Definitive Technology Mythos STS User manual

Mythos STS
Mythos STS SuperTower® Loudspeaker with Built-In Powered Subwoofer
Owner's Manual
Thank You
Thank you for choosing the Definitive Technology
Mythos STS SuperTower Loudspeaker System. The Mythos
STS is a unique speaker which includes abuilt-in powered
subwoofer system with a high-power digital amplifier. This
extraordinary speaker truly revolutionize the state-of-the-art
in music and home theater loudspeaker technology and
performance. You chose wisely.
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 STS speakers.

Safety Precautions
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.
A vis: Risque de choc electricque, ne pas ouvrir.
CAUTION! The international symbol ofa 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 expos~ 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.

Safety Precautions Specific to Mythos STS
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.
Unpacking Your Mythos STS
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 STS in the appropriate place on
your warranty card, answer all questions and send it in.
VERY IMPORTANT: Accessories
Various parts and accessories that you will need to assemble your Mythos STS
are in the carton but are easy to overlook. Open both ends of the shipping carton.
Carefully examine the contents of the shipping carton and packing material to find
the plastic bags with accessories.
Base Installation Instructions
Tools required: 4mm (or 5/
32
") Allen wrench (also called Hex Key driver) included
in carton
Parts required: Polished Granite Base, Cable Clip for AC Cord, four Allen head
bolts, eights plastic washers. All required parts are included in the
product carton.
Instructions:
1. Carefully lay the Mythos STS 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 bottom (the same side that the
levelling feet are attached).

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 STS, the granite,
and the heads of the bolts.
6. GENTLY tighten each bolt with the
Allen wrench. Do NOT overtighten
or you may crack the granite.
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 levelling 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 holds the power cable in place to
prevent accidental disconnection of the cable from the inlet socket. To use, peel
backing
and apply to bottom of granite base half-way between center opening and
back of the base, slightly off to one side of the rear foot, as shown in the diagram.
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 MYTH OS STS

Installing Leveling Feet and Spikes
We have provided leveling feet and metal spikes with your Mythos STSs; they
are in the same bag as this manual. The plastic tips are for hard floor surfaces such
as tile and wood while the metal spikes are for use on carpeted floors. Be careful
when using spikes as they may cause damage to wooden or other floors which are
susceptible to being scratched. Definitive Technology is not responsible for floor
damage which may result from the use of spikes.
Screw the leveling feet into the five threaded inserts on the bottom of the
base. If you plan on using spikes, it would be best to experiment with speaker
positioning
first, then add the spikes once you are sure you've detennined the
speakers' permanent position. To install the carpet spikes, unscrew the non-
marking tips from the centers of the five leveling feet and screw the spikes in
their places. Then, with the help ofanother person, lift the speaker upright and
lower it to the desired location; push down on the top of the speaker to force the
spikes through the carpet and make contact with the floor beneath.
Once you have positioned the speakers, wiggle them to see if they are stable and
level. Adjust the height of the leveling feet/spikes accordingly for best stability.
Positioning the Mythos Speakers in Your Room
Your new Mythos speakers are very flexible in terms ofpositioning and
placement options and they will produce excellent sound in almost any location.
Following a few simple guidelines will, however, optimize their performance for
the more critical listener. Although the following recommendations will usually
yield the best results, all rooms and listening sets-ups are different, so do not be
afraid to experiment with the speaker placement. Whatever sounds best to you
is correct.
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Positioning Mythos STS as
Left/Right Main Speakers
For best results create an equilateral
triangle between the speakers and the
listening position as shown in the
illustration. Angle the speakers toward
the center of the listening position for
brighter, clearer sound with asharper
focus and a more solid central image
(recommended). Pointing the speakers
straight forward, parallel with each
other, will result in awarmer less
sharply focused sound.
The Mythos STSs are magnetically shielded for safe placement near TV or
video monitors. If you notice video distortion or discoloration, immediately move
the speakers farther away from the video display. To get the best possible imaging
and most even tonal response avoid placing the speakers less than 3 feet (1 Meter)
from back and side walls.

Positioning Mythos STS as Rear/Side Surrounds
When used as rear or side surround speakers, Mythos STSs 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 (figure A). When the side/rear speakers are
close to the listening position, do not aim the speakers at the listeners. Ifpositioned
several feet behind the listener, experiment with speaker aiming (figure B).
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Connecting Your Loudspeakers
Connecting Mythos STS to a Two-Channel System
Your Mythos STSs have a set of speaker level (high level) 5-way binding posts
plus an LFE input. If you are using your Mythos STS in a two channel system you
only need connect to the high-level binding posts. To start, strip liz inch (l2.7mm)
of
insulation from each of the two conductors of the speaker wire to expose the bare
metal and twist each of the individual conductors into single unfrayed strands. Note
that one of the terminals on the rear of each speaker is marked with red band (+)
and the other is marked
with black band (-).
Make certain that you
connect the wire from
the red (+) terminal of
your amplifier or
receiver to the red (+)
terminal on your
speaker and the wire
from the black (-)
terminal of your
amplifier or receiver
to the black (-) terminal
on your speaker.
Most speaker wire has

some indicator (such as color-coding, ribbing or writing) on one of the two
conductors to help you maintain consistency. It is essential to connect both
speakers to the amplifier in the same way (in phase). If you experience a lack
of bass, it is likely that one speaker is out of phase with the other and needs to be
rewired paying closer attention to connect positive to positive; negative to negative
on both channels.
To connect wire to the binding post [see figure above], unscrew the hex nut
and insert the bare wire into the hole near the base of the binding post. Do not
insert the insulated part of the wire into the hole as this will not give you a good
connection. Twist the hex nut back down the binding post until it firmly meets
the wire. Do not over tighten.
Connecting Mythos STS to aMulti-Channel
Home Theater System
Your Mythos STSs have a set of speaker level (high level) 5-way binding post
speaker inputs to feed in the left and right channel signals plus an LFE input to
separately feed the discrete "Low Frequency Effects" channel into each subwoofer.
Unlike a conventional system, where the subwoofer is driven only by an LFE
subwoofer signal, the Mythos STSs are much more sophisticated and can play
by the left and right channel bass signal as well as the LFE signal. For optimum
performance, please fully read and closely follow the directions in this manual.
To start, strip 1/2 inch (12.7mm) of insulation from each of the two conductors
of the speaker wire to expose the bare metal and twist each of the individual
conductors into single unfrayed strands. Connect the left front channel red (+)
terminal of your receiver or amplifier to the red marked (+) terminal of your left
loudspeaker and the left front channel black marked ( -) 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. Most speaker wire has some indicator (such as color-coding,
ribbing or writing) on one of the two conductors to help you maintain consistency. It
is essential to connect both speakers to the amplifier in the same way (in phase). If
you experience a lack of bass, it is likely that one speaker is out of phase with the
other and needs to be rewired paying closer attention to connect positive to positive;
negative to negative on both channels.

Connecting the Low Frequency Effects (LFE) Channel
Connect a"Y" connector (available from your dealer) from the LFE output on
your receiver or processor to feed two line level cables, connecting one to the LFE
input on your left Mythos STS and the other to the LFE input on your right speaker.
When using the LFE inputs, set your receiver's or processor's Speaker Set Up (bass
management) as Front = Large, Subwoofer = Yes (On).
LEFT SPEAKER
+
LFE
OUTPUT LEFT RIGHT
AMPLIFIER OR RECEIVER
RIGHT SPEAKER
Setting Low-Frequency Balance When Using LFE Input
In the receiver's or processor's speaker level menu be sure to set the subwoofer
volume to match that of the other channels in the system. Consult your receiver's
manual
for specific instructions on setting speaker levels.
Speaker Wire Only Multi-Channel System Hook-Up
If you do not want to complicate your system hook up by connecting to the
Mythos STS' LFE inputs, simply connect to the speakers' high-level input binding
posts
as described above and set your receiver's or processor's Speaker Set Up
(bass management) as Front =Large, Subwoofer = No (Off). All of the front
channel as well as the LFE bass will go to the Mythos STS.

VERY IMPORTANT: Setting Bass Management and
Channel Balance
Dolby Digital and DTS multi-channel systems have critical channel
balance and bass management procedures which must be followed if the
system is to perform properly. We have spoken with many users with system
sound problems which could be clearly traced back to improper system
balance and bass management set-up. Consult your receiver's or processor's
manual
to learn how to access your system set up menus. If you have
connected the LFE output of your receiver or processor to the LFE input of
the Mythos STS, using the Speaker Set Up (or bass management) menu set
the front left speakers as "Large" and subwoofer as "Yes." If you have
connected the speakers using only speaker wire, set the front speakers as
"Large" and sub woofer as "No."
If you have a Definitive center channel with abuilt-in powered sub woofer
or other full range center channel, set your receiver's Speaker Set Up center
channel setting
to "Large" (although you should experiment with this to see
what sounds best in your specific system). For almost every other center
channel speaker
set it as "Small." If you are using large rear surround
speakers
with very extended low frequency response such as alarge
Definitive floor-standing system or one with abuilt-in powered subwoofer,
set the rear channels of your decoder's bass management system to "Large."
If you are using medium to small-sized center and surround speakers, set
them to "Small."
Use the Speaker Level menu in your receiver or processor to set each
channel in the system to the same volume level. While you can get decent
results doing this by ear, it is best to use an inexpensive Sound Pressure
(SPL) meter to get perfect channel to channel balance. Some new receivers
and processors have Auto Set Up functions that use asupplied microphone
to set levels.
Using Multi-Channel SACD or DVD-Audio with
your Mythos STS
Because of the nature oftheir bass management systems, amulti-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 STS. If you are using one ofthese players,
please
use the connection method outlined in the "Connecting the Low Frequency
Effects
(LFE) Channel" section.
Surround Channel Hook-Up
If you are using the Mythos STS as side/rear surround speakers, hook up the
left surround red (+) terminal ofyour receiver or amplifier to the red (+) terminal
of your left surround speaker
and the left surround black (-) terminal ofyour
receiver
or amplifier to the black(-) terminal of your left surround speaker.
Connect the right surround red (+) terminal ofyour amplifier or receiver to the

red (+) tenninal of your right surround loudspeaker and the black (- )tenninal of
the right surround channel of your receiver or amplifier to the black (-) tenninal
of
your right surround loudspeaker. Most speaker wire has some indicator (such
as color-coding, ribbing or writing) on one of the two conductors to help you
maintain consistency. It is essential to connect both speakers to the amplifier in
the same way (in phase). If you experience a lack of bass, it is likely that one
speaker is out o( phase with the other and needs to be rewired paying closer
attention to connect positive to positive; negative to negative on both channels.
Set the receiver's or processor's Speaker Set-Up menu a~ Surround = Large.
Powering the Active Subwoofer
Your Mythos STSs contain a built-in, active powered subwoofer section as well
as an electronic crossover and must be plugged into an electrical socket of the
appropriate voltage (as indicated on the back of your unit) using the electrical cord
which you have attached to the bottom of the speaker. The Mythos STS 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 nonnal.
The LED on the back panel will light up when a signal is sensed and the amplifier
turns on. After the cessation of a signal, it may take up to an hour for the amplifier
to actually tum off. In some instances, because of stray radio signals (RF) in your
area, the LEDs may not tum off. However, this is nothing to be concerned about
as the amplifiers draw almost no power when they are idling.
Setting Your Speakers' Low-Frequency Level Control
Your Mythos STSs have bass level controls which allow you to tune the output
level of the powered subwoofers to match your room and 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 perfonnance benefit of this innovative product). We suggest
beginning with the level control set at approximately 1o'clock.
Nonnally 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
to compensate asymmetrical positioning of the speakers in your room (i.e., when
one is closer to a side wall or comer, etc.). This is a useful feature which allows you
much greater flexibility in loudspeaker placement, as well as the ability to
compensate for what could otherwise be difficult placement situations.