11
SPEAKER PLACEMENT
Paradigm
®
Reference front speakers are designed to allow flexible placement
while providing a very large window of sound throughout your listening
room. To ensure the best high-end performance possible however, we strongly
recommend that you observe the following placement guidelines:
Accurate Timbre (Fig. 1)
For the most accurate and natural timbre, place Paradigm
®
Reference Front
speakers so that their high-frequency drivers are approximately at ear level.
We recommend placing bookshelf models on Paradigm
®
speaker stands
(sold separately)
; however, they can also be placed on bookshelves so that
high-frequency drivers are approximately at ear level.
Balanced Bass Performance (Fig. 1a, 1b)
Placing front speakers in corners will over-emphasize bass and reduce overall
clarity. Avoid corner placement (Fig. 1a). Position the front speakers 8 in (20 cm)
or more from the wall behind the speaker, and as much as possible from either
side wall while still following the guideline in Fig. 1b. This will ensure better
bass performance and optimal midrange clarity.
Optimal Imaging (Fig. 2)
Measure the distance from your main listening area to the front speakers
(“X”). For best imaging, place speakers from three-quarters of that distance up
to that same distance from each other (3/4 of “X” to “X”). To further optimize
imaging, turn speakers slightly inward so they point toward the listening
position with their axes crossing just behind it.
ON-WALL FRONT SPEAKERS (Fig. 3)
Paradigm
®
Reference On-Wall Front Left and Right speakers allow higher
than usual placement of the high-frequency drivers, a particularly important
consideration when wall mounting. Mounting the speakers farther apart
on the wall than the width of your TV will promote an even wider, deeper
listening window.
Keeping this in mind, measure the distance from your main listening area
to the front speakers ("X"). For best imaging, mount speakers on the wall
from three quarters of that distance up to the same distance from each other
(3/4 of "X" to "X"). For more information see the section on wall mounting
later in the manual.
CENTER-CHANNEL SPEAKER (Figs. 4 and 5a, b, c)
Paradigm
®
Reference center-channel speakers are designed to provide a large,
wide listening window, allowing listeners throughout the room to hear center-
channel information with unprecedented clarity and intelligibility.
They can be placed on a shelf or directly on top of your TV (Fig. 4). Selected
models include outrigger feet for this purpose (Fig. 5a), other models include
stability cradles (Fig. 5b). Models with outrigger feet can also be used with the
small rubber feet
(included)
and the outrigger feet removed
(not shown)
. If
your model includes cradles, the rubber pads
(included)
must be used for
stability (Fig. 5b).
With a front-projection system, speakers can also be mounted on a matching
Paradigm
®
stand
(sold separately)
.
Make sure the center-channel speaker is approximately the same distance away
from the primary listening position as your front speakers. (Some AV receivers/
processors can electronically adjust for differences in distance.)
See section below for positioning models with cradles directly below
a
television/display.
POSITIONING YOUR CENTER CHANNEL BELOW
A
TELEVISION/DISPLAY
If your center channel is to be positioned below
a television or display we
highly recommend you use the tilt bracket supplied. By tilting the speaker up,
you will further optimize dialog clarity, intelligibility and timbre. For complete
details and tilt bracket assembly, refer to Fig. 5c earlier in this manual.
USING AN OPTIONAL PARADIGM
®
STAND
If your center channel features cradles (Fig. 5b) they must be removed
before
the speaker can be used on an optional Paradigm
®
speaker stand. To remove
cradles, use the hex key included in the hardware package that came with
your speaker. For more detailed information on removing cradles, refer to the
assembly instructions included with the stand.
ON-WALL CENTER-CHANNEL SPEAKER (Fig. 3)
Mount your Paradigm
®
Reference on-wall center-channel speaker on the
wall horizontally, directly above or below your TV, whichever position is
closer to ear level. This will ensure the most uniform timbral response with
the rest of your system. The speaker should be about the same distance
away from the primary listening area as your front Left and Right speakers.
(Some AV receivers/processors can electronically adjust for differences in
distance.) For more information see the section on wall mounting later in
this manual.
This on-wall speaker can also be placed on top of a television or shelf
(see the following section)
.
FRONT SPEAKERS (Left/Right)
