Emotiva RPA-1 - Manual (Page 21)

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Notice where in the room the bass output from the subwoofer sounds the loudest. Shut things down and
install the subwoofer there. This is the best position for the subwoofer. The bass will sound the best when
you are sitting in your normal listening position.
If your subwoofer seems to sound best when it is near the front speakers (often the case), keep in mind that
most television sets may not react well to the subwoofer if it is not built specifically for use in a home theater
application. While most front Left/Center/Right speakers do have shielding when intended for use in a home
theater application, subwoofers are not always magnetically shielded and may damage the television if
placed too close. If you want to check if this will be a problem, select an unused video input on the television
to bring up a single color screen. If you see any color distortion anywhere on the screen, an unshielded
speaker is too close to the screen and should be moved away from the television until the color distortion
disappears.
Note - most powered home subwoofers feature a phase control with a range between 0-180 degrees. This
is present so that in situations where the optimum location is not particularly desirable, you can locate the
subwoofer elsewhere nearby and make a slight adjustment to the phase so that is sound arrives to the listener
at the same time as the other speakers. Ideally, sound arriving at the same time is what allows the subwoofer
to create the illusion of the main speakers making the bass. This is what enhances the listening experience.
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Place the subwoofer in
the listening position
Play a test tone or low
bass music
Walk around the room and see where the
bass has the best performance. That’s where
your subwoofer belongs!