more for creating an ambient effect than for defining precise sonic images. To avoid drawing your attention from the action on the screen and enhance the blend of sound and picture, you should not be able to localize the sound coming from your surround speakers except momentarily during certain special effects. Therefore, you should try to avoid pointing the surround speakers directly toward your listening position and place them behind you and above your ear level when you are seated. You should be prepared to experiment with surround speaker placement for optimum results.

Dipole Surround Speakers

If you are using front and rear firing dipole surround speakers, locate them above and to the sides of your listening area. This deliberately places you in the “null” of the dipole speakers to minimize localization of the surround speakers. Refer to the owner’s manual of your speakers for further information in locating dipole speakers.

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Parasound AVC-2500 owner manual Speaker Placement, Front Speakers, Center Speaker, Conventional Surround Speakers

AVC-2500 specifications

The Parasound AVC-2500 is a high-performance audio/video controller that caters to the discerning audiophile and home theater enthusiast. Renowned for its remarkable specifications and innovative technologies, the AVC-2500 provides an exceptional balance between sophisticated features and user-friendly operation.

At its core, the AVC-2500 incorporates advanced audio processing capabilities, including Dolby Digital EX, DTS, and Dolby Pro Logic IIx. This range of formats allows users to experience sound in its most enveloping form, ensuring an immersive listening experience. The unit supports high-resolution audio sources, accommodating both 2-channel stereo and multi-channel formats, providing flexibility across various media types.

The AVC-2500 is equipped with a comprehensive suite of inputs and outputs, including numerous HDMI ports, allowing for seamless integration with modern video sources such as Blu-ray players, gaming consoles, and streaming devices. With multiple digital audio inputs, users can connect various digital devices efficiently. An integrated phono stage is also available, enabling vinyl enthusiasts to enjoy their favorite records with exceptional clarity.

An additional hallmark of the AVC-2500 is its sophisticated video processing capabilities. The video switching features include support for high-definition signals, ensuring that users can enjoy the best possible picture quality from their connected devices. The inclusion of upscaling capabilities allows standard-definition signals to be enhanced to near high-definition resolution, maximizing visual fidelity.

One of the standout characteristics of the AVC-2500 is its flexibility in system configuration. The unit can be set up in a variety of configurations to suit different room layouts and preferences. The built-in room correction technology optimizes sound performance based on the unique characteristics of the listening environment, ensuring that users can appreciate audio quality that is tailored to their specific space.

In terms of build quality, the AVC-2500 is designed to meet the high standards expected from Parasound products. It features a robust chassis that minimizes vibrations and interference, thus enhancing audio purity. The intuitive remote control and user interface simplify operation, making it easy to switch between devices and customize settings.

In conclusion, the Parasound AVC-2500 combines high-quality audio performance, versatile connectivity, and user-friendly features into a single, elegant package, making it an ideal choice for any serious audio or home theater setup. Its advanced technologies and thoughtful design make it an excellent investment for those looking to enhance their multimedia experience.