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 mom ents 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.