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Duravit - Living bathrooms



Boston Acoustics FAQ
Boston Acoustics Logo.jpg How Close Should The Main Speakers Be Apart From One Another?
Ideally speakers should be placed approximately 6-12 feet apart.  If you place speakers more than 12 feet apart, place them at an angle pointing in toward the room's listening area, so you will not lose the stereo effect.  If placement is too close, the sound will not have a three-dimensional feeling.
 
Will Placement Affect The Sound Of Receptor Radio?
Yes. Placing the Recepter close to two large surfaces, such as on the kitchen counter near the wall behind it, will reinforce the bass end of the sound.  We suggest you experiment with different placements to find the most pleasing tonal balance.  A few inches one way or the other can make a big difference in the sound.
 
What Size Or Brand Of Speaker Wire And Cabling Do I Need?
While we do not feel that one brand of speaker wire is superior to another, there are some things to consider depending on the specific application.
 
When choosing speaker wire, size is most important.  Speaker wire size is mwasured in gauge using the AWG, or American Wire Gauge, system. A larger gauge will better conduct current, or power, from your electronics to the speaker.  In general, a larger gauge will carry more output over a greater distance without loss.  Common sizes from largest to smallest are 12, 16, & 18 gauges.  It is always best to use a larger size when in doubt.  Wire should always be budgeted into a system, as it is usually not included with the speakers.
 
When choosing cables to connect various A/V Components, such as a pre-amp to an amplifier, the wire gauge is not as important as the shielding.  Low-level signals such as video signals ot line level audio signals are especially susceptible to interference.  This can come from power cords or other devices such as florescent lighting.  To avoid this interference, a shielded cable should be used.
 
Where Should I Locate My Subwoofer To Get The Most Output?
Subwoofer placement will depend greatly on the room dimensions and layout.  While there is no absolute rule, there are a couple of tricks, which usually yield good results.
 
The best way to place a subwoofer involves the Law of Acoustic Reciprocity.  Begin by placing the subwoofer in the floor ar the primary listening position.  Start walking slowly around the edge of the room while listening to material that has strong bass.  Find a spot where the bass sounds loudest.  Swap places with the subwoofer, placing the subwoofer at this location and returning to the primary listening position.  This will yield similar results at the seating position.
 
If you are attempting to devide on placement prior to purchasing the subwoofer there are several locations that tend to work better than others.  The room corners are always a good bet, as well as alon gthe side walls at a distance from the corner of 1/5 or 1/3 the totla length of the side walls.
 
What Is The Difference Between VR-M & VR?
The major differences between the VR-M and VR can be found in driver and cabinet construction, and cabinet finish.

The VRM drivers uses cast aluminum baskets, compared to the stamped steel baskets used in VR. A cast basket will have less resonance than a stamped basket. Resonance, when severe, can cause coloration of the sound. Using cast baskets in the midrange and bass drivers lowers the possibility of this, ensuring as true a reproduction as possible. In addition, cast baskets are better at dissipating heat, thereby increasing the overall long-term power handling capabilities of the VR-M speakers.


The cabinet of the VR-M speakers is finished in real ash or cherry hardwood veneer, creating a furniture grade appearance. The VR, while still looking very attractive, uses a vinyl finish. In addition, VR-M cabinets are made of thicker panels with more extensive internal bracing. This reduces the amount of coloration attributable to the cabinet itself.


What type/size Wire Should I Run Inside My Walls?

When installing speaker wire behind a wall or ceiling a UL/CL rated wire should always be used. This classification of wire adheres to national standards for in wall wiring, based on such criteria as fire, chemical, and abrasion resistance.

Speaker wire size is measured in gauge using the AWG, or American Wire Gauge, system. A larger gauge will better conduct current, or power, from your electronics to the speaker. In general, a larger gauge (lower AWG number) will carry more current over a greater distance without loss. Common sizes from largest to smallest are 12, 16, and 18 gauges. It is always best to use a larger size if in doubt. Wire should always be budgeted into a system, as it is usually not included with the speakers


Can I Use Any Of Your In-Wall or In-Ceiling Speakers Outside?

For outdoor applications we recommend the use of our Voyager loudspeakers. They can be installed in any outdoor application.

Our DSi line of built-in products can be installed in moisture rich environments, providing they are installed in a location that prevents any standing water from developing around or on the speaker.


For application advice on the appropriate models to use for a specific application please contact our support department.


Can I Use Boston In-Wall or In-Ceiling Speakers In A Marine Application?


We do not recommend the use of any our built-in products in a marine environment. A marine environment is extremely harsh, and requires the use of specific materials to prevent mechanical deterioration and/or discoloration. Only products specifically designed for marine use should be used in marine applications.


Which Boston Speakers Should I Use In My Three-Season Room, Porch, Bathroom, Steam Room, Or Sauna?


Using built-in products in a three-season room, porch, or similar outdoor environment is possible, as the eves or overhang will prevent standing water from developing on or around the speaker. In these applications the DSi line of built-in products is best. These products are suitable for use in bathrooms as well.


A steam room or sauna is slightly different. While the heat and moisture will not cause any problems with the DSi product itself, the installation process for these speakers may jeopardize the integrity of the mounting surface. Over time the high heat and moisture may begin to cause problems with the surface material around the edge of the mounting hole. For this reason we recommend using the Voyager product for steam rooms and saunas, as they do not require cutting into the mounting surface