Definitive Technology Mythos Gem XL User manual

IJePnitive TechnfJ!fJgy®
The Leader in High-Performance Loudspeakers®
Mythos GemXLM
Satellite/Surround Speaker System
Owner's Manual
Congratulations
Congratulations on your purchase of the Definitive
Technology Mythos Gem XL Satellite/Surround Speaker
System. This revolutionary loudspeaker utilizes state-of-the-
art components (homopolymer-coned bass-midrange drivers,
moving coil ferrofluid-cooled pure aluminum dome high
frequency radiators, uniphase crossover networks, etc.),
housed in abeautiful non-resonant polished aluminum
aircraft-grade cabinet in order
to achieve the most lifelike
sound possible in your listening room for many years
to come.
Your Mythos Gem XL is aunique speaker which may be used
as ahigh-perfonnance rear or side surround matched with any
ofour Mythos or any ofour other fine speakers. In addition,
,it
is asuperb front left and right satellite speaker which may
be combined with any ofour subwoofers. Four Mythos Gem
XL speakers combined with aMythos Three center channel
and aDefinitive subwoofer make afantastic, complete,
high-perfonnance home theater
5.1 speaker system.
Please Inspect For Shipping Damage
Each loudspeaker leaves our plant in perfect condition. Any visible or concealed
damage most likely occurred in handling after it left our plant and should be
reported at once to your Definitive dealer
or the shipping company which deliv-
ered your loudspeaker.

Conneding Your Loudspeakers
It is critical for proper performance that both speakers (left and right) be connect-
ed in proper phase. Note that one terminal on each speaker (the +) is colored red and
the other (the -) is colored black. Please make certain that you connect the red (+)
terminal on each speaker to the red (+) terminal of its channel on your amplifier or
receiver, and the black (-) terminal to the black (-) terminal. It is essential that both
speakers be connected in the same way to the amplifier (in phase).
If you experience
agreat lack
of bass, it is likely that one speaker is out of phase with the other.
Usually if distortion is heard when the speakers are being driven at
loud levels, it is caused by driving (turning up) the amplifier too loud and
not driving the speakers with more power than they can handle. Remember,
most amplifiers put out their full rated power well before the volume control
is turned all the way up! (Often, turning the dial half way up is actually full
power.) H
your speakers distort when you play them loud, turn down the
amplifier or get a bigger one.
Mythos Gem XL is aVery Versatile Speaker
The Mythos Gem XL is atremendously versatile speaker which makes aperfect
left and right channel front satellite speaker (when used with aDefinitive subwoofer)
as well as asuperb rear
or side surround speaker. We will describe the various
aspects of its use for both of these applications starting with the simplest instructions
first: for its use as arear
or side surround.
Positioning the Mythos Gem XL as aRear or
Side Surround Speaker
For Rear or Side Surround Speakers
The Mythos Gem XL is designed to be extremely flexible in terms of their place-
ment when used as surround speakers. They may be used on the side walls, rear
walls
or in the rear comers of the listening room. When placed along the side walls
the speakers should normally be located adjacent to or behind the listening position.
The speakers may also be placed near the rear comers
of the room or located on the
rear wall. If you have your couch or listening position near or against the rear wall,
we suggest rear wall placement of the Mythos Gem XL with them positioned on
either side of the couch and in from the side wall. High placement is preferred;
however, midwall
or floor placement is certainly acceptable. Normally speakers
would be hung on the wall with the input connection plate up against the wall,
however, the Mythos Gem XL may also be placed on shelves or stands. Of course,
experimentation is encouraged to get the best performance in your particular room.
As astarting point, we suggest mounting the speakers on the side walls behind the
listening position about 3-6 feet off the floor and halfway between the listening
position and the rear wall.
When using Mythos Gem XL in Dolby EX and other 6.1 and
7.1 systems (which
they are perfect for), one pair will normally be located on the side walls as described

above and an additional I or 2speakers will be located on the rear wall as described
above. IMPORTANT, PLEASE READ:
When the Mythos Gem XL is used as a
rear
or side surround speaker, the bass management of your receiver or decoder for
those channels should
be set to "Small."
Using the Mythos Gems XL in Conjundion
with a Definitive Sub
When apair of Mythos Gem XLs is used in conjunction with aDefinitive sub,
they may
be connected either directly to the left and right channel of your amplifier
or receiver, or to the left and right speaker level outputs on aDefinitive sub (when
the Definitive sub is connected via the high-level speaker wire inputs to the left and
right channel speaker outputs
on your receiver). Connecting the Mythos Gem XLs to
aDefinitive Sub (which includes abuilt-in high-pass,crossover for the Mythos
Gem
XLs) will result in greater dynamic range (the system can be played louder without
overdriving the satellites)
and is recommended for most installations, especially
when the system is being used for
home theater. Because this is the most common
set-up, the following instructions relate to wiring the Mythos
Gem XLs to a
Definitive sub.
Wiring 2Mythos Gem XLs and 1Definitive Sub for Stereo (2-Channel) Use
1) First, wire the red (+) terminal of the left channel speaker wire output of your
receiver
or amplifier to the red (+) terminal of the left channel speaker wire (high
level) input
of your Definitive Sub.
2) Next, wire the black (-) terminal
of the left channel speaker wire output of your
receiver
or amplifier to the black (-) terminal of the left channel speaker wire (high
level) input
of the Definitive sub.
3) Repeat Steps 1and 2for the right channel.
4)
Wire the red (+) terminal of the left Mythos Gem XL to the left channel red (+)
speaker wire (high level) on the back of the Definitive sub.
5) Wire the black (-) terminal
of the left Mythos Gem XL to the left channel black (-)
speaker wire (high level)
on the back of the Definitive sub.
6) Repeat steps 4 & 5 for the right Mythos Gem XL.
7) Set the low frequency filter control on the back
of the Definitive sub to approximately
2
0' clock. Please note that the exact frequency will depend on many factors including
specific positions
of the speakers in the room, so you might experiment with aslightly
higher or lower setting to achieve ideal blending between the sub and the satellites for
your particular set-up. Listen to awide variety
of music to determine the correct setting
for this in your system.
8) Set the subwoofer level control so that it sounds properly balanced with the satellites.
Please note that the exact level depends on many factors including your room size, posi-
tion
of the speakers, etc. as well as your personal listening taste, so you might experi-
ment with the subwoofer level while listening to awide variety
of music until you
achieve the ideal setting for your system.
9)
If your receiver allows you to choose whether or not the main speakers are to receive
afull-range signal, choose full range (or "Large Left and Right Main Speakers").

Using Mythos Gem XLs with a Definitive
Sub in Home Theater
There are many different variations of the basic DolbyProLogic and Dolby
Digital AC-3 formats and features, as well as amultiplicity
of ways in which the
speakers can be hooked up to these systems.
We will discuss the simplest and most
effective hookups and adjustments.
If you have aparticular question regarding your
set-up, please call us.
For Dolby ProLogic Systems
Follow Steps 1-9 provided earlier. The subwoofer will receive its low frequency
signal through the full-range speaker level outputs.
If, however, your system has a
separate subwoofer RCA low level output which has aremote control level adjust-
ment, you might also want to hook this up using an RCA-to-RCA low level cable
to the LFE/subwoofer-in low level input (the lower
RCA input) on aDefinitive sub.
Then use your remote control sub level adjustment to fine-tune the low frequency
level for different types
of program material. You might find you want ahigher level
for some music or for movies.
For Dolby Digital AC-3 5.1 Systems
Please note that Dolby Digital decoders have bass management systems (systems
that direct the bass to the various channels) which vary from unit to unit.
It is
absolutely critical that the bass management system be properly set in order to
achieve proper performance.
The simplest way to hook up and use your system with Dolby Digital decoders is
to hook up the left and right front Mythos Gem XLs and Definitive sub as described in
Steps 1through 9earlier. Wire your center channel to the center channel out on your
receiver (or center channel amplifier) and your left and right rear surround speakers
to the rear channel outputs on your receiver orrear channel amplifier (taking care that
all speakers are in phase, i.e. red (+) to red (+) and black (-) to black (-). Set the bass
management system
of your receiver or decoder for "Large" left and right main speak-
ers, "Small" center, "Small" rear surround speakers and
"No" subwoofer. All the
bass information including the
.1 channel LFE signal will be directed to the main left
and right channels and into the subwoofer giving you all the benefits
of Dolby Digital
AC-35.1.
Optional Hook-Up
An option on this hook-up (ifyour decoder will allow you to select "Large" left and
right main speakers and "Yes" subwoofer), in addition to the hook-up as described
above, is to use an RCA- to-RCA low level cable to connect the LFElsub-out on your
receiver to the low-level LFE/sub-in (the lower RCA input) on aDefinitive sub. Tell
your bass management system that you have "Large" left and right main speakers,
"Yes" subwoofer and "Small" center and "Small" surrounds. You will then
be able to
raise the LFE
.1 channel level being fed to the subwoofer by either using the LFElsub
remote level adjustment on your decoder (ifit has one) or the LFE
.1 channel level con-
trol on your Dolby Digital channel balancing procedure. This set-up has the advantage
of allowing you to set the low frequency level on the Definitive sub for smooth
balance with music while also allowing you to ')uice up the bass" for movies with
the controls on your decoder. It should also sound somewhat better.

Variation on the Optional Hook-up
One variation on the optional hook-up is to hook up and adjust the system as
described under "Optional Hook-Up" except select "Small Left and Right Main
Speakers" and a"Subwoofer" on the bass management system (along with "Small
Center" and "Small Rear Surrounds"). The advantage
of this over the Optional Hook-
Up will
be somewhat greater dynamic range (i.e., you can play the system louder).
However, depending
on the specific characteristics of the crossovers designed into your
bass management system, the transition and blending between the satellites and sub-
woofer may
notbe quite as smooth and continuous as the Optional Hook-Up, or with
the basic hook-up detailed above in Steps 1-9. However,
if you wish to play the system
louder, you can experiment with this variation.
In addition, this variation is also one
which can be used
if your decoder bass management system does not allow a
"LargeLeft and Right Main Speakers"
and "Subwoofer" setting.
We encourage you to experiment with the various settings on your subwoofer,
settings on your decoder, and hook-up options as described until you find the best
combination for you.
Using Mythos Gem XLs with a Definitive
Sub for Rear Channel Surround Use
Since Dolby Digital is capable of delivering afull-range bass signal to the rear
channels, some more elaborate systems will include an additional Definitive sub for
the rear channels. In this case, simply wire the Mythos
Gem XLs to the Definitive
sub as described in 1thru 8earlier, except wire to the rear surround outputs. Set the
bass management system for
"Large Rear Speakers."
Speaker Break-In
Your Mythos Gem XLs should sound good right out of the box; however, an
extended break-in period
of 20-40 hours or more of playing is required to reach
full performance capability. Break-in allows the suspensions to
work in and
results
in fuller bass, amore open "blossoming" midrange and smoother high
frequency reproduction.
Positioning Mythos Gem XLs when Used as
Front Main Speakers in Your Room
It is important that some simple set-up recommendations be followed in order to
assure optimum performance in your room. Please remember that although these
recommendations are usually valid, all rooms and listening set-ups are somewhat
unique, so do not be afraid to experiment with the speakers. Remember, whatever
sounds best to you is correct.
The Mythos Gem XL Loudspeakers may be placed on astand or shelf or be
mounted on the wall. Placement close to the wall will increase the bass output while
placement further from the rear wall will decrease the bass output.

•
When used as fronts, the speakers should usually be placed 6to 8feet apart
and kept away from the side walls and comers. Agood rule
of thumb is to place
the speakers separated by one halfthe length
of the \l{all they are positioned along,
and each speaker one quarter the length
of the wall behind them away from the
side wall.
Mounting Your Mythos Gem XL with the
Supplied Wall-Mount Template
Your Mythos Gem XL comes with an optional wall-bracket designed to securely
mount your speaker flush to your wall. The bracket can
ONL Ybe used with a
vertical installation. For safety, it is extremely important that this bracket be installed
with molly-bolts or similarly effective fasteners appropriate for the construction
of
your wall. Be sure to use all six of the mounting holes when fastening the bracket
to the wall. Never use unanchored or improperly anchored screws in your wall.
Professional installation is strongly recommended. Your dealer can either arrange
this for you, or refer you to aqualified installer.
To determine the bracket's position on the wall, use the mounting template which
comes with your speakers.
If you are mounting your Mythos Gem XL close to any-
thing above it, please allow an extra 11
/4 inches above the top of the speaker for the
speaker to slide onto its bracket.
If your speaker wires are to be hidden inside the wall, be sure to conform to your
local building codes. When installed on the bracket, the center
of the Mythos Gem
XL speaker terminals will be as indicated on the template.
To install
th~ Mythos Gem XL on its bracket, securely fasten the mounting screw
supplied into the threaded hole on the rear
of the speaker, screwing it in as far as it
will go. The speaker will then·hang in the "keyhole" on the bracket. After placing the
screw in this opening, pressing down firmly on the top
of the speaker will seat
the speaker properly and avoid any rattles during use.
In addition, the Mythos Gem XL has a threaded insert on the back which
may be used with a wall-mount pivoting bracket such as the Definitive
ProMount 80.

VERY IMPORTANT: SETTING CHANNEL BALANCE AND BASS MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS
Dolby Digital and Dolby ProLogic systems and decoders have a critical channel balancing
procedure for the left and right front speakers, center channel, rears and subwoofer (if it
is hooked up through the LFE or Sub Out low-level connection) which must be followed if
the system is to perform properly. We have spoken with many system users with problems
relating to the overall sound of their system which could be clearly traced back to improper
system balance. .
Also note that Dolby Digital decoders have· bass management systems (systems which
direct the bass to the various channels) which vary from unit to unit. This bass management
system must also be properly adjusted. H your Mythos Gem XL loudspeakers are hooked
up with speaker level wires coming directly from your amplifier and you are using a sepa-
rate subwoofer which is connected to your receiver only with a LFE low-level connection,
your receiver's or decoder's bass management system should be set for ''Small'' left and
right main speakers, "Small" center, "Small" surrounds, and "Yes" subwoofer. H your
Mythos Gem XL loudspeakers are hooked up with speaker level wires coming directly from
your subwoofer (as described in the hook-up directions) and your subwoofer is connected to
your receiver or amplifier with speaker level wire, then your receiver's or decoder's bass
management system should be set for ''Large'' left and right main speakers, ''Small'' center,
"Small" surrounds, and ''No'' subwoofer if your subwoofer is just hooked up to your ampli-
fier with speaker level wires, or ''Yes'' if your subwoofer is hooked up to your amplifier with
both speaker wires and a LFE low-level connection (as described in the hook-up directions).
H you are using the Mythos Gem XL speakers as rear or side surround speakers, set the
rear or side surround bass management to ''Small''. Also, do not be afraid to experiment.
Remember, whatever sounds best to you is correct.
Technical Assistance
It is our pleasure to offer assistance if you have any questions regarding your
Mythos Gems
or their set-up. Please contact your nearest Definitive Technology
dealer
or contact us directly at 410-363-7148.
Service
Service and warranty work on your Definitive loudspeakers will normally be per-
formed by your local Definitive Technology dealer.
If, however, you wish to return
the speaker to us, please contact us first, describing the problem and requesting
authorization as well as the locations
of the nearest factory service center. Please
note
that the address given in this booklet is the address of our offices
only. Under no circumstances should loudspeakers be shipped to
our
offices or returned without contacting us first and obtaining return
authorization.
Definitive Technology Offices
11433 Cronridge Drive, Suite K
Owings Mills, Maryland 21117
phone: [phone]
Visit our website: www.definitivetech.com.

Mythos Gem XL Specifications
Dimensions:
Frequency Response:
Efficiency:
Norirlnal Impedance:
Driver Complement:
Enclosure:
Rec. Assoc. Amplification:
12
5/s"H x 41
h"D x 51 h"W
50Hz-30kHz
89 dB
Compatible with 4 - 8 ohm outputs
Two 4.5" long-throw cast-basket bass/midrange drivers
with butyl rubber
surrounds~ one ferrofluid-dampened
1" pure aluminum dome tweeter
Polished extruded aircraft-grade aluminum
10 - 200 watts per channel
Limited 5-year Warranty
Definitive Technology warrants to the original retail purchaser only that this Definitive Technology
Loudspeaker Product (the "Product") will be free from defects in materials and workmanship for aperiod
of five (5) years from the date of the original purchase from aDefinitive Technology Franchised Dealer.
However, this warranty will automatically terminate prior to the expiration
of five (5) years if the original
retail purchaser sells
or otherwise transfers the Product to any other party. The original retail purchaser
shall hereinafter be referred to as "you."
To obtain the warranty protection for your Definitive Technology
Product(s), you must fill out the Warranty Registration Card(s), within ten days
of the date of purchase.
Defective Products must
be shipped, together with proof of date of purchase, prepaid insured to the
Franchised Dealer from whom you purchased the Product,
or to the nearest Factory service center.
Product(s) must
be shipped in the original shipping container or its equivalent; in any case the risk of loss
or damage in transit is to be borne by you. If, upon examination at the Factory or aDefinitive Technology
Franchised Dealer itis determined that the unit was defective in materials
or workmanship at any time dur-
ing this Warranty period. Definitive Technology
or the Definitive Technology Franchised Dealer will, at its
option, repair
or replace this product at no additional charge, except as set forth below. All replaced parts
.and Product(s) become the property
of Definitive Technology. Product(s) replaced or repaired under this
Warranty will
be returned to you, within areasonable time, freight collect.
This Warranty does not include service
or parts to repair damage caused by accident, misuse, abuse,
negligence, inadequate packing
or shipping procedures, commercial use, voltage in excess of the rated
maximum
of the unit, cosmetic appearance of cabinetry not directly attributable to defects in materials or
workmanship, or service, or repair or modification of the Product which has not been authorized by
Definitive Technology.
Definitive Technology makes no Warranty with respect to its Products purchasedfrom dealers or out-
lets other than Definitive Technology Franchised Dealers.
This Warranty is in lieu of all other expressed Warranties. If this Product is defective in material or
workmanship
as warranted above, your sole remedy shall be repair orreplacement as provided above. In
no event will Definitive Technology be liable to you for any incidental orconsequential damages arising
out
of the use orinability to use the Product, even ifDefinitive Technology oraDefinitive Technology
Franchised Dealer has been advised
of the possibility of such damages, orfor any claim by any other
party. Some states do not allow the exclusion or limitation of consequential damages, so the above limita-
tion
may not apply to you.
All implied warranties on the Product are limited to the duration of this expressed Warranty. Some
states do not allow limitation on how long an implied Warranty lasts, so the above limitations may not
apply
to you. This Warranty gives you specific legal rights, and you also may have other rights which vary
from state
to state.
({
This product complies with the essential requirements of
EMC directives 89/336/EEC and 73/23/EEC (inclusive of
93/68/EEC)
and carries the CE mark accordingly.
DRAT053107

•
•
PILOT
HOLE
PILOT
HOLE
..
•
PILOT
HOLE
HOLE
PILOT
1 1 r
TOP
ALLOW MINIMUM CLEARANCE OF 11/4" ABOVE TOP OF SPEAKER
DRILL PILOTHOLES TO APPROPRIATE
SIZE FOR FASTENERS
PILOT
o
o
PILOT
•
HOLE
Definitive Tech11fJlogy®
WALL BRACKET TEMPLATE
FOR MYTHOS® GEM™ XL
PART NUMBER 4354A100
g
BOTTOM
51/2" TOTAL WIDTH OF SPEAKER

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.Definitive Technology
11433 Cronridge Dr. Suile K • Owings Mills, MD 21 t 17
[phone]. info@definitiveTech,com
DePnitive Technology®
The Leader in High-Performance Loudspeakers-