Philips 5.1 manual Appendix A, Useful Tips For Speaker setup, Ideal Listening Scenario Speakers

Philips Sound Solutions

6. Appendix A

Useful Tips For Speaker setup

Following is some suggestions to help you set up your speakers for best results.

6.1. Ideal Listening Scenario (Speakers)

The ideal way to experience proper imaging, whether stereo, surround, or 3D, is to begin by arranging each pair of speakers as symmetrically as possible.

Front speakers should be at the same height, angle and distance relative to the listener. You will obtain best imaging if the distance between you and speakers are about the same distance as between the speakers.

A typical multimedia set-up, with the speakers placed just to either side of the computer monitor, is ideal for stereo or quad listening. However, if your system has a center speaker, then it is advisable to move the left and right front speakers further apart, maintaining equal distance from the listening position.

Surround speakers should be placed behind the listener, and ideally be no further than the front speakers from the listener. They also need to be at the same height and angle as the front speakers.

6.2. Ideal Listening Scenario (Headphones)

When using headphones, many of the potential problems associated with speaker listening are essentially eliminated. For example, you are automatically positioned in the center, and if you move around, this doesn’t change your position relative to the speakers.

6.3. Avoid Reflective Surfaces (Speakers)

If possible, keep your speakers away from reflective surfaces. For example, if your setup is in a corner and one speaker is very close to a sidewall, this will degrade imaging. This is because sound waves will bounce off the wall and arrives at your ears slightly later than the waves originating directly from the speaker.

This is true of any environment except an anechoic (echo-free) chamber. However, when the surface is close to the speaker, the reflected sound energy will be only slightly delayed and still quite strong compared to the original, which will reduce the clarity of the signal you hear.

The same can be true of placing your speakers directly on a hard desktop. If possible, elevate your speakers on stands so they are further away from the reflective surface. This will slightly improve the imaging and effects.

6.4. Balance the Speakers and Headphones

Any imaging, including stereo, surround and especially 3D audio, can be degraded by left/right channel imbalances. If your speakers or amplifier(s) incorporate balance controls, we strongly recommend adjusting them to their center position. Many physical balance controls have a mark to identify the center position.

If each speaker has separate volume controls, try to set them as equally as possible. You can use the Philips Sound Agent 2 test utility to help you judge the volume levels.

This practice applies to headphones as well.

The Ultimate Edge™ Soundcard Users Guide 29