Stumac

I am running the full icon xf48 setup (L:xf48 C:xl23 R: xf48 surrounds: [4]xb-10) and the hardest part was finding a good reciever. I actuall bit the bullet with not having pre outs and just ran the speaker line in. I can't complain I'm very very satisfied with it. And upgrades as in pre amps are very un necessary for such a sensitive setup. Listening at reference levels, 0.0 is just asking for my ears to bleed. Plus the sub pre out are all that is really needed. Which I'm using the xw-500d. Rocks my socks I'll tell you that O btw before anyone gripes about the xf-48 having the option to run through the pre outs yes it does and it works great but it sounds a closer matched when it's ran through the speaker line in since he rest of the speakers are non powered.

toroidal RF choke aka ferrite cores will clean up any signal noise. Try radio shack($2-5) . They should have them in the drawers by the LEDs and resistors. I used the snap on ones on my speaker wire and my power cords and it stopped the light hiss in the xf-48's tweeters. I also used them on my interconnects for the extra overkill factor lol. Got about 20 of them a few different sizes for about 50$ helped kick out all noise...

if your setup is mostly for music your probably better off with the RCA's on the xf48's since I'd assume you would be doing a lot of listening in stereo. But in the idea that your not and you will be using the system as a 5.1 , I really recommend that you try it both ways. With the RCA hookup and then also with the speaker line input. (not at the same time though) and adjust the speaker sensitivity switch accordingly. I found that running the speaker line inputs brought the accuracy of the whole system closer. Experiment and really try mixing up setups and speaker positions until your fully satisfied. The xf48's need to be off the wall at least 18" in my room to sound their best. Others have had to be closer and some very much farther.

Yes at first I noticed the auto off wasn't working on on of my speakers and at first I was going to send it away but then decided to take the plunge pull it apart and take a look for myself. Fixed a few things but even then I took it a step further and plugged the speaker power cords into a belkin switched power extension. Basically my amplifier turns off and cuts the power to the speakers automatically and back on when I turn the amp back on. I also have my xbox my ps3 and a couple other things. It's efficient and keeps the thing from sucking elect while I'm not using it. Btw big tip... For everyone....! Use ferrite cores on both the speaker wire and power cords!

1. Yeah the tv outputs could power the xf-48's with RCA's. Nothing special needed. 2. Pre-outs just let you use a pure signal to free up power with the added expense of an externalamp. The xf48 has the 100watt internal which is plenty and the volume is adjusted and recognized exactly like a standard speaker line output. Just don't hook up both the RCA and speaker line because you will fry one if not both pieces of equipment. 3 they seem pretty reliable to me. I've been listening to the whole icon x 5.1 setup at refrence listening levels while gaming and listening to movies consistantly as my pri ary setup and not as a weekend item. (it's a Ferrari with the reliability of a Toyota.... Think how many toyotas are in the world... 40 with problems is nothing to the 40 million on the streets) I've had them for a coue years and they still rock my socks of and continuously wow me left and right front to back!

I have them placed at about 18" off the wall to the front of the speaker. Am using the full icon x setup in 5.1. I have hardwood floors which so reflections were my concern but the speakers after setup and playing with positioning are to die for. I've got them about 10 feet apart and I'm about 12' away. The xl23 works great for the center. Remember bass signals ... Aka lfe. Is recorded on the left and rights and depending on your amp you can also send all lfe to the sub. Thx is 80hz so the xl23 has no problem getting to the crossover point. The whole icon series is pretty spectaular and cosmetically it's attractive enough not to upset anyone eyes or take away from a rooms appeal.

I am sure you have already had this answer, but incase you haven't. Using rca's means your Signal will be clearer, because rca's don't have the resistance associated with speaker line inputs which use your amps wattage as a powered source. And every watt counts when it comes to the clarity. Plus not needing the extra draw on the reciever or amp will free it up for your other speakers. Less stress always helps. Now to confuse you a bit. When used in any other setup than stereo I've found using the speaker line inputs and having the sensitivity on low seems to match the rest of the icon series a bit better. In the end of it all, it will sound good both ways as long as you tune them and make the adjustment needed. Keep them far from walls. At the very least 18-24" off the wall helps dramatically. I've got mine in my bedroom and it limits how far I can pull them off but I have the face around 20" Remember experiment and have fun.