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Soundmatters offers the MAINstage in two colors: silver and charcoal. My review unit is charcoal. From the top view, the unit is shaped like a wide bell with curved lines creating a grill for firing 4" subwoofer. The front of the MAINstage has two 50x70mm speakers located at the far ends behind the metal grill. At the center of the front there is an IR receiver window, a control button, and four LED source indicators.</p> <p align="center"><a href="atruereview/soundmatters/09.jpg"><img src="atruereview/soundmatters/09th.jpg" width="250" height="140" border="0" alt="Soundmatters MAINstage"></a><br> <font size="-1">Click on image for larger picture</font> </p> <p>The back of the MAINstage features an AC power port, On/Off switch, two speaker vents, and the input connectors bay. The connections in the input connector bay features two digital in, two analog in, and a subwoofer out connection, all labeled. Digital input 1 is an RCA coaxial while Digital input 2 is TosLink optical. Analog input 2 is an RCA pair while Analog input 1 is a 1/8" mini plug with a Hi/Low sensitivity switch. Between the digital and analog inputs is a bass control knob that controls the bass level of the internal subwoofer.</p> <p align="center"><a href="atruereview/soundmatters/17.jpg"><img src="atruereview/soundmatters/17th.jpg" width="250" height="130" border="0" alt="Soundmatters MAINstage"></a><br> <font size="-1">Click on image for larger picture</font> </p> <p>The bottom of the MAINstage features an array of holes with smoothed out edges. These holes are designed to accommodate the included AngleEase feet. The AngleEase feet are sleeved rods with a tapered nut and rubber cap at one end. Four rods are included: three black plastic and one long steel (twice the length of the others). Only the three plastic rods have the rubber and tapered nut. The use of the AngleEase feet will be described in the next section.</p> <p align="center"><a href="atruereview/soundmatters/14.jpg"><img src="atruereview/soundmatters/14th.jpg" width="250" height="141" border="0" alt="Soundmatters MAINstage"></a><br> <font size="-1">Click on image for larger picture</font> </p> <p>The included remote control is made of silver plastic with a red IR window at the front edge. The remote is ergonomically curved and features five labeled and well sized buttons: volume+, volume-, source, surround, and mute. The volume+, source, volume-, and surround buttons (clock wise from top) form a circle around the round mute button.<br> </p> <p align="center"><a href="atruereview/soundmatters/15.jpg"><img src="atruereview/soundmatters/15th.jpg" width="250" height="106" border="0" alt="Soundmatters MAINstage"></a><br> <font size="-1">Click on image for larger picture</font> </p> <p><strong>Setup:</strong></p> <p> As mentioned in the intro, I am going to discuss the use of the MAINstage with a computer. The unit is magnetically shielded so it is safe to use around a computer's monitor or other sensitive equipment. The first thing to do is to install the AngleEase feet. This is done by inserting them into the holes at the bottom of the MAINstage, making sure the tapered nut has a snug fit. For the greatest stability, use the hole at the back and the left and right outer most holes. Each AngleEase feet can be extended or contracted by rotating it.</p> <p align="center"><a href="atruereview/soundmatters/12.jpg"><img src="atruereview/soundmatters/12th.jpg" width="250" height="54" border="0" alt="Soundmatters MAINstage"></a><br> <font size="-1">Click on image for larger picture</font> </p> <p>With the AngleEase feet attached and adjusted, the MAINstage will be able to sit on top of flat and not so flat surfaces, like the top of a CRT monitor. If the back of the monitor has a steep incline, then the back AngleEase feet's rod should be replaced with the long steel rod. LCD monitor users will need to have some kind of platform behind the monitor. For best sound imaging, the MAINstage should be in front of the user and the AngleEase feet adjusted so the MAINstage is pointing at where the user's head will be when using the computer. For best bass performance, make sure there is some clear space above and behind the unit.</p> <p align="center"><a href="atruereview/soundmatters/19.jpg"><img src="atruereview/soundmatters/19th.jpg" width="250" height="151" border="0" alt="Soundmatters MAINstage"></a><br> <font size="-1">Click on image for larger picture</font> </p> <p>Once the placement is set, plug the power cord into the unit and into an outlet. Now it is time to connect the MAINstage to the computer. Priority should always go to a digital connection. If your sound card has a digital connection, use it. The MAINstage can handle coaxial and optical. If you soundcard has a 1/8" digital port, then a 1/8" to RCA or TosLink adapter (not included) will be needed. If your soundcard does not have any digital outs, then use the included 1/8" mini jack cable to connect from the soundcard's speaker or line out to the MAINstage's Analog 1 input.</p> <p align="center"><a href="atruereview/soundmatters/16.jpg"><img src="atruereview/soundmatters/16th.jpg" width="250" height="155" border="0" alt="Soundmatters MAINstage"></a><br> <font size="-1">Click on image for larger picture</font> </p> <p>Each input connection is independent from others; therefore, up to four audio sources can be hooked to the MAINstage simultaneously. When all the connections are made, power up the unit by flipping the On/Off switch at the back.</p> <table width="100%" border="0"> <tr> <td><a href="atruereview/soundmatters/index.php"></a> <a href="soundmatters/index.php">Previous (Introduction & Features)</a></td> <td><div align="right"><a href="atruereview/soundmatters/mainstage2.php"></a> <a href="soundmatters/mainstage2.php">Next (Testing & Conclusion)</a></div></td> </tr> </p> </div> </td> </tr> </table> </div> <div id="footer" class="clr"> <div class="rk-1"> <div class="rk-2"> <div id="the-footer">  </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </body> </html>