Unbelievable connection opportunitiesThis set (with the included ControlStation 2) offers two additional stereo signal devices alongside the 5.1 (computer) signal, headphones and a mike to get all connected.
Make it workThe ControlStation 2 allows you to correct weak subwoofer signals up to + 10 dB.
Pure musicUsually the stereo signal (in a stereo source) is distributed to all six speakers. Using the Pure mode, you're able to disable this feature so that only the front channels receive the power (right and left) as well as the subwoofer channel.
Bass without a subwoofer outputIf your source has no subwoofer output, you can easily switch to 5.0 mode using the ControlStation 2. The bass signal would be taken from the front two channels and mixed on the subwoofer.
Connection to PC/Mac/notebookYour soundcard for full 5.1 operation is provided, with connection via three 3.5 qmm minijack outputs. These connect with the help of three Y adapters (3.5 mm minijack to 2 x RCA) to the 5.1 inputs for the front R/L, rear R/L, centre and subwoofer to the rear of the ControlStation 2. The Teufel speakers then use the soundcard to decode amazing surround sound.
If your soundcard only has a 3.5 mm stereo jack, you can still enjoy optimal sound by using a 3.5 mm minijack RCA adapter to the aux 2 or aux 3 inputs of the ControlStation 2. When you use such a workaround, the ControlStation 2's preamp uses its integrated "upmix" circuitry to create a mixed signal that can be read by the speakers. Though not flawless Dolby Digital or DTS sound, it's still much better than simple stereo sound. You can always use your speakers later with a 5.1 sound card to take full advantage of that Dolby Digital and DTS sound.
Connection to the Blu-ray or DVD player/recorder The player/recorder offers a 5.1 RCA analogue output on its rear (six RCA jacks for front R/L, rear R/L, centre and subwoofer). The ControlStation 2 is then connected to three stereo RCA cables to the 5.1 system. The five satellites are connected (via cable) directly to the speaker terminals of the subwoofer. No other plugs or jacks are required.
If you have a Blu-ray or DVD player/recorder which has no decoder or outputs, don't despair! You can still use a Concept E. Connect the stereo output of your device via a Stereo RCA cable to the aux 2 or aux 3 inputs of the ControlStation 2. The speakers would then utilise an integrated "upmix" function in the ControlStation 2 to provide optimum sound. It might not sound so perfect as Dolby Digital or DTS sound, but it'll always sound better than pure stereo sound. You can disable this "upmix" function with the pure mode.
Universal connectionsYou can connect your MP3 player, satellite receiver, TV, games console, CD player, DJ mixer, or any other device to the ControlStation 2. It can then be operated not only in stereo but through the "upmix" function into virtual surround sound using all six Concept E satellites. Here's how it works:
Connect the stereo output of your device to the aux 1 or aux 2 inputs on the ControlStation 2's rear panel. You might use a 3.5 mm minijack to a stereo RCA Y adapter. To connect game consoles such as the XBOX 360, Wii or PS3, you'll need a special adapter. All five satellite speakers are connected via two speaker cables to the subwoofer. The ControlStation 2 will now produce a processed mixed signal for all speakers. You can disable the "upmix" function by using the PURE omde to enjoy pure stereo sound.
Recommended room sizeThe Concept E is designed as the perfect PC stereo - so placement of the speakers is usually a relatively short distance from the listener to the speaker. You can use the speaker set in a larger room in the style of a home cinema as well! Look below for the different room sizes the Concept E's can work in as a home cinema:
Setup as PC systemIt makes sense when setting up a PC sound system to focus on the immediate area around the work space for the best playback. This is the area centred on listener and display.
Since the centre speaker reproduces the actor's dialogue, this speaker should be positioned directly above, below or next to the monitor. You might want to tilt the speaker up or down towards the listening position.
Place the front speakers to the left and right of the monitor, either on the desk or mounted against the wall. Installation at ear height or on the included table stand is optimal but heights between .80 m and 1.60 m are definitely within reason. If you place the speakers at heights outside these values you should tilt them slightly towards the listening position.
Place the rear speakers at the rear of the listening position facing the front speakers - ideally at the same height. The control software of your soundcard will let you compensate for less than optimal positioning resulting in different distances and heights.
Setup as home cinema systemIf you'd like to use the Concept E 400 Digital as a home cinema sound system, we recommend you concentrate on the part of the room where the TV and sofa or seats are located. It helps to place the monitor in as central of a location as possible, opposite the listening position.
As the centre speaker is responsible for reproducing the actor's dialogue, it should be in the middle, directly below or above the TV monitor. If necessary, tilt towards the listener.
Place the front speakers as you would in conventional stereo speaker set-ups (distance to listener = distance between left and right speaker) in equal distance to both sides of the TV floor, standing or mounted on the wall. For this, we recommend the corresponding speaker stands and wall mount brackets. Using speaker stands ensures optimal playback of the satellites. Wall mounts enable the speakers to be horizontally or vertically tilted towards the listener.
When placing them on a shelf or hanging them against the wall, the speakers' height should be between 80 cm and 1.60 m. If you have to place the front speakers higher or lower than this, tilt them slightly towards the listening position. Main speakers and centre should be placed along a straight line or on a slight arc towards the TV monitor.
Choose the location of the subwoofer as you'd like, as it will not interfere with the other speakers. A good place is somewhere aligned between the two front speakers.
The position of the rear speakers should mirror the front speakers - preferably at the same height. If this is not possible, adjust them by tilting them upwards or downwards. The distance between rear speaker and listening position should be at least one metre. If you'll be sitting closer than this to the speakers, make sure the front of the speakers are not facing you directly but pointed slightly away from you toward the rest of the room. The speaker management options provided in the menu of Decoderstation 5 allow you to compensate for less than optimal speaker placement.
Wall mounts and standsThe Concept E 100 Control is delivered with five table feet for the satellites. Alternatively, you can order the M 50 P stands.
