9
The Outlaw LCR Channel Loudspeakers
Owner’s Manual
External System Adjustments
Crossovers for Use with Powered Subwoofers
The Outlaw LCRs have fairly good low frequency output. As a standalone speaker
they will provide a neutral “true-to-source” reproduction of your audiophile
grade recordings. But for those seeking that last 2 octaves of audibility you may
wish to consider the addition of a powered subwoofer. Proper integration of sub
and speaker begins with the careful selection of the crossover.
Some receivers and processors supply a series of crossover options to integrate
your subwoofer. If you are using an Outlaw processor or receiver
the optimal setting is 80Hz.
For other systems, you will need to consider the Outlaw LCR’s +/-3dB down
point of 75 HZ. Based upon the prevailing use of symmetrical fourth order
networks in receivers and processors we suggest choosing the closest crossover
point provided by your system that is equal to or greater than 80Hz.
Volume Level
When available, match the levels of all of your speakers, including the Outlaw
LCR, as described in your receiver or processor owner's manual. We recommend
using an SPL meter such as the Radio Shack (part number 33-2050). When
using the test tones, measure from the listening chair and set the meter to the
75 dB level. In order to accurately measure levels between channels use “C”
weighting and the “slow” setting.
Surround Sound Considerations
A great speaker has many characteristics. Most importantly, it should have a
linear response, with a large soundstage and precision imaging while at the
same time be capable of reproducing considerable dynamics without sounding
strained. If these design goals are accomplished, the speaker will be at home
both in music-only and full in-home theater systems.
With the above in mind, we offer the following advice when integrating your
Outlaw LCRs in a 5.1, 6.1 or 7.1 surround sound system.
n Tweeter height should remain as close to even as possible between your
front left, center and right channel speakers. This helps maintain “timbre”
which is the characteristic of a sound that separates itself from other sounds
of the same volume level and pitch.
When a sound effect pans from one speaker to the next, you’ll want your
speakers’ timbre to match as closely as possible. This will ensure that
whatever instrument or sound effect you are hearing sounds the same,
regardless of which speaker in your system it is emanating from.
n Whenusing“directradiating”speakersliketheOutlawLCRsinthesurround
positiontheyshould beplacedjustbehindthelistening position.While timbre
remains very important, these speakers should be placed approximately 1-2
feet above the listener’s ears to create a more diffused sound field.
n Surround back channels, more commonly used in DD-EX™ and
DTS-ES™ soundtracks should be placed at the same height as the sur-
round channels. If you are using a pair of speakers in the surround back
position they should each be placed approximately 30 degrees off of the
center axis. If only a single surround back speaker is used, it should be
placed on center axis.
n Today’s blockbuster movie soundtracks take advantage of a dedicated
subwoofer channel called the LFE (Low Frequency Effects). For this
reason, we advocate the used of a powered subwoofer like our LFM series
subs. Placement of the subwoofer will depend on room acoustics, so you’ll
want to consult with your subwoofer manufacturer for tips on getting the
most from your sub. The Outlaw LFM series subwoofer manuals, which
are available as a free download at www.outlawaudio.com, all share
an excellent primer on subwoofer placement. We invite you to use that
information to maximize your system’s performance.
Care of Your Speakers
Exceptional efforts were taken during the design and manufacture of the Outlaw
LCRs so that they could provide you with a lifetime’s worth of music and movie
reproduction. Proper care along the way will ensure that they always look as
great as they sound.
We recommend using a lint-free cloth to clean your speaker’s cabinets. If
necessary you may moisten that cloth with plain water. Special care should
be taken to avoid getting water on the dome tweeter or woofer. Do not use any
other solvents or chemicals as damage may occur.
Troubleshooting
Troubleshooting
PROBLEM:
No output from the speakers
SOLUTIONS:
nCheck to ensure that your amplifier is powered on.
nCheck to make sure your source (CD, DVD etc.) is actively outputting
a signal.
nCheck to ensure speaker wires are properly connected.
PROBLEM:
Amplifier shuts down at power up or during high
volume playback
SOLUTIONS:
nCheck for a shorted speaker wire connection. This is observed as
speaker wire that touches both the positive and negative (red and
black) binding posts at the same time. This can occur at the amplifier
or the speaker’s binding posts.
nCheck to make sure your speaker wires are connected properly.
PROBLEM:
Woofer or tweeter sounds “distorted”
SOLUTIONS:
nCheck bass and treble controls and return them to flat.
nReduce volume of playback as amplifier may be “clipping”
