It's been significantly improved in almost every way…here is a chart for a detailed comparison.
Q2: Any tips on how to locate/position MAINstageHD in the room for the best performance?
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-size 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, adequate space must be left around the unit (about an inch) for the bass to vent into the room.
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).
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.
Q5: Which wall-mount bracket can be used for the MAINstageHD?
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 or 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.
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 (it 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 sources to feed to both units. If you really want to consider this, call Jim - tell him it was your idea.
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 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-size 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.
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.
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.
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.
Q11: Do you recommend plugging MAINstageHD into a surge protector?
MAINstageHD, like all electronic appliances, may benefit from surge protectors.
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.
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.
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 dialogue 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.