Soundmatters MAINstage HD - Manual (Page 4)

Q6. H d I c l he MAIN ageHD a d TV f a i gle e e c l?
The MAINstageHD’s remote control functions be easily captured by most “third party” learning
remote controls. Refer to the instructions provided with the learning remote. Alternately
you can feed the TV signal directly from the TV to the MAINstage. See the accompanying
Connection/Setup Poster for details.
Q7. Ca I e MAIN ageHD he I a el e ea ?
MAINstageHD uses an advanced 130kHz digital power supply and will therefore operate on
most any worldwide household voltage… 100–265Vac, 85WRMS. Just replace the power cord
with one that meets local outlet requirements.
Q8. Will he MAIN ageHD la DVD i h DTS ?
Yes and no. The Zoran VMD
® algorithms used by MAINstageHD extract spatial information
from Mono, Stereo, and Dolby ® encoded material. It doesn’t extract or playback DTS ® , but
all commercially available DVDs, including those with DTS ® , are required to include a Dolby ®
Digital sound (other than a few special DTS-only disks). Just make sure that if there’s an option
to do so, DTS ® is off in your DVD player’s set-up menu.
Q9. D ec e d l ggi g MAIN ageHD i a ge ec ?
MAINstageHD, like all electronic appliances, may benefit from surge protectors.
Q10. The e a l d he I e he ea aca i e i ch ff he
MAIN ageHD. Wh ?
We don’t suggest that you use the switch in the back on a daily basis. It’s only there to allow
you to totally cut power to the unit, such as in a vacation home (don’t forget to turn off the
water to the washing machine as well). Actually, we only added it at the request of our German
distributor to meet what many feel is an obscure European safety requirement.
Q11. D e MAIN ageHD g i a db de b i elf d I eed i ch i ?
After MAINstageHD stops sensing a signal (Dolby Digital signals immediately, other signals
after 2 minutes), it automatically switches to standby mode.
Q12. Whe i chi g be ee al a d e ha ced (+) Dial g+ EQ de , e i e I
hea a big diffe e ce a d e i e e a all. Wh ?
There are a number of possible reasons. When you have the bass level set to maximum, it may
overshadow the dialog boost. Obviously, some program material has no vocals in it, so when
that’s the case, you will hear little or no difference. Also, the frequency range of some dialogue
may fall outside (or partially outside) the range of the boost.
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2. Frequently Asked Questions
For the latest FAQs visit our website at www.soundmattters.com
Q1. A i h l ca e/ i i MAIN ageHD i he f he be e f a ce?
While MAINstageHD sounds pretty darn good in virtually any application, like any good
loudspeaker, best performance will be achieved if one takes a bit of care in its placement.
Best Hi-Fidelity: The system should always be centered in front of the listener(s), ideally at eye
level or a bit higher… for example, on a TV. Use the built-in AngleEase™ mounting system to
point MAINstageHD directly at the listener(s). If in a cabinet, move as far forward as possible
to allow widest dispersion.
Best Surround: The surround effect is enhanced with reflective walls on all four sides and
the ceiling, although a good spatial effect is achievable in most small to medium sized rooms.
Generally, the closer you are to MAINstageHD the more dramatic the surround effect.
Most Bass: Placing any speaker against a hard surface will reinforce (increase) its bass. The
more surfaces MAINstageHD sits against, the more bass. Least would be floating in the middle
of the room. Most would be in a corner at the floor or ceiling.
Also, since the built-in subwoofer fires both up and from the back, there must be adequate
space left around the unit (about an inch) for the bass to vent into the room.
Q2. The ba i e a a i g f ch a all all-i - e b . . . b I a e! Ca I add
a e e al b fe ?
Yes, MAINstageHD has a subwoofer output jack for connecting to the acoustically-matched
soundmatters SUBstage ™ , or virtually any good-quality hi-fi powered subwoofer. We use a
space-saving 1/8" mini-jack, so if you’re not using our SUBstage, you’ll need an 1/8"stereo
mini to RCA adapter for most subwoofers (included with the SUBstage).
Q3. S gge i f h icall i g he MAIN ageHD?
If the TV you’re mounting on has a narrow top surface (or you live in earthquake country),
consider securing the MAINstageHD with Velcro ® … if it’ll stick David Letterman to a wall, it will
probably handle our 4.8 lbs.
If you are wall mounting using our 1/4”–20 thread camera insert, carefully follow the bracket
manufacturer’s instructions, making sure that the bracket is securely anchored to the wall.
Q4. I l e MAIN agHD, b a e l e?
A couple of options – either add an external subwoofer such as a SUBstage100 (or two) and/or
add an additional MAINstageHD in the back for the rear channels. If the problem occurs only
when using the Source 1 input, the Input Sensitivity Knob probably needs adjusting.
Q5. Wha a e he ade- ff i h MAIN ageHD Vi al S d . “ eal d?
The traditional solution of 6 speaker boxes (and lots of wiring) for low-cost home theater
provides 360° of surround, but is a radical sonic compromise. Since the design and engineering
budget must be split between the many components, you won’t find true hi-fi speakers being
used. They may provide audio all around, but if you’re at all used to good sound, you’ll probably
find it less than adequate for either music or extended soundtrack listening.
MAINstageHD, on the other hand, provides true high-fidelity sound while in most rooms
creating a pretty convincing ambient surround effect from just one little TV set-top box. With
no rear speakers, it obviously doesn’t provide a complete 360° surround, but what it does do
is envelop you in a great sounding hi-fi surround experience; perfect for any small to medium
sized room where running wires to 6 speakers just isn’t practical.
A simple step-up with minimal additional wiring is to add a second MAINstageHD to the center
back of your room, this provides a truly remarkable 6.1 surround experience.