KEF manufactures a high-end speaker line that ranges from the $140,000 aluminum Muon speakers to more basic, small surrounds. KEF is known for its Uni-Q technology, which sets the tweeter inside the mid-range driver, resulting in a larger sweet spot. This means KEF speakers are less reliant upon perfect placement and are easier to set-up for the user. However, if you've never installed speakers in your home, you may be unsure do it. Here's get it right.
Instructions
1. Determine placement. Though most KEF speakers are less reliant on placement than others, you'll still want to follow standard set-up procedures. The two front speakers should be 6 to 10 feet from each other and equidistant from the listening position. The distance to the listening position should be at least as far as the speakers are from each other, if not slightly greater. Avoid placing speakers near a corner or sidewall when you can, and keep them a foot or two away from the back wall. For surround systems, place the front center speaker directly in between the left and right speaker aimed straight out at the listener, keeping it as close to the television screen as possible. The rear surrounds should be several feet behind the listener and aligned with the front speakers.
2. Angle the speakers. Unlike the majority of speakers, KEF speakers do not require you angle them directly at the listening position. They can be directed straight out with little or no angle. However, you may experience sharper, crisper sound if you angle them at the listening position. Experiment and find your preferred angle.
3. With placement set, make sure each speaker is level and stable. Use carpet spikes, speaker stands or speaker feet--depending on your specific model--and make sure the speaker doesn't have any movement. Adjust the speakers as needed to maximize stability.
4. Measure your speaker wire. Run a string to each speaker along the route you intend to run the speaker cable. Measure the length of the string.
5. With your measurements, cut speaker cable for each of your KEF speakers. Strip each strand on both ends so that you have about 3/4 of an inch of wire sticking out of the plastic casing. Wind the individual strands so that they form a tight, cohesive wire end that doesn't allow stray strands to stick out.
6. Connect each speaker to the receiver or amplifier. You can use banana plugs, spade connectors or simply insert the wire directly into the speaker terminals. Standard KEF speakers use binding posts which you unscrew, insert the speaker wire into the hole and tighten down for a secure fit. Be sure strands of opposite polarities are not sticking out and touching each other. If needed, cut the wire so that it doesn't stick out. Connect the other end of each cable to the speaker output on your receiver or amplifier for the specific speaker. Be sure that terminals of the same polarity are connected from receiver to speaker.
7. You can do bi-wire or tri-wire or you can use bridges. Most KEF speakers come with two or three sets of connection terminals, allowing you to bi- or tri-wire. Bi- or tri-wiring can provide superior audio. In order to connect speakers this way, you'll use separate speaker cables connected into the same speaker outputs on your receiver/amplifier, but run into separate terminals of the same polarity on the speaker. For instance, to bi-wire your right speaker, connect two separate speaker cables into the positive and negative outputs on your receiver. Run one positive end to the terminal marked high positive (HF +) and the other end to the terminal marked low positive (LF +). Do the same for the negative ends and repeat for the other speaker(s). If you do not wish to bi-wire, use the included metal bridges to connect the terminals of same polarities on each speaker.
Tags: each speaker, listening position, each other, receiver amplifier, right speaker, terminals same