HB-1 MK2... At me, or in front of me?

[FourthMusketeer]

I get curious about these things, so I would like to know what the official stance is on HB-1 MK2 orientation.

I was reading the Owner's Manual, which has the following guidance:

For best imaging, the HB-1 MK2 should be placed such that the tweeter is at ear level when seated, woofer closer to the floor, aimed directly at the primary listener.

Then I was reading the StereoMojo review which mentioned this:

I received an email from Dr Hsu suggesting that when the speakers arrive I place them such that they are focused to meet at a point in front of me. I foolishly thought the word
"front" was a typo and set them up angled in around 30 degrees. I soon learned the opposite. Once the speakers are actually set up such that you can see some of the outside side of both speaker enclosures when seated in the middle, you're ready. This was consistent in three different listening areas and really makes a big difference with these.

I'm inclined to go with Dr. Hsu on this, but I was thinking that the Owner's Manual should be updated to reflect his views on this.

Also, some clarification would be nice on these points:

1. How is "a point in front" of the listener determined? Stick your legs straight out and target that point (at ear level, of course)? Is there a ratio or formula? Or is it more subjective than that?
2. If there are two primary listening positions (like on a couch) should "the point in front" be between them?

Thanks in advance for humoring my curiosity.

[Pete_Hsu]

Hi FM,

Try to toe in the speakers enough so that you can see the sides of each speaker from the primary listening position, or the centroid of two primary listening positions.

There is no hard and fast rule here per se, just some general recommendations.

Sincerely,

[FourthMusketeer]

Pete,

Thanks for validating this. Updating the Owner's Manual might help out those that are disinclined to crawl through the excellent content on this forum.

Have a great weekend... what's left of it.

[monkuboy]

I have my HB-1 MK 2's toed in so that they cross just in front of me but I think you really just need to experiment to see what sounds best to you. I am really amazed at how good these speakers are. Well, I don't mean to offend anyone at Hsu by saying that (such as "what do you mean, did you expect Hsu to make something that doesn't sound good?) but what I meant was these are really good-sounding speakers but even more amazing considering the price.
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[FourthMusketeer]

I hope this isn't too far off-topic:

One of the reviews I read stated that these speakers sound better with the grilles off.

If that's true it confuses me, unless they were designed that way on purpose with the intent to use the grilles as dust covers when the speakers are not in use.

Thoughts?

[Pete_Hsu]

There is a bit less coloration without the grille, so the speakers should sound a bit better without the grille.

Sincerely,

[FourthMusketeer]

Then I would prefer to leave the grilles off. Is dust much of an issue, or do the speakers "clean" themselves while in use?

If dust is a problem, how do you recommend cleaning them?

[Pete_Hsu]

Dust shouldn't pose much of a problem. Simply use two soft microfiber cloths, one wet with water and one dry, to keep the speakers clean.

Sincerely,

[OneForWoody]

FourthMusketeer,

I think most speakers would sound better with the grilles off.

I usually remove the grille's from my Klipsch RB-35 mains and RC-10 center speakers when I play acoustic or electronic chill music. By removing them I get a bit more clarity. The grilles are thin, easy to see through and do not hold back the sound in general. It's just enough to notice, but it's not like someone is standing in front of the speakers. lol

The grilles do stay on at all times when not in use. Keeps the dust completely off the speakers.

I hope you enjoy those HB-1 MK2 speakers. I've read that they sound awesome! Very powerful for their size.

[FourthMusketeer]

OneForWoody,

Thanks for the input. Actually, I haven't made my purchase yet.

I'm planning on getting the Enthusiast 1 or 2 package (leaning toward the 2). I'm still ramping up my ca$h. I currently have NOTHING! Unless you count my no-name 27" CRT TV with a mono speaker.

When all is said and done my system will consist of the following:

HSU Enthusiast 2 Package

• HC-1 MK2 Center Channel
• HB-1 MK2 Surrounds x4
• VTF-2 MK3 Subwoofer

Onkyo TX-SR608 Receiver
Sony BDP-S570 Blu-Ray (3D)
Panasonic TC-P54VT25 Plasma HDTV (3D)

I'm pretty sure I'll never leave the house again.