How it Works
Avalon
Loading...
Eidolon Diamond
User Manual
44 pgs856.34 Kb0

Avalon Eidolon Diamond User Manual

SERIAL NUMBERS: ________________
HANDCRAFTED BY:
___________________________
___________________________
___________________________
____________________________
DESIGNED BY NEIL PATEL FOR AVALON ACOUSTICS
Table of Contents
1 Introduction ............................................................................................................................ 5
2 Unpacking Instructions .......................................................................................................... 5
Introduction ........................................................................................................... 5
Contents ................................................................................................................ 5
2.1 Opening the Crate .................................................................................................... 6
2.2 Installing the Grilles ..................................................................................................... 7
Orientation of the Felt Anti-Diffraction Mask .................................................. 7
2.3 Replacing Grille Pins ................................................................................................... 7
3 Wiring Instructions .................................................................................................................. 10
Introduction ........................................................................................................... 10
Connecting the Speaker to the Amplifier ....................................................... 10
4 Break-in Period ....................................................................................................................... 11
5 Maximizing Performance ...................................................................................................... 12
Break-in .................................................................................................................. 11
Grille Assemblies ................................................................................................... 12
Speaker Placement and Symmetry ................................................................. 12
Toe-In ...................................................................................................................... 13
Apex™ Couplers .................................................................................................. 13
First Reflection Points ........................................................................................... 14
Corner Treatment ................................................................................................. 14
6 Care of Your Loudspeakers .................................................................................................. 15
Cabinet (Hardwood Finish) ................................................................................ 15
Grille Assembly ...................................................................................................... 15
Drivers ..................................................................................................................... 15
7 Warranty .................................................................................................................................. 16
In the Event of a Problem ................................................................................... 16
Warranty Statement ............................................................................................ 17
8 Room Acoustics and Speaker Position ............................................................................... 19
Introduction ........................................................................................................... 19
An Optical Analogy............................................................................................. 20
Basic Room Acoustics ......................................................................................... 20
8.1 Standing Waves .......................................................................................................... 21
8.2 Flutter Echo .................................................................................................................. 22
8.3 Early Reflections .......................................................................................................... 23
Avoiding Early Reflections .................................................................................. 24
8.4 Bass reinforcement..................................................................................................... 26
8.5 Summary of Recommendations ............................................................................. 30
Flutter Echo and Standing Waves .................................................................... 30
Speaker Placement ............................................................................................. 31
Early Reflections ................................................................................................... 31
8.6 A Listening Room Example ....................................................................................... 32
9 Accuracy of Bass Reproduction .......................................................................................... 33
Introduction .......................................................................................................... 33
9.1 Sensitivity to Time-Related Information .................................................................. 34
"Fast Bass" .............................................................................................................. 34
9.2 Rationale ..................................................................................................................... 35
Anechoic vs. In-Room Frequency Response ................................................. 35
9.3 Measurements of Audio Equipment ...................................................................... 36
A Correlation with Amplifier Measurements ................................................... 36
Loudspeaker Measurements ............................................................................. 37
Designing for Accurate Bass Reproduction ................................................... 38
Frequency Response Effects ............................................................................. 39
Listening for Size Distortions ................................................................................ 39
Transient Response Effects ................................................................................. 40
9.4 Conclusion .................................................................................................................. 41
10 Features ................................................................................................................................ 42
11 Specifications ...................................................................................................................... 43
12 Notes ..................................................................................................................................... 44
1 Introduction
, from the Platonic conception of idealized forms; the embodiment of
perfection that exists beyond our plane of perception.
Since the introduction of the EIDOLON, we have encountered, and engineered many advances in technology, including lowered harmonic distortion, and a new crossover topology. The Diamond has new internal wiring, and proprietary conductors formed with ultra-pure copper created specifically to interface driver and crossover within each circuit’s bandwidth.
The new tweeter, is comprised of the first man-made diamond diaphragm. These are grown in a hydrogen plasma sphere bombarded by high-energy electrons. Each is produced in very limited numbers, over a period of 48 hours. After each small production, all machinery must be re-calibrated in preparation for the next production run. In the Eidolon Diamond, the tweeter frequency response extends out to 100Khz, providing a full power flat and smooth response.
The EIDOLON DIAMOND also boasts the first use of a new woofer design. Pioneered by AVALON ACOUSTICS over the last decade, new magnetic assemblies have reduced 2nd and 3rd harmonic distortions significantly. Along with new crossover circuitry, intermodulation effects have been reduced across the entire bandwidth of the loudspeaker. Harmonic distortions and noise floor have also been lowered significantly.
All of these elements contribute to an ease of presentation through this music reproducing transducer. Dynamic contrasts are more dramatic, with the internal harmonic structure of each instrument even more pure. We have created a sort of time and space machine capable of transporting you to the place and time that the source material was recorded.
Each EIDOLON DIAMOND is a rare commodity indeed, produced in very limited numbers available in a variety of finishes.
The award-winning performance of the EIDOLON DIAMOND has already proven to be world class. Through improvements in technology and aesthetics we have created an entirely new personality with the EIDOLON DIAMOND. Each is a work of art for the purist who appreciates the beauty of our unique audio sculptures, and the subtleties of a superlative musical performance.
www.avalonacoustics.com
4
2 Unpacking Instructions
Introduction
Your AVALON ACOUSTICS loudspeakers were shipped in two heavy-duty crates to ensure their safe arrival. It is recommended to save these crates for possible future use. Due to the weight of the speakers, it will require two persons to un-crate them and position them for listening. Please arrange for your dealer or another able bodied person to assist in this project.
Contents
The two shipping crates contain the following items:
two loudspeaker cabinets
two grille assemblies
the owner’s manual
one set of six Apex™ Couplers
an accessory bag
Each shipping crate contains one loudspeaker unit. The grille assemblies and
owner’s manual are contained in an outer compartment on the top of the shipping crates. The Apex™ Couplers and accessory bag are packed
together on the bottom of one of the loudspeaker cabinets.
The accessory bag contains replacement grille pins, a small bottle of furniture polish, and two lint-free polishing cloths.
IMPORTANT: It is imperative that the Apex™ Couplers are utilized, in order to insure that the bottoms of the loudspeakers are not blocked. This is especially important on thick carpeting.
5
2.1 Opening the Crate
1. Remove screws.
2. Lift case.
3. Slide speaker, then undo bag.
4. Stand speaker up, then remove bag.
Figure 2.1 - To unpack the loudspeakers.
The crate features a one-piece top assembly which is fastened to the crate bottom with screws around the lower perimeter. To unpack, remove the screws and lift the upper portion of the crate straight up (this will require two people).
Next, slide each speaker part way off of the crate base so that the plastic bag can be unfastened from the enclosure bottom. Stand the speaker up and the bag can be slid off the top. Please refer to Figure 2.1.
6
2.2 Installing the Grilles
Figure 2.2 - To install the grille assemblies.
1.
Remove screws and panel from top of crate.
2.
Pull grille straight out.
3.
Push grille pins straight into grille pin sockets.
The grille assemblies are behind a panel on the outside of the speaker crate. Remove the screws securing the panel, and then carefully pull the grilles straight out. The grilles are installed with friction fasteners and press into place on the speaker cabinets. Please see Figure 2.2.
Orientation of the Felt Anti-Diffraction Mask
The grille assembly includes a felt anti-diffraction mask. Should the felt mask be removed, be sure to note the correct inside-outside orientation when re-installing it. The tweeter and midrange openings are beveled on the side that faces the listener (away from the speaker).
7
2.3 Replacing Grille Pins
Figure 2.4 - Removal of broken grille pin. Check for pin fragments in the mounting hole.
Figure 2.5 - Insertion of new grille pin into installation tool.
The grille pins installed on the grille assemblies are fragile and can be easily damaged. Should any of the pins break, you may replace them using the following procedure.
1. Place the grille assembly face-down on a padded surface (a towel or carpeting).
2. Remove the damaged grille pin by pulling it straight out with a small pliers or similar tool. Please refer to figure 2.4. Make sure that the complete pin is removed and that there are no pin fragments left in the mounting hole.
3. Insert the new grille pin in the grille pin installation tool (see figure 2.5).
8
4. Carefully pull the grille cloth away from the frame mounting hole. The
Figure 2.6 - Installing grille pin into Eidolon grille frame. Note that after installation, the grille pin flange is flush with the surface of the grille.
mounting hole must be clear of all obstacles during pin installation.
5. Place the exposed end of the grille pin in the open mounting hole. Check
to insure that the grille cloth is not trapped between the pin and frame. Use a small hammer and gently tap the new grille pin in place. Then, pull the insertion tool off the new pin and verify that the pin flange is flush with the surface of the grille. Please refer to Figure 2.6.
WARNING: Grille pin breakage may result if the grille cloth becomes trapped between the pin and frame during installation.
6. Reposition the grille cloth that was pulled away from the frame mounting
hole in step 4. The cloth should lay flat and wrinkle-free.
9
3 Wiring Instructions
Figure 3.1 - Bottom view of the speakers showing the connections from the amplifier to the loudspeaker. Check to insure the correct polarity (positive lead connected to the (+) terminal and negative lead connected to the (-)
Introduction
The crossover is housed in a sealed, non-accessible chamber in the bottom of the speaker cabinet, to minimize the effect of vibration on the components. The EIDOLON DIAMOND is equipped with high-quality barrier terminals for connecting the speaker cables. Ring terminals or spade lugs designed for #10 screws are recommended for cable termination.
Connecting the Speaker to the Amplifier
1. Place the speaker in its approximate location, then lay the speaker on its side, using a soft surface to avoid scratching the finish.
2. Connect the speaker wires to the terminal block on the speaker bottom (see Figure 3.1). Check to insure the correct polarity (positive lead connected to the (+) terminal and negative lead connected to the (-) terminal.
Do NOT over-tighten the screws.
3. Stand the speakers up.
10
4 Break-in Period
Your new AVALON ACOUSTICS EIDOLON DIAMOND loudspeakers have an initial break-in period. They will not perform to their full sonic potential when first installed in your system. This is partially due to a residual polarization of the
dielectric materials used in the crossover capacitors and internal wiring.1 As music is played through the loudspeakers, the electrical signal will gradually anneal these materials. Similarly, the suspensions of the drivers will reach their optimal mechanical properties as the speakers are played. Only after the break-in period will the full performance of your AVALON ACOUSTICS loudspeakers be realized.
The break-in process will occur naturally as music is played through the system. To reduce the time required, it is recommended that the system be played continuously, using either a digital source in the repeat mode or an FM broadcast signal. The recommended break-in procedure is as follows:
Initial warm-up: three to six hours of quiet music.
Extended break-in: 200 to 300 hours of loud and dynamic source
material (e.g. Tangerine Dream, Optical Race, RCA 2042-2-P).
During the break-in period, the sonic properties of your loudspeakers may undergo several gradual shifts as the various components break-in at different rates. It is therefore suggested that the fine-tuning of the system be delayed until after the break-in period is completed. However, during the final phases of the break-in period, the sonic image will open up, the sound-stage will gain specificity, the bass control and impact will increase, and the overall sound will have a more relaxed, involving presentation.
1
A high-voltage test is applied to wiring and capacitors during their manufacture.
This results in a residual polarization of the dielectric materials.
11
5 Maximizing Performance
These details are imperative to obtaining optimum results from your AVALON ACOUSTICS loudspeakers.
Break-in
The break-in period is critical to maximizing sonic performance and should take place before other adjustments (see the discussion on page 112). The break-in should begin with three to six hours of quiet music, followed by 200 to 300 hours of loud and dynamic source material.
Grille Assemblies
The grille assemblies, with their felt anti-diffraction masks, are integral elements of the loudspeakers' design. Unlike many other products, AVALON ACOUSTICS loudspeakers are designed to be used with the grilles in place while listening, and removing them will degrade the system's performance. It is extremely important that the felt anti-diffraction masks make physical contact with the face of the loudspeakers, as air space between the felt and the speaker face will adversely affect sound quality.
Speaker Placement and Symmetry
Selecting the proper room position for your AVALON ACOUSTICS loudspeakers can dramatically improve their performance. The following points highlight the fundamental concepts in loudspeaker positioning from the in-depth discussion in Chapter 8, Room Acoustics and Speaker Position (beginning on page 190):
Left to right room symmetry aids in producing a balanced sound
stage.
Image depth is enhanced when the distance to the rear wall is
increased.
The most even bass response will be attained when the distances to
the side and rear walls are not overly similar.
12
Toe-In
Adjusting the toe-in angle of the speakers is useful in tailoring the sound to best match the characteristics of your system and listening room.
When the speakers are facing straight forward, they tend to create a large, expansive sound-stage, painted with broad brush strokes. As they are rotated toward the listening position, the image becomes more compact, with increased focus, creating a greater sense of intimacy. Pointing the speakers inward is also helpful in situations where strong reflections from the side walls are a problem.
Start with the loudspeakers facing straight forward, and play either a mono source, or a stereo source with a distinct center image, through both channels. Carefully rotate the loudspeakers inward in small increments to bring the image in precise center focus (small adjustments can be made with the speaker on Apex™ couplers). Toe-in adjustment is rather delicate, and experimentation is necessary to achieve the proper angle for your listening situation. The optimum angle is usually between three and ten degrees inward.
Apex™ Couplers
Supplied with your AVALON ACOUSTICS loudspeakers are six Apex™ couplers, used to couple the speakers to the floor, thereby minimizing time-smearing resonance effects. The result is an increase in focus and solidity of the sonic images.
On hardwood floors, you may protect the floor from the pointed spike using a large coin, such as a quarter. However, the coupling effect of the Apex™ couplers will be reduced.
Once you have located the proper position and toe-in angle for your AVALON ACOUSTICS loudspeakers, place the couplers under the speaker bases. It is easiest to install the couplers with the assistance of a friend. Lean the speaker forward first, and position two couplers pointing downward, one under each
rear corner. Then lean the speaker backward and place one Apex™ coupler
under the front center of the base.
IMPORTANT: It is imperative that the Apex™ Couplers are utilized, in order to insure that the bottoms of the loudspeakers are not blocked. This is especially important on thick carpeting.
13
First Reflection Points
Since the ear/brain system tends to integrate the sounds arriving within a 10 millisecond time window, it is important to control the early reflections arriving from the sidewalls to the listening position. A hard-surfaced wall can produce a strong frequency-dependent reflection that can interfere with the reproduced sound-stage, as well as change the perceived tonal balance of the system. Therefore, damping these first reflection points is strongly recommended. Please refer to Section 8.3, Early Reflections, beginning on page 234, for further information.
Corner Treatment
It is important to control the first reflections of low frequency sound, which normally occur at the corners behind the loudspeakers. These reflections can cause significant distortions in phase and amplitude, resulting in muddy bass definition and smeared bass transients. Placing DAADS (more information is available at www.acusticaapplicata.com ) at the room corners can significantly control these bass colorations and restore the quickness of bass transients.
14
Loading...
+ 30 hidden pages
Buy Points How it Works FAQ Contact Us Questions and Suggestions Privacy Policy Cookie Policy Terms of Use