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Matching a receiver to your MTX speaker

Setup a Home Theater System

Selecting the right wire

Choosing the right custom speaker

One of the most common questions we receive is how to find the right receiver or amplifier for MTX speakers. There are many available home amplifiers that can power your speaker system, but choosing the wrong one and improper use can cause damage your equipment.

First, you need to determine the intended use of your system. Are you planning a home theater setup that needs surround speaker outputs? What sources do you need to connect to it: TV, DVD player, mp3, etc? These questions and others you can ask yourself about how you will use your system will help you make sure your receiver has the right number of inputs and outputs.

Secondly, you need to find a receiver that matches your specific speakers’ power output specification. This doesn’t mean that it has to have the exact same power rating but it should be close and in the same range for RMS and peak power performance. This also means checking that (1) the rating matches per channel/speaker (and not just total power output) and (2) that the impedance is correct. Having a mismatched impedance capability can especially cause damage to your speakers and/or your amplifier. So if you have an 8ohm speaker system than look for an amp with an 8ohm rating.

Example:
MTX Monitor600i
Impedance: 8 ohms nominal
Power Handling: 150W RMS

Spec to look for in an amplifier: 150Wrms (or 300W Peak) per channel at 8ohms

Surround sound speaker systems are a great way to get theater quality sound in your home. Here are a few tips on choosing your system and positioning your speakers for the best possible sound.

To achieve a Home Theater surround system, you first need a surround sound receiver and the appropriate number of speakers. Your receiver will tell you how many speakers and what type of speakers you will need. For example, if you have a 5.1 receiver that means you can connect 5 speakers (2 in front, 2 rear speakers, and a center channel) and a subwoofer to it. A 7.1 system adds another pair of speakers in the rear surrounds for better fill effects. Also be sure to properly match your speakers to your receiver (LINK TO “Matching a receiver to your MTX speakers”) for power and impedance. When selecting speakers it is also highly recommended to match the drivers in material, power handling, etc. as you will be able to hear the difference in performance. For example, using a left/right front pair with a polypropylene cone woofer but rear surrounds with an aluminum cone will have a noticeably different sound as the action moves from one speaker to the next. You are better off to have speakers from the same series to complement the sound in your system. For example, MTX Monitor series has cabinets, bookshelves, and a center channel that work as a surround system together. MTX Blueprint HT series has a number of models that will sound great together when used in a home theater system.

Positioning the speakers:

Front Left and Right Speakers
- To achieve the most realistic stereo image, position the speakers so that an equilateral triangle is formed between the speakers and the listening position (Figure 1). Turning the speakers slightly towards the listening position can improve the image focus. Bass loudness can be increased by moving the speakers closer to the rear wall. This sometimes can degrade the stereo image. Use your judgment as to what location best fits your preferences.
Rear Surround Speakers
- For rear channel speakers in a home theater application, the speakers are used for fill effects and surround sounds that would naturally occur behind you. The speakers should be placed to the side and slightly behind the listening position (Figure 1) if possible. If this is not practical, they can be placed on the rear wall to either side of the listening position (Figure 2). For best results, the surround speakers should be spaced equal distances from the listening position with the tweeters at or above ear level.
Center Channel
- Locate the speaker as close to the center of your TV or monitor as possible (Figure 1). This will anchor the central image of your home theater to the location of the images seen on the screen. Place the center channel at an equal distance to the listening position just like the main speakers. Also, place the height of the center channel’s tweeter as close to the same height as the main speakers’ tweeters (Figure 3). This will prevent sound image blurring when sounds are panned from the one side of the room to the other.

In-wall and in-ceiling speakers are a great way to get sound throughout your home while maintaining your look and style. There are a lot of speakers out there and by settling on MTX for your home is a great first step! But MTX has over 40 custom speakers to choose from so picking the right one for your application can be its own challenge. Here are a few suggestions to get you started based on your application.

Dedicated Listening Areas
These areas require a higher level of accuracy, imaging control, and overall performance from you speaker system than you might need for background music in other areas of your house. These locations generally have a set placement for listening, where the speakers face a couch or are used with a flat panel display. Directional models with imaging controls, 3-way driver configurations, and higher power handlings are just a few suggestions for these high fidelity areas.

HT8253W: 8" 3-Way Video Shielded In-wall (also the 6.5” HT6253W)
HT825AC: 8" Angled In-Ceiling (also the 6.5” HT825AC)
HT2625W: Dual 6-1/2" 2-Way In-Wall Mirror Imaged LCR

On a budget? Try this value oriented models designed as main front speakers:
CT825W: 8" 2-Way In-wall (also the 6.5” CT625W)
CT2525LCR: Dual 5-1/4" 2-Way Rectangular In-wall

Home Theaters
Home theaters utilize a number of speakers in a surround sound multi-channel system. Based on your specific installation, you might have some special needs for which speakers you choose for your home theater but here are some of our most popular home theater configurations

BEST
This is our most popular 7.1 in-wall configuration from the MTX Blueprint HT series:

Fronts: (2) HT8253W
Center: HT2625W
Rears: (4) HT520BDP
Subwoofer: HTS28W

BETTER
This configuration is a little less expensive than the BEST HT option. It is a 5.1 configuration instead of a 7.1 but still has the adjustable level controls and other improved features:

Fronts: (2) HT825W
Center: HT2625W
Rears: (2) HT625W
Subwoofer: HTS28W

GOOD
The CT series is filled with theater quality speakers in a value oriented line:

Fronts: (2) CT825W
Center: CT2525LCR
Rears: (2) CT620W
Subwoofer: CT800SW

Other options:

Surround speakers need to sometimes be installed in the ceiling and not in the wall. Use one of the following in-ceiling models if you want your rear speakers above you:

HT620BDP- An in-ceiling switchable Bipole/Dipole surround
HT625C- 6.5” in-ceiling speaker that will work as your surround
HT625AC- 6.5” Angled in-ceiling for longer rooms where the speakers will be placed behind the listening area and the sound needs to be redirected.
CT625C- 6.5” in-ceiling speaker for high value Contractor Theater systems

Small Spaces with no room for two speakers
MTX has developed special speakers for instances around the house without room for the installation of two speakers but there still a need for stereo sound. These models have a dual voice coil, two tweeters, and stereo inputs so that they can play both the left and right signal channels. This type of speaker is perfect for smaller rooms, reading nooks, closets, long hallways, and other non-traditional sound spaces.

H822C 8" 2-Way Stereo Input In-Ceiling
H622C 6 1/2" 2-Way Stereo Input In-Ceiling
H622CE 6 1/2" 2-Way Stereo Input In-Ceiling (Enclosed)
H622AW 6 1/2" 2-Way Stereo Input In-Ceiling (All Weather)
CD822C 8" 2-Way Stereo Input In-Ceiling Speaker
CD622C 6 1/2" 2-Way Stereo Input In-Ceiling Speaker

Cabinet Speakers

Custom Speakers

Multi-Purpose

ABus

All Weather

Can I hook speakers up directly to my TV or Computer?

All of MTX’s full range speaker systems connect through speaker wire as MTX does not currently make a powered speaker system. Therefore, computers and most TVs do not have the speaker level outputs necessary to connect directly to our speakers. Most models will require the use of an external amplifier or receiver.

Computers have a 3.5mm output (often used for headphones) that can be utilized to connect to most home audio receivers on the market. It is recommended to check your TVs owner’s manual for available inputs and outputs before purchasing a receiver or speakers.

Do I need to build an enclosure for my in-ceiling speakers?

No, you do not need to build an enclosure for MTX custom speakers. Certain models come complete with an attached back can but other models with an open back are designed and engineered with an infinite baffle so they do not require an enclosure for the best sound.

Based on your installation however there are a couple potential problems that can affect your speaker’s performance. If you have insulation that is falling into the woofer’s cone path, it can limit your frequency response and you might need to remove some of it to get the performance. Secondly, if you are experience bleed through into other rooms from where the speaker is installed you can add some spray foam (like the one available here: http://www.auralex.com/acoustic_adhesive_foamtak/acoustic_adhesive_foamtak.asp) for acoustic separation between your rooms.

Do your speakers fit in a standard wall with 2”x4” studs?

Yes, all our custom speakers fit in standard 16” on center 2”x”4 stud construction. For more information about a particular models depth and cutout size see that model’s product page.

How can I become an authorized dealer?

Email us at mtxaudiohome@mitekcorp.com and we will have a representative in your area contact you with more information on dealer requirements, pricing, and programs.

How do I know if my product is still under warranty?

Length of warranty for your specific product is listed in your product’s owner’s manual (copies of your owner’s manual can be found at the support page). Warranty claims require proof of purchase from an authorized reseller. Email us at mtxaudiohome@mitekcorp.com to begin the warranty process.

How do I order replacement parts for my speakers?

If you have lost or damaged components for your speaker system you can email us at mtxaudiohome@mitekcorp.com for information on ordering new or replacement parts. Costs and fees may apply.

How do I wire my in-wall subwoofer?

MTX in-wall subwoofers (HTS28W, CT800SW) are passive subwoofers, meaning they don’t come with their own amplifier to power them. They have speaker level inputs that might not connect directly to your home theater receiver and an external sub amp might be necessary. Match the impedance and power rating of your subwoofer when purchasing this sub amp.

Also, the HTS28W comes with two sets of speaker terminals to simplify daisy chaining for systems with multiple subwoofers. You can use either set of terminals to connect the sub to your amplifier or receiver.

My powered subwoofer blew a fuse, what do I do?

A blown fuse is a protect device to protect the subwoofer from damage. If your sub recently quit working it could have received an in-rush of power that blew the fuse that now just needs to be replaced (replace with same slow blow 2A fuse that your subwoofer came with).

If your subwoofer continues to blow fuses after you have replaced it, your amplifier might be defective. Email us at mtxaudiohome@mitekcorp.com to work on getting a new unit.

What gauge speaker wire and other cables do I need?

MTX recommends a minimum of 18AWG speaker wire for its speakers. For longer runs or if you believe you are not getting the best performance possible, try using a larger wire gauge.

Use this chart for recommend wire runs:
Less than 25’ = minimum 18AWG
25’-80’ = minimum 16AWG
80’-150’= minimum 14AWG
Longer than 150’= minimum 12AWG

What is the difference between a 6.5” and 8” speaker?

The two most popular speaker sizes for custom speakers are 6.5” and 8” drivers. And many of MTX’s speaker configurations are available in these sizes. Keep two factors in mind when deciding which size is best for your installation:

Primarily, a room’s overall size and installation constraints will determine your speaker size. Larger rooms or higher ceilings might require an 8” speaker system that offers a little more power output. Most rooms though will sound great with a 6.5” model that have a smaller footprint and are less noticeable aesthetically and have a smaller cutout size.
In addition to room size, how a speaker is used and your performance expectations might justify using an 8” speaker instead of a 6.5” speaker. In addition to power output, 8” woofers will have a slightly better bass response than a 6.5” driver because of the additional air movement. If you are using the speakers in a primary listening environment or home theater without a subwoofer it might be beneficial to use an 8” speaker for the slight increase in low frequency performance.

What is this black putty that came with my speaker for?

Many MTX custom speaker models come with a metal hook and black putty in the box. The metal hook is used to help remove the grille and the black putty can be used to hold the grille in tighter and absorb any rattles if necessary.