NAD M15 HD Owner's Manual - page 21

SPEAKER CONFIGURATION

Every surround-sound system requires “bass-management” to direct low-

frequency content from any or all channels to the speakers best able to 

reproduce it. For this function to operate correctly, it is important that you 

correctly identify your speakers’ capabilities. We use the terms “Small” and 

“Large” (and “Off”) but note that physical size may be irrelevant.

• A "Small" speaker is any model, regardless of physical size, that lacks 

significant deep-bass response, that is, below about 200 Hz.

• A "Large" speaker is any full-range model; that is, one with deep-bass 

response

• An "Off" speaker is one that is not present in your system. For example, 

you might not have any surround-back speakers installed; in that case, 

you would set the ‘Surround’ setup item to "Off".

The Speaker Configuration is “global”; that is, it remains in force with all input 

and listening modes. However, speaker settings are part of the M15 HD’s Preset 

system. Consequently, multiple speaker settings can be stored for easy recall as 

different types of recordings or listening modes require.

Speaker Configuration can be managed and adjusted by pressing 

a combination of [S] and then [D

/

F] keys. Set “Front”, “Center” and 

“Surround” to “Large”, “Small”(40Hz to 200Hz) or “Off” as your subsystem’s 

speakers require. 

The “Back” speakers can either be one or two speakers. Set “Back” to either 

1 or 2 speakers as per availability. Set “Subwoofer” to “On” or “Off” selecting 

“On” only if you have a subwoofer connected to the M15 HD’s SUBW1 

or SUBW2 output jack. If “Subwoofer” is set to “Off”, “Front” speakers will 

automatically be set to “Large”.

ENHANCED BASS

When the subwoofer is set to “On” and “Front” is set to “Large”, the option 

“Enhanced Bass” becomes available. Normally, with speakers set to “Large” 

the subwoofer is not active.  The Enhanced Bass option allows full range 

operation of the speakers with the additional bass contribution of the 

subwoofer.  This feature is particularly useful when one wants to experience 

maximum bass output.  Please note that due to acoustic cancellation 

effects, the bass response may be uneven when using this setting 

You can set Subwoofer to “On” even with “Large” front speakers, in which 

case bass content from any channels set to “Small” will be routed to both 

the subwoofer and to the front speakers; LFE-channel signal will pass only 

to the sub. In most subwoofer-equipped systems, setting front speakers to 

“Small” is usually the better option. 

All the speakers’ low frequency content can be directly adjusted within the 

range 40Hz to 200Hz.

NOTE

Theconfigurationssetforthat‘SpeakerSetup’arecarriedoverwhenever

itisenabledduringA/VPresetsetting.Pleaseseealsothesection‘AV

Presets’forreference.

SPEAKER LEVELS

Adjusting the relative balance of your system’s loudspeakers ensures that 

surround-sound recordings, whether music or film, will present the balance of 

effects, music, and dialog that the artists intended. Additionally, if your system 

incorporates a subwoofer it establishes a correct relationship between the 

volume of the subwoofer and the other speakers, and thus of low-frequencies 

(bass) to other sonic elements.

USING AN SPL METER

It is quite practical to perform the M15 HD level setup routines “by ear,” and 

careful work will produce acceptably accurate results. However, the use 

of an inexpensive sound-pressure level (SPL) meter, such as Radio Shack 

part number 33-2050, makes this task easier, more accurate and more 

repeatable. Ownership of such a meter could prove a valuable audio tool.

OPERATION

USING THE M15 HD – SETUP MENU

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