How to Setup Definitive Technology ProCinema 600 Home Theater
Setting up the Definitive Technology ProCinema 600 home theater system can be one of the most rewarding upgrades you make to your home entertainment experience. Known for delivering rich, immersive surround sound, the ProCinema 600 is a compact yet powerful system that brings cinema-quality audio right into your living room. But to enjoy its full potential, the setup needs to be done properly. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the definitive technology ProCinema 600 setup process, covering everything from speaker placement and wiring to receiver settings and sound calibration. Whether you’re new to home theater systems or an experienced enthusiast, this article ensures you get the most from your investment.
Understanding Your ProCinema 600 System
Before diving into the setup, it’s important to know what components are included in the ProCinema 600 package. The system consists of four identical satellite speakers, a dedicated center channel speaker, and a powered subwoofer. The satellites handle front left, front right, surround left, and surround right audio. The center channel is optimized for dialogue, and the subwoofer delivers the low-frequency effects that give movies their cinematic punch. All these elements are designed to work together, producing a detailed and spacious surround sound field.
Initial Placement Strategy
Speaker placement is crucial to achieving balanced sound. Begin by identifying your main listening position. This is typically the spot where you or your audience will sit most of the time when watching movies or listening to music.
The front left and right speakers should be placed at ear level and slightly angled toward the listening position. Ideally, they should be equidistant from the center of the TV. The center channel should be placed directly above or below the television, aligned with the screen, and also at ear level. This ensures clear and focused dialogue.
For the surround speakers, position them slightly behind and to the side of the main listening area. If possible, mount them about 2 feet above ear level. This creates a sense of envelopment and directional effects that are essential for a proper surround sound experience.
The subwoofer can be more flexible in placement. Start by placing it near the front of the room, preferably in a corner. Corners often help amplify bass, but you should experiment with different spots for best results.
Connecting the Speakers to the AV Receiver
Once the speakers are in place, it’s time to connect them to your AV receiver. You will need speaker wire, which typically comes in 16-gauge or 14-gauge varieties depending on the distance from the receiver.
On the back of each satellite speaker, you’ll find spring-loaded terminals. Use bare wire or banana plugs to connect these to the corresponding terminals on your receiver: FL (front left), FR (front right), C (center), SL (surround left), and SR (surround right). Make sure to maintain correct polarity – the positive terminal (usually red) should match from the receiver to the speaker, and the same for the negative (usually black).
The subwoofer connection is slightly different. The ProCinema 600 subwoofer uses an LFE (Low-Frequency Effects) input. Connect a subwoofer cable from the “Sub Out” or “LFE Out” on your AV receiver to the LFE input on the subwoofer.
Calibrating the Sound
After physical setup, the next step is audio calibration. Most modern AV receivers include an automatic speaker calibration system such as Audyssey, MCACC, or YPAO. These systems use a supplied microphone to analyze sound from each speaker and adjust volume levels, distances, and equalization.
Place the calibration microphone at ear level in the main listening area and follow the on-screen instructions. The system will send test tones through each speaker and subwoofer. This process ensures your ProCinema 600 system is balanced for your specific room acoustics.
If your receiver doesn’t have auto-calibration, you can manually adjust settings. Use a sound level meter or an SPL meter app to ensure all channels output at roughly the same volume (typically 75 dB). Also, manually set the speaker distances in your receiver’s settings to match their real distances from the main listening position.
Subwoofer Fine-Tuning
To get the best bass response, adjust the subwoofer’s crossover and volume. Set the low-pass filter (if available) on the subwoofer to around 100 Hz and let the receiver handle the crossover duties. This frequency range complements the ProCinema satellites, which are designed to hand off bass duties to the sub.
Set the subwoofer volume to the midpoint and adjust up or down depending on how it blends with the other speakers. The goal is for the subwoofer to enhance the overall sound without drawing attention to itself.
Receiver Settings and Sound Modes
Your AV receiver should have specific speaker configuration settings. Set all speakers (except the subwoofer) to “Small.” This tells the receiver to redirect deep bass to the subwoofer, which is better equipped to handle low frequencies.
Next, explore the sound modes. For movies, choose Dolby Digital, DTS, or Dolby Atmos (if supported). For music, stereo or direct modes may be preferable. Experiment to find what sounds best to your ears and space.
Cable Management and Final Touches
Proper cable management is both functional and aesthetic. Use zip ties, cable clips, or trunking to route speaker wires cleanly and avoid clutter. If you’ve mounted the speakers on the wall, hide the cables using raceways or in-wall solutions.
Ensure all connections are tight and secure, and label the cables if needed for easier troubleshooting in the future. Finally, do a test run by watching a familiar movie scene with dynamic audio. Listen for clarity in dialogue, smooth transitions between channels, and deep, impactful bass.
Troubleshooting Common Setup Issues
If you’re not getting sound from one or more speakers, check the connections and confirm the receiver’s speaker assignments. If the subwoofer is not producing sound, ensure it is powered on, connected to the correct output, and set to the appropriate input.
Buzzing or hum from the subwoofer may indicate a ground loop, which can often be solved using a ground loop isolator. Uneven sound levels can typically be corrected through the receiver’s channel level settings.
Enhancing the Listening Experience
Room acoustics play a large role in audio quality. Consider adding rugs, curtains, or acoustic panels to reduce echoes. If your space allows, arrange furniture symmetrically around the listening position for a more balanced sound field.
Also, consider upgrading cables or adding a universal remote for convenience. Small improvements can make a big difference in your long-term satisfaction with the system.
The Definitive Technology ProCinema 600 setup doesn’t have to be intimidating. By carefully positioning your speakers, connecting them correctly, and calibrating your system, you’ll unlock rich, immersive sound that rivals the cinema. Whether you’re watching movies, gaming, or listening to music, the ProCinema 600 delivers a high-end audio experience in a compact package.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best placement for ProCinema 600 speakers?
Place the front speakers at ear level and slightly angled toward the listening area. Surround speakers should be above ear level and behind the listener for best surround effect.
Does the ProCinema 600 need a special AV receiver?
No, it works with any modern AV receiver that supports at least 5.1 channels. Just ensure the receiver has enough power output and an LFE subwoofer output.
Should I set the ProCinema 600 speakers to “small” or “large” in the receiver settings?
Set all satellite and center speakers to “Small” to direct low frequencies to the subwoofer, which handles them more effectively.
How do I connect the ProCinema 600 subwoofer?
Use an RCA subwoofer cable from your AV receiver’s “Sub Out” or “LFE Out” port to the subwoofer’s LFE input. Set the low-pass filter around 100 Hz.
Can I mount the ProCinema 600 speakers on the wall?
Yes, the satellite speakers include wall-mount brackets. Mount them securely and position them at the recommended heights and angles for optimal sound.
Why does the subwoofer hum or buzz?
A common reason is a ground loop. Try using a ground loop isolator or plug the subwoofer into the same power outlet as your AV receiver to resolve the issue.
How do I calibrate the ProCinema 600 system manually?
Use a sound level meter or an SPL app to match speaker volumes at 75 dB and set distances manually in the AV receiver based on actual speaker positions.
