Magnepan CC5 - Manual (Page 4)

First, using a standard test DVD, confirm that the CC5 is in-phase with the front left/right speakers. When in-phase,
the audio test signal image will appear between the CC5 and either of the front left/right speakers. Then, using the
Magnepan DVD test disc, check the phase between the CC5 and the center channel bass/midbass provided by
the full-range left/right speakers. Intentionally reverse the phase on the CC5. In some cases, especially if the CC5
is not equal-distance to the front left/right speakers, the frequencies between approximately 100-200 Hz may
increase with the phase reversed and it will be necessary to operate the CC5 in an electrically out-of-phase
condition.
Further bass and midbass adjustments can be made to give the illusion of a large Magneplanar in the middle by
fine-tuning the crossover point of the CC5 and by level adjustments relative to the level of the left/right Maggies.
The Magnepan Test DVD (which is included with your speaker) provides wide-band center channel pink noise, but
without the use of a real-time analyzer, most consumers may wonder if the pink noise has the proper balance from
bass to mids to highs. However, by playing pink noise through the large left/right Maggies, a listener can hear what
pink noise should sound like and then use that sound to compare to the pink noise from the CC5 to judge if the
balance is correct. An instant A-B test can be conducted by switching the processor from "no center" channel
speaker to "small center" channel. In the "no center" mode, you will hear the pink noise through your "large"
left/right Maggies and this can be compared to the pink noise from the CC5. When the CC5 is playing the pink
noise, put your ear next to both the left/right speakers to confirm that the "large" speakers are producing the bass
for the center channel pink noise.
If you are having trouble getting similar pink noise sound from the CC5 as compared to the large left/right Maggies,
the problem might be the level setting (with respect to the left/right speakers), the crossover setting or the phasing
between the CC5 and the left/right speakers. Turn the subwoofer "off" for the purposes of this test to allow
concentration on creating a "large" Maggie in the middle. Keep in mind that due to the fact that center channel
speakers are often placed in less-than-ideal acoustical environments, exactly duplicating the left/right Maggies is
not possible unless the same acoustical rules are followed as the left/right speakers.
When toggling between "no center" and "small center", keep in mind that you are comparing the illusion of ONE
"large Maggie in the middle" vs. TWO of your left/right Maggies played simultaneously. This is not a valid
comparison. For the comparison to be fair and equal, it is necessary to unplug one of your left/right Maggies ONLY
in the "no center" mode and then plug it back in when in the "small center" mode.
To make a final adjustment of the center channel bass level, turn the volume of the center up or down. This may
seem confusing, but, it works like this-- If you turn the overall level of the center channel up, the center channel
bass will be reduced. To increase the center channel bass, it is necessary to LOWER the overall center channel
level. You may wonder how that is possible. Well, it is a quirk of how the bass management is structured. Many
consumers turn the center volume up because they have trouble hearing the dialog, the net effect is less center
channel bass/midbass.
You have control over 3 parameters to create the illusion of a large Maggie in the middle-- 1) Crossover point. 2)
Level setting with respect to the left/right speakers. 3) Phase. You will need to remember all three as you fine-tune
your CC5.
We have had a number of reports that the automatic equalization systems built into some processors have had
less-than-desirable results with Magneplanars. We are investigating this further, but, apparently the equalization
systems are not compatible with our recommended hookup procedure. We recommend that you defeat the
automatic EQ system and manually make any needed frequency adjustments.