SpeakerCraft Starlet 6, Starlet 9, Starlet 4 owner manual Speaker Placement, Page

Starlet Owner’s Manual Page 3

SPEAKER PLACEMENT

SpeakerCraft highly recommends the use of a qualified custom installation specialist when installing your Starlet speakers. Please note that all Starlet models require a separate powered subwoofer. In addition, the Starlets 6 and 9 are bi-amplified and require precise electrical adjustment with a voltmeter and test CD. If this sounds intimidating please consult an expert. You can get assistance in locating an installation specialist please by contacting SpeakerCraft at 1-800-448-0976.

UNIQUE CHARACTERISTICS OF THE STARLET SERIES

All three Starlet models are the world’s first coincident in-wall line sources. They have acoustical properties that will produce great advantages in custom installations, but there is one factor that the installer must be aware of when specifying which model to use and when determining the best listening location.

A pair of Starlets produce a startling and clear stereo image, making a center speaker unnecessary in many installations. However, the high frequency output of a line source is only audible to listeners whose ear level is directly in line with the speaker array. In other words, if a pair of Starlets are installed at seated ear level and if the listener stands up, so that his or her ears are above the top of the top speaker, the high notes will vanish. (See Diagram 2) This is the reason why very long Starlet models are made available. In a large room where people are going to be listening while seated or standing, the two larger models (Starlets 6 or 9) are optimum.

By “coincident”, we mean that the acoustic center of the woofer (low frequency) array and the acoustic center of the tweeter (high frequency) array are lined up. This means that there are no frequency shifts to the right or left side of the speaker, and this advantage is why the image produced by the Starlets is supe- rior to any previous in-wall speaker.

INSTALLATION HEIGHT

SpeakerCraft’s engineers have experimented extensively with the correct height for Starlets and recommend that the installer determine the listener’s seated ear height.

For the best sonic balance and image, the center of any Starlet model should be located 5" to 7" above this ear height. (See Diagram 3) In most of the rooms we have looked at, this means the center of the Starlet should be 48" to 49". On the Starlet 9, this means the top of the speaker will be about 7 feet high.

In rooms where the Starlets must be higher than this recommendation, it is impera- tive to make sure that the seated listening position be at least in line with the division between the lowest and the next-to-lowest driver module. If this cannot be achieved, use a larger Starlet model.

Diagram 2:

Side and Top Views of

Line Source Sound Dispersion

Diagram 3:

Listening Height