I'm having difficulty with placement of my speakers.
General placement guidelines: Tweeters on the front speakers should be at or near ear level. Front Left and Right speakers should be 6-12ft apart from each other for best stereo imaging. Keep in mind that for movies you want the front speakers close to the TV. For better bass from your bookshelf speakers, put them closer to a corner, wall, a cabinet (entertainment center?), or even the floor. Conversely if they sound too muddy, get them farther away from the walls, floors, and corners, and outside of any cabinets.
In surround speaker placement for 5.1 there are two “best case” scenarios: 1. Surround speakers are placed to the sides of the listening position (on the side wall (wall mounts) or on stands); height is ear level or up to 3 ft above the ear; surround speakers are placed just behind the listening position (1-2 ft). They are at 90 degrees with the wall they are mounted on, so they are facing each other, creating a "plane" of sound behind the listener.
2. Surround speakers are placed on the back wall. Either on stands or wall mounts. Wall mounts can be at ear level or up to 3 ft above listeners ear. Speakers are approx the same width spread as the front L and R speakers (6-12ft). They are aimed either at the listener or overhead and into the room.
Experiment to find what sounds best to you. Surround speaker placement for 6.1 Same as 5.1 #1. But add a back center surround, preferably wall mounted so you can get it higher on the back wall. Ceiling mount is also an option. 2-3 feet or more above the listener's ear and, ideally, at least 3 feet back from the listening area. They should be placed directly in the rear-center of the listening position. Surround speaker placement for 7.1 Same as 5.1 #1. But add two back surround speakers, preferably wall mounted (ceiling mount is also fine) so you can get them higher on the back wall. 2-3ft or more above the listener's ear and, ideally, at least 3 feet back. Speakers should be placed about the same distance from each other as the front L and R speakers. If you need assistance, please contact us.
Where should I position the subwoofer for best performance?
Best performance is a little subjective, so keep that in mind with these recommendations.Generally, the sub can be put pretty much anywhere in the room. Its frequencies are so low that they are truly "omni-directional" and can be heard from wherever the subwoofer is placed. But where it's placed in the room does affect, to a fair degree whether or not the sub will be low and boomy, or not-so-low and tight.
Here are some tricks to keep in mind: If you want the biggest "bang" or "boom" for home theater and music, try putting the subwoofer in a corner. A front corner is usually best. If you prefer a tighter sound, try moving the sub farther away from corners and walls. If possible, place the sub in the room at a point where the distance between the sub and it''s two opposing room walls is not divisible by two (for instance, 1/2, 1/4/, 1/8, etc). Place it at uneven points, such as 1/3, 1/5, etc. If you just don’t know whether you want tight or boomy, try this: Place the sub in the listening position (that’s right - on the couch or as close to it as possible) and crawl around the room while listening to familiar bass passages (i.e. your favorite CD). Find the spot where you prefer the sound, and put the sub there. If the sub is still boomy-sounding in your room, try turning down the subwoofer volume. Often times you’ll still get the level bass you want, but without extra boominess. The crossover can be adjusted as well. Turning it down (towards it’s lowest marking) will make the sub deeper and more focused. Turning it up (towards it’s highest marking) will make it fuller and slightly louder. The phase control doesn’t seem to affect boominess, so you typically just leave that at zero. If you have an SPL meter and frequency test tones, you can calibrate the phase to minimize SPL peaks and valleys within the sub’s frequency range (for more, take our Aperion University course on SPL meters.)
You can also put curtains or pillows behind the sub, or in the closest corner to the sub. You might even add pillows to the other corners as well. If you want to learn more about subwoofers, take our Aperion University course on subwoofers (link to AU subwoofer). If you need personal assistance, please contact us.
How do I connect the subwoofer?
There are a few ways to connect your subwoofer. Before you read on, be aware that we have more information throughout our website: To learn more about subwoofers, take our Aperion University course on subwoofers. Please contact us if you need personal assistance.
Okay, so here are ALL the possible ways to connect your subwoofer:
1: (Recommended): Use a subwoofer cable with Y adapter (the Y adapter is option but recommended.) The cable will run from the receiver's "sub out" to the subwoofer's mono input (which can be either L or R, but "R" is circled as the "5.1 sub input"). The Y adapter connects to the end of the sub cable, and then connects to both L and R inputs on the sub. There is a 3dB gain by using the Y adapter. This method of connection allows for better bass management in conjunction with the receiver.
2: From the L and R speaker outputs on the receiver, connect to the L and R speaker inputs on the sub. Use the L and R speaker outputs from the sub to connect to the L and R front speakers. This method is the only option if your receiver does not have a sub out or preamp out. With this connection, the sub amp will high pass at 70Hz, 6 db/octave.
3: Use your receiver or preamplifiers L and R preamp outputs, connect to the L and R line level inputs on the sub. If your receiver or preamp has a "main amp in", then connect the L and R line level outputs on the sub to the main amp in. With this connection the sub amp will high pass at 70Hz, 6 db/octave. You may also opt to just run a full range signal to the mains, which means you would not utilize the main amp inputs on your amplifier/receiver.
4. If you do not have any pre-outputs, AND you wish your main L and R to be completely full range while using a sub, you can use your receiver's A and B speaker connections to achieve this. But you must first verify that your receiver is capable of running A AND B outputs simultaneously - some don't. Connect your front main L and R speakers to the SPKR A connections on the receiver. Using another set of speaker wires, connect the SPKR B outputs to the Subwoofer's speaker level L and R inputs. This connection will give you full range to your main speakers, and a full range signal to your sub - the sub amp will low pass 70Hz at -16dB. (If the amp does not have A B simultaneous output, or just one pair of speaker outputs, you can actually connect both the main L and R AND the sub (speaker level, L and R) to the receiver's one set of speaker connections. Since the sub is self-powered, you will not present any extra load to the amplifier.)
Can I put the sub in the wall?
You can put the sub in the wall. Make sure that there is at least 2-3 inches behind and above (or beside) the sub for it to "breathe." If it's on a platform, make sure it will support the sub's weight. Lastly, be aware that any loose wall hangings, drywall, or framing may vibrate and create unwanted noise.
Does my center go above or below the TV?
Either one works. Goal number one is to get the center to be pointed at your listening position. Number two is to try to get the center about the same distance from you as your left/right speakers. If this won't work in your room, don't go maiming your entertainment units, making some adjustments in your receiver can make a world of difference. Check out the "Calibrating my Receiver" Aperion University course for further help.
Can I put a bookshelf or satellite speaker in the wall?
You can recess any speaker so that it's flush with your walls. Your recessed space should have an inch or two behind and above (or beside) the speaker to allow it to "breathe." Just make sure the platform it rests on is hefty enough to support the weight of the speaker!
Can I use your speakers outside?
Our speakers are not designed to withstand abuse from the elements. Of course, you can bring the speakers outside if its is dry, but any direct contact with water will damage the speaker.
Can I wall-mount a center speaker?
Yes. We recommend the B-tech BT15 mount to wall mount our center speakers. Just a note: If you do wall mount a center, try and make sure that it's as close to the center of the TV or screen as possible. Most put it directly above or below the screen. The closer the center speaker is to the center of the TV, the better it will anchor the center channel dialogue to the TV.
Can the wall mounts be mounted on drywall?
Yes. The BT77, BT15, and OmniMount wall mounts we sell come with dry wall screws. The BT77 are rated to hold up to 50 lbs, the BT15 center channel mounts are rated to hold up to 25 lbs. The OmniMounts are rated to hold up to 20 lbs.
Do I need a box for the in-wall/in-ceiling speakers?
Our in-wall speakers are designed to be used without a box around them. Certain folks claim that adding some type of box or baffle around the speaker will dramitcally increase the sound quality. We leave that up to your ears! In some cases a box can greatly reduce sound bleed-through into other rooms. Here''s one good choice for a box: http://www.dynamat.com/products_architectural_dynabox.html
Do I need insulation around the in-wall in-ceiling speakers?
You don't need to have any insulation around the in-wall or in-ceiling speakers, we actually recommend clearing a bit of it away before you install!
Do I need to match all my speakers?
We recommend matching at least the front three speakers in your system (Left, Center, Right). Surrounds and subwoofers play different roles in a surround sound system that can blend seamlessly with your other speakers through a good receiver or pre-amp.
Do you know someone who can install these speakers?
We do have a limited list of some installers in the US. Please give us a call at 888-880-8992 or email us at customerservice@aperionaudio.com and we may be able to help you out.
Do you make a bracket for your in wall/in ceiling speakers?
Our in-wall speakers have a separate bracket that can be installed ahead of the speaker, but the in-ceiling is one piece. There is no need to use a separate bracket as everything for installation is included in the box!
Do your in-wall/in-ceiling speakers match your other speakers?
Yes! Our in wall and in ceiling speakers are voice matched to our entire line.
How many speakers should I get?
Lots and lots! Seriously though, you will get a better Cinematic Experience with more surround speakers. In this case, the more the merrier. But not all rooms are suitable for 6.1 or 7.1 configurations. If you have any questions, please contact us and we'll help you figure it all out. (link to contact us)
How many subs should I get?
One sub is fine for most rooms. But if you're a bass aficionado or you have a really large room (larger than 50'x50'), you might want more. Try two or more (or up to four, if you really want to shake that room.)
Is there a way to secure the speaker to the stand?
The Aperion i29 and i31 speaker stands include an attachment screw that connects the 532-LR or 422-LR bookshelf speaker to the stand. The Studio Tech stands for the 632-LR do not have this feature but are still very stable. For added stability, you may want to fill the stand's column with sand or shot (i29 only). If you have any questions or concerns regarding the stands, we're more than happy to help resolve any issues you may have. Please click here to contact us.
Is there a way to secure the speaker to the wall mount?
Yes. With the OmniMounts, two 1/4" screws will attach to the back of the speaker. The BT77 mount uses a clamp system to secure to the speaker. With the BT77, the wall mount is pretty secure on its own but, if you prefer, you can use the security screws provided with the BT77 wall mounts to screw into the speaker cabinet. They will help add extra stability to the mounting system. If you need assistance, please contact us. (link to contact us)
Will the BT77 hold the 532-C center speaker
No. But the BT15 will work great for wall mounting the 532-C speaker.
How do I ceiling mount the speakers?
You can use the OmniMount Ceiling 20.0 Stainless Steel Mount to ceiling mount your 532-LR, 422-LR, or 534-SS speakers.
I need help with my cables and wires.
We're here to help! The best way to get help with your connections is to get us list of your components and speakers. We'll then get you a recommendation on how to hook it all up. Email us at customerservice@aperionaudio.com
What size speaker wire should I use?
Aperion recommends you use a 16 AWG wire or larger, depending on the length of cable that is to be run. Aperion offers a 100 Ft. spool of 12AWG speaker wire at an outstanding value. You'll also find good speaker wire on bulk rolls at larger home improvement stores.
What speaker wire brands do you recommend?
We sell our own line of home theater speaker wire and cable. If you are interested in audiophile grade cables, check out our favorites: Cobalt Cable and Kimber Kable. Generally we recommend 12 - 16 gauge speaker wire (lower number = more copper), and banana plug terminations. To learn more about cables and wires, read our Aperion University course on cables and wires.
What type of connection is best for the speaker wire?
We like banana plugs the best. The are easy to use and provide a good surface area to make contact with the speaker. But we know not everyone agrees, so our speakers have 5 way binding posts. They will accept banana plugs (4mm), spades (3/8"), pins, or bare wire. You can also use dual banana plugs - 3/4" spacing.
What type of speaker wire should I use?
Generally we recommend 12-16 gauge wire. If the run is longer than 40-50 feet, we recommend that you use 12-gauge speaker wire all the way around. Another guideline is to be sure your front Left/Center/Right speaker wires are all the same length. This rule also applies to your surround speakers. Aperion offers a 100 foot spool of 12AWG wire. You may also want to consider a premium cable from specialty cable providers such as Kimber Kable or Cobalt Cable.
What's in-wall wire? What should I use for in-wall wiring?
In-wall wire has a different plasic coating on the outside of the wire. The rating on the wire is used to pass electrical code on new construction. The special coating is more resitant to fire. It is a good idea to use in wall rated wire for retro fit installations as well. Look for CL3 rated wire.
Do I need a Y adapter?
You don't need a Y adapter to use our subwoofers. However, if your receiver has a low sub level signal output, using the Y adapter can increase the volume level coming out of your subwoofer.
Do I need banana plugs?
Banana plugs are a very convenient way to hook up your speaker wire to both your receiver and speaker terminals. Banana plugs will not affect the sound quality in any way, they are purely designed for simplicity of hook up, and aesthetic purposes. However, over time they can help prevent oxidization of your copper speaker wire.