Altec lansing 510 S, AM9815, 305 S, 508 S User Manual

Legacy product line

User’s Guide

305 S

508 S

510 S

Introduction

Welcome to the extraordinary world of Altec Lansing high fidelity
sound. As you are about to discover, you have acquired a loudspeaker
system that can bring your world of recorded music to life.

Altec Lansing has accomplished this by reissuing speakers famous for
recreating perfectly the timbre, texture and power of every musical
composition. And to coordinate these components, for truly
remarkable sound, we refined the “art of balance”. Even our hand
crafted cabinets have been specially designed for optimum musicality.
The result… loudspeakers so pure, so uncompromising they capture
the very soul of sound.

For the optimum placement, proper connection, and use of your Altec
Lansing loudspeaker system, be sure to read this manual thoroughly
and retain it for future reference.

Unpacking

Each loudspeaker is wrapped in a protective bag with poly-foam
corners and the tweeter/midrange drivers are covered by protective
poly-foam. Remove the bag and the poly-foam protection. The grille is
in a separate box in the master carton. Remove the grille from its box
and install it. Notice that the grille has 6 protruding studs. These studs
mate with the plastic sockets in the cabinet. To install the grille, make
sure the Altec Lansing logo is oriented at top, gently press the two top
studs into the top part of the cabinet and then press the two in the
bottom, the middle ones will just fall in place.

We suggest that you save the shipping carton and packing materials
for future use.

Connecting the Speaker to the Amplifier

Various stranded wires are available to connect your speakers to the
amplifier. For distances up to 20 feet, 14 AWG (American Wire Gauge)
works well. For larger distances, 11 AWG is recommended. The smaller
the gauge number, the larger the cross section diameter of the wire.
The larger diameter wires provide maximum transfer of audio power
with little loss of energy. In addition they provide maximum electrical
damping (better control of speaker movement at low frequencies).

When estimating the length of wire required for each speaker, allow a
few extra feet. This is necessary because you may have to experiment
to find the best location for maximum speaker performance, then cut
the wires to exact size.

Prepare the wires by stripping half of the insulation from the ends of
the wire. Once the insulation is removed, twist the copper wire so that
it will go into the speaker terminals more easily. See Fig. 1. If the
speaker must be repeatedly moved, connecting the speaker wires to
banana plugs may be desirable. These plugs are available at all audio
outlets.

Notice that most wires have some kind of marking (either a color strip
or ridges) that allow you to differentiate one conductor from other.
These markings are important for phasing of the speakers. To obtain
maximum bass response it is important that all speakers operate in
union (speakers are phased).

Model 305 S and Model 508 S

The input terminals are arranged so that each speaker is connected to
a single amplifier with one set of wires.

Model 510 S

The speaker input terminals are arranged so that each speaker can be
driven by a single amplifier. The speakers can also be hooked up for tri­wiring simply by removing the terminal jumpers (numbered as 1and 2
on Fig 2B.) The jumpers are removed by turning the terminal heads
counter-clockwise and removing the jumper. Retighten the terminals
after jumpers are removed. In this arrangement the woofers,
midrange, and tweeters are each connected to the amplifier by their
own set of wires.

Each speaker has its own crossover network. See www.alteclansing.com
for additional wiring options.

Locating the Speaker for Best Performance

The location of the speakers in a room is usually dictated by space that
is available and room décor. In most instances, a few changes to the
room will help achieve the best sound performance. Certain basic
considerations can be accommodated to achieve good results. The
following information should act as a guide in placing the speakers.

Hard surfaces act as reflectors of high frequencies. Uncovered floors,
window panes and mirrors can dramatically affect the distribution of
higher frequencies. If you can detect reflections (loss of desired stereo
effect) of higher frequencies and you suspect the floor may be the
problem, placing a rug on the floor close to the speaker may solve the
problem. If a window may be the cause of reflections, drapes should
solve the problem.

The floor and walls act as extensions of the speaker and generally
affect low frequency response. Placing the speakers in the corner of a
room gives maximum bass response. Also, with the speakers on the
floor, maximum response is obtained. Bringing the speakers away from
the walls decreases bass.

It is obvious that some experimentation will be required to achieve
sound to your liking.

In many instances adjusting the tone controls (bass-treble) will give the
final desired results.

Separation

The spacing of the speakers from each other affects the stereo stage
effect. The angle the speakers face also changes the separation. The
best separation (stereo) results are obtained when the speakers are
spaced between 8 to 10 feet apart. When adjusting the speaker for
separation the listener should be centered about 6 to 8 feet in front of
the speakers. Adjust the angle of the speakers until the desired stereo
stage is obtained. See Fig. 3.

305 S/508 S/510 S

FIGURE 1

FIGURE 2A
Tri-wiring

FIGURE 2B
Normal
wiring

Speaker Operation

The speakers have an efficiency (SPL) level around 85 dB. This means
that low power amplifiers (25 watts per channel) will give good results.
To adequately reproduce the high dynamic levels of quality recordings
and CD, power audio amplifiers rated up to the power handling
specifications may be necessary.

Precaution

The speakers used in Altec Lansing systems can handle large peaks of
power without damage. This is achieved by special high temperature
wire, adhesive and coil forms. However, damage may occur to the
midrange and tweeter when these speakers are operated from
amplifiers that are highly distorted. Usually some lower power handling
amplifiers are easily driven into “clipping” levels. Even though the
amplifiers are low power, the distorted wave forms can cause damage
more so than the high power clean amplifiers.

In some room locations, speaker performance can be enhanced by
raising the cabinet off the floor. Stabilizers or “feet” in varying heights
are available in high fidelity outlets and raise the cabinet slightly
providing smoother bass response.

Warranty Information

30-Day Satisfaction Guarantee

If for any reason you decide that these loudspeakers do not meet your
expectations, you may return them to Altec Lansing (at Altec Lansing’s
expense) using the original packaging material within 30 days of
receipt. You retain the risk of loss until the goods are received by Altec
Lansing, accordingly, you should insure the loudspeaker shipment for
your benefit. For additional information and to receive a Return
Merchandise Authorization (RMA), please contact Altec Lansing using
the information below.

One-Year Warranty on Components

Altec Lansing warrants to you, the original purchaser, that for one year
from the date you receive these loudspeakers, these loudspeakers shall
not suffer loss of functionality due to manufacturing defects in any
loudspeaker component. Altec Lansing’s sole obligation and your sole
remedy under this one-year warranty is that Altec Lansing shall provide
you, the original purchaser, with replacement loudspeakers for
loudspeakers that suffer loss of functionality due to manufacturing
defects within one year of the date you receive these loudspeakers.
Altec Lansing shall deliver replacement loudspeakers by common carrier,
and shall additionally provide you a pre-paid shipping box for returning
the defective loudspeakers.

This one-year warranty does not cover cosmetic defects or cosmetic
problems resulting from transportation or handling.

If You Are Having Trouble

Your Altec Lansing loudspeakers are precision instruments, responding
with high accuracy to the variations in electric current produced by
other components in your system. Extraneous noise such as hum,
rumble, or hissing do not originate in the loudspeakers. If you
experience difficulty in realizing the fine performance built into your
Altec Lansing loudspeakers, you may contact us directly.

Altec Lansing Technologies, Inc.
535 Routes 6 & 209
Milford, PA 18337-0277
1-866-570-5702 Toll-Free Technical Support
[e-mail]

We want you listening for a lifetime

Selecting fine audio equipment such as the unit you have just
purchased is only the start of your musical enjoyment. Now it’s time to
consider how to maximize the fun and excitement your equipment
offers. This manufacturer and the Electronic Industries Association’s
Consumer Electronics Group want you to get the most out of your
equipment by playing it at a safe level. One that lets sound come
through loud and clear without annoying blaring or distortion – and,
most importantly without affecting your sensitive hearing.

Sound can be deceiving. Over time your hearing “comfort level” adapts
to higher volumes of sound. So what sounds “normal” can actually be
loud and harmful to your hearing. Guard against this by setting your
equipment at a safe level BEFORE your hearing adapts.

To Establish a Safe Level

• Start your volume control at a low setting.

• Slowly increase the sound until you can hear it comfortably and
clearly and without distortion.

• Once You Have Established a Comfortable Sound Level, set the dial
and leave it there.

Taking a minute to do this now will help prevent hearing damage or
loss in the future. After all, we want you listening for a lifetime.

Used wisely, your new sound equipment will provide a lifetime of fun
and enjoyment. Since hearing damage from loud noise is often
undetectable until it is too late, this manufacturer and the Electronic
Industries Association’s Consumer Electronics Group recommend you
avoid prolonged exposure to excessive noise. This list of sound levels is
included for your protection.

Decibel
Level Example

30 Quiet library, soft whispers
40 Living room, refrigerator, bedroom away from traffic
50 Light traffic, normal conversation, quiet office
60 Air conditioner at 20 feet, sewing machine
70 Vacuum cleaner, hair dryer, noisy restaurant
80 Average city traffic, garbage disposals, alarm clock at two feet

The Following Noises Can Be Dangerous Under Constant
Exposure

90 Subway, motorcycle, truck traffic, lawn mower
100 Garbage truck, chain saw, pneumatic drill
120 Rock band concert in front of speakers, thunderclap
140 Gunshot blast, jet plane
180 Rocket launching pad

Information courtesy of the Deafness Research Foundation

FIGURE 3

Corporate Headquarters
Rte. 6 & 209, Milford, PA 18337-0277, USA
800-ALTEC-88 • 570-296-4434 • Fax [phone]

Asia/Pacific
25 Canton Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon, Hong Kong
(852) 2735-7331 • Fax [phone]

A8755 REV02

Model 510 S Loudspeaker
3 Way Tower
Acoustic Suspension
Single/Bi/Tri-wiring

Model 508 S Loudspeaker
3 Way Tower
Acoustic Suspension
Single wiring

Model 305 S Loudspeaker
3 Way Bass reflex system
Single wiring

Woofer:
2x10” woven carbon fiber
Midrange:
2” Polyamide Titanium
Tweeter:
1” Polyamide Titanium

Woofer:
2x8” woven carbon fiber
Midrange:
2” Polyamide Titanium
Tweeter:
1” Polyamide Titanium

Woofer:
1x10” woven carbon fiber
Midrange:
2” Polyamide Titanium
Tweeter:
1” Polyamide Titanium

Frequency Response

300 W nominal

Power Handling

200 W nominal

200 W nominal

Sensitivity

84 dB

83 dB

86 dB

Drivers

Nominal Impedance

6 ohms

6 ohms 8 ohms

Cabinet Finish

Handmade walnut veneer
and cherry veneer

Handmade walnut veneer
and cherry veneer

Handmade walnut veneer
and cherry veneer

Cabinet Size

49” x 12” x 14”

41” x 11” x 11” 27” x 15” x 12”

Specificatons:

Useable (-10 dB):
20 Hz - 22 kHz
±3dB: 28 Hz – 18 kHz

Useable (-10 dB):
26 Hz - 22 kHz
±3dB: 38 Hz – 19 kHz

Useable (-10 dB):
29 Hz - 22 kHz
±3dB: 35 Hz – 18 kHz