Owner's manual

C) LEFT/RIGHT --The MG12's are matched pairs and mirror-imaged. The serial
number for each speaker in the pair is the same, except for a “1" or “2" following
each serial number. As you face the front of the speakers, the speaker with the
“1" after its serial number has the tweeter near the left edge, and the speaker
with the “2" has the tweeter near the right edge.
To obtain correct phasing between the tweeter and bass of
the MG12, the tweeters should be placed on the outside.
NOTE: Once you have located the ideal speaker position you should mark it. A small
tack or piece of tape can be placed on the carpet so that your ideal listening spot can be
easily relocated when the speakers (or chair) are moved for cleaning, etc. In the event
that your ideal listening spot is inconvenient from the standpoint of the room layout and
decor, simply slide the speakers wherever they look best. Experience has shown that
the speakers can be placed close to a wall, and it will make little difference for FM or
background listening.
The entire placement procedure may seem like a great deal of work, but is necessary in
the setup of any high quality system. The time and effort expended should be
necessary only once, and will repay the owner with countless hours of musical
enjoyment.
8. ROOM ACOUSTICS
Magneplanars, like other bipolar speakers, usually sound best with a moderately
reflective surface behind the speakers. In situations where the speakers must be
placed as close as 2 feet from the back wall, a heavy damping material directly behind
the speakers is advised; however, it should not cover the entire wall.
Damping material in other parts of the room is a matter of trial and error. A word of
caution--when audiophiles discover the effectiveness of damping material, they
sometimes overdo it (on the premise that if a little is good, more is better). Before you
make a permanent change to your room, experiment with the positioning of the damping
material. Usually a portion of one of two parallel walls should have some damping.
An overdamped room will provide very precise imaging, but you will have a reduced
sense of ambience (less reverberation, spaciousness, air, etc.). An underdamped room
may heighten the illusion of being in a concert hall, but the imaging will seem imprecise
with all the instruments mixed together. Be aware that so-called hardness or overbright
sound is usually the result of a room with hard surfaces (glass, hard paneling, etc.).
Moderation is the word.