Specifications

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The easiest way to test different methods and frequencies for crossing over your 8”
Woofer is by using bass sweeps from the AVIA Guide To Home Theater DVD or even
low frequency sweeps found on many test CDs. Specically, the tones that descend in
frequency from the individual high frequency speakers to the 8” Woofer are quite useful
and effective. Using your SPL meter, watch for the smallest amount of overall needle
uctuation while you direct and descend the tones from the main speakers to the 8”
Woofer going around your system. If you are not sure about how to do this or where to
locate the AVIA or other test discs, please call AV123 at [phone] for assistance
or email us at [e-mail].
Setting 8” Woofer Phase
The knob labeled “PHASE” controls the relative phase of the 8” Woofer to best reinforce
the other loudspeakers in your system. Always make adjustments with BOTH Strata
Mini 8” Woofers playing so you adjust in real time. Adjustments to phase will change
the 8” Woofer interaction with the rest of the Strata Mini speaker system, providing the
least cancellation, and thus the best response in any room. With SPL meter in hand (or,
better yet, on a tripod in the listening position), play an 80Hz tone (for this exercise the
crossover point must be set to 80Hz or above and turn the Phase knob slowly from “0”
to “180.” Watching your SPL meter, select the setting that results in the biggest peaks in
sound pressure levels (i.e. reads highest on the meter). As this 8” Woofer is contained in
close proximity with the other drivers in the loudspeaker, your main adjustment of phase
will predominately serve to blend the reected energy from the back wall where the 8”
Woofer faces.
To verify your measurements, go back to the listening position and listen for yourself
using music you know. If the bass from the loudspeaker seems to be coming from the
front speakers rather than noticeably separated from them and reduced in output level,
you have got it right. The optimum setting indicates the least amount of bass wave
cancellation, and should be left alone after setting until the 8” Woofer or other speakers
in your room are moved, or placement is altered in any way. With front speaker
placement (where the sub faces the wall on the back), the “180” setting is usually best.
Caring for your Strata Mini speakers
Your Strata Mini speakers do not need much exterior maintenance other than an
occasional dusting. Please use care with the black and wood veneer nish and treat
them as you would a piano or ne furniture nish. The black nish on the Strata Mini
speakers can be waxed with automotive carnauba wax if desired. With the satin black
nish, waxing may even increase the gloss of the nish slightly! Wood veneer surfaces
on Strata Minis can be cleaned with a damp cloth (using water) if necessary. We
recommend the 3M Yellow Detail Cloth (part # 39016) for dust on both the black and
wood veneer surfaces as it does not scratch the nish.