Where to place HC-1 with a CRT?

[richardbk]

Obviously I can't place the unshielded HC-1 on top of my Sony 34-XBR960 (pictured below). Getting a flat-screen is the obvious solution, but I love the Sony and want to keep it awhile. So… which solution is best?

#1 - Use the VT641 Center from my VT-12 system until I get a flat-screen. (If I do this, will it 'blend' sufficiently well with the HB-1 MK2s?)

#2 - Put the HC-1 on a shelf above the Sony. The Sony sticks out 26" from the wall, so this option would place the HC-1 about 15" behind the Sony's screen - that can't be good. Plus how high would the HC-1 have to be to avoid magnetic interference? Probably way higher than 'ear level' - that can't be good either.

#3 - Don't use the center channel at all… have just a 'phantom' center from the L & R speakers.

Any thoughts?

[Pete_Hsu]

Hi Richard,

For now, I would either use the VT-641 center, or try the phantom center idea, just to be safe.

If you use the VT-641 as a traditional center, then make sure to short out the inputs on the back of the VT-641 center for front left and front right speakers (simply create a jumper by running a small piece of speaker wire from + to - terminal on left input, and from + to - terminal on right input).

Sincerely,

[richardbk]

Thanks, Dr. Hsu. I will "short out the inputs" as you suggest.

Before you responded, I had already connected the VT641 with just 1 speaker wire running from the receiver's CENTER OUT to the speaker's 'IN FROM RECEIVER CENTER'—and it seems to sound good. So is "shorting the inputs" just a safety precaution—or will it affect the sound? (Also, I assume it doesn't matter if the Ventriloquist switch is on or off—correct?)

By the way, it's been only 2 days, but so far I'm really liking the pair of HB-1 Mk2s. When listening to 2-track stereo, I love good imaging and a deep soundstage—I once owned Spica TC-50s—and look forward to something similar with the HB-1. Nice work, Dr. Hsu!

[Pete_Hsu]

Hi richard,

Shorting out the left/right inputs on the speaker will give the 4"x6" woofers the proper damping characteristics.

Thanks for the kind words about the HB-1 MK2!

FYI, I am not Dr. Hsu! He posts as Dr_Hsu. The rest of us use _Hsu to identify that we are with the company :)

Sincerely,

[richardbk]

Thanks, Pete. (And sorry about the mistaken identity!)