Arcam A/V Processor XETA 2 - Manual (Page 13)

GENERAL ADVICE WHEN USING THE XETA 2 USING AN OUTBOARD DAC
Turn your TV volume down or mute its internal speaker, otherwise it will upset the balance of
surround sound created by the Xeta 2.
When positioning your front and centre speakers aim to get them all at the same height. Ensure that
the centre loudspeaker is magnetically shielded. Check with your dealer if in doubt.
Don't underestimate the importance of the centre speaker. Much of the soundtrack of a film is
dialogue, which is normally routed through the centre charmel loudspeaker. A poorly designed
centre speaker will result in compressed dynamics, distortion and loss of detail. Speakers used for
left, right and centre charmels should be of a similar tonal balance or come from the same
manufacturer.
For video recording, the signal path is maintained provided the Xeta 2 is connected to a Hve mains
supply. The On Screen Graphics do NOT appear on the VCR video output.
On some pre-recorded video material the On Screen Graphics may appear in a sHghtly different
position from normal. This is due to the non-standard characteristics of the video signals used by
certain suppHers of pre-recorded tapes eg. Macrovision ™. Changing over from PAL to NTSC
video sources will also cause this to occur for a few seconds until the Xeta 2 recognises and adapts
to the new signal format.
Chcking noises from inside the unit are quite normal during use. These are caused by muting relays
operating momentarily when switching modes or inputs on the amphfier.
UPGRADE PATHS AVAILABLE WITH THE XETA 2
The Xeta 2 can be used with an Arcam Delta 290P power amphfier to drive the front left and right
speakers. For even better results you can bi-amplify the front speakers using 2 x Delta 290Ps, whilst
a third Delta 290P could be added to bi-amp the centre speaker. The Xeta 290P, a version of the
Delta 290P which is an exact match for the Xeta 2's graphics, is available to order from your dealer.
CONNECTING THE XETA 2 TO EXTERNAL POWER AMPLIFIERS
The Xeta 2 can be used as the control unit with external power amplifiers being employed for higher
output power or for improving the sound quahty. Connect your additional power amplifier(s) to the
appropriate sockets as described below.
© SURROUND OUT - Provides a pair of identical mono outputs for an external power
amphfier or amphfiers for the rear channel speakers if required.
® SUB OUT - Provides a mono output for an active (powered) sub woofer. If used with a
separate power amphfier and subwoofer loudspeaker then a proper bass crossover filter should
be used.
® MAIN FRONT OUT - connect the power amplifier(s) which will be driving your front pair
of speakers to these sockets.
® CENTIME OUT - Provides an output for an external amphfier for the centre speaker.
The digital output from a Laser Disc player (which is normaUy an optical connection) may be fed
into an external digital to analogue (DAC), e.g. an Arcam Black Box 50 or 500, for improved sound
quahty.
CABLES
Cables can make or break a system. The quahty of interconnects (audio, video and digital) and
speaker cables you use will be a limiting factor on the performance of your hi-fi/home cinema
system. The better the cable the better the sound. Cables from the AudioQuest range are ideal
partners for the Xeta 2. As a rule of thumb plan to invest around 10% -15% of the value of your
equipment in cables.
SOURCES OF SURROUND ENCODED MATERIAL
The majority of films on video, laserdiscs and broadcast TV have surround sound - look for the
Dolby Surround logo.
Surround material requires a stereo source which can be any of the following:
An FM radio tuner - some plays are recorded in Dolby Surround
A stereo TV or TV tuner (NICAM)
A hi-fi stereo or NICAM video recorder
A laserdisc player
A stereo sateUite receiver or cable system
Dolby Surround encoded video games
The Xeta 2 is compatible with aU of these.
SCART PIN CONNECTIONS
European video equipment frequently features SCART type connectors for audio and video
connections. SCART tc( phono leads are easily obtainable for intercoimection. The information
below is provided if you need to make up your own connections.
Audio
Pin
1
2
3
4
6
Audio right output
Audio right input
Audio left output
Audio screen/gjround
Audio left input
Composite Video
Pin
17 Video output screen/ground
18 Video input screen/ground
19 Video output
20 Video input
11