Anthony Gallo Reference 3.5 - Manual (Page 12)

We recommend that you experiment to determine the best configuration for your system
and room. And of course, if you're using the Reference SA amplifier and/or you don't have
an external subwoofer, set the Reference 3.5's to "Large" as outlined above.
To evaluate the bass performance, listen to well-recorded information with good bass
content and pay particular attention to the deep bass and mid-bass, including the
transition between the 3.5's and the subwoofer(s) at different crossover settings. If the
sound is bass "bloated" and/or male voices sound thick and heavy, adjust the crossover
frequency and/or adjust the subwoofer output level. This may reduce some of the excess
bass energy. If you can, use an SPL meter to set the system levels if you are using a
surround sound receiver or processor.
In any case, do not set the crossover any higher than 100 Hz. And remember, simply
getting more bass or bloated, boomy bass is not the goal. Accurate, realistic, natural
sounding bass is what you are after. Therefore, well-recorded music is typically the best
source material to evaluate the system.
Note: Always follow the instruction manual for your surround sound receiver or
processor when adjusting speaker settings.
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Advanced Set-Up Information
Speaker Break In
Your new Nucleus Reference 3.5 loudspeakers will benefit from some operating time to
develop their full sound potential. They should sound good right out of the box, but after
a few hours of use the sound can become less cohesive, dull and/or lack dynamics. Don't
worry, the speakers will gradually regain their extended frequency response. To hasten the
break in process, if possible, leave a radio or CD playing overnight and/or when you are
not home. You will hear a marked increase in bass and treble detail after approximately
100 hours of use. For optimal performance, you may want to complete the break in
process before critically placing the speakers.
Speaker Placement Tips
If achieving maximum bass and sonic warmth is your goal, place your Reference 3.5's
closer to a wall or other large surface (no more than a foot or two away). Note that
positioning them further out from the walls will deliver better imaging and overall
smoother response in most rooms. If you can position them at different distances from the
side and back walls it will be beneficial as well (in other words, you don't want them the
same distance from the wall behind them as from the wall to their sides). However, it is
helpful to keep the speakers in similar locations in the room if possible. For example, try
not to have one speaker right by an open archway and the other speaker directly adjacent
to a sidewall.
For stereo, the speakers should be positioned so they are at the opposite ends of the base
of an equilateral triangle, whose tip is at the prime listening position (Figure 2). General
guidelines suggest a 30- to 45-degree angle from the prime listening position to the
speakers.
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