Definitive technology Mythos mythos sts User manual

Congratulations

Congratulations on your purchase of the Deﬁnitive

Technology Mythos ST

SuperTower

Loudspeaker System.

The Mythos ST are very unique speakers which include

abuilt-in powered subwoofer system complete with a

high-power digital ampliﬁer. These extraordinary speakers

truly revolutionize the state-of-the-art in music and home

theater loudspeakers.

Our engineers have spent many years in developing this

product. In order to ensure that you experience the ﬁnest

performance possible, we encourage you to take a moment

to fully read this owner’s manual and familiarize yourself

with the proper installation and set-up procedures for your

Mythos ST speakers.

Mythos ST

Mythos ST SuperTower

Loudspeaker with Built-In Powered

Subwoofer

Owner’s Manual

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 Franchised 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.” 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 a Deﬁnitive Technology Franchised 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 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 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 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 purchased

from dealers or outlets 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 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 Franchised 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 USA Warranty:

5-Years for Drivers and Cabinets,

3-Years for Electronic Components

This product complies with the essential

requirements of the EMC directive 89/336/EEC.

DUAT012407

CAUTION! To reduce the risk of electric shock and ﬁre, do not remove the cover or back plate of this

device. There are no user serviceable parts inside. Please refer all servicing to licensed service technicians.

Avis: Risque de choc electricque, ne pas ouvrir.

CAUTION! The international symbol of a lightning bolt inside a triangle is intended to alert the user to

uninsulated “dangerous voltage” within the device’s enclosure. The international symbol of an exclamation

point inside a triangle is intended to alert the user to the presence of important operating, maintenance and

servicing information in the manual accompanying the device.

CAUTION! To prevent electrical shock, match wide blade of plug to wide slot, fully insert. Attention: Pour

eviter les chocs electriques, introduire la lame la plus large de la ﬁche dans la borne correspondante de la

prise et pousser jusqu'au fond.

CAUTION! To reduce the risk of electrical shock, do not expose this equipment to rain or moisture.

1. Read Instructions—All safety and operating instructions should be read before operating the device.

2. Retain Instructions—The safety and operating instructions should be retained for future reference.

3. Heed Warnings—All warnings on the device and in the operating instructions should be adhered to.

4. Follow Instructions—All operating and safety instructions should be followed.

5. Water & Moisture—The device should never be used in, on or near water for risk of fatal shock.

6. Carts & Stands—The device should only be used on carts or stands recommended by the manufacturer.

7. Wall & Ceiling Mounting—The device should be mounted on a wall or ceiling only as recommended

by the manufacturer.

8. Ventilation—The device should always be located in such a way that it maintains proper ventilation.

It should never be placed in a built-in installation or anywhere that may impede the ﬂow of air through

its heat sink.

9. Heat—Never locate the device near heat sources such as radiators, ﬂoor registers, stoves or other

heat-generating devices.

10. Power Supply—The device should only be connected to a power supply of the type described in the

operating instructions or as marked on the device.

11. Power Cord Protection—Power cables should be routed so they are not likely to be stepped on or

crushed by items placed on them or against them. Special attention should be paid to areas where the

plug enters a socket or fused strip and where the cord exits the device.

12. Cleaning—The device should be cleaned in accordance with manufacturer’s instructions.

13. Periods Of Non-Use—The device should be unplugged when not being used for extended periods.

14. Dangerous Entry—Care should be taken that no foreign objects or liquids fall or are spilled inside

the device.

15. Damage Requiring Service—The device should be serviced by licensed technicians when:

•The plug or power supply cord has been damaged.

•Objects have fallen or liquid has spilled inside the device.

•The device has been exposed to moisture.

•The device does not appear to be operating properly or exhibits a marked change in performance.

•The device has been dropped or the cabinet becomes damaged.

16. Service—The device should always be serviced by licensed technicians. Only replacement parts

speciﬁed by the manufacturer should be used. The use of unauthorized substitutions may result in ﬁre,

shock, or other hazards.

CAUTION

RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK

DO NOT OPEN

Safety Precautions

Notes

10 3

Service and warranty work on your Deﬁnitive loudspeakers will normally be

performed 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 location 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,

Owings Mills, Maryland 21117

Phone: 410-363-7148

Service

Tools required: 4mm (or 5/32") Allen Wrench (also called Hex Key driver)

Parts required: Polished Granite Base, Cable Clip for AC Cord,

four allen head bolts, eights plastic washers

Instructions:

1. Carefully lay the Mythos ST on its side. Lift the base of the speaker about six

inches and support it with a soft padded object, such as a pillow. Do NOT

support the speaker with a hard object, as you might dent or scratch the

aluminum ﬁnish.

2. Place one plastic washer on each bolt.

3. Insert the bolts into the granite base from the same side that the black feet are

attached to.

4. Place another plastic washer on each bolt so the washer is against the granite.

5. Finger tighten all four bolts into the threaded holes on the bottom of the

Mythos. If this has been done correctly, washers will be between the metal

surface of the Mythos ST, the granite, and the heads of the bolts.

6. GENTLY tighten each bolt with the allen head wrench. Do NOT overtighten

or you may crack the granite.

Base Installation Instructions

It is our pleasure to offer assistance if you have any questions regarding your

Mythos STs or their set-up. Please contact your nearest Deﬁnitive Technology

dealer or contact us directly at 410-363-7148.

Technical Assistance

Mythos ST

Dimensions: 63/4"Wx91/2"Dx511/2" H

Frequency Response: 14 Hz – 30 kHz

Efﬁciency: 93 dB

Nominal Impedance:

4–8ohms

Driver Complement:

Two 51/4"high deﬁnition cast-magnesium basket

polymer

upper midrange drivers. One 1" pure aluminum dome tweeter.

One 6" x 10" long-throw racetrack subwoofer coupled to

two 6" x 10" long-throw racetrack radiators.

Rec.

Assoc. Ampliﬁcation: 20 – 350 watt/channel

Built-In Subwoofer

Power Ampliﬁer

:300 watt Digitally-Coupled Class D ampliﬁer

Fuse Size:

3.25-amp 250-volt slow-blow fuse for 110-volt version and

2-amp 250-volt slow-blow fuse for the 240-volt version

Speciﬁcations subject to change without notice.

Speciﬁcations

Visit us at www.deﬁnitivetech.com.

Safety Precautions Speciﬁc to Mythos ST

The cautionary marking label is located on the bottom of the speaker,

visible through an opening in the granite base.

Power Supply

1. The fuse and power disconnect device are located on the bottom of the

speaker, accessible through a hole in the granite base.

2. The disconnect device is the power cord, detachable at either the speaker

or the wall.

3. The power cord must be disconnected from the speaker before servicing.

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 delivery company that

delivered your loudspeaker.Please unpack your system carefully. Save all cartons

and packing materials in case you move or need to ship your system. Record the

serial number found on the back of the Mythos ST in the appropriate place on your

warranty card, answer all questions and send it in.

Unpacking Your Mythos STs

5. Check that no foreign objects or liquid has entered the cabinet.

6. If you cannot get the subwoofer driver on the side of the speaker to turn on or

if no sound comes out and you are sure the system is set up properly, please

bring the loudspeaker to your Deﬁnitive Technology Authorized Dealer for

assistance. Call First.

Complete Home Theater Systems

We strongly suggest that you use matching Deﬁnitive center channel and

rear/surround speakers to complete your Deﬁnitive home theater system. Please

note that you can use Deﬁnitive Mythos ST SuperTowers as rear or side surround

speakers with excellent results for both music and movies.

7. Attach the AC cord through the hole at the bottom of the granite base.

8. Note the label showing the height adjustment ring and locking collar on the

black feet. Carefully return the speaker to the upright position and adjust the

feet to level the speaker.

Installing Cable Clip for AC Cord

The cable clip supplied in the accessories bag is a simple easy to use clip,

designed to hold the power cable in place and prevent accidental removal from

inlet socket. To use, simply peel backing and apply to bottom of granite base.

Suggested location for clip on the bottom of the granite base is half-way between

center opening and back of base, slightly off to one side of the rear foot, as shown

in diagrams below. Clip should be oriented so that the axis of the cable slot runs

between the opening and outside of the base. After plugging supplied power cable

into the inlet socket, it may then be pressed into the opening in the cable clip to

secure it in place.

SUGGESTED CLIP LOCATION

SELF-ADHESIVE POWER CABLE

RESTRAINING CLIP FOR MYTHOS ST

Your new Mythos speakers are very ﬂexible in terms of positioning and

placement options and they will produce excellent sound in almost any location.

Following a few simple guidelines can, however, optimize their performance

for the more critical listener. Please remember that although the following

recommendations are usually valid, all rooms and listening sets-ups are somewhat

unique, so do not be afraid to experiment with the speakers. Remember, whatever

sounds best to you is correct.

Positioning Mythos ST as Left/Right Main Speakers

When used as left and right front speakers, the Mythos ST can be placed right

next to your TV with excellent results or may be separated by a greater distance

than the width of the TV. As with any speaker, a greater separation (5 to 7 feet or

more) will normally result in a bigger soundstage and this is recommended from

Although the built-in subwoofers in your Mythos STs deliver superb low

frequency response and are all that are required for amazing performance, some

listeners go for the ultimate performance and add an additional powered subwoofer

to their system. If you choose to do so, we strongly suggest using a Deﬁnitive

SuperCube in order to achieve the highest level of sound quality possible. This

should be driven with an additional RCA low-level cable connected to the LFE

output of your receiver or processor. Your receiver or decoder’sbass management

system should still be set to “Large” left and right main speakers and “Yes”

subwoofer.

Using your Mythos ST with

an Additional Subwoofer

If you experience any difﬁculties with your Mythos STs, try the suggestions

described below. If you are still having problems, please consult your Deﬁnitive

Technology Authorized Dealer for assistance.

1. Make sure all your system interconnects and power cords are solidly in place.

2. Should you experience any level of ground hum or noise, try plugging the

power cord into the same circuit as your ampliﬁer.

3. The system is provided with sophisticated internal protection circuitry.

If for some reason the protection circuitry is tripped, please turn down your

system’s volume and wait ﬁve minutes before trying the system again. If the

ampliﬁer should overheat, the system will turn off until the ampliﬁer cools

down and resets.

4. Check to be sure that your power cord has not been damaged.

Troubleshooting

Positioning the Mythos Speakers in Your Room

procedure on your decoder to raise or lower the bass level for movie sound effects

as you require.

Normally the level control of the left speaker will be set the same as the level

control of the right speaker. However, these controls can also be set differently on

the two speakers in order to allow you to vary the response of left and right speakers

separately to compensate for variations and asymmetrical positioning of the left and

right speakers in your room (i.e., when one is closer to a side wall or corner, etc.) if

this is how you must set them up. This is a very unique and useful feature which

allows you much greater ﬂexibility in loudspeaker placement, as well as the ability

to optimize what could otherwise be difﬁcult placement situations.

Your Mythos STs have a set of speaker level (high level) 5-way binding posts

and in addition, each speaker has an LFE input. This input can be used with Dolby

Digital* and DTS* 5.1 (6.1, 7.1) decoders to separately feed the discrete “Low

Frequency Effects” channel into each subwoofer (which then combines with

the low bass present separately in the left or right channel signals). Unlike a

conventional system, where the subwoofer is driven only by an LFE subwoofer

signal, the Mythos STs are much more sophisticated and are driven by the left or

Your Mythos STs should sound good right out of the box; however, an extended

break-in period of 40-60 hours or more of normal 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.

Speaker Break-In

Connecting Your Loudspeakers

VERY IMPORTANT: Setting Channel Balance

and Bass Management Systems

Dolby Digital and DTS 5.1 (6.1, 7.1) 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. In fact, many users never realize that there is a

system balance procedure to be followed.

Also note that Dolby Digital and DTS 5.1 (6.1, 7.1) systems and 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. 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 bass management. In fact, many users never realize

that there is a bass management procedure to be followed.

Your receiver or decoder’s bass management system should be set for

“Large” left and right main speakers and “Yes” subwoofer. If you have a

Deﬁnitive center channel with a built-in powered subwoofer, set your decoder’s

bass management center channel setting to “Large” (although you should

experiment with this to see what sounds best in your speciﬁcsystem). If you are

using large rear surround speakers with veryextended low frequency response

such as a large Deﬁnitive ﬂoor-standing system or one with a built-in powered

subwoofer, set the rear channels of your decoder’s bass management system to

“Large.” If not, set them to “Small.”

asonic point of view. Speakers may be angled in toward the listening position

or left parallel with each other. Angling the speakers in (pointed directly at the

listener) will result in a somewhat brighter, clearer sound with a sharper focus

and a more solid central image (generally, we recommend this), while leaving

the speakers parallel with each other will result in a less bright, warmer sound.

Positioning Mythos ST as Rear/Side Surrounds

When used as rear or side surround speakers, Mythos ST may be located on

the side or behind the listeners. When used on the sides, take care never to locate

the speakers forward of the listeners. If the speakers are placed on the rear wall,

it is suggested that they be positioned fairly wide apart if possible. (For instance,

if there is a couch in the center of the rear wall on which the listeners will sit,

try to position the speakers wider apart than the couch.)

An optional “spiking” kit has been provided should you desire to “spike” your

loudspeakers. “Spiking” your loudspeakers will provide much greater stability

when placing your loudspeakers on carpeting. It will also, according to many

experts, result in an overall improvement in sonic performance. Care should be

taken when using spikes as they may cause damage to wooden or other ﬂoors

which are susceptible to being scratched. Deﬁnitive Technology is speciﬁcally not

responsible for damage which may result from the use of spikes.

The spike kit contains ﬁve spikes. To install, unscrew the non-marking tips

from the centers of the ﬁve leveling feet and screw the ﬁve spikes in their places.

Then, with the help of another person, lift the speaker upright and lower it to

“Spiking” Your Loudspeakers

Your Mythos STs have a level control which allows you to perfectly tune the

output level of the powered low frequency subwoofer section to match your room

as well as to fulﬁll your own personal listening preferences. Please note that there

are no controls to vary the crossover points or phase because these have been

factory calibrated and set to provide perfect blending (a major performance beneﬁt

of this innovative product). Wesuggest beginning with the level control set at

approximately 1 o’clock.

Setting Your Speakers’ Low-Frequency

Level Control

We suggest that when you are using a separate LFE input, you set the bass level

on your Mythos STs to sound balanced when listening to music in stereo and use

the .1 channel or bass level control in your Dolby Digital channel balancing

Setting Low-Frequency Balance When Using

Separate LFE Input

right channel signal as well as the LFE signal. For optimum performance, please

read through these instructions fully and follow them.

If the Mythos STs are your main set of speakers, you will hook up the left

main/front channel red(+) terminal of your receiver or ampliﬁer to the red(+)

terminal of your left loudspeaker and the left main/front channel black(-) terminal

of your receiver or ampliﬁer to the black(-) terminal of your left loudspeaker.

Connect the right channel main/front channel red(+) terminal of your ampliﬁer or

receiver to the red(+) terminal of your right loudspeaker and the black(-) terminal of

the right main/front channel of your receiver or ampliﬁer to the black(-) terminal of

your right loudspeaker. It is essential that both speakers be connected in the same

way (in phase) to its own channel of the ampliﬁer. If you experience a great lack of

bass, it is likely that one speaker is out of phase with the other.

If you are using the Mythos ST as side/rear surround speakers, hook up the left

surround red(+) terminal of your receiver or ampliﬁer to the red(+) terminal of

your left surround speaker and the left surround black(-) terminal of your receiver

or ampliﬁer to the black(-) terminal of your left surround speaker. Connect the

right surround red(+) terminal of your ampliﬁer or receiver to the red(+) terminal

of your right surround loudspeaker and the black(-) terminal of the right surround

channel of your receiver or ampliﬁer to the black(-) terminal of your right surround

loudspeaker.

Hooking Up With Speaker Wire Only

The simplest implementation of use with DTS or Dolby Digital is to simply

hook-up your Mythos ST with speaker wire as described above and set your

receiver or processor’s menu to “Large” left and right main speakers and “no”

subwoofer. The bass management system will then send the LFE .1 channel into

the left and right channels and it will be reproduced by the subwoofers in your

Mythos STsgiving you all the beneﬁts of the discrete LFE signal. The speakers

have a special circuit that takes an inﬁnitesimally small signal from the speaker

level input and converts it to a low-level signal which then drives the subwoofer

power amp.

Using the LFE Input on Your Mythos STs

With Dolby Digital or DTS, you have the option to use the low level LFE input

in addition to the speaker wires. To do this, simply use a “Y” connector (available

from your dealer) out of the LFE output on your receiver or processor to feed two

line level cables, connecting one to the LFE input on your left Mythos ST and the

other to the LFE input on your right speaker. “Tell” your bass management system

that you have “large” left and right front speakers and “Yes” subwoofer.

Using Multi-Channel SACD or DVD-Audio with your

Mythos STs

Because of the nature of their bass management systems, a multi-channel

SACD player or DVD-Audio player (or any other format that requires using 6-

channel interconnects) requires the use of an LFE connection between your

receiver or processor and your Mythos ST. If you are using one of these players,

please use the connection method outlined in the “Using the LFE Input” section.

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! If your speakers distort when you

play them loud, turn down the ampliﬁer or get a bigger one.

Your Mythos STs contain a built-in, active powered subwoofer section as well

as an electronic crossover and so each Mythos ST must be plugged into an

electrical socket of the appropriate voltage (as indicated on the back of your unit)

using the plug on the end of the electrical cord which you have attached to the

speaker through the hole at the bottom of the base. The Mythos ST has a special

circuit which automatically turns the powered subwoofer section on when a signal

is fed to the loudspeaker and does not require an on-off switch. Please note that if

you hear a pop from the speaker when the amp powers up, this is normal. The

LED on the back panel will light up when a signal is sensed and the ampliﬁer turns

on. Please note that after the cessation of a signal, it may take up to an hour for the

ampliﬁer to actually turn off. In some instances, because of RF presence in your

area, the LEDs may not turn off. However, this is nothing to be concerned about as

the ampliﬁers draw almost no power when they are idling.

Toprevent accidental damage to the subwoofers built into your Mythos STs

from overdriving the system, the subwoofers feature an internal overload

protection circuit, which will turn the subwoofers off or down when

overdriven or overheated and will then resume normal operation after a few

minutes.

Setting Bass and Treble Controls on

Your Receiver or Ampliﬁer

Powering Up the Active Subwoofer Section

Normally we recommend that you set the “Bass” and “Treble” controls on ﬂat

or 0 dB. This will give you the most linear and natural sound. If you want more

bass, raise the subwoofer’s “Level” control on your Mythos ST, keeping in mind

that even a little turn of the knob can make a big difference in the sound. Also, if

your ampliﬁer or receiver has a graphic equalizer, we recommend that you leave it

ﬂat. The reason for this is that we have spoken with many consumers about what

they thought were improperly sounding speakers when, in fact the problem was

misadjusted tone controls. When in doubt, leave them ﬂat; this almost always

sounds the best.