Optimus-50 Oiled Walnut  (400-2041)   Installation     Faxback Doc. # 15270
Speaker System

CONNECTIONS

The amplifier connects to two terminals on the back of the speaker.  Use
speaker wire or ordinary 18 gauge SP-T lamp cord ("zip cord") for distances
between amplifier and speaker of 50 feet (15m) or less; for over 50 feet
(15m), use the heavier 16-gauge wire.  In multi-speaker monophonic
installations and stereo systems where phasing is important, use wire that
is color coded or otherwise marked to distinguish one wire of the pair from
the other.  (In SP-T lamp cord, usually one wire has a thin, outside ridge
molded into the plastic insulation.)

PHASING

Terminals of the Optimus-50 (and all Realistic systems) are coded (+ and -)
for proper phasing.  Be sure to connect terminals of like markings.  For
example: connect the - speaker terminal to the amplifier/receiver output
terminal that is marked -, COM, or Gnd (Ground); connect the + speaker
terminal to the output terminal marked +, HOT, etc.  Sound from improperly
phased speakers will not be smooth, especially in the bass area.  To check
for correct phasing, connect your system for stereo and place the speakers
on foot apart and facing each other.  Rune to a spot on the FM radio dial
where there are no stations.  Try reversing the connections to one speaker.
The speaker giving the fuller, broader sound is the one with correct
phasing.

SPEAKER PLACEMENT

The position of a speaker has an effect on its bass response.  Placing the
speaker on a shelf or table against a wall increases the bass slightly.  A
corner location, close to the floor or the ceiling, gives maximum bass
response.  Optimus-50 offers you the additional option of inverting the
speaker.  Try turning it so that the tweeter is at the bottom.  (The grille
can be turned upside down for normal appearance.)  The new relationship
between woofer and tweeter (not at the top) will produce and "open",
natural sound that reveals a clean and more detailed midrange response,
making vocals really come to life.  An appreciable difference in overall
sound can sometimes be heard when the speaker is changed from location in
the room to another as a result of differing reflections from various
exposed surfaces in the room.  A little experimenting will soon yield the
best position compatible with appearance.

STEREO SYSTEMS

For stereo, the above speaker placement principles still apply to the
individual speakers.  However, stereo considerations may require some
departure from optimum monophonic placement.  As a general rule, distance
between speakers should be approximately 2/3 of the distance between the
speakers and the main listening area.  However, in practice the actual
distance between speakers may vary widely.  The speakers may be faced
straight forward or angled inward slightly, depending on room acoustics and
stereo effect wanted.  A little experimenting will soon reveal the ideal
stereo set-up.


(ALL-05/17/95)