Monitor Audio Silver 100 Bookshelf Speakers Instruction Guide
- June 3, 2024
- MONITOR AUDIO
Table of Contents
Monitor Audio Silver 100 Bookshelf Speakers
Introduction
The revered Silver Series is now entering its sixth generation, introducing groundbreaking design throughout the entire range. Each model has been developed to provide a wider appeal to audiophiles and home cinema enthusiasts alike, whilst elevating performance to a new level. Two new center speakers now make it possible to assemble stylish, discrete or large, powerful home theatre systems. Silver 50 and Silver 200 models are more compact, providing a more attractive proposition for modern living spaces, yet delivering the same kind of performance expected from much larger speakers. Silver 50 and Silver 200 can be combined with the compact Silver C150 center speaker, tonally matched and visually discrete to form a compact high-performance multi-channel system. The Silver C350 center now provides the ability to create a no- compromise home theatre system, based around the Silver 100, Silver 300 or Silver 500 models.
Spikes and Feet
Select finishes are supplied with a foam gasket on the out-rigger, please ensure this side is placed on the cabinet.
For Wooden/Hard Floors
(Silver 200, 300 and 500 only)
The feet and ‘out-riggers’ are supplied assembled for use on non-carpeted, wooden or hard floors or where spikes are inappropriate. All that is required is to fix them to the speaker base using the supplied bolts (A & B).
You can check that the speaker is level on all sides by using a spirit level. If it’s slightly off-level, unscrew the foot at the lowest point and check again. Continue this process until the cabinet is fully level. Use the locking nuts on each foot to fix the feet in place and to stop any unwanted vibrations.
For Carpeted Floors
(Silver 200, 300 and 500 only)
If the speaker is being installed on a carpeted floor, screw the spike into the foot and ‘out-rigger’ assembly. Fix them to the speaker base using the supplied bolts (A & B).
You can check that the speaker is level on all sides by using the spirit level. If it’s slightly off-level, unscrew the foot at the lowest point and check again. Continue this process until the cabinet is fully level. Use the locking nuts on each foot to fix the feet in place and to stop any unwanted vibrations.
Please ensure there are no hidden wires under the carpet that could be damaged by the spikes.
Setting Up
2 Channel Positioning
When arranging a 2-channel system, the listening position and the loudspeakers should form an equilateral triangle. The speakers should be positioned approximately 6 – 10 feet (1.8 – 3m) apart. The ideal distance from the rear wall varies depending on the speaker (see list below), however, they need to be a minimum of 3 feet (91cm) from the side walls.
NOTE: These are recommended distances for optimal performance. Actual results will vary dependent on room size and construction.
Experimentation is strongly advised when initially setting up the speakers, as environment and personal preference differ with every installation. If there is insufficient bass for example, try moving your speakers closer to a wall. The opposite approach is recommended if there is excess bass. Also see the information on page 7 referring to Port Bungs. If stereo imaging is being lost, try ‘toeing’ them in slightly. The sound should appear to originate from the center point between the speakers, not the actual speakers themselves.
AV Positioning
Please refer to the illustrations below for the ideal angles and positions of each speaker in your surround system. The speakers should be distanced from the wall according to the requirements of the speaker, which are listed in the 2-Channel Positioning section (page 3).
If the sound is too bass heavy or there is bass boom from the room when playing music (without a subwoofer), try moving the loudspeakers slightly further away from the wall(s). If this is not possible, then try the supplied port bungs. In a system with a subwoofer try adjusting the crossover frequency settings for the speakers and/or sub or changing the subwoofer’s position.
The Silver center channel speaker should be positioned so that it is pointing at the viewing position and at approximate ear height.
NOTE: Images below are for illustrative purposes only. If using the Silver FX please refer to the next section for further information.
- Side surround speakers
- Rear surround speakers
A 7.1 surround system will make use of side (position 1) and rear speakers (position 2) to create a full 360°soundstage, if setting up a 5.1 system you can place your surrounds in position (1) or (2).
Setting up the Silver FX
The Silver FX features Di-Pole or Bi-Pole listening modes. In Bi-Pole mode, the driver and tweeters are all in phase. In Di-Pole mode one of the tweeters is out of phase to the other tweeter and main driver to create the diffused sound. The FX speakers should be wall mounted approximately 2 feet above ear height.
Di-Pole/ Bi-Pole switch: When part of 5.1 systems as a rear speaker, set the switch to Bi-Pole. Although there is nothing wrong with experimenting and trying the switch in the Di-Pole mode.
If part of a 7.1 system with 1 pair of FX’s set the switch to Di-Pole. If using 2 pairs of FX’s for side and rear effects, set them all to Di-Pole mode and swap the left and right handed side FX speakers over, keeping the rear FX speakers handed correctly (matching left and right with the front left and right channels) as illustrated on page 5.
NOTE: Before adjusting any switches, please ensure that the amplifier is at the very least turned off. This will help to protect the amplifier.
Atmos
When arranging an Atmos system, for the Atmos channels we would recommend using our C265-IDC or CPCT380-IDC. These speakers employ a unique pivoting IDC (Inverted Dual Concentric) midrange/ tweeter module which offers a wider dispersion characteristic, and is ideal for Atmos duties. More information on both the C265-IDC and CPCT380-IDC can be found on our website: monitoraudio.com
Please see below for ideal positioning of 2 or 4 speaker setups.
Fixing the Silver FX to a wall
CAUTION: Always determine where the Silver FX will be fixed and the structure of the wall. For safety reasons, if unsure of your ability to provide a secure and safe fixing, do not attempt to fix these speakers to a wall. Instead, please obtain the services of a competent and qualified tradesperson.
CAUTION: Ensure that water pipes or electricity cables do not run behind where the wall plate is going to be secured. Work from secure steps and avoid trailing wires.
NOTE: We do not supply wall-fixing screws and plugs with the Silver FX. Please only use suitable fixings for the type of wall construction the Silver FX’s will be fixed to.
The Silver FX comes with keyhole brackets fixed to the cabinet. We do not supply wall fixing screws and plugs with the FX’s. Please use suitable fixings for the type of wall construction the FXs will be fixed to.
To fix your FX’s to the wall, we would recommend using the wall fixing template enclosed within the packaging carton.
It is perfectly acceptable to connect to the top, and bottom terminals or even diagonally (experimentation is advisable to achieve the preferred results).
Wiring
Single Wiring
Single wiring is achieved via a single set of cables to the terminals on the back of the loudspeaker. Internally the loudspeaker crossover guides the frequencies to the appropriate driver/tweeter. Low frequencies to the bass drivers, mid frequencies to the mid/bass drivers and high frequencies to the tweeter.
It is perfectly acceptable to connect to the top, bottom terminals or even diagonally (experimentation is advisable to achieve the preferred results).
NOTE: When using this method, you must keep the terminal links in place.
Bi-Wiring
Bi-wiring is accomplished by connecting separate pairs of speaker cables to the terminals on the loudspeaker from a single pair of connections on the amplifier. In the case of the Silver Series, the bottom terminals connect to the bass driver(s) and the top terminals connect to the tweeter in 2-way loudspeakers, or the mid and tweeter in 2.5- and 3-way loudspeakers.
NOTE: When using this method, the terminal links MUST be removed.
Bi-Amping
Bi-amping is the same as bi-wiring except you are introducing a second amplifier into the equation.In order to bi-amp you must connect a set of speaker cables to the top terminals on the loudspeaker from one amplifier and another set of speaker cables to the bottom terminals from the second amplifier.
NOTE
When wiring this method the terminal links MUST be removed.
The Effects of Bi-Wiring and Bi-Amping
Fundamentally a loudspeaker crossover varies the impedance seen by the speaker and by the power amplifier. The situation is such that when the full range musical signal is applied to the terminals of a full-range speaker system, the bass driver(s) will only receive low frequency signals, the mid driver receives the mid band frequency signals and the tweeter only gets sent high frequency signals. This means that if separate speaker cables are connected to the low and high frequency terminals, not only have the drive units had the frequency’s directed and divided for them, but the two separate speaker cables will now also carry different signals, the bass cable mostly the lows, and the tweeter cable mostly the highs.
Once the high and low frequencies have been separated in this fashion, the strong current pulses and surges demanded by bass drivers when reproducing bass or drums, will not interact with the delicate sounds of a flute or cymbal.
In a single wired system, unwanted mechanical and electrical resonances manifest as distortion at both sets of speaker terminals. Due to the impedance of the speaker cables, these distortions will not be entirely cancelled by the amplifier. Instead, they modulate between the two crossovers, and degrade sound quality. When bi-wiring, this interaction is minimised as signal distortion is ‘seen’ at the amplifier’s output where it can be more effectively cancelled. bi-wiring/ bi-amping therefore presents a ‘cleaner’ signal at both the low frequency and high frequency speaker terminals, and because the high and low frequencies have already been separated, each has a minimal effect on the other – in essence the bass does not overpower delicate treble.
In terms of the audible benefit, bi-wiring/ bi-amping, provides more clarity and detail to the midrange and high frequencies. Often the bass will become faster and tighter. Focus and staging will improve as well. In all, this is a very effective and desirable improvement and is highly recommended by Monitor Audio.
Port bungs
WARNING
Care must be taken not to insert the port bungs too far into the port, as
this may result in the foam bung being lost inside the cabinet.
If the loudspeaker is to be installed in a small room, typically 9 sqM (80 sqFT), or a room known to reproduce accentuated bass response, it may be desirable to fit port bungs. However, experimentation is recommended with positioning of the loudspeaker in the room prior to fitting. To optimise performance from the loudspeaker it is important to ensure the loudspeaker is not positioned too close to a wall or near the corners of a room.
If the positioning of the loudspeaker is predetermined by room aesthetics or layout, you find you have accentuated bass or in the case speakers are to be sited in close proximity (less than the minimum suggested distances of page 3) to a rear wall (such as on a bookshelf, positioned in a cabinet or on a stand close to a wall), we recommend fitting port bungs to the ports. This will reduce the bass ‘boom’ sometimes termed as overhang, and assist the loudspeakers to reproduce their best performance under these environmental conditions. ‘Boom’ is generally caused when bass energy from the loudspeaker ‘excites’ room modes and causes an accentuation at a particular frequency, or number of frequencies.
When fitting port bungs the overall bass extension will not be reduced, however bass energy/ output around the port tuning frequency will be reduced. This has the effect of reducing bass ‘boom’ while increasing bass clarity and apparent agility.
In all circumstance’s experimentation is highly recommended.
Running-In Your Speakers
Run your speakers in by playing normal music at low-mid listening levels for approximately 50-70 hours play time. You may find the sound will continue to improve even after the 70 hour mark.
This can be done naturally over time: like a fine wine the performance will improve with age.
Alternatively if you wish to run the speakers continuously on loop you can decrease the audible volume/presence by placing the speakers face-to-face so that the drivers/tweeters are directly aligned and as close as possible. Then connect the amplifier to your speakers so that one is as normal (in phase): positive to positive and negative to negative (red to red and black to black), and the other speaker out of phase: positive to negative and negative to positive inputs on the speaker.
Retention Bolt Adjustment
The new Silver Series has a bolt-through driver fixing to reduce cabinet coloration. Each bolt acts as a rigid brace, but also removes the need for conventional driver fixings as well, effectively decoupling the driver and front baffle to eliminate a further source of resonance.
NOTE: Should this bolt become loose over time, or has worked loose during transit, then please use the supplied hex key to tighten the bolt back up. This only needs to be a quarter turn after the strain has been taken by the bolt.
Guarantee
Both the craftsmanship and the performance of this product is guaranteed against manufacturing defects for the period of five years from the date of purchase (see conditions in the Important Safety Instructions booklet), provided that the product was supplied by an authorized Monitor Audio retailer under the consumer sale agreement.
To verify your manufacturer’s warranty, please visit the online registration form at: monitoraudio.com
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
How is the monitor audio silver audio 100 mounted to the wall?
The Monitor Audio Silver 100 Bookshelf speakers do not yet have any specific mounting hardware. A brand-neutral universal wall mount ought to function admirably. Before choosing, please consider the weight and size of your speakers.
Is monitor audio better than KEF?
Compared to Monitor Audio speakers, KEF speakers are going to be less bright and blaring. Although very well made, monitors can be harsh. I enjoy smooth. The KEF or PSB are what I would pick.
Where are Monitor Audio speakers made?
In a plant in Teversham, near Cambridge, England, Monitor Audio got its start. In 1976, Monitor Audio moved to a factory in the center of Essex and internalized its manufacturing process. It relocated to a bigger location in nearby Rayleigh in 2000, where it still is today.
Are bookshelf speakers worth it?
They do not produce as much bass and do not occupy as much visual or physical space as larger tower speakers. However, a good set of bookshelf speakers will offer a satisfyingly full sound for the majority of listeners and musical genres. (And you can frequently add a subwoofer if you truly want extra bass.)
What are bookshelf speakers good for?
Bookshelf speakers should not be placed on the ground; instead, they should be placed on a shelf, table, or other elevated surface. They are made with the intention of enhancing sound in tiny to medium-sized settings.
Are bookshelf speakers better than a soundbar?
Bookshelf speakers should not be placed on the ground; instead, they should be placed on a shelf, table, or other elevated surface. They are made with the intention of enhancing sound in tiny to medium-sized settings.
Are expensive bookshelf speakers worth it?
Even if you solely use Spotify and view videos on YouTube, the quality will improve substantially as you move up the pricing scale. Generally speaking, investing in the priciest speakers is only worthwhile if you work in audio production and consume incredibly high-quality media.
Why do audiophiles prefer bookshelf speakers?
Many audiophiles who enjoy small-scale music (such as a jazz quartet) adore excellent bookshelf speakers. When you place them on stands far from your walls, their smaller size might make them appear to vanish more than a tower, giving you a fantastic three-dimensional sound stage.
Do you need a subwoofer with bookshelf speakers?
Not all bookshelf speakers are made equal, and the best audio performance may be achieved without a standalone subwoofer with the correct design and high- quality parts. All things considered, many bookshelf speaker systems can perform just well without a subwoofer.
What are the 4 types of speakers?
Traditional loudspeakers, in-wall/ceiling speakers, soundbars, and subwoofers are the four basic speaker kinds now available in homes. Each variety of speaker has a distinct function and is advantageous in certain contexts.
Do bookshelf speakers sound better than towers?
Tower speakers are often able to produce deeper, more dramatic bass than isolated bookshelf speakers because of their larger size, which allows them to flow more air through the drivers than desktop or bookshelf speakers. Additionally, towers typically have additional woofer drivers, which produces even more bass.
Do bookshelf speakers need to be away from the wall?
Both bookshelf speakers should be situated two to three feet from the back wall and at an equal distance from the side walls for the best sound.
Are bookshelf speakers good for living room?
When putting up your home audio system and having limited floor space, think about getting a pair of bookshelf speakers. Bookshelf speakers provide powerful amplification and clear, stereo sound for small to medium-sized spaces. They are bigger than portable speakers but more compact than floor speakers.