Definitive Technology Mythos One Owner's Manual

DePnitive

The

LeaderinHigh-Performance

Technnlogy®

Loudspeakers~

Mythos™

MainorSurround

AudioMdeoMagnetically Shielded Loudspeakers

Owner's

Manual

One

Congratulations

Congratulations
Mythos
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, unipltase crossover
networks, etc.), a non-resonant aircraft-grade aluminum mono-

AudioNideo

on

your purchase

LoudSPeaker System. These sUPerb

of

a Definitive Technology

coque cabinet, low diffraction construction and complete magnetic
shielding in orderto 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

of

systems
powerhandling 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.
Mythos loudsPeakers are ideal for use as rear
sPeakers in all surround sound decoding systems
quality main sPeakers in a high quality stereo system.

In order to ensure that you eXPerience the finest Performance
possible, weencourage you to take a moment to fully read
this owner's manual and familiarize yourself with the proPer

the highest quality. Becauseoftheir wide range, high

In

addition, the

or

side surround

or

as audiophile

installation and set-up procedures.

*Registered Trademark

Unpacking Your

Mythos

Loudspeakers

Please Inspect For Shipping

Each loudspeaker leaves our plant
concealed damage most likely occurred
and should
company
carefully.
need
the

to

Mythos loudspeakers

Base

Tools

Parts

required:

required:

be

reportedatonce

that

delivered your loudspeaker. Please

Save

ship

all

cartons

your system. Record

and

in

to

packing materialsincase

the

appropriate

Installation Instructions

4mm (or 5/32")
(also called

Tempered Glass Base (supplied),
(supplied), 8 plastic washers (supplied)

Allen

Hex

in

your Definitive dealer or

the

serial number

Key

driver) (not supplied)

Damage

perfect condition.

in

handling afteritleft

unpack

found

place

Wrench

on

four

Any

your system

you

your warranty

Allen head bolts

the

delivery

move or

on

the

visible or
our plant

back of

card.

Instructions:

1.

Carefully
six

inches

Do

NOT

scratch

2.

Place

3.

Insert
feet

are

4.

Place another plastic washer
the

glass.

5.

Finger tighten
the

Mythos.Ifthis

the

metal surface of

6.

GENTLY
overtighten or

7.

Note

on

the

lay

the

and

support

the

aluminum

one

plastic washer

the

bolts

attached

tighten each bolt

the

label

silver

feet.

Mythos on

support it with a soft padded object,

the

speaker

into

the

to.

all

four bolts

has

the

you

may

showing the height adjustment ring

Carefully return

its

side.

with

finish.

on

each bolt.

glass base

on

each bolt

into

been done correctly, washers

Mythos,

with

crack

the

Lift

the

a hard object,

from

the

the
the

glass.

the

the

so

threaded holes

glass,
Allen

speakertothe

base ofthe speaker about

as

same

the

washerisagainst

and

the

head

wrench.

such

you

side

on

heads ofthe bolts.

and

asapillow.

might dent

that

the

silver

the bottom of

will

be

between

Do

NOT

locking collar

upright position

or

and

adjust

the

feet

to

level

the

speaker.

"Spiking" Your Loudspeakers

An optional "spiking"

kit

has

been

provided should

you
"spike" your loudspeakers. "Spiking" your loudspeakers
much
will
sonic

cause damage
scratched. Definitive Technologyisspecifically
age

tips
their
upright
lower
areinplace
this
speaker

greater stability

also,

according

when

to

many experts, resultinan

performance. Care should

to

wooden or other

which

The

from

places.

may

may

spike

kit contains

the

centers of

Then, with

and

loweritto

the

speakertothe

you

damage

sits

solidly on

result

from

the

its

exact position

cannot move

the

floor or

all

placing

the

use

five

spikes.

five

the

help ofanother person, lift

your

be

taken

floors

of

spikes.
To

leveling

loudspeakers

when

which

install, unscrew

feet

and

exact desired positionon

you

want

the

speakers sideways on

the

four

speakers.

spikes

(and

Next,

does

on

overall improvement

using spikes

are

susceptibletobeing

not

responsible

screw

the
the

the

floor.

because once
adjust

not

the

rock).

desire

will

carPeting.

as

the

non-marking
five
speaker

You

the

rug

spikes

to

provide

they

for

dam-

spikes

must

the

spikes

or

floor

so

It

in

may

in

-

the

Positioning Your Mythos Speakers in Your Room

.

Your

andplacement options and

any

their performance for
altJ:1ough
listening sets-ups
with

new

Mythos speakers

location.

the

speakers. Remember, whatever sounds besttoyouiscorrect.

Following a

the

more

the

following recommendations

are

somewhat

they

few

are

very

will

simple

critical

unique,

flexible

in

terms ofpositioning

produce excellent soundinalmost

guidelines can,

listener.

are

so

Please remember

usually valid,

do

not

however,

be

afraidtoexperiment

all

rooms

optimize

that

and

Positioning

Mythos

One

as

LeftiRigtit

Main

Speakers

When used as left and right front speakers, the Mythos
placed right next to your
by a distance greater than the width
greater separation
soundstage and this is recommended from a sonic point
Speakers may be angled in toward the listening position
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

When

located
care never to locate the speakers forward
are placed

used as rear

on

the side

on

(5

Mythos

or

the rear wall, it is suggested that they be positioned faifIy

TV

with excellent results

of

the

TV.

As with any speaker, a

to 7 feet

or

side surround speakers, Mythos

behind the listeners.

or

One

more) will normally result in a bigger

as

Rear/Side Surrounds

When

of

the listeners.Ifthe speakers

or

used

One

can be

may be separated

of

view.

or

left parallel

One

on

may

the sides, take

be

wide apart
the rear wall
wider apart than the couch.)

if

possible.

on

which the listeners will sit, try to position the speakers

(For

instance,ifthere is a couch in the center

of

Speaker Break-In

Your Mythos loudspeakers should sound
however, an extended break-in period
playing is required to reach full performance capability. Break-in allows
the suspensions to work in
"blossoming" midrange

and

results in fuller bass, a

and

smoother high frequency reproduction.

of

good

20-40 hours

right

out

or

more

more

of

the box;

of

open

normal

Connecting Your Mythos Loudspeakers

Hooking Up Your

Your Mythos loudspeakers each have one pair

Mythos

Loudspeakers

of

gold 5-way

binding posts. Nonnally, you will hook up the left main/front channel

+) tenninal

red(

of

your receiver or amplifier to the red(+) tenninal

of
your left Mythos loudspeaker and the left main/front channel black(-)
tenninal

your receiver or amplifier to the black(-) tenninal

of

your

of
left Mythos loudspeaker. Connect the right channel main/front chan­nel red(
tenninal
of

the right main/front channel

black(

If

+) tenninal

of

your right Mythos loudspeaker and the black(-) tenninal

-)

terminal

you are using the Mythos
up the left surround red(
the red(+) tenninal
surround black(-) tenninal

of

your amplifier or receiver to the red(+)

of

your receiver or amplifier to the

of

your right Mythos loudspeaker.

as

side/rear surround speakers, hook

+) terminal

of

your Mythos left surround speaker and the left

of

your receiver or amplifier to the black(-)

of

your receiver or amplifier

to

of

tenninal
surround red(
tenninal
tenninal
to the black(-) terminal

If

your receiver/ decoder has a bass management system and you

your Mythos left surround speaker. Connect the right

+) tenninal

of

your Mythos right surround loudspeaker and the black(-)

of

the right surround channel

of

your amplifier or receiver to the red(+)

of

your receiver or amplifier

of

your Mythos right surround loudspeaker.

are using a separate subwoofer, set bass management to "Small" left
and right main speakers, "Small" center channel, "Small" surround
speakers and "Yes" subwoofer.
of

crossover frequencies, set the crossover to 80 Hz.

If

your receiver/decoder has a choice

If

you are not
using a separate subwoofer, set bass management to "Large" left
and right main speakers, "Large" center channel and "Large"surround
speakers, and "No" subwoofer.

Setting

Bass

and

Treble

Controls

on

Your

Receiver

Normally we recommend that you set the Bass and Treble controls
on flat or 0 dB. This will give you the most linear and natural sound.
Also,
mend that you leave it flat. The reason for this is that we have spoken
with many consumers about what they thought were improperly
sounding speakers when, in fact, the problem was misadjusted tone
controls.

sounds the best.

if

your amplifier or receiver has a graphic equalizer, we recom-

When

Usually ifdistortion is heard when the speakers are being driven
at

loud levels, it is caused by driving (turning up) the amplifier too
loud and not driving the speakers with more power
handle. Remember, most amplifiers put out their full-rated power
well before the volume control

or

Amplifier

in

doubt, leave them flat; this almost always

than

is

turned all the way up!

they can

If

your
speakers distort when you play them loud,
er

or

get a bigger one.

turn

down the amplifi-

The Mythos One Home Theater Systems

A

your

complete
Mythos

Mythos

One

front

One

left

Home

~nd

right

Theater

System

loudspeakers

will

normally

withaMythos

combine

Three

center
channel
One
Two
oneormore
music
Remember,toachieve

to

use

loudspeaker

speakersorany

speakers,

our

Definitive

and

home

only

Definitive

and

rear

surround

other

Bipolar

Definitive

In-Walls,

subwoofers.

theater

performance

proper

blending

speakerstocomplete

speakers

Surround

Loudspeaker

ProMonitors,

These

with

and

superb

all

decoding
full
your

(which

StudioMonitors,

systems

performance,itis

home

Using Your Mythos Loudspeakers

can

also

including

offer

technologies.

theater

system.

with

a Separate Subwoofer

If

you

PowerField SuperCube, PowerField

the

highest level

With

Most systems using the Mythos loudspeakers with a subwoofer

use

a subwoofer,

of

sound quality possible.

we

str.ongly suggest using a Definitive

or

ProSub in order

Dolby Digital Receivers and Decoders

be

Mythos

Mythos

etc.)

and

exceptional

essential

to

achieve

will

be Dolby Digital Systems. Simply hook

left and right front (main) channels (assuming

front speakers)

(assuming
cable, hook
processor (if

into

the

LFE

the

receiver or decoderto"Small" left

center,

and
crossover frequencies, set
the

receiver or decoder will perform

and

hook the Mythos Three

you

are

the

subwoofer

you

are

input

usingitas

using a Definitive subwoofer input this LFE cable

on

the sub). Then

a center channel). Using a low-level RCA

uptothe

"Yes" subwoofer.Ifyour receiver/decoder

the

crossover

the

Mythos speakers

you

are

using

to

the center channel

LFE

output on your receiver or

set

the

bass management system

and

right main speakers, "Small"

has

to

80

Hz. The circuitry inside

the

necessary crossover functions.

them

a choice of

uptothe

as

With Non-Dolby Digital Systems

With non-Dolby Digital systems, there are many options for using
your Mythos loudspeakers with a subwoofer. The specific hook-up
will depend on the specific subwoofer

you

are using. With Definitive

on

subwoofers,

you

can run the Mythos loudspeakers full range (i.e. hook

them up nonnally to the amplifier receiver) and connect the subwoofer
to the sub-out with a low-level RCA cable (with Definitive sub­woofers this would input into the left or right channel input). You
would then set the woofer's low-pass crossover.
starting around 80 Hz and then experiment up or down from there.

You also have the option with Definitive subwoofers
subwoofer's built-in speaker level high-pass crossover as described
in the subwoofer instruction manuals. In this case, also start with the
subwoofer low-pass crossover at about 80 Hz and experiment.

Use

of

Mythos

One

as

Rear

or

Side

We

would suggest

of

using the

Surround Speakers

Mythos loudsPeakers make excellent rear or side surround sPeakers.
In order to use the Mythos sPeakers as rear or side surround sPeakers,
simply hook them up as normal to the rear or side channel amplifier
outputs
to "Small" rear and/or side surrounds

of

your system. Set the bass management system

if

your system is using a separate

of

your decoder

subwoofer, or "Large" rear or side surrounds
a separate subwoofer.

if

your system is not using

Technical Assistance

It

is

our pleasure to offer assistance ifyou have any questions
regarding your Mythos loudSPeakers or their set-up. Please contact
your nearest Definitive Technology dealer orcontact us directly at
410- 363-7148 or www.definitivetech.com.

Service

Service and warranty work on your Definitive loudspeakers will
normally be performed by the Definitive Technology dealer from
whom you have purchased your loudspeakers. If, however, you wish
to return the speaker to us, please contact
lem and requesting authorization as well as the location

factory service center.

is

booklet

the address of
should loudspeakers be shipped to
contacting us first

Visit us

at

www.definitivetech.com

Please note

our

that

offices only. Under no circumstances

our

and

Definitive Technology Offices

11433 Cronridge Drive
Owings Mills, Maryland 21117
Phone: 410- 363-

obtaining return authorization.

714.8

us

first, describing the prob-

the address given in this

offices

or

returned without

of

the nearest

VERY

IMPORTANT:

SETTING

Dolby
channel
channel,
low

level
properly.
the

overall

improper

Also

tems

which

unit.

This
Mythos
a separate
should

CHANNEL

Digital

and

balancing

rears

and

connection)

We

have

sound

note

system

that

bass

balance.

Dolby

direct

the

management

loudspeakerishooked

sub

woofer,

be

set

for
"Small" surrounds,
speakers

with

very

BALANCE

Dolby

Pro

procedure

subwoofer

which

spoken

of

their

(ifitis

must

with

system

Digital

basstothe

system

your

receiver

"Small" left

and

"Yes"

extended

low

AND

Logic

for

the

hookedupthrough

be

many

which

decoders

various

must

up

with

or

and

right

sub

woofer.Ifyou

frequency

BASS

systems

left

MANAGEMENT

and

and

right

followedifthe

system

have

users

could

bass

be

management

channels)

also

be

properly

speaker

level

decoder's

main

speakers, "Small" center,

response

decoders

front

speakers,

the

LFEorSub

systemisto

with

problems

clearly traced

which

vary

adjusted.Ifyour

wires

bass

are

set

and

management

using

the

rear

SYSTEMS

have

a critical

center

Out

perform

relating

back

systems

from

you

are

(sys-

unit

using

system

rear surround

channels

to
to

to

of

your

"Small"
speaker,
are
agementto"Large"
surrounds,
Remember,

I

decoder's

(if

set

using

Mythos

bass

you

are

the

rear

loudspeakers

and

"No"

whatever

management

using

or

left

side

and

the

Mythos

surround

right

subwoofer.

sounds

besttoyouiscorrect.

withoutaseparate

Mythos One Specifications

Dimensions
Frequency Response
Efficiency
Nominal Impedance
Driver

Enclosure
Recommended
Associated Amplification
Magnetically Shielded

Complement

6"

20Hz-30kHz
92 dB
4 - 8 ohms.

Two 5.25" cast-basket high-definition

bass/midrange drivers, two 5.25" cast-basket
high definition bass drivers, two 5.25"
pressure-driven subwoofers, one I" pure
aluminum dome tweeter
Polished extruded aircraft-grade aluminum

20 - 250 watts/channel

system

to

"Large."

speaker

bass

as

a rear or

managementto"Small").Ifyou

subwoofer,

main

(Also,

W X6"D X 48.5" H

speakers,

do

not

"Large"

be

If

afraid

not,

set

side

surround

set

bass

center,

to

experiment.)

them

to

man-

"Large"

All specifications subject to change.

Limited

USA

Warranty:

5-Years

Definitive Technology warrants to the original retail purchaser only that this Definitive

Technology Loudspeaker Product (the "Product") will be free from defects

workmanship for a period
years for the electronic components from the date

Technology Franchised Dealer. However, this warranty will automatically terminate prior

of

five

to the expiration
sells or otherwise transfers the Product to any other party. The original retail purchaser shall

be

hereinafter
Technology Product(s), you must
of

the dateofpurchase.

Defective Products must be shipped, together with proof
insured to the Franchised Dealer from whom you purchased the Product, or to the nearest
factory service center. Product(s) must be shipped

equivalent; in any case the risk
examination at the Factory or a Definitive Technology Franchised Dealer, it

the unit was defective
Definitive Technology or the Definitive Technology Franchised Dealer will, at its option,
repair or replace this Product at no additional charge, except as set forth below. All replaced
parts and Product(s) become the property
repaired under this Warranty will be returned to you, within a reasonable time, freight collect.

referred to as "you." To obtain the warranty protection for your Definitive

(5) years for the drivers and cabinets if the original retail purchaser

in

materialsorworkmanship at any time during this Warranty period,

for

of

five (5) years covering the drivers and cabinets, and three (3)

of

Drivers

fill

out the Warranty Registration Card(s), within ten days

lossordamage in transitisto be borne by you. If, upon

of

Definitive Technology. Product(s) replaced or

and

of

the original purchase from a Definitive

in

the original shipping container or its

Cabinets

in

materials and

of

dateofpurchase, prepaid

is

determined that

This Warranty does not include service or parts to repair damage caused by accident,
misuse, abuse, negligence, inadequate packing or shipping procedures, commercial use,
voltage in excess
not directly attributable to defects in materials or workmanship, or service,
modification

Definitive Technology makes no Warranty with respect
dealers

material or workmanship as warranted above, your sole remedy shall be repair or replacement
as provided above. In no event will Definitive Technology be liable to you
consequential damages arising out
Technology ora Definitive Technology Franchised Dealer has been advised
of
or limitation

Warranty. Some states do not allow limitation on how long an implied Warranty lasts,

so the above limitations may not apply to you. This Warranty gives you specific legal rights,

andyou also may have other rights which vary from state to state.

or

outlets other than Definitive Technology FranchisedDealers.

This Warranty

such damages, orfor any claim by any otherparty. Some states do notallow the exclusion

All implied warranties on the Product are limited to the duration

of

the rated maximumofthe unit, cosmetic appearanceofcabinetry

or

repair or

of

the Product which has not been authorized by Definitive Technology.

to its Products purchasedfrom

isinlieuofall other expressed Warranties.Ifthis Product is defective in

for

any incidental or

of

the use or inability

of

consequential damages. so the above limitation may not applytoyou.

to

use the Product, even if Definitive

of

of

this expressed

the possibility

This product complies with the essential requirements

EMC

directives 89/336/EEC and 73/23/EEC (inclusive

93/68/EEC) and carries the

CIAT022004

CE

CE

of

of

mark accordingly.

•

~,

-l....J

~.I."

~

You

could win a FREE powered subwoofer worth $400 retail value*

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are

important

benefits to registering

your

new Definitive Technology

product:

• We'll automatically enter your name into a monthly

drawing

for a

FREE

$400 'powered subwoofer*

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of

mind

knowing that we have a permanent recordofyour product purchase for

warranty verification (with upload

of

receipt scan)

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of

receiving service/upgrade :alerts

•

It's

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*Definitive Technology ProSub 800orequivalent. See Official Rules for Details. No purchase necessary.
Sweepstakes void outside the 50 United States and the District

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Failure to complete and submit the product registration form does not diminish your warranty rights.
Warranties apply

as

stated in the product manual. Please be sure to keep your original'purchase receipt.

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800

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Eastern Standard Time at [phone], and we'll help you with the simple registration process.

Or

you can sendusa letter to Definitive Warranty Registration at the addres:s below with your name, address, phone number, serial number(s)ofthe product(s) and

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your sales receipt or upload a scan as partofthe on-line regiistration process. Your name will be entered into the drawing regardlessofhow you choose to register.

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