SPACE optimisation and SPACE optimisation +

SPACE optimisation is a set of tools available to all Linn DS, DSM and Exakt system owners that allow optimisation of the interaction between the customers’ loudspeakers and room. SPACE optimisation is accessed and controlled through Konfig. Before commencing optimisation please ensure that both your DS/DSM and Konfig are updated to the latest software versions

This document details the basic method for applying SPACE optimisation on a Linn DS or DSM, or SPACE optimisation + on a Linn Exakt system. More advanced set-up information is presented in Advanced Space optimisation.

Konfig allows SPACE optimisation set-ups to be saved on a local hard drive and subsequently exported to alternate locations. Irrespective of saved or exported set-ups it is strongly recommended that a written note is taken of all relevant dimensions, along with detail of the final optimisation filters. This ‘hard copy’ should then be stored in the customers file.

Space optimisation work on external inputs of Linn DSM products if the Delay mode is set to Fixed or Variable. It will not work on external sources in Direct delay mode as this is typically a pass-through source with no digital processing.

The SPDIF/TOSLINK & HDMI Outputs will NOT have the Space Optimisated audio, these outputs pass the unprocessed audio feed.

Install the loudspeakers using the tune-dem.

Decide along which axis of the room the loudspeakers should be installed.
Use the Tune-dem method to find the ‘ideal’ location for the loudspeakers which gives the best sonic performance.
The correct identification of the ideal loudspeaker position is essential if the full potential of both your hi-fi system and SPACE optimisation is to be achieved.

If you are unsure of how find the ideal location for your loudspeakers then contact your expert Linn retailer.
 

Selecting your system and speakers in Konfig

Open Konfig and select the DS/DSM or Exakt system to be optimised. You will notice three tabs to the top right of the screen.

Click on the ‘Speakers’ tab and select the make and model of your loudspeakers.

Making this selection informs Konfig of the physical and acoustical attributes of your loudspeakers. This information is used by SPACE optimisation for calculation of room modes and placement optimisation. In SPACE optimisation + the information is also used to set the individual drive unit delays to ensure coincident arrival of the music signal from each drive unit. No other use is made of the data regarding the speaker type, selecting a speaker while SPACE optimisation is disabled will have no impact on the sound of your system.

 

Entering your room and speaker set-up in Konfig

Turn on SPACE optimisation

Select the ‘Space Optimisation’ tab in Konfig and click the ‘TURN ON’ button.

The screen will change to show a frequency response graph and several buttons.

Click on the ‘CHANGE ROOM SETTINGS’ button.

A data entry screen will appear as shown below.

Enter room dimensions

Carefully measure your room and enter the dimensions into Konfig. All measurements should be given in metres. As you enter the dimensions Konfig will adjust the room image on the left of the screen to reflect changes.

The room mode algorithm assumes a rectilinear room shape, if your room is not a simple rectangular shape you will need to make some approximations. For advice on how to simplify complex room geometries, see the Advanced Space optimisation set-up page.

Specify room construction and features

Once the room dimensions are entered you will need to specify the construction type for each surface in the room along with any features such as windows and doors.

Starting with front wall, click the drop down list adjacent to ‘Construction Type’. Select the most appropriate description of the construction of the wall.

‘CONCRETE’ describes any solid or very heavy wall construction including brick, blockwork or stone.

‘PARTITION’ describes any flexible or lightweight construction such as wooden studwork and plasterboard walls.

‘UNKNOWN’ provides a coefficient to the room mode algorithm halfway between the ‘CONCRETE and ‘PARTITION’ settings. This could be selected for drywall construction (plasterboard cement mounted to a solid wall), or where the construction is actually unknown.

If the wall has any features, such as windows or doors, click the ‘ADD FEATURE’ button.

Select the feature type and enter the width and height of the feature. If you need to add more features, click on the ‘ADD FEATURE’ button. To delete a feature click the ‘DELETE’ text adjacent to the feature heading.

Repeat the above steps for each of the six surfaces in the room.

Enter listening position

Enter the distance of your listening position from the front and left walls. Remember that the distances must be entered in metres.

Enter loudspeaker positions

Measure the distance from your loudspeaker to the front and side walls and enter the dimensions into Konfig. Konfig will provide the position on your loudspeaker from which the distances must be taken.

If the ‘Ideal’ position, where the loudspeakers offer their best sonic performance, is not suitable due to other domestic constraints then move the loudspeakers to their ‘Practical’ locations and re-measure to the front and side walls. Check the ‘Practical Position’ tick-box and enter new distances into Konfig.

Repeat for the right loudspeaker.

Optimise the system

Once all dimensions for the room, loudspeaker position and listener position have been entered, along with any construction and feature data Konfig is ready to apply SPACE optimisation to your system.

Click on the ‘OPTIMISE’ button.

Konfig will now calculate the optimisation filters for room modes and loudspeaker placement (if practical placement has been entered for the loudspeakers). Once calculated the original SPACE optimisation screen will be displayed showing the result of the room mode optimisation algorithm. The DS/DSM or Exakt system is now also programmed with the SPACE optimisation filters and is ready to play music.

For information about further adjustment of the filters produced by SPACE optimisation or SPACE optimisation +, including setting bass and treble shelves and custom filters see the advanced set-up pages for SPACE optimisation.

Loading and Saving the setup

At this point you should save your setup, should you chose to make changes to the calculated setup having saved settings will facilitate fast comparisons between any changes you make.

Click on the ‘SAVE’ button.

You will be presented with a dialogue box where you can enter a description of the optimisation setup. This should normally include the room name and any extra detail about the settings you are storing.

Click on the tick symbol to save the setup.

The settings can be re-loaded at any time by clicking the ‘LOAD’ button and selecting the stored file.

Advanced Space optimisation

Advanced SPACE optimisation and SPACE optimisation+