Acoustat Spectra 4400, Spectra 6600 Owners manual

PLEASE NOTE: This is the original manuscript for the Acoustat

Spectra 4400/6600 Owner’s Manual. It is text -only, and includes no

diagrams. There may be minor differences between this version

and the final published version. See “Schematics” and

“Specifications” for further information on these models.

OWNER'S MANUAL
SPECTRA 4400 & 6600

ELECTROSTATIC
LOUDSPEAKER SYSTEM

A Division Of Rockford Corporation

613 South Rockford Drive
Tempe, Arizona 85281 USA
602 - 967 - 3565

Table of Contents

Introduction

Break-In Period ............. ........................................................................Page

Using This Manual......... ........................................................................Page

Assembly & Installation

Getting Started.............. ........................................................................Page

Interface/Base............... ........................................................................Page

Array Mounting.............. ........................................................................Page

Disassembly................. ........................................................................Page

Audio Input ................... ........................................................................Page

Audio Fuse ...........................................................................................Page

Power Input ...........................................................................................Page

Modifying Bass Response ......................................................................Page

The Listening Environment

Room Size.................... ........................................................................Page

Wall Behind The Speakers ..................... ................................................Page

Position in The Room .............................................................................Page

Distance From Rear Wall....................... ................................................Page

Toe-In and Distance Between Speakers ...................................................Page

Area Between The Speakers .................. ................................................Page

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Care of Hardwood Bases and Trim .......... ................................................Page

Specifications ............... ........................................................................Page

Amplifier Recommendations ................... ................................................Page

Theory And Practice of Spectra Operation ....................... ........................Page

Warranty Statement ...... ........................................................................Page

In Case of Difficulty........ ........................................................................Page

Congratulations on your purchase of Acoustat Spectra Technology. The Spectra 4400 and Spectra 6600
offer the listener virtually unlimited dynamics in medium to large rooms, while still maintaining precise
sound-staging and high frequency time-alignment.

INTRODUCTION

BREAK IN PERIOD
Your new Acoustat loudspeaker requires a break -in period before full performance may be realized. Even

though the speaker will begin to play within a few moments of being energized, and will sound quite good, a
brand new speaker is characterized by a lower efficiency, reduced dynamic capability, and a generally "flat"
dimensionality.

To "break-in" the speaker, simply play music through the system at moderate volume levels. The most
dramatic improvement will occur within the first 20 hours of operation, although slight improvements may be
noticed even at 50 hours of playing time.

The break -in period may be conducted all at once (i.e. leaving the system playing continuously) or may be
accomplished over a number of playing sessions. This break -in phenomenon occurs only when the speaker
is brand new. Even if a broken -in speaker has been de-energized for an extended period, it will again reach
full performance within a few moments of being re-powered.

USING THIS OWNER'S MANUAL
We all have a tendency to read instruction manuals only if something doesn't work as intended. However,

the assembly and installation of the Spectra loudspeaker, though simple, may not be obvious at first glance.
Therefore, to maximize your enjoyment of this loudspeaker, please read through the entire manual before
beginning.

This manual contains step-by step information for assembling your Spectra, installation in the listening
environment, and hook-up to the amplifier. We have also included additional information in an attempt to
answer those most commonly asked questions.

ASSEMBLY & INSTALLATION

GETTING STARTED
There are a few warnings we will make now which will save you trouble later:

1) Spectra arrays are MIRROR IMAGE, i.e. there are LEFT and RIGHT arrays. Each is identified by a small
hole located in the TOP METAL CAPTURE PLATE, as well as a colored dot on the bottom surface of the
array: RED for right, and GREEN for left. The hole is on the LEFT side of the LEFT array and RIGHT side of
the RIGHT array --when viewed from the listening side. The two interfaces and bases are IDENTICAL.

2) The hardwood bases are easily scratched. They require careful handling and following of precautions
given later.

3) The light colored cloth arrays are easily soiled, and all colors are very prone to picking up lint from being
laid on a carpet. The protective plastic bag should be left on them until the arrays are brought into final
installed upright position.

4) Spectra's sectored operation requires a complex connection- set from interface to array. Care is required
when making the connections.

We will repeat these warnings when appropriate.