Harman Kardon AVR 520 Owners Manual - Page 18

System Configuration When all audio, video and system connections have been made, there are a few configuration adjustments that must be made. A few minutes spent to correctly configure and calibrate the unit will greatly add to your listening experience. Speaker Selection and Placement The placement of speakers in a multichannel home-theater system can have a noticeable impact on the quality of sound reproduced. No matter which type or brand of speakers is used, the same model or brand of speaker should be used for the left front, center and right front speakers. This creates a seamless front soundstage and eliminates the possibility of distracting sonic disturbances that occur when a sound moves across mismatched front-channel speakers. Speaker Placement Depending on the type of center-channel speaker in use and your viewing device, place the center speaker either directly above or below your TV, or in the center behind a perforated front projection screen. Once the center channel speaker is installed, position the front left and front right speakers so that they are as far away from one another as the center-channel speaker is from the preferred listening position. Ideally, the front-channel speakers should be placed so that their tweeters are no more than 24" above or below the tweeter in the center-channel speaker. Depending on the specifics of your room acoustics and the type of speakers in use, you may find that imaging is improved by moving the left front and right front speakers slightly forward of the center-channel speaker. If possible, adjust all front loudspeakers so that they are aimed at ear height when you are seated in the listening position. Using these guidelines, you'll find that it takes some experimentation to find the correct location for the front speakers in your particular installation. Don't be afraid to move things around until the system sounds correct. Optimize your speakers so that audio transitions across the front of the room sound smooth, and that sounds from all speakers appear to arrive at the listening position at the same time (without delay from the center speaker compared to the left and right speakers). No more than 24" Center Front Speaker Left Front Speaker Right Front Speaker A) Front Channel Speaker Installation With Direct-View TV Sets or Rear-Screen Projectors TV or Projection Screen Left Front Speaker Center Front Speaker Right Front Speaker No more than 6 feet when rear-mounted speakers are used Optional Rear-Wall Mounting B) Rear speaker mounting is an alternate location for 5.1 systems. It is required for 7.1 operation. At least 6 inches from ceiling At least 2 feet When the AVR 520 is used in 5.1-channel operation, the preferred location for surround speakers is on the side walls of the room, at or slightly behind the listening position. In a 7.1channel system, both side surround and back surround speakers are required. The center of the speaker should face into the room. The speakers should be located so that the bottom of the cabinet is at least two feet higher than the listeners' ears when the listeners are seated in the desired area. Rear surround speakers are required when a full 7.1-channel system is installed, and they may also be used in 5.1 channel as an alternative mounting position when it is not practical to place the main surround speakers on the sides of the room. Speakers may be placed on a rear wall, behind the listening position. As with the side speakers, rear surrounds should be located so that the bottom of the cabinet is at least two feet higher than the listeners' ears. The speakers should be no more than six feet behind the rear of the seating area. Subwoofers produce nondirectional sound, so they may be placed almost anywhere in a room. Actual placement should be based on room size and shape and the type of subwoofer used. One method of finding the optimal location for a subwoofer is to begin by placing it in the front of the room, about six inches from a wall, or near the front corner of the room. Another method is to temporarily place the subwoofer at your normal listening position, and then walk around the room until you find a spot where the subwoofer sounds best. Place the subwoofer in that spot. You should also follow the instructions of the subwoofer's manufacturer, or you may wish to experiment with the best location for a subwoofer in your listening room. 18 SYSTEM CONFIGURATION