Owner's Manual

Revel PerformaBe F328Be Loudspeaker
Owner’s Manual
5
LOUDSPEAKER PLACEMENT
The following are important loudspeaker placement considerations for all models:
• Remove all obstructions between the loudspeaker and the primary listening position.
For instance, a coffee table between the loudspeaker and the primary listening
position will create reflections that will degrade stereo imaging and timbre. Placing the
loudspeakers near large objects may also cause unwanted reflections.
• For the best stereo imaging, place the loudspeakers so that they are both the same
distance from the primary listening position and so they are both the same distance
from the side walls, as shown in the illustration at the top of the next column.
• For optimal stereo imaging and timbre, aim the loudspeakers directly toward the
primary listening position as shown in the illustration above. If you wish to widen the
stereo soundstage you can reduce this toe-in angle, even to the point at which the
loudspeakers are pointing straight forward.
• Moving the loudspeakers farther from the front and side listening room walls will
improve stereo imaging and the sense of spaciousness in the listening space.
• Moving the loudspeakers closer to the corners or walls of the listening room will
increase bass level.
ADJUSTABLE SPIKES
Four adjustable spikes are included for each F328Be loudspeaker. You can install these
spikes in the bottom of the loudspeaker cabinets to provide
optimal stability, accommodating
installations on tile, hardwood, or carpeted floors.
To install and adjust the spikes:
1. Place the loudspeaker on its side on a soft towel or carpeted floor.
2. Screw the spikes into the fittings on the bottom of the loudspeaker. The spikes can be
installed with either the pointed end or round end protruding from the cabinet.
Pointed
End Out
or
Rounded
End Out
Clamping Ring (included)
Washer (included)
NOTE: When moving the F328Be with the spikes installed, avoid dragging the loudspeaker
across the floor.
• If the loudspeakers are to be placed on a carpeted floor, install the spikes with the
pointed ends protruding from the cabinet.
• If the loudspeakers are to be placed on a wood, linoleum or tile floor, install the
spikes with the round ends protruding from the cabinet. After determining the final
locations for the speakers, you can place coins or use specific discs under the
spikes to protect the floor surface from damage.
NOTE: If you prefer to install the spikes with the pointed ends protruding from the cabinet,
you must place coins or similar items under the spikes to avoid damaging the floor
surface.
3. Rotate the locking ring clockwise to firmly secure the spike to the cabinet. Make
sure to thread the locking rings of all four spikes to achieve a level balance when the
loudspeaker is placed right side up on the floor.
CAUTION: Floor-standing loudspeakers such as the F328Be have a high center of gravity,
which may cause them to fall if tipped or improperly positioned. To avoid this, anchor
the loudspeaker to the floor and/ or wall using the same procedures and hardware used
to anchor bookcases, wall units, and other furniture. HARMAN International Industries,
Inc. assumes no responsibility for proper selection and installation of hardware or for
any personal injuries or product damages resulting from improper installation or a fallen
loudspeaker.
LISTENING ROOM ACOUSTICS
Listening rooms have a profound impact on sound, particularly at lower frequencies. In
fact, the effect of the listening room can dominate sounds below around 400Hz. Ideally;
listening rooms would include optimized dimensional ratios to minimize the effects of room
resonances. But in reality, most listening rooms are not designed to enhance loudspeaker
performance.
The interaction between loudspeakers and listening rooms is complex, with two important
determinants that affect the loudspeaker and the listener:
• Surfaces and other boundaries often cause large peaks and dips in low-frequency
response.
• All rooms suffer, at least to
some degree, from standing waves (also known as room
modes or resonances) that create large low-frequency response errors. Bass loudness
can vary plus or minus 12dB or more in different areas of the room.
Unfortunately, there is no simple solution that addresses both of these factors. Even
computer software programs that examine one or both factors may not calculate proper
primary listening position or loudspeaker placement values.
In most cases, proper selection of the primary listening position combined with proper
placement of the loudspeaker can result in superior performance at lower frequencies.
The difference between superior and inferior results is often just a small adjustment of the
ACOUSTIC TREATMENT MATERIALS
The Revel PerformaBe models feature high-order filters that optimize the loudspeakers’ on-
axis and off-axis response, minimizing sonic degradations that occur in overly “live” rooms
(those with surfaces that are acoustically reflective). Many listeners choose to place acoustic
treatment materials at the room’s primary reflection points to reduce these reflections. The
most important locations are the first reflection points on the front and side walls. Either
broadband acoustic absorbers or diffusers may be placed at the first reflection points on
the rear wall.
NOTE: There are numerous options for absorbent material. None are superior to low-cost
fiberglass. It is important to use absorbers that are at least four inches thick, to avoid
altering the spectral response of the loudspeakers. If sculpted foam is used, it must be
at least eight inches thick, as such absorbers are less efficient than non-sculpted foam.
Because the listener’s eyes and ears are on the same plane, the “mirror method” is an
accurate determinant of first reflection points. This method can be used to determine
reflection points for side walls, rear walls, front walls, and even the ceiling. Applying acoustic
treatment materials to the side walls is most important, followed by the ceiling, front wall
and rear wall.
To determine reflection points using the mirror method:
1. Once the loudspeakers have been placed, sit in the primary listening position and ask
another person to slide a mirror along the listening room walls.
2. Note the locations at which you can see either loudspeaker in the mirror from the
primary listening position. Be sure to look for both loudspeakers in the reflection