Definitive Technology Mythos Gem XL User manual

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.
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 a beautiful 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 a unique speaker which may be used
as a high-performance rear or side surround matched with any
of our Mythos or any of our other fine speakers. In addition,
it is a superb front left and right satellite speaker which may
be combined with any of our subwoofers. Four Mythos Gem
XL speakers combined with a Mythos Three center channel
and a Definitive subwoofer make a fantastic, complete,
high-performance home theater 5.1 speaker system.
Mythos GemXL
™
Satellite/Surround Speaker System
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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
a great lack of bass, it is likely that one speaker is out of phase with the other.
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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.) If your speakers distort when you play them loud, turn down the
amplifier or get a bigger one.
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The Mythos Gem XL is a tremendously versatile speaker which makes a perfect
left and right channel front satellite speaker (when used with a Definitive subwoofer)
as well as a superb 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 a rear or side surround.
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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 corners 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 corners 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 a starting 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
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When a pair of Mythos Gem XLs is used in conjunction with a Definitive 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 a Definitive 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
a Definitive Sub (which includes a built-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 2 Mythos Gem XLs and 1 Definitive 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 1 and 2 for 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 o’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 a slightly
higher or lower setting to achieve ideal blending between the sub and the satellites for
your particular set-up. Listen to a wide 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 a wide 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
a full-range signal, choose full range (or “Large Left and Right Main Speakers”). 3
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above and an additional 1 or 2 speakers 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.”

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There are many different variations of the basic Dolby ProLogic and Dolby
Digital AC-3 formats and features, as well as a multiplicity 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 a particular 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 a remote 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 a Definitive 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 a higher 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 1 through 9 earlier. 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 or rear 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-3 5.1.
Optional Hook-Up
An option on this hook-up (if your 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 LFE/sub-out on your
receiver to the low-level LFE/sub-in (the lower RCA input) on a Definitive 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 LFE/sub
remote level adjustment on your decoder (if it 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 “juice up the bass” for movies with
the controls on your decoder. It should also sound somewhat better.
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Since Dolby Digital is capable of delivering a full-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 1 thru 8 earlier, except wire to the rear surround outputs. Set the
bass management system for “Large Rear Speakers.”
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, a more open “blossoming” midrange and smoother high
frequency reproduction.
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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 not be 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
“Large Left 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.
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 a stand 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.
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When used as fronts, the speakers should usually be placed 6 to 8 feet apart
and kept away from the side walls and corners. A good rule of thumb is to place
the speakers separated by one half the length of the wall they are positioned along,
and each speaker one quarter the length of the wall behind them away from the
side wall.
Your Mythos Gem XL comes with an optional wall-bracket designed to securely
mount your speaker flush to your wall. The bracket can ONLY be 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 a qualified 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 11/4inches 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 the 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.
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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 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]
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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. If 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. If 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).
If 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.
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Dimensions: 125/8"H x 51/2"D x 41/2"W
Frequency Response: 50Hz – 30kHz
Efficiency: 89 dB
Nominal Impedance: Compatible with 4 – 8 ohm outputs
Driver Complement: Two 4.5" long-throw cast-basket bass/midrange drivers
with butyl rubber surrounds, one ferrofluid-dampened
1" pure aluminum dome tweeter
Enclosure: Polished extruded aircraft-grade aluminum
Rec. Assoc. Amplification: 10 – 200 watts per channel
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 a period of
five (5) years covering the drivers and cabinets, and three (3) years for the electronic components from the
date of the original purchase from a Definitive Technology Authorized Dealer. However, this warranty will
automatically terminate prior to the expiration of five (5) years for the drivers and cabinets and three (3) years
for the electronic components 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.” Defective Products must be
shipped, together with proof of date of purchase, prepaid insured to the Authorized Dealer from whom you
purchased the Product, or to the nearest factory service center. Product(s) must be shipped in the original ship-
ping 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 a Definitive Technology Authorized Dealer, it is determined that the unit was
defective in materials or workmanship at any time during this Warranty period, Definitive Technology or the
Definitive Technology Authorized 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 a reasonable
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 maxi-
mum of the unit, cosmetic appearance of cabinetry not directly attributable to defects in materials or work-
manship, 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 purchased from dealers
or outlets other than Definitive Technology Authorized 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 or replacement as provided above. In no event will Definitive Technology be liable to
you for any incidental or consequential damages arising out of the use or inability to use the Product, even if
Definitive Technology or a Definitive Technology Authorized Dealer has been advised of the possibility of
such damages, or for any claim by any other party. Some states do not allow the exclusion or limitation of
consequential damages, so the above limitation 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.
Limited Warranty:
5-Years for Drivers and Cabinets,
3-Years for Electronic Components
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.
DRAT012609