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Set Up tips for best performance
1. We highly recommend the matching stands for the ClaraVu Mk3 monitors. They complete the elegant
streamlined look that can be proudly displayed in any décor and place the speakers at optimum height. You
can add the sub modules when you want to upgrade to a full range system. The following instructions refer to
setup for a full range system.
2. In placing the speakers in a room, there are several considerations:
a. Place the sub modules on a firm foundation. It is a good idea to use the included bubble leveler to
ensure the top plate of each stand is level. Use the adjustable spikes under the sub’s feet to level the
sub modules and monitors.
b. Place the included metal discs under the sub spikes on hardwood floor to protect it.
c. Place the monitor speaker on top of the sub module, aligning them to make an integrated system.
d. A good starting point for setting up speakers is using the golden rule, explained on this page on the
Internet: http://www.cardas.com/content.php?area=insights&content_id=26&pagestring=Room+Setup
e. In general, an equilateral triangle set up where the listener’s position and the 2 speakers are at the
apexes of the triangle is a good starting point.
f. The distance between the 2 speakers should be at least 6 feet apart for good stereo channel
separation and imaging.
g. In some instances, a near field set up, with the distance between the listener and each speaker is less
than the distance between the 2 speakers, could work well. Experiment with the speaker toe-in to fill
in the middle of the soundstage image.
h. A good starting point for toeing is when the insides of the speaker cabinets are just visible from the
listener’s position.
i. For best results in soundstage depth, experiment with the distance from the speakers to the wall
behind them. Pulling them further out into the room will add more depth to the soundstage.
j. Toeing the speakers in and out with respect to the listener’s position can affect the width of the
soundstage image. Make sure that you achieve good channel separation with a strong center image.
k. Moving the speakers closer to the wall can help to strengthen the bass. Pull the speakers away from
the wall can fix boomy bass problems.
3. The ClaraVu Mk3 speakers are easy to set up but do take time to dial in the best position for them.
4. In some instances, turning the monitors upside down on the sub modules so that the tweeters are on the bottom
may help bass performance and soften the high frequencies. Experiment to see which suits you best.
5. Always use the best speaker cables your budget allows to ensure the best performance. DanaCable speaker
cables are a perfect match for the ClaraVu Mk3 speakers and will bring out the best in the speakers.
6. First, make sure that the On-Off switch of the sub amp is Off then plug the sub amp power cord into the wall
socket. Turn the On-Off switch to the Auto position. Set the Phase switch to the Normal position. Turn the
crossover frequency knob to a 9 o’clock position (about 50 Hz) and the volume knob to the 10 o’clock position
as a starting point. Using an SPL meter like the Digital-Display Sound-Level Meter Model: 33-2055 found at a
Radio Shack store and a test disc with lower frequency tracks such as the Stereophile Test Disc Number 1,
measure the SPL level for frequencies from 20 Hz to 500 Hz. Use the volume and crossover frequency knobs
on the sub amp to adjust for the flattest frequency response possible. Experiment with the crossover and
volume adjustments on the subwoofer for best results. When setting the crossover frequency, remember that
higher crossover and lower volume tends to make the bass boomy and loose. A lower crossover and higher
volume is preferred for tighter, more controlled bass. Once the crossover and volume have been set, use the
phase switch position that yield the most natural and coherent sound.
7. There are five ways to hook up the sub modules in a full range system, depending on individual situations and
budget constraints.
Best option: Use a high-quality pair of speaker cables from main amp to the monitors, then short
jumpers from the monitors to the lower posts of the subs. This way the best cables provide full signal to the
monitors, then is passed on to the subs. Very little signal is needed as the sub amps will amplify then you
use the crossover, phase, and volume to adjust the sub crossover. This is the best option since it is less
expensive than the biwire speaker cables option and provides equivalent performance in most cases.
Second best: Biwire speaker cables to the top and bottom. This is a close second option since both the
monitors and the sub modules are getting the full signal provided that the biwire speaker cables are of
