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Home Stereo Frequently Asked Questions

Q. What size speaker wire should I use?
Q. What is the difference between Dolby Pro Logic and Dolby Digital?
Q. What is a diffuse field surround?
Q. What is "timbre matching"?
Q. Where should I place my subwoofer?
Q. When should I use the phase switch on my subwoofer?
Q. What is the proper setting for the crossover on my powered subwoofer?
Q. Can I place my subwoofer inside a cavity in my entertainment center?
Q. What mode do I set the center channel to?
Q. How close should the main speakers be apart from one another?
Q. Do the surrounds have to be the same distance apart as the fronts?
Q. How far can the center channel be above the main speakers?
Q. Should I use diffuse-field or direct-radiator surround speakers?

Q. What size wire do I need to use?
A. We suggest using 16 to 18 gauge wire (AWG) for all Boston Acoustics speakers. For runs longer than 75 feet, a lower gauge (thicker wire) may be needed to avoid any loss of signal.

back to the top

Q. What is the difference between Dolby Pro Logic and Dolby Digital?
A. Dolby Pro Logic is a 4-channel surround system that provides left and right main speaker channels, a center channel to keep dialogue centered on the TV regardless of viewer location, and a mono surround channel (This mono signal is usually spilt between two surround speakers). Dolby Digital is a 5.1 channel surround system that provides left and right main speaker channels, a center channel, and discrete, full-range left and right surround channels. The .1 in 5.1 is the Low Frequency Effects (LFE) channel. It sends additional bass information to the subwoofer-usually involving dramatic sound effects like explosions.

back to the top

Q. What is a diffuse field surround?
A. Diffuse field (Sometimes called "dipole surrounds duplicate the effect produced by multiple surround speakers found in movie theaters. They fire sound forward and back, but not directly at your ears. Sound bounces off all of the room's surfaces before reaching your ears, creating a diffuse sound field that feels like its all around you. The result: your ears will not be able localize where the sound is coming from, and will be fooled into believing they are in a new environment entirely. Conventional speakers often fire sound right at your ears, and the effect is lost.

back to the top

Q. What is "timbre matching"?
A. This means that all of the speakers in a home theater system have the same sound characteristics or voicing. This allows for a smooth, convincing transition between left, center, right, and surround channels.

back to the top

Q. Where should I place my subwoofer?
A. Subwoofers sound best if placed near a wall or corner of the room. The subwoofer will use the surface area on the wall or walls to reinforce the bass and increase its overall output. This is referred to as "loading". Bass frequencies are omni-directional (A fancy way for saying they radiate in all directions, not in a single direction like high frequencies) so it is not necessary to place the sub in the front of the room.

back to the top

Q. When should I use the phase switch on my subwoofer?
A. The phase switch is used when the bass is weak at your listening area. Some rooms have what is known as a " bass null" or spot where there is little or no bass. If this null happens to be right at your listening area then the switch can be used to help reverse this effect.

back to the top

Q. What is the proper setting for the crossover on my powered subwoofer?
A. If you are using Digital 5.1 home theater electronics, the best results will be obtained if you bypass the subwoofer’s built-in crossover altogether. Receivers with 5.1 channel processing perform their own bass management functions—that is, they do the “crossing over” themselves. In this case, set the receiver’s set-up menu to “subwoofer—yes” and connect your subwoofer through its “bypass crossover” inputs.

If you are not using Digital 5.1 electronics (you have an older Dolby Pro Logic receiver or a regular two-channel system, for example), or have an older subwoofer that does not have “bypass crossover” inputs, then the best way to adjust the variable crossover is to experiment with different settings. A good place to start is slightly above he -3dB point of your main left and right speakers. If they're rated down to 70 Hz, for example, start around 80 Hz. Use the subwoofer's volume control to smoothly blend its output with the rest of your system and to adjust for personal taste.

back to the top

Q. Can I place my subwoofer inside a cavity in my entertainment center?
A. Yes, you can place the subwoofer in the bottom of an entertainment center provided you keep at least 3” clearance all around the subwoofer cabinet for adequate ventilation and cooling and to allow the driver and woofer ports to “breathe” properly for best response. With solid doors, do not obstruct the front of the subwoofer. Keep in mind that the subwoofer will excite certain resonances in the room (It'll make objects rattle and buzz), which may be undesirable. If you can't obtain satisfactory results in the entertainment center, place the subwoofer outside the wall unit, near the wall and corner.

back to the top

Q. What mode do I set the center channel to?
A. The center mode on the surround processor or receiver should be set to normal. You should only use the "Wide" mode if your center channel is a large, full-range speaker. In the "Normal" mode, the center channel's bass frequencies are directed to the main left and right channels and thus to your subwoofer, maximizing your system's bass output.

back to the top

Q. How close should the main speakers be apart from one another?
A. Ideally speakers should placed approximately 6-12 feet apart. If you place speakers more than 12 feet apart, place them at an angle pointing in toward the room's listening area, so you will not lose the stereo effect. If placement is too close, the sound will not have a three-dimensional feeling.

back to the top

Q. Do the surrounds have to be the same distance apart as the fronts?
A. No. The surround sound speakers can be farther apart than the main speakers. This is common and will not affect the spatial or ambient qualities of the rear channel information.

back to the top

Q. How far can the center channel be above the main speakers?
A. The center channel should be situated on top of the TV. If the height differential between the main speakers and the center channel is more than 18", angle the center channel so it is firing downward at the listening position.

back to the top

Q. Should I use diffuse-field or direct-radiator surround speakers?
A. Choosing a diffuse-field surround or conventional direct-radiator speaker is a personal choice. The diffuse-field surrounds will envelop the listener in non-localizable ambient information providing a greater sense of space, whereas the forward firing speaker will offer better discrete left and right channel information.

back to the top

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© Copyright 2000 - 2009 ElectronixWarehouse - All Rights Reserved - Website Designed And Maintained By MetroDirect Communication

Welcome To The Stereo Technical Information Center. We Offer: Stereo Technical Information Of All Kinds, Including: A Glossary Of Technical Terms, Links To Manufacturer's Websites, Information On How Speakers Work, Choosing Speakers, What's A Woofer?, What's A Midrange?, What's A Tweeter?, What Are Dual-Cone/Dual-Voice-Coil/Full Range Speakers?, 2/3/4-Way & Component Speakers, What's A Capacitor?, Installing A Capacitor, What's A Crossover?, What's An Equalizer?, Speaker Enclosures, Power Amps. Installing An Amp, Amp Installation Tips, Understanding Power Ratings, Installing & Replacing Head Units/Receivers, About Theile/Small Parameters, Installing Neon/LED, Eliminating Unwanted Noise, Using The Right Tools, Home Stereo Tech Information, Frequently Asked Questions, Home Stereo Glossary, About Home Speakers & DriversPlus Sales Of Car, Home and Mobile Audio and Stereo, Marine Audio, Technical Information, Amplifiers, Mono Block Amps, Woofers, Speakers, Mid Range, Tweeters, Capacitors, Woofer Boxes, Bandpass, Bass Reflex Enclosures, Woofer Tubes, Receivers, CD Players, MP3, Satellite Radio, CD Changers, Bass Packages, Car Alarms, Remote Starters, Car Security, Keyless Entry, Wiring and Accessories, Antenna Boosters, Antennas, Bass Blockers, Crossovers, Dynamat, Equalizers, Cooling Fans, Noise Filters, Power Inverters, Power Supplies, RCA Cables Splitters, Remotes, Signal Boosters, Speaker Grills, Vibration Control, Wiring, Mobile Video, Personal and Mobile Electronics, Laptops, Cell Phones, PDAs, GPS, Electronic Books/Readers, Kindle, MP3, Earphones/Buds, Blu-Ray, Bluetooth, Calculators, Marine Stereo, Fish Finders, Flat Screen HD TVs, DVD Players, Tivo, DVD Recorders, Surround Sound, Stereo Drivers, Home Speakers, Enclosed Subwoofers, Video Games, Computer Games, Digital Photo Frames, Computers, PCs, Laptops, Monitors, Software, Printers, Scanners, Computer Supplies, Virus Security.




Car Stereo & Electronics Amplifiers Subwoofers Full-Range Speakers Midrange Speakers Tweeters Power Capacitors Empty Enclosures Loaded Enclosures CD/Mp3 Receivers CD Changers Bass Packages Car TV/Video Satellite Radio Bluetooth Wireless GPS Navigation Neon/LED Lighting Radar Detectors Chrome Mufflers Car Alarms/Security AUTO PARTS STORE Auto Wiring & Accessories Air Horns Power Antennas Antenna Boosters A/V Controllers Bass Blockers Crossovers Dynamat Equalizers Fans (Cooling) FM Modulators Interfaces Line Converters Noise Filters Power Inverters Power Supplies RCA Cables RCA Splitters Remote Controls Signal Boosters Vibration Control Speaker Grills Wiring Kits Marine Stereo & Electronics Stereo Amplifiers Stereo Speakers Stereo Woofers Woofer Tubes Enclosed Speakers Wakeboard Speakers CD/Mp3 Receivers TVS & Video VHF Radios GPS Navigation Fish Finders Depth Finders Chart Plotters Accessories Home Stereo & Electronics Flat Screen & HD TVs Surround Sound Home Theater DVD Players/Tivo DVD Recorders Blu-Ray Devices Amplifiers/Tuners Speaker Systems Subwoofer Drivers Midrange Drivers Tweeter Drivers Powered Subwoofers Outdoor Speakers Stereo Accessories Digital Photo Frames Video Game Systems Game Accessories Video Games Home Security/Alarms Computers & Related Products Desktops & Laptops Add-Ons/Peripherals Computer Monitors Computer Software Computer Games Printers & Scanners Ink/Specialty Papers Parts & Components Computer Supplies Security/Tech Support Personal Stereo & Electronics Laptop Computers Cell Phones & PDAs Portable TV & Video Electronic Readers MP3/Music Players CD Players/Booms Earphones/Buds Digital Cameras Video Cameras Personal GPS Bluetooth Calculators Accessories Technical Help & Education Glossary Of Terms Speakers Main Page How Speakers Work Choosing Speakers What's A Woofer? What's A Midrange? What's A Tweeter? Other Speaker Types More Speaker Types What's A Capacitor? Installing A Capacitor What's A Crossover? What's An Equalizer? Speaker Enclosures Theile/Small Param. About Power Amps Installing An Amp Installation Tips Power Ratings Installing/Replacing Head Units/Receivers Installing Neon/LED Eliminating Noise Use The Right Tools Manufacturer's Links Home Stereo Tech Information FAQ Glossary Home Speakers	Home Stereo Frequently Asked Questions Q. What size speaker wire should I use? Q. What is the difference between Dolby Pro Logic and Dolby Digital? Q. What is a diffuse field surround? Q. What is "timbre matching"? Q. Where should I place my subwoofer? Q. When should I use the phase switch on my subwoofer? Q. What is the proper setting for the crossover on my powered subwoofer? Q. Can I place my subwoofer inside a cavity in my entertainment center? Q. What mode do I set the center channel to? Q. How close should the main speakers be apart from one another? Q. Do the surrounds have to be the same distance apart as the fronts? Q. How far can the center channel be above the main speakers? Q. Should I use diffuse-field or direct-radiator surround speakers? Q. What size wire do I need to use? A. We suggest using 16 to 18 gauge wire (AWG) for all Boston Acoustics speakers. For runs longer than 75 feet, a lower gauge (thicker wire) may be needed to avoid any loss of signal. back to the top Q. What is the difference between Dolby Pro Logic and Dolby Digital? A. Dolby Pro Logic is a 4-channel surround system that provides left and right main speaker channels, a center channel to keep dialogue centered on the TV regardless of viewer location, and a mono surround channel (This mono signal is usually spilt between two surround speakers). Dolby Digital is a 5.1 channel surround system that provides left and right main speaker channels, a center channel, and discrete, full-range left and right surround channels. The .1 in 5.1 is the Low Frequency Effects (LFE) channel. It sends additional bass information to the subwoofer-usually involving dramatic sound effects like explosions. back to the top Q. What is a diffuse field surround? A. Diffuse field (Sometimes called "dipole surrounds duplicate the effect produced by multiple surround speakers found in movie theaters. They fire sound forward and back, but not directly at your ears. Sound bounces off all of the room's surfaces before reaching your ears, creating a diffuse sound field that feels like its all around you. The result: your ears will not be able localize where the sound is coming from, and will be fooled into believing they are in a new environment entirely. Conventional speakers often fire sound right at your ears, and the effect is lost. back to the top Q. What is "timbre matching"? A. This means that all of the speakers in a home theater system have the same sound characteristics or voicing. This allows for a smooth, convincing transition between left, center, right, and surround channels. back to the top Q. Where should I place my subwoofer? A. Subwoofers sound best if placed near a wall or corner of the room. The subwoofer will use the surface area on the wall or walls to reinforce the bass and increase its overall output. This is referred to as "loading". Bass frequencies are omni-directional (A fancy way for saying they radiate in all directions, not in a single direction like high frequencies) so it is not necessary to place the sub in the front of the room. back to the top Q. When should I use the phase switch on my subwoofer? A. The phase switch is used when the bass is weak at your listening area. Some rooms have what is known as a " bass null" or spot where there is little or no bass. If this null happens to be right at your listening area then the switch can be used to help reverse this effect. back to the top Q. What is the proper setting for the crossover on my powered subwoofer? A. If you are using Digital 5.1 home theater electronics, the best results will be obtained if you bypass the subwoofer’s built-in crossover altogether. Receivers with 5.1 channel processing perform their own bass management functions—that is, they do the “crossing over” themselves. In this case, set the receiver’s set-up menu to “subwoofer—yes” and connect your subwoofer through its “bypass crossover” inputs. If you are not using Digital 5.1 electronics (you have an older Dolby Pro Logic receiver or a regular two-channel system, for example), or have an older subwoofer that does not have “bypass crossover” inputs, then the best way to adjust the variable crossover is to experiment with different settings. A good place to start is slightly above he -3dB point of your main left and right speakers. If they're rated down to 70 Hz, for example, start around 80 Hz. Use the subwoofer's volume control to smoothly blend its output with the rest of your system and to adjust for personal taste. back to the top Q. Can I place my subwoofer inside a cavity in my entertainment center? A. Yes, you can place the subwoofer in the bottom of an entertainment center provided you keep at least 3” clearance all around the subwoofer cabinet for adequate ventilation and cooling and to allow the driver and woofer ports to “breathe” properly for best response. With solid doors, do not obstruct the front of the subwoofer. Keep in mind that the subwoofer will excite certain resonances in the room (It'll make objects rattle and buzz), which may be undesirable. If you can't obtain satisfactory results in the entertainment center, place the subwoofer outside the wall unit, near the wall and corner. back to the top Q. What mode do I set the center channel to? A. The center mode on the surround processor or receiver should be set to normal. You should only use the "Wide" mode if your center channel is a large, full-range speaker. In the "Normal" mode, the center channel's bass frequencies are directed to the main left and right channels and thus to your subwoofer, maximizing your system's bass output. back to the top Q. How close should the main speakers be apart from one another? A. Ideally speakers should placed approximately 6-12 feet apart. If you place speakers more than 12 feet apart, place them at an angle pointing in toward the room's listening area, so you will not lose the stereo effect. If placement is too close, the sound will not have a three-dimensional feeling. back to the top Q. Do the surrounds have to be the same distance apart as the fronts? A. No. The surround sound speakers can be farther apart than the main speakers. This is common and will not affect the spatial or ambient qualities of the rear channel information. back to the top Q. How far can the center channel be above the main speakers? A. The center channel should be situated on top of the TV. If the height differential between the main speakers and the center channel is more than 18", angle the center channel so it is firing downward at the listening position. back to the top Q. Should I use diffuse-field or direct-radiator surround speakers? A. Choosing a diffuse-field surround or conventional direct-radiator speaker is a personal choice. The diffuse-field surrounds will envelop the listener in non-localizable ambient information providing a greater sense of space, whereas the forward firing speaker will offer better discrete left and right channel information. back to the top	Sponsors The Electronics Superstore WM Publishing Barbara The Novel Cute The Novel Season's Readings Essays MetroDirect The Amp Depot Powercaps Logos & Banners Bleep Them R. LeBeaux

Home -- Search -- Products -- Tech Help -- Humor -- Links -- Link To Us -- Contact What's New -- What's Hot -- On Sale -- Our Philosophy -- Testimonials © Copyright 2000 - 2009 ElectronixWarehouse - All Rights Reserved - Website Designed And Maintained By MetroDirect Communication
Welcome To The Stereo Technical Information Center. We Offer: Stereo Technical Information Of All Kinds, Including: A Glossary Of Technical Terms, Links To Manufacturer's Websites, Information On How Speakers Work, Choosing Speakers, What's A Woofer?, What's A Midrange?, What's A Tweeter?, What Are Dual-Cone/Dual-Voice-Coil/Full Range Speakers?, 2/3/4-Way & Component Speakers, What's A Capacitor?, Installing A Capacitor, What's A Crossover?, What's An Equalizer?, Speaker Enclosures, Power Amps. Installing An Amp, Amp Installation Tips, Understanding Power Ratings, Installing & Replacing Head Units/Receivers, About Theile/Small Parameters, Installing Neon/LED, Eliminating Unwanted Noise, Using The Right Tools, Home Stereo Tech Information, Frequently Asked Questions, Home Stereo Glossary, About Home Speakers & DriversPlus Sales Of Car, Home and Mobile Audio and Stereo, Marine Audio, Technical Information, Amplifiers, Mono Block Amps, Woofers, Speakers, Mid Range, Tweeters, Capacitors, Woofer Boxes, Bandpass, Bass Reflex Enclosures, Woofer Tubes, Receivers, CD Players, MP3, Satellite Radio, CD Changers, Bass Packages, Car Alarms, Remote Starters, Car Security, Keyless Entry, Wiring and Accessories, Antenna Boosters, Antennas, Bass Blockers, Crossovers, Dynamat, Equalizers, Cooling Fans, Noise Filters, Power Inverters, Power Supplies, RCA Cables Splitters, Remotes, Signal Boosters, Speaker Grills, Vibration Control, Wiring, Mobile Video, Personal and Mobile Electronics, Laptops, Cell Phones, PDAs, GPS, Electronic Books/Readers, Kindle, MP3, Earphones/Buds, Blu-Ray, Bluetooth, Calculators, Marine Stereo, Fish Finders, Flat Screen HD TVs, DVD Players, Tivo, DVD Recorders, Surround Sound, Stereo Drivers, Home Speakers, Enclosed Subwoofers, Video Games, Computer Games, Digital Photo Frames, Computers, PCs, Laptops, Monitors, Software, Printers, Scanners, Computer Supplies, Virus Security.