Definitive Technology DEFINITIVE BP7004 - Manual (Page 4)

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In most rooms the speakers should be placed 5 to 36 inches from the rear wall
in order to allow the rear radiated sound to freely reflect off the back wall. Please
note that they can go closer to, or further from, the wall if desired. Placement
closer to the rear wall will increase the bass output while placement further from
the rear wall will decrease the bass output (which, of course, can be compensated
for with the speakers’ low frequency controls). Sometimes placement further from
the rear wall will increase spaciousness and the sense of depth.
The speakers should usually be placed a minimum of 5 to 7 feet apart and kept
away from the side walls and corners if possible. A good rule of thumb is to place
the speakers separated by one half the length of the wall they are positioned along,
and each speaker one quarter the length of the back wall away from the side wall.
Speakers may be angled in toward the listening position or left parallel with
each other. Angling the speakers in (pointed directly at the listener) will result in a
somewhat brighter, clearer sound with a sharper focus and a more solid central
image (generally, we recommend this), while leaving the speakers parallel with
each other will result in a less bright, more diffuse sound. Try to leave the space on
the sides of the speakers as open and unobstructed as possible so that there will be
no interference with the rear radiated sound.
The BP7002/BP7004/BP7006s are mirror imaged (packing cartons are labeled
speaker 1 and speaker 2) with a flat-coned radiator on the bottom of each side and
one active driver above one of the radiators (which you can feel through the grille
cloth). The side-mounted subwoofers are located so they may be set up with both
higher mounted active woofers facing in (toward each other) or both active
woofers facing out (away from each other). (Feel the side of the speakers to
determine which side the higher mounted active woofer is on.) Facing the active
woofers in or out will vary the sound somewhat and which way is best will vary
with your room. Usually, we start with the active woofers facing in as this is often
the way it sounds best. Again, experiment to determine the best location for the
speakers. Often, adjusting the spikes or feet so that the front of the speaker is
approximately 1/2" to 3/4" higher than the rear will provide better sound.
An optional “spiking” kit has been provided should you desire to “spike”
your loudspeakers. “Spiking” your loudspeakers will provide greater stability
when placing your loudspeakers on carpeting and will also, according to many
experts, result in an overall improvement in sonic performance. Care should be
taken when using spikes as they may cause damage to wooden or other floors
which are susceptible to being scratched. Definitive Technology is specifically
not responsible for damage which may result from the use of spikes.
The spike kit contains four spikes. To install, unscrew the plastic guides on
the stabilizer brackets and the bottom of the speaker. Then screw the four spikes
into the brass inserts on the stabilizer brackets and the bottom of the speakers.
Then, with the help of another person, lift the speaker upright and lower it to
its exact desired position on the floor. You must lower the speaker to the exact
position you want because once the spikes are in place you cannot move the
speakers sideways on the rug or floor – this may damage the floor or the
speakers. Next, adjust the spikes so the speaker sits solidly on all four spikes
(and does not rock).
“Spiking” Your Loudspeakers