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Q1: Why buy FULLstage instead of just the MAINstageHD?
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The MAINstageHD does have real bass, and given its remarkably big sound – many people will be perfectly satisfied with it played solo. The SUBstage100 adds another dimension of realism, especially when watching action movies or listening to an orchestra, both with additional deep bass and an overall larger more enveloping soundstage. The MainstageHD is at its very best with the addition of the SUBstage100.
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| Q2: Can I try the MAINstageHD now and just add a SUBstage100 later?
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Absolutely, however you do save some $ buying them together as a package.
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| Q3: How does FULLstageHD compare with other new "sound projection" systems? |
FULLstageHD and MAINstageHD are small, simple, and cost effective products engineered to provide a high definition listening experience to your home. There’s no huge subwoofer or additional amplifier module, and you can even use your existing DVD player…and they’re easily upgradeable to real discrete rear channel 6.1 surround. Do your own research, but the competitors we’ve seen and heard all seem to suffer in one or more areas when compared to our models. One large brand has introduced a couple of high-priced one-box units which sound pretty good and unlike our models do offer very convincing rear surround effects when professionally setup in a correct environment. On the downside, they are large and relatively expensive. Also we’ve found they do seem to lack bass, even compared to our small and low cost MAINstageHD, so when considering them, save some budget for a separate subwoofer…naturally one or more of our hideaway SUBstage100s matches quite nicely.
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| Q4: Any tips on where to best place the FULLstageHD in my room?
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For answers to this and other questions…see the MAINstageHD and SUBstage100 FAQs below.
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| Q1: How is the MAINstageHD different from the original MAINstage?
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It's been significantly improved in almost every way…here is a chart for a detailed comparison.
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| Q2: Any tips on how to locate/position MAINstageHD in the room for the best performance?
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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 it’s in a cabinet, move it 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.
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| Q3. The bass is pretty amazing for such a small all-in-one box . . . but I want more! Can I add an external subwoofer? |
Yes, MAINstageHD has a subwoofer output jack for connecting to the acoustically-matched soundmatters SUBstage100, 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 SUBstage100).
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| Q4. Suggestions for physically mounting the MAINstageHD? |
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.
To wall-mount using our 1/4”–20 threaded camera insert, carefully follow the bracket manufacturer’s instructions, making sure that the bracket is securely anchored to the wall.
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| Q5: Which wall mount bracket can be used for the MAINstageHD?
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So far, we’ve tried Omnimount® AB2, the Sanus® WMS, and the VantagePoint® Soundgear SATS. The Omnimount works with its supplied hardware. With either the Sanus and Vantage brackets you’ll need to replace the ”-20 bolt they supply with a shorter one… 1⁄4”–20 5/8” bolt/ Phillips combi-head to be exact. If you can’t find it locally, contact our tech support department.
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| Q6: I love my MAINstageHD, but want more volume? |
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.
We hesitate to mention this (seems like a lot of work), Jim in our Tech Support Dept has used two MAINstages in the front and says it sounded phenomenal…this would require you to adapt/split the signal from all of sources to feed to both units. If you really want to consider this call Jim – tell him it was your idea.
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| Q7: What are the trade-offs with MAINstageHD's Virtual Surround vs. "real" surround? |
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. It’s 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.
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| Q8: How do I control the MAINstageHD and my TV from a single remote control? |
The MAINstageHD’s remote control functions can 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.
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| Q9: Can I use MAINstageHD when I travel overseas? |
MAINstageHD uses an advanced 130kHz digital power supply and will therefore operate on most any worldwide household voltage, from 100Vac to 265Vac, 85WRMS. Just replace the power cord with one that meets local outlet requirements.
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| Q10: Will the MAINstageHD play DVDs with 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.
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| Q11: Do you recommend plugging MAINstageHD into a surge protector? |
MAINstageHD, like all electronic appliances, may benefit from surge protectors.
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| Q12: There's a loud pop when I use the rear vacation power switch to turn off the MAINstageHD. Why? |
The pop is normal. BUT 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.
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| Q13: Does MAINstageHD go into standby mode by itself or do I need to switch it? |
After MAINstageHD stops sensing a signal (Dolby Digital signals immediately, other signals after 2 minutes), it automatically switches to standby/sleep mode.
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| Q14: When switching between normal (•) and enhanced Dialog (+) modes, sometimes I hear a big difference, sometimes none at all. Why? |
There are a number of possible reasons. When you have the bass level set to maximum, it may overshadow the dialog boost. Also, obviously, some program material has no vocals in it, so when that’s the case, you may hear little or no difference. Finally, the frequency range of some dialogue may fall outside (or partially outside) the range of the boost.
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| Q15: What about blah blah? |
| Oooh...for that one (or any other questions) you’ll need to contact our tech support department …email support@soundmatters.com, or call 800.698.7662, x2 |
| Q1: Do I really need a subwoofer?
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When you are watching movies or listening to your favorite music, do you like to feel like you are really there, almost a part of the action? I’m betting you said yes, and that is why you need a subwoofer. Many movies and musical tracks have considerable content below the capabilities of the MAINstage or typical bookshelf speakers. Unless you listen strictly to choral, vocals-focused music or just watch old TV shows with limited signal quality, you will definitely appreciate the benefits of a good subwoofer.
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| Q2: Can I use SUBstage100 with my home theater receiver/system?
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Yes, like a traditional powered subwoofer, SUBstage100 connects to the sub output of an amplifier or receiver. If your receiver doesn’t have a subwoofer output, you can connect to any variable audio output.
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| Q3: Can I use SUBstage to add bass to the internal sound in my TV? |
Yes, but only if your TV has a variable audio output that:
a) has high enough signal level to drive the SUBstage (some have only very low output),
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b) this output is active with all the video sources connected to your TV (some TV audio outputs are only active with composite and S-Video inputs, not component or new digital connections).
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| Q4: Can I use more than one SUBstage at a time
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Yes, absolutely. Using multiple SUBstages in a room not only increases the ability to handle dynamic passages at higher volumes, but when strategically placed (see Using Multiple SUBstages page) can provide smoother, more even bass coverage throughout the room.
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| Q5: What is the advantage to using more than a single substage |
See Question 3 above, and the SUBstage users manual. (And see the Using Multiple SUBstages page)
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| Q6: Does it make much difference where I place SUBstage in the room? |
Yes. Both to the way the room looks (it’s easy to hide the SUBstage100), and to its sound. While it’s typically critical that full-range front speakers are pointed directly at the listener, bass response below about 200Hz isn’t all that directional. This gives you lots of leeway as to where to place your subwoofer. However, the sub’s location does affect both the output level and quality of the bass relative to your listening position. Again, see the SUBstage user manual for details. That said, the SUBstage is less critical of room placement than many other subwoofers, allowing you the possibility of putting it out of sight, but truly not out of mind!!
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| Q7: The included 5 meter cable is not long enough, are longer/better cables available?
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Any good shielded coaxial cable will work, the SUBstage accepts either RCA or 3.5mm stereo mini-jack connections.
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| Q8: How will the SUBstage improve the sound if I add it to my MAINstage? |
SUBstage will add the deepest bass frequencies, which any small speaker, even the MAINstage , is missing – this can be especially beneficial for both watching “BIG” movies and listening to a wide range of music – including classical, rap, and the blues.
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Q9: Will SUBstage give me as much bass as one of those big box subwoofers?
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SUBstage sounds cleaner, goes as deep, and in many cases deeper, than most subwoofers in its price range. If there’s a trade-off for SUBstage’s diminutive size, it’s that it won’t play as loud as its big box subs…not a issue for many listening situations. Moving SUBstage to a corner will significantly increase its output. If you need additional volume, add an additional subwoofer.
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| Q10: Will the SUBstage sound muffled if I place it behind my TV/entertainment center |
Not to the point that you’ll probably notice it. Just make sure that all cables are “dressed” out of the way from the front and back moving woofers.
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Q11: If I place it under my couch or chair, will it be muffled?
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Where you’ve the clearance, SUBstage works great under a couch or chair… in addition to hearing great bass, sitting above the woofer will help you actually feel it.
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| Q12: Will SUBstage work without the grille on. |
Yes, removing the grille allows to you fit it into some really tight spaces, reducing the height (or depth, depending on whether how it’s oriented) by about an inch.
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| Q13: Do I have to turn it off/on every time I use it? Does it come on automatically? |
The power is always left on, and rests in a low voltage standby mode…it turns on and off automatically with the signal.
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| Q14: What’s the phase control and how do I use it? |
Since your main speakers (or MAINstage) and subwoofer are separateunits, they are also probably located at different distances from your ear. Depending on the locations, it is possible that this difference will cause the soundwave of the subwoofer to arrive at your ear a split-second earlier (or later) than the lows from the main speakers and therefore“out of phase” enough to cancel some mid-bass frequencies. The phase adjustment helps to correct this problem.
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| Q15: Where should the crossover be set? |
This control sets how high in frequency the SUBstage plays…basically acting as a mid-bass fine-adjustment control. The goal is a smooth transition of bass between the MAINstageHD or main speakers and the SUBstage.
While listening to something familiar with steady mid bass signals, slowly adjust the control from about 80Hz up to about 200Hz. Setting the control to low holds the potential for a gap in response, while setting it to high will cause both the SUBstage and main speakers to overlap and play the same frequencies - causing a boomy sounding peak. The point where you hear smooth, well-balanced bass between the main speakers and sub is the correct position.
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| Q16: Where should I set the EQ switch? |
Setting the switch to ON boosts the SUBstage’s output by 3dB at 70Hz…this can be helpful if the sub is not placed near a wall or you want a bit more oomph in the sound… be forewarned that when listening to loud or overly dynamic passage, you may need to turn the subwoofer level down a bit to prevent overload.
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| Q17: After connecting the SUBstage to my receiver I hear an audible hum. |
What you’re hearing is typically called a “ground loop” often caused by inconsistent ground potentials between the plugs that your audio/video system are connected. First thing to try is changing the outlet that the subwoofer is plugged into…try plugging ideally connecting it to the same outlet used by your MAINstage or receiver/amplifier.
If that doesn’t solve the problem give our tech support folks a call.
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| Q18: Will the SUBstage help my marriage? |
| Clean, deep bass, without a big ugly box messing up the décor …that’s something everyone can agree on…pssssst...it’s not an excuse to forget the anniversary. |
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