16 INSTALLATION AND CONNECTIONSInstallation and ConnectionsSpeaker SelectionNo matter which type or brand of speakers isused, the same model or brand of speakershould be used for the front-left, center andfront-right speakers. This creates a seamlessfront soundstage and eliminates the possibilityof distracting sonic disturbances that occur whena sound moves across mismatched front-channelspeakers.Speaker PlacementThe placement of speakers in a multichannelhome-theater system can have a noticeableimpact on the quality of sound reproduced.Depending on the type of center-channel speak-er in use and your viewing device, place the cen-ter speaker either directly above or below yourTV, or in the center behind a perforated front-projection screen.Once the center-channel speaker is installed,position the left-front and right-front speakers sothat they are as far away from one another asthe center-channel speaker is from the preferredlistening position. Ideally, the front-channelspeakers should be placed so that their tweetersare no more than 60cm above or below thetweeter in the center-channel speaker.They should also be at least 0.5 meter from yourTV set unless the speakers are magneticallyshielded to avoid colourings on the TV screen.Note that most speakers are not shielded, evenwith complete surround sets only the Centerspeaker may be.Depending on the specifics of your roomacoustics and the type of speakers in use, youmay find that imaging is improved by moving thefront-left and front-right speakers slightly for-ward of the center-channel speaker. If possible,adjust all front loudspeakers so that they areaimed at ear height when you are seated in thelistening position.Using these guidelines, you’ll find that it takessome experimentation to find the correct loca-tion for the front speakers in your particularinstallation. Don’t be afraid to move thingsaround until the system sounds correct. Optimizeyour speakers so that audio transitions acrossthe front of the room sound smooth.When the AVR is used in 5.1-channel operation,the preferred location for surround speakers ison the side walls of the room, at or slightlybehind the listening position.Subwoofers produce largely nondirectionalsound, so they may be placed almost anywherein a room. Actual placement should be based onroom size and shape and the type of subwooferused. One method of finding the optimal loca-tion for a subwoofer is to begin by placing it inthe front of the room, about 15 cm from a wall,or near the front corner of the room. Anothermethod is to temporarily place the subwoofer inthe spot where you will normally sit, and thenwalk around the room until you find a spotwhere the subwoofer sounds best. Place thesubwoofer in that spot. You should also followthe instructions of the subwoofer’s manufacturer,or you may wish to experiment with the bestlocation for a subwoofer in your listening room.A) Front Channel Speaker Installation withDirect-View TV Sets or Rear-Screen ProjectorsAt least 15 cm from cellingAt least 60 cm5.1-Channel System30935_AVR145_ENG 01/12/06 9:53 Side 16