Avalon Acoustics Avatar Owners manual
Table of Contents
1 Introduction 5
2 Unpacking Instructions 6
Introduction 6
Contents 6
2.1 Opening the Crate 6
2.2 Installing the Grilles 7
Orientation of the Felt Anti-Diffraction Mask 7
3 Wiring Instructions 8
Introduction 8
3.1 Wiring Options 8
3.2 Connecting the Speaker to the Amplifier 8
Standard Wiring 9
Bi-wiring 10
3.3 Multiple Amplifiers 11
Bi-amplification 11
4 Break-in Period 12
5 Maximizing Performance 13
Break-in 13
Bi-wiring 13
Tweeter Screens 13
Grille Assemblies 13
Speaker Placement and Symmetry 14
Toe-In 14
Apex Tm Couplers 14
First Reflection Points 15
Comer Treatment 15
6 Care of Your Avalon Loudspeakers 16
Cabinet 16
Grille Assembly 16
Drivers 16
7 Warranty 17
In the Event of a Problem 17
Warranty Statement 17
8 Room Acoustics and Speaker Position 19
Introduction 19
An Optical Analogy 19
Basic Room Acoustics 19
8.1 Standing W aves 20
8.2 Flutter Echo 21
8.3 Early Reflections 21
Avoiding Early Reflections 21
8.4 Bass reinforcement 23
8.5 Summary of Recommendations 25
Flutter Echo and Standing W aves 25
Speaker Placement 26
Early Reflections 26
8.6 A Listening Room Example 27
9 Accuracy of Bass Reproduction 28
Introduction 28
9.1 Sensitivity to Time-Related Information 28
“Fast Bass” 28
9.2 Low Frequency Energy Storage.............................................................................. 29
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An Illustrative Analogy ..................................................................................... 29
9.3 Sealed Enclosures.................................................................................................. 29
Another Definition of the Q Factor.................................................................... 33
Frequency Response Effects ........................................................................... 33
9.4 Vented Enclosures.................................................................................................. 34
The Hemholtz Resonator ................................................................................. 35
A Comparison of Vented and Sealed Enclosures ............................................. 35
9.5 Passive Radiators................................................................................................... 37
9.6 Dipole Radiators..................................................................................................... 37
9.7 Servo-Systems and Electronic Equalization............................................................ 38
9.8 Rationale ................................................................................................................ 38
Anechoic Frequency Response vs. In-Room Frequency Response .................. 39
9.9 Measurements of Audio Equipment ........................................................................ 39
A Correlation with Amplifier Measurements...................................................... 39
Loudspeaker Measurements ............................................................................ 40
Designing for Accurate Bass Reproduction ...................................................... 40
9.10 Listening Qualities ................................................................................................ 41
Frequency Response Effects ........................................................................... 41
Listening for Size Distortions............................................................................ 41
Transient Response Effects ............................................................................. 42
9.11 Conclusion............................................................................................................ 42
10 Features.............................................................................................................................. 43
11 Specifications .................................................................................................................... 44
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Introduction
Your new Avalon Acoustics Avatar loudspeakers represent a true breakthrough in the development of moving-coil
loudspeakers intended for accurate music reproduction. Upon initial listening, the immediacy and presence of a live
performance becomes instantly apparent. The intent is to closely reproduce the original musical event, as opposed to
creating a “spectacular” or “exciting” sonic character which can impress upon first listening, but fail to satisfy ov er a long
period of time.
The Avatar accomplishes this goal by providing the transparency and clarity, which is lacking in many dynamic designs.
Overall smoothness is achieved without depressing the high-frequency response, a technique used in some products.
Low frequencies are rendered realistically and controlled, as opposed to a “larger than life” perspective, which can
impress, but compromises definition and harmonic integrity.
This high level of performance is retained in virtually any listening situation. The Avatar has been specifically designed
to elicit the finest possible performance from any amplifier, tube or solid-state, due to its easy-to-drive nature. Similarly,
interaction with the room has been minimized, allowing ease of placement in a wide variety of listening environments.
Your Avatar loudspeaker was designed and built to the highest standards of workmanship and performance. These
standards are preserved through the test of time by careful attention to component quality and meticulous testing of
each unit before leaving the factory. As a new owner of this Avalon Acoustics product, you can be assured that you
possess one of the few great loudspeakers the audio industry has to offer.
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2 Unpacking Instructions
Introduction
Your Avalon Acoustics loudspeakers were shipped in a heavy-duty crate to ensure their safe arrival. It is recommended
to save this crate 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 other friend to assist in this project.
Contents
The shipping crate contains the two loudspeaker units, one set of six Apex Tm Couplers, and the owner’s manual. The
grille assemblies are contained in an outer compartment on the side of the shipping crate.
2.1 Opening the Crate
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.
Figure 2.1 - To unpack the loudspeakers
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2.2 Installing the Grilles
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 opening is beveled on the side that faces the listener (away
from the speaker).
Fig 2.2 - To install the grille assemblies.
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3 Wiring Instructions
Introduction
The crossover is encapsulated in a chamber in the bottom of the speaker cabinet, minimizing the effect of vibration on
the components. The Avatar is equipped with high-quality banier terminals for connecting the speaker cables. Spade
lugs designed for #10 screws are recommended for cable termination.
WARNING- Do NOT over-tighten the screws.
3.1 Wiring Options
Separate inputs are available for each crossover section, facilitating bi-wiring. Bi-wiring the Avatar separates the ground
returns for the drivers. This reduces inter-driver modulation, and can result in a higher level of sound quality. Bi-wiring
is highly recommended as a cost-effective means to better sonics. All that is needed is one extra pair of speaker
cables. You should choose a wiring option before connecting the speakers.
3.2 Connecting the Speaker to the Amplifier
1.Place the speaker in its approximate location, and 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, as described on the
following pages.
WARNING: Do NOT over-tighten the screws.
3. Stand the speakers up.
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Standard Wiring
(A single cable from the amplifier to each speaker)
Leave the factory-installed input jumper wires in place. Connect the wires from the amplifier to the “Low” inputs. Please
refer to Figure 3. 1.
Figure 3.1 - Bottom v iew of the speaker showing the connections from the amplifier for standard (single) wiring.
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Bi-wiring
(Two cables from the amplifier to each speaker, one for the woofer, the other for the tweeter)
Remove the factory-installed input jumper wires. Then connect one set of cables from the amplifier to the “LOW ” inputs
and the other set of cables to the “FUGH” inputs. Both sets of cables are attached in parallel to the amplifier terminals.
See Figure 3.2.
Figure 3.2 - Bottom v iew of the speakers showing the connections from the amplifier for bi-wiring. The speaker cables are
connected in parallel at the amplifier terminals. The input jumper wires have been removed.
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3.3 Multiple Amplifiers
It is possible to use more than one amplifier to drive each speaker. Doing so may result in a slight additional sonic
benefit over bi-wiring, as the inter-driver modulation due to the amplifier’s finite output impedance is eliminated. All
amplifiers are driven with a full-range signal from the pre-amplifier, and the frequency division is performed by the
passive crossover.
It is important to use identical amplifiers when bi-amping. If this is not possible, then the gains of the amplifiers must be
adjustable and matched within 0.1 dB. Mismatched gain levels can significantly alter the tonal balance of the Avatar
and lead to poor sound quality. It is also important to be aware of the absolute polarity of the amplifiers. If any of the
amplifiers invert phase, be sure to compensate by reversing the polarity of the speaker leads at the amplifier’s output
terminals.
Bi-amplification
Follow the instructions for bi-wiring (above), except connect the speaker cables to separate amplifiers. The amplifiers
are driven with the full-range signal from the pre-amplifier. If your pre-amplifier only has one set of output jacks, use a
“Y” connector to tie the inputs of the amplifiers in parallel.
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4 Break-in Period
Your new Avalon Acoustics loudspeakers have an initial break-in period. They will not perform to their full sonic
potential when first installed in your system. This is due to a residual polarization of the dielectric materials used in
the crossover capacitors and internal wiring. (See note 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.
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.
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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 12). 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.
Bi-wiring
Bi-wiring of the Avatar is strongly recommended. The sonic benefits include increased bass articulation, midrange
definition, image solidity, and ambient information retrieval. Please refer to page 10 (Tri-wiring) for further information.
Tweeter Screens
The tweeters are equipped with a screen to protect the fragile titanium dome. The screens slightly reduce (1-2 dB) the
tweeters’ maximum diffusion characteristics above 10,000 Hz. They are held in place by the magnet of the tweeter, and
may be removed if your system requires additional energy in the highest octave.
WARNING: The titanium domes are thinner than a human hair and are
easily damaged. Remove
To remove the screens, firmly grasp their tapered sides with the thumb and forefinger,
and carefully pull the screen straight out. It is recommended that they be replaced if the
speakers are to be transported. W hen replacing the screens, be sure to hold them
securely, as the magnetic attraction from the tweeter will tend to pull them from your
hand, which can damage the dome.
the screens at your own risk.
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.
WARNING: Be extremely cautious positioning the felt in the tweeter area, especially if you have removed the
tweeter screens.
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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 19):
• 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.
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 soundstage, 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 Tm 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 Tm 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, use a large coin, such as a quarter, to protect the floor from the pointed spike
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 comer. Then lean the speaker backward and
place one Apex Tm coupler under the front center of the base.
In rare instances, the additional coupling established by the Apex Tm couplers can cause increased excitation of lowfrequency resonances in the floor. If the bass quality decreases with the couplers in place, it may be worthwhile to
experiment with soft rubber isolation disks, such as Sorbothane.
.
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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 in strongly recommended.
Please refer to Section 8.3, Early Reflections, beginning on page 21, for further information.
Corner Treatment
It is important to control the first reflections of low frequency sound, which normally occur at the comers behind the
loudspeakers. These reflections can cause significant distortions in phase and amplitude, resulting in muddy bass
definition and smeared bass transients. Placing Tube-Traps (available from Acoustic Sciences Corporation) at the room
comers can significantly control these bass colorations and restore the quickness of bass transients.
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