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Set Up tips for best performance
1. We highly recommend the matching stands for the ClaraVu 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 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. There are three ways to hook up the sub modules in a full range system:
a. The preferred method is via a low-level connection out of the preamp outputs. This option allows for
the full use of the volume, crossover frequency, and phase adjustments. If your preamp has two sets
of RCA outputs, use one set to drive the main amp and the second set to drive the sub amps. If the
preamp has only one set if outputs, use line splitter connectors to create two sets of outputs. Connect
the preamp outputs to the RCA inputs of the sub amps in the back of the cabinets. Connect the
speaker wires from the main amp to the monitor speaker binding posts. Make sure that the On-Off
switch of the sub amp is Off and 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 all the way to the right and the volume knob to the 10 o’clock position. 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.
b. An alternative method is via a high-level connection from the main amp speaker binding posts. This
option uses a fixed crossover frequency of 125 Hz and only allows volume adjustment. Connect the
speaker wires from the main amp to the lower set of the sub module binding posts. Use a set of
speaker jumpers to connect the upper set of the sub module binding posts to the monitor binding
posts, making sure that the positive and negative wires are properly aligned. Use the volume knob to
adjust for the best sound possible.
c. The third way to hook up the subs is to use a set of biwire speaker cables to connect to the binding
posts of the monitors as well as the LOWER set of binding posts on the subs. This way, both the
monitors and the subs are being driven in full range mode and the only control is the sub volume.
