Thiel Audio Products CS3.7 manual Spacing, Aiming, Bass, Listener position, Placement suggestions

Spacing

Because of their very wide, even dispersion of energy, the CS3.7s can usually be placed farther apart than most other speakers. Optimum imaging is usually achieved when the speakers are almost as far apart as each speaker is from the listener, although this will depend on the width of the room—narrow rooms require more narrow placement. If the speakers are too far apart for the room, there will tend to be a “hole” in the middle of the soundstage; if they are too close together, the image will be compressed and will not achieve optimum width.

Aiming

Depending on the room in which they are used, the CS3.7s can be aimed anywhere between straight ahead and angled in so they point directly at the listener. Straight-ahead placement produces the widest, most natural soundstage. However, if it is not possible to place the speakers the desired distance from side walls, a toed-in position will reduce the strength of side wall reflections and, in these cases, provide a more focused spatial presentation.

Bass

In general, when a speaker is close to a wall, the bass response is stronger; placing a speaker in a corner will make it even more so. The CS3.7s are designed to provide accurate bass when positioned away from all walls—the same position that provides the best imaging.

Listener position

The CS3.7s provide broad dispersion of energy at all frequencies and therefore provide good results throughout a large listening area. Best imaging is provided for a listener centered in front of the speakers. Optimum accuracy of timbre and depth perspective is provided for a seated listener who is eight or more feet away from the speakers.

Placement suggestions

Some people have restraints on speaker placement because of room size, shape, or aesthetic considerations and cannot meet one or more of the above placement recommenda- tions. They should not be discouraged from investing in CS3.7s. It is our opinion that due to their unipolar, point source radiation pattern, their very even, wide dispersion, and the co-axial mounting of the tweeter and midrange drivers, the CS3.7s fare better under difficult circumstances than most other high quality speaker systems. To help with placement, the following suggestions are given as a starting point for a variety of rooms.

Figure 3 shows an average size room. Generally, it is best to start with short wall placement. This arrangement provides sufficient space behind the speakers, allows the listener to be far enough away from the speakers, and still maintains some distance between the listening position and the wall behind the listener. Since the speakers may be near side walls in order to keep spacing between the speakers wide, toeing-in the speakers is suggested.

	14'
2.5'		2.5'
3'	8'	3'
		8'
		10'
		8-10' Listening Distance

Figure 3. Average listening room

18'

3