Definitive Technology Mythos Five, Mythos Four Owner's Manual

Congratulations

Congratulations on your purchase of a Definitive Technology
Mythos Audio/V ideo Loudspeaker System. These superb
loudspeakers utilize state-of-the-art components (cast-basket
homopolymer-coned bass-midrange drivers, moving coil
ferrofluid-cooled pure aluminum dome high frequency radiators,
long excursion pressure coupled woofers, uniphase crossover
networks, etc.), a non-resonant aircraft-grade aluminum mono­coque cabinet, low diffraction construction and complete magnet­ic shielding in order to achieve the most lifelike sound possible
in your listening room for many years to come.

The Definitive Technology Mythos loudspeakers are high­definition loudspeaker systems designed for use in audio/video
systems of the highest quality. Because of their wide range, high
power handling and natural articulate clarity, they are ideal for
use in conjunction with all surround sound decoding systems,
including Dolby Pro Logic*, Dolby Digital AC-3*, DTS*, Dolby
Digital EX*, as well as all 6.1 and 7.1 systems. In addition, the
Mythos loudspeakers are ideal for use as rear or side surround
speakers in all surround sound decoding systems or as audiophile
quality main speakers in a high quality stereo system.

In order to ensure that you experience the finest performance
possible, we encourage you to take a moment to fully read this
owner’s manual and familiarize yourself with the proper installa

-

tion and set-up procedures.

Main or Surround

Audio/V ideo Magnetically Shielded Loudspeakers

Owner’s Manual

*Registered Trademark

Mythos™Four &

Mythos™Five Towers

Unpacking Your Mythos Loudspeakers

Base Installation Instructions

Please Inspect For Shipping Damage

Each loudspeaker leaves our plant in perfect condition. Any visible or
concealed damage most likely occurred in handling after it left our plant
and should be reported at once to your Definitive dealer or the delivery
company that delivered your loudspeaker . Please unpack your system
carefully. Save all cartons and packing materials in case you move or
need to ship your system. Record the serial number found on the back of
the Mythos loudspeakers in the appropriate place on your warranty card.

Tools required: 4mm (or 5/32") Allen Wrench

(also called Hex Key driver) (supplied)

Parts required: Tempered Glass Base (supplied), four Allen head bolts

(supplied), four plastic washers (supplied)

Instructions:

1. Carefully lay the Mythos on its side. Lift the base of the speaker about

six inches and support it with a soft padded object, such as a pillow.
Do NOT support the speaker with a hard object, as you might dent or
scratch the aluminum finish.

2. Place one plastic washer on each bolt.

3. Insert the bolts into the glass base from the same side that the silver

feet are attached to.

4. Finger tighten all four bolts into the threaded hole on the bottom of

the Mythos. If this has been done correctly, washers will be located
between the glass base and the heads of the bolts.

5. GENTLY tighten each bolt with the Allen head wrench. Do NOT

overtighten or you may crack the glass.

6. Note the label showing the height adjustment ring and locking collar

on the silver feet. Carefully return the speaker to the upright position
and adjust the feet to level the speaker .

2

“Spiking” Your Loudspeakers

An optional “spiking” kit has been provided should you desire to
“spike” your loudspeakers. “Spiking” your loudspeakers will provide
much greater stability when placing your loudspeakers on carpeting. It
will also, according to many experts, result in an overall improvement in
sonic performance. Care should be taken when using spikes as they may
cause damage to wooden or other floors which are susceptible to being
scratched. Defi

nitive Technology is specifically not responsible for dam-

age which may result from the use of spikes.

The spike kit contains five spikes. To install, unscrew the non-marking
tips from the centers of the five leveling feet and screw the five spikes in
their places. Then, with the help of another person, lift the speaker upright
and lower it to its exact desired position on the floor . You must lower the
speaker to the exact position you want because once the spikes are in
place you cannot move the speakers sideways on the rug or floor – this
may damage the floor or the speakers. Next, adjust the spikes so the
speaker sits solidly on all five spikes (and does not rock).

Positioning Your Mythos Speakers in Y our Room

Your new Mythos speakers are very flexible in terms of positioning
and placement options and they will produce excellent sound in almost
any location. Following a few simple guidelines can, however, optimize
their performance for the more critical listener . Please remember that
although the following recommendations are usually valid, all rooms and
listening sets-ups are somewhat unique, so do not be afraid to experiment
with the speakers. Remember, whatever sounds best to you is correct.

3

4

Positioning Mythos Towers as Left/Right Main
Speakers

When used as left and right front speakers, the Mythos Towers can be
placed right next to your TV with excellent results or may be separated by
a distance greater than the width of the TV. As with any speaker , a greater
separation (5 to 7 feet or more) will normally result in a bigger sound­stage and this is recommended from a sonic point of view. Speakers may
be angled in toward the listening position or left parallel with each other .
Angling the speakers in (pointed directly at the listener) will result in a
somewhat brighter, clearer sound with a sharper focus and a more solid
central image (generally, we recommend this), while leaving the speakers
parallel with each other will result in a less bright, warmer sound.

Positioning Mythos Towers as Rear/Side Surrounds

When used as rear or side surround speakers, Mythos Towers may
be located on the side or behind the listeners. When used on the sides,
take care never to locate the speakers forward of the listeners. If the
speakers are placed on the rear wall, it is suggested that they be positioned
fairly wide apart if possible. (For instance, if there is a couch in the center
of the rear wall on which the listeners will sit, try to position the speakers
wider apart than the couch.)

Your Mythos loudspeakers should sound good right out of the box;
however, an extended break-in period of 20-40 hours or more of normal
playing is required to reach full performance capability. Break-in allows
the suspensions to work in and results in fuller bass, a more open
“blossoming” midrange and smoother high frequency reproduction.

Speaker Break-In