Setting Loudspeaker Sizes and Levels
If you are not using a subwoofer: Set the Front speakers to ‘Large’. Set the ‘Subwoofer’ option on the processor to ‘Off’ or ‘No’. The Front channels will now receive all the system bass.
If you are using a subwoofer: When set to ‘Small’ all the system bass will go into the subwoofer. If you choose ‘Large’ the Front channel bass will be reproduced from the Front speakers. Follow the instructions on this page for suitable size and crossover settings.
Once the loudspeaker settings have been finalised, put the A/V amplifier into its ‘Test’ mode (see instructions supplied with your processor). Adjust the level of each channel until all channels are reproduced at equal loudness.
On some programme material the surround channel may seem lower than the front. Do not readjust this level. You may, however, need to adjust the subwoofer output level. Avoid setting too high a level or you will swamp the sound with bass. This can be tiring to listen to, and may limit the subwoofer’s ability to respond to large bass transients. You should also set a sensible level going into the subwoofer from the A/V processor. The subwoofer volume control should be between 12 o’clock and 3 o’clock.
Delay and LFE Settings
Many A/V processor feature delay settings. The purpose of delay is to enable surround and dialogue information to arrive at the listener’s ears at the same time as the front channels, even when the listening seat is in a
Rear Delay: If the listening position is equidistant from the front and rear speakers, set a low delay setting. The closer the listener is to the rear speakers this higher the delay setting used should be.
Centre Delay: If the centre speaker is level with (or slightly behind) the front speakers, set the delay to zero. If the centre speaker is forward of the front speakers, increase the delay.
LFE: In the cinema the low frequency effects channel is an extra bass channel with its own subwoofer. In domestic systems the LFE channel typically feeds into the subwoofer. Where no subwoofer is used, the LFE signal is combined with the front channels and sent to the front speakers. When you set the LFE level at your A/V processor, use care as powerful low frequencies can overload domestic loudspeakers. If you hear popping or thumping noises coming from the front loudspeakers or subwoofer, immediately turn the A/V processor’s volume level down and then lower the LFE level. This should cure the problem. If it does not, lower the volume level at the subwoofer (if you are using one) until the problem disappears.
Phase: Please read the relevant sections of your A/V amplifier manual and familiarise yourself with the various issues. If you are unsure, consult your dealer for help. A home theatre system should have a precise front stage, a diffuse rear stage and good localization of dialogue. If the colours on the loudspeaker terminals do not correspond with those on the amplifier, the sound will appear poorly focused or ‘out of phase’. For this reason it is essential that the speakers are connected according to the wiring diagrams in this manual.
Connecting loudspeakers correctly (in phase) is essential whether the system is stereo or multichannel. This is especially important if you are bi- wiring – if only one element in a
Troubleshooting
Before investigating a problem, always switch off the system at mains.
If your system is not working properly please work through this checklist before returning the unit to your dealer.
Symptom | Possible Cause | |
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No Sound | System not switched on; Speaker cables shorting terminals out; Wrong source selected | |
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Sound lacks bass content | Subwoofer not switched on | |
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Lack of bass reproduction | Subwoofer phase incorrect; Subwoofer crossover control too low | |
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Excessive bass distortion at low volumes | Subwoofer set to high; LFE level set too high; Subwoofer incorrectly wired | |
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Excessive or distorted bass at high levels | System level set too high; Bass control set too high; Subwoofer too close to room corners | |
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Distorted / rattling sound at high levels | System level set too high; Objects too close to subwoofer | |
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Popping or thumping from the subwoofer | System level set too high; Subwoofer level set too high; LFE level set too high | |
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Television picture colour is distorted | Subwoofer too close to TV. (Switch off system and TV, move units away, wait for 15 minutes, | |
switch on.) | ||
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