5
WHERE TO PLACE YOUR SPEAKER SYSTEMS
Effects Of The Wall
The wall or ceiling into which the AMC in-wall speaker is placed becomes its acoustical
enclosure. A large part of the system’s acoustical performance is dependent on that enclosure.
Generally, large volumes will ensure full bass extension. Whenever possible, avoid placing the
speaker at either end of along column such as that created between wall studs, the footer, and
the header. Placement at the ends of such a tunnel will create a “closed-end tuned pipe” that
can greatly reduce the bass. Rather than having hard surfaces behind the speakers that will
cause reflections, lightly fill the volume behind the system with fiberglass or other sound-
absorptive material.
Ensure adequate rear volume (0.5 cubic feet or better).
Avoid placing the system at the extreme end of the chamber formed by 2x4 framing.
Fill the volume behind the loudspeaker with acoustically absorptive material.
Stereo Image
The distance between the speakers determines the width of the stereo image. If the speakers are
placed to close together, the image will be too narrow; too far apart and the blend will suffer,
creating a “hole in the middle.”
We recommend an angular separation
between 45 degrees and 60 degrees (when
viewed from above). This is equivalent to a
separation between the speakers that is
about 75% to 100% of the distance from
the listener to either of the speakers.
Creation of “virtual images” (sounds
between the speakers) requires precise
placement. The distance from the left and
right speaker to the listener location
should all be as equal as possible. Use a
tape measure when selecting installation
locations to check the loudspeaker-to-
listener distance. Ideally, the front channel
speakers should be installed at the same
height as the ears of a seated listener. Try
to keep the front channel tweeters within
two vertical feet of that height. When
properly placed, your speakers will create a
continuum of virtual images from left to
right, with a convincing illusion of sound
outside, in front of, and behind the speaker systems.
Using As a Surround Speaker
The compact size and neutral tonal quality of the AMC speakers makes them perfect for the
surround channels of a home theater system. The best locations for speakers used for surround
sound are directly to the side of the listeners (A) or somewhat behind the listeners (B). If these
locations are not practical, then the rear wall (C) may be use, or even ceiling mounting is
acceptable. Surround speakers should be placed above the level of your ears when you are
standing. Never locate a surround speaker so close to a listener that attention will be drawn to
them.
45°-60°
A
B
C
AMC Speaker
Optional surround speaker locations
