Perf()rmance
5erie§
OWNERS
MANUAL
lighi
CONTENTS
INTRODUCTION
.............................
.
CONNECTING YOUR SPEAKERS
.......
.. . ...
.
• Phasing
SPEAKER PLACEMENT
........................
3
COMPONENTS
................................
3
• Midrange/High Frequency
• Low Frequency Driver
• The Passive Radiator
• Frequency Dividing Network
SPECIFICATIONS
..............
.
............
4
THE I:vlPORTANCE
OF
''CLEAN''
AMPLIFIER OUTPUT
........
.
...........
6
MULTIPLE SPEAKER CONNECTION
.............
6
HElL
ROTATION FOR HORIZONTAL PLACEMENT
CABINET CARE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
..
7
SERVICE
.....................................
7
LIMITED 3-YEAR WARRANTY
..................
8
page 1
MODEL
4,5,8
I
l
INTRODUCTION
I
ESS Perfonnance Series speakers are among the most efficient Reil
air-
motion transformer loudspeakers available; all
feature a 10" passive radiator tuned to optimize the bass
response
in
their respective system; all speakers provide the
tonal clarity characteristic ofHeil air-motion transformersysterns; all are superb instruments meant to last a lifetime with
proper care.
We
urge you to read this Owner's Manual care-
fully.
It
will familiarize you with speaker connection procedures and placement options. The manual also includes
background material
on
the ESS Perfonnance Series compo-
nents and their characteristics.
We
hope that this information
and the pleasure you derive from your new speaker system
will meet and exceed your expectations.
CONNECTING YOUR SPEAKERS
Follow the steps below to ensure that your ESS Perfonnance
Series speakers are properly connected to your electronics.
Connecting the speakers will be
easy.
However, because
minor errors
in
the connection procedure can diminish the
perfonnance
of
your speakers and electronics, we urge you to
follow these directions carefully:
• Turn your electronics off while connecting the speakers to
avoid any possibility of damage by shorting.
•
If
you plan
to
drive more than one pair
of
speakers simultaneously with your stereo receiver, or if you plan to drive
more than four speakers with a 4-channel unit, turn to
"Multiple Speaker Connection."
•
You
were probably' supplied with wire to connect the
speakers to your electronics at the time
of
purchase.
We
recommend 18-gauge lamp cord (commonly called "zip"
cord) if the speaker will be
25
feet (7.5 m) or less from
your electronics. Use
of
thinner wire (larger gauge
number) than
18
gauge
is
not recommended under
any
circumstances;
16
gauge cord
is
strongly recommended for
speaker placement
in
excess of
25
feet from your elec-
tronics.
page 2
• The "Left" and "Right" designations on the speaker output terminals
of
your amplifier or receiver refer to the
speakers
as you
face
them. Thus the Left Channel output
of
your receiver should be connected
to
the speaker on your
left, and the Right Channel output from the receiver should
be connected
to
the speaker
on
your right.
It
is
very important that the positive
("
+")
and
("
")
posts
of
your electronics connect properly to
responding speaker posts.
All double-strand wires are coded to ensure that ground
("
-")
and positive
("
+")
wire can be identified throughout
the length
of
the cord. Examination
of
solid-colored cord will
reveal one or more ridges along one side
of
the insulation.
It
is
standard
to
connect the rigid side
to
the negative (BLACK)
terminal. The wire with smooth insulation should connect to
the positive (RED) terminal at the amplifier and to the positive terminal on the corresponding speakcr. Cords with clear
plastic insulation generally have wire of two different colors
for identification usually copper and silver. Copper
cOO-
nects to the negative terminal, silver to the positive terminal.
INPUT
TERMINAL
CONNECTION
• The ternimal posts at the rear of your ESS Performance
Series speakers require that you strip about
1;4
II
(7
mm) of
insulation off the end of the connecting wire. The connection to your amplifier or recei ver will probably also require
that the wire be similarly stripped for a short length. KO
PORTION OF THE STRIPPED CONNECTING WIRE
AT
THE SPEAKER OR AMPLIFIER TERMINALS
SHOULD TOUCH THE OTHER WIRE. Shorting of
speaker leads
at
the speaker or amplifier can damage your
equipment. Be sure that the wires at your amplifier and
speakers are properly isolated.
• Press the spring-loaded clamp at the terminal posts of the
speakers to insert the stripped wire into the terminal. Release the clamp to lock the connecting wire firmly to the
terminal post.
Once the leads are connected from elec-
tronics to speakers, your system should be ready
to
tum
on.
PHASING:
If your speakers seem to image poorly or if the
bass seems inadequate, it
is
possible that they have inadver-
tently been connected OUT OF PHASE.
To
check for proper
phasing, follow this procedure:
• Switch your receiver or preamplifier to the MONO mode.
Select a program source and position yourself equidistantly in front
of
the speakers.
If
the sound seems to emanate clearly from betwecn the two speakers, they are properly phased. However, if you hear a broad vague sound
which leaps from side to side
as
you move your head off
center, your speakers are out
of
phase. The problem can
easily be corrected by reversing the connection to ONE of
the speakers. Switching to stereo should reveal the dramatic, natural sound that you have come
to
expect
of
proper
stereo imaging.
page 3
SPEAKER
PLACEMENT
A speaker's room placement and its orientation to the listener
can have a major bearing on the quality of sound you hear.
The proper functioning
of
the passive radiator at the rear
of
the model 5 & 8 requires that these speakers be placed
no
closer than one inch from the wall. Maximum bass perfor-
mance will probably occur with the speaker placed 3 to 5
inches from the wall. Because the passive radiator
is
located
in
the front of the model 4, that speaker
may
be placed di-
against a rear wall. Aside from not placing the models
5 or 8 directly against the rear wall, you will probably want
to
experiment with room placement
if
your room and furnish-
ings
do
not limit placement possibilities.
Generally, optimal stereo imaging
is
obtained by placing both
speakers along one plane, parallel to each other about five
to
eight feet apart. If the speaker
is
a bookshelf configuration,
placing the speakers
on
the floor, near comers, will aug.ment
bass response but might tend
to
make the bass "overpower"
the rest of the speaker.
If
the bass seems excessive, try moving the speaker away from the corner or try elevating the
speakers a
few
inches off the tloor.
The furnishings in your room can also importantly affect how
your speakers sound. Large windows, paneled walls and
wooden floor and/or ceilings are characteristic of
"live"
rooms. Ideally, highly retlective surfaces are acoustically
optimized by opposite absorptive surfaces. Heavily draped,
upholstered and carpeted rooms lacking any retlective
sur-
faces tend
to
be
acoustically non-reverberant or
"dead".
Rooms with a balance between reflective surfaces tend
to
be
most acoustically ideal.
If
possible, experiment with speaker
and decor placement to obtain a sound quality that you find
pleasing.
COMPONENTS
MIDRANGE/HIGH FREQUENCY:
The Heil Air-Motion Transformer
Unlike the
Performance Series Heil driver, conventional
midrange and high frequency drivers are highly susceptible
to
diaphragm resonance. When a cone, for instance,
is
driven
at
certain frequencies, it begins to change shape "in sym-
pathy" with the drive frequency. This vibration, known
as
diaphragm resonance, absorbs energy, blunting transient
at-
tack and causing overhang. Moreover, when another signal
is
introduced at the same time the resonating diaphragm tightens up, like a rubber band stretched between two points. This
forces the resonating frequency to rise
in
frequency. This
change in frequency is a major factor
in
"masking" clarity
due to pitch variation.
One way to avoid resonance
is
to
make the diaphragm abso-
lutely rigid. Unfortunately, this.entails making the diaphragm
massive and difficult to drive.
A more effeetive way
to
avoid resonance
is
found in the
concept of distributed drive. When a driving force
is
distri-
buted uniformly over a diaphragm's moving surface area,
it
supports the diaphragm; the diaphragm is thereby effectively
made rigid without extra weight. Resonant vibrations simply
do not occur.
The diaphragm of the Heil air-motion transformer incorporates both concepts. Its surface area
is
folded into deep vertical pleats. Conductive aluminum strips bonded to the pleat
walls move with the electronic signal, causing the pleats to
close or open along their entire length.
As the pleats expand or contract, air
is
sucked
in
or forced out
the open end. The pleat walls move only one fifth as far
as
the
escaping air, thus reducing the possibility
of
flexing. The
air-motion transformation ratio
is
thus 5 to
1.
The Heil's pleat action has two major advantages over conventional methods. First,
it
eliminates the possibility
of
diaphragm resonance. Since the Heil's pleat walls are totally
drive-supported by the aluminum strips, they cannot bend out
of
shape to go into resonance. Second, when the Heil's deep
pleats force the air out, they move the air much
farther-
and
faster - than they themselves move creating a large, high
velocity air motion from a short, diaphragm movement.
This
is
important because
it
drastically reduces the effeetive
moving mass of the diaphragm. The Heil builds up only a
fraction
of
the momentum generated by conventional one-
to-one drivers, transferring energy
to
the air efficiently at
all
frequencies.
The Heil transformer's pleated configuration has the added
advantage of spectacular dispersion by virtue
of
its small
radiating source. Conventional speakers reproducing similar
frequencies are usually so wide by comparison that sound
waves from one side
of
the disphragm interfere with waves
on the other side, narrowing the speaker's clean output to a
constricted central beam. This makes speaker placement extremely critical. The Hei! air-motion transformer avoids this
side cancellation because of its compact configuration. With
a
120"
horizontal pattern
of
20,000 Hz, the Heil maintains a
solid expanse of stereo imagery to frequencies beyond audibility. A spacious sound stage can be enjoyed from virtually
any
point in the listening field.
Definitive clarity, freedom from resonance, and full-range
sound dispersion the inherent benefits
of
superior design.
For conventional speakers, they remain problematic goals.
page 4
LOW
FREQCENCY
DRIVER
Different low frequency transducers are used
in
ESS Performance Series speakers to complement cabinet size and the
Heil air-motion transformer. Each woofer utilizes a magnetic
circuit that critically damps the drivers moving assembly and
makes possible a flat frequency response over an extended
range. The model 4 woofer operated from 35
Hz
to the crossover point at 2400 Hz into the Heil amt. The range
of
the
slightly less massive model
5 and 8 bass drivers operate from
40
Hz
and 50 Hz respectively to the crossover point
of
2400
Hz.
SPECIFICATIONS
THE
PASSIVE RADIATOR
The 10" passive radiator on your ESS Performance Series
speaker
is
driven by the motional energy
of
the woofer. The
passive radiator works in the same way
as
a port except that
the velocity
of
the passive diaphragm
is
much lower than that
of
the air moving through a typical port. As a result, low
frequency distortion
is lower when using a passive radiator
system than when using a ported system.
In order to have the
same performance from a vent, the port would have to occupy the entire volume of a typical bookshelf system! Additionally, the passive radiator keeps the back radiation of the
woofer where it belongs: in a tuned system within the box.
FULL
SYSTEM MODEL 4
Power Capacity
160
Watts (clean power)
Nominal Impedance 6 Ohms
Dispersion
1200 horizontal, 40° vertical
Crossover Frequency
2400
Hz
Efficiency
1 Watt input produces a 96 dB
of
sound pressure at a distance
of
3 feet, 82
dB
at
15
feet
Amplitude-Frequency Response 35
Hz
to
24
kHz ± 3 dB
HElL
AIR-MOTION TRANSFORMER
Total Radiating Area 10.4 sq. in. (67.1 cm
2
)
Transformation Ratio
5.3
to
1
Magnet Assembly Weight
21;4
Ibs. (1.02 kg)
Flux Density
6,000
Gauss
Square Wave Rise Time
15
Microseconds 5 kHz
LOW FREQUENCY DRIVER
Nominal Diameter
10
inches (25.40 cm)
Flux Density 11,800 Gauss
PASSIVE RADIATOR
Nominal Diameter
10
inches (25.40 cm)
DECOR
Finish Vinyl (Walnut)
Grille Color
Dark Brown
Dimensions
35
x
12%
x
12Vs
in. (88.9 x
31.75 x
30.8
COl)
WEIGHT
(Including Packing) 48 lbs. (22 kg)
page 5
NOTE:
In
the model 5 and 8 speaker systems you can tune
your passive radiator to a lower frequency by moving the rear
of
the speaker enclosure closer w the
wall. Maximum bass performance will probably
occur with the speaker placed 3 to 5 inches from the
wall.
Under no
circumstances,
should
the
passive
radiator be put closer than one inch from the
l,vall;
since it will reduce its effectiveness dramatically,
and may result
in
the passive radiator's hitting the
wall when making its most extreme excursions,
FREQUENCY DIVIDING NETWORK
Optimal performance
of
the drivers used in your ESS Per-
formance Series
is
assured by a sophisticated 18dB
per octive crossover. Rugged, highest quality components
integrate the woofer and the Heil air-motion transformer at a
crossover point of
2400 Hz and provide absolute freedom
from phase interference
in
the midrange,
MODEL 5 MODEL 8
140
Watts (clean power)
6 Ohms
120°
horizontal, 40° vertical
2400
Hz
1 Watt input produces a
95
dB
of
sound pressure at a distance
of
3 feet.
81
dB at
15
feet
40 Hz
to
20 kHz 3
dB
100 Watts (clean power)
6 Ohms
120
0
horizontal, 40° vertical
2400 Hz
1 Watt input produces 94 dB
of
sound pressure at a distance
of
3 feet, 80 dB at
15
feet
50 Hz to 20 kHz
± 3
dB
10.4 sq, in, (67,1
cmZ)
10.4 sq, in, (67,1 cmZ)
5,3
to
1
5,3 to 1
2%
Ibs, (1.02 kg)
2',4
Ibs, (1.02
6,000 Gauss 6,000 Gauss
15
:vficroseconds @ 5 kHz
15
Microseconds @ 5 kHz
10
inches (25.40 em) 8 inches (20.3 cm)
9,500 Gauss
9,000 Gauss)
10 inches (25.40 cm)
10
inches (25.40 em)
Vinyl (Walnut)
Vinyl (Walnut)
Dark Brown
Dark Brown
24% x
14 x 14
in, (61.3 x
22
x
12%
x 10% in, (55.9 x
35,6 x 35,6
cm)
31.1
x 27 cm)
36 lbs.
(17
kg)
30 Ibs,
(14
kg)
page 6
THE IMPORTANCE OF "CLEAN"
AMPLIFIER POWER OUTPUT
The
power
rating
on
your
ESS
Performance
Series
loudspeaker represents the maximum amount of clean power
which the loudspeaker will handle indefinitely.
Typical recorded music has peaks about
lOdB
higher than the
average level
of
the music - unless clipping
is
allowed to
occur. Once clipping begins three bad things happen:
I)
Low frequency energy intended for the woofer
is
con-
verted to high frequency energy which ends
up
in the
tweeter.
2) The average power increases without increasing the
peak power.
3) The level
of
distortion increases dramatically.
An amplifier in light to moderate clipping delivers
as
much
power
as
an
amplifier with
25
to 50 percent greater power
output not driven into clipping.
All ESS Professional Series loudspeakers are tested with
clean power exceeding the rating of the speaker. Be assured
then that
if your amplifier
is
within the power
of
your
speaker and distortion
is
occurring it
is
your amplifier that
is
being overdriven
110t
your speaker.
Amplifier power ratings are typically based on an 8 ohm
impedance. Typically
an
amplifier will deliver 25% more
power to a 6 ohm
spea~er
and about 50% more power to a 4
ohm speaker. Please check the impedance rating on your
speaker
in
the "Specifications" section to determine the
actual power capability of the amplifier you will be
with the speakers.
As
a general rule. most popular receivers will clip at
about"
I
o'clock"
on
the volume control playing into an ESS Perfor-
mance Series speaker system.
If
your amplifier or receiver
has power output meters,
it
is
not advisable to exceed meter
readings of 0
Vu.
Driving the loudspeakers with sine wave signals
at
high
dB
output levels
is
not advisable. Driver failure from excessive
input levels, faulty electronic equipment, or owner
will not be covered under the conditions
of
the warranty.
Csed properly, the rugged, reliable components
in
your ESS
Performance Series speaker system should provide a lifetime
of outstanding service.
MULTIPLE SPEAKER
CONNECTION
ESS Performance Series speakers have
an
impedance
of
6
ohms. Most receivers and basic amplifiers have no difficulty
whatsoever with impedance loads above 4 ohms, but can
develop problems
if the load drops below 4 ohms. Connect-
ing
an
additional set
of
speakers to your Tempest will probably drop the system impedance below 4 ohms; consequently,
they should not be connected
in
parallel. If you own a re-
ceiver, driving your speakers in the A
& B mode with another
set of speakers might drop the system impedance below the 4
ohm level.
A second set
of
speakers may be connected IN SERIES.
Series connection keeps the system impedance above 4
ohms, assuring that your electronics will handle the load
properly.
Your
dealer can help to clarify and answer any
questions you may have about multiple connections to your
",
..
______
". Switching boxes are also available which simplify
series connection; your dealer can help you obtain such a
box. The basic series connection
is
diagrammed below and
should be used if you plan
to
connect another set
of
speakers
to your ESS Performance Series speakers.
AMPLIFIER
~I
I"~
~[J
SYSTEM A
G+
+~
SYSTEM B
~+
--u
~--
SERIES
SPEAKER
CONNECTION
Connections
of
additional speakers
to
a basic 4-channel con-
figuration will also require connection
IN
SERIES.
You
may
use the diagram above
as
a model for this procedure.
If
you
have a question,
it
is
wise to contact your dealer or the man-
ufacturer
of
your 4-channel receiver.
Once you understand the ramifications and procedure
of
con-
necting multiple speakers, return to "Connecting Your
Speakers."
page 7
HElL ROTATION FOR
HORIZONTAL PLACEMENT
The Heil air-motion transformer
in
your ESS Performance
Series speaker
is
mounted for optimal performance
in
the
upright, vertical position.
If you plan
to
lay your model 5 or 8
speake,rs
on
their longest side
in
the horizontal "bookshelf"
position, then the Heil amt may
be
rotated 90° in the follow-
ing manner
to optimize dispersion.
• Place the speaker
on
its back. Remove the grille from its
fasteners by gently pulling the top and bottom
of
the grille
upward, away from the fasteners on the front of the
speaker.
• The air-motion transformer is attached to the front mountpanel
of
the speaker by four screws. Remove the
screws and rotate the Heil amt assembly 90°. RefastGn the
transformer with the four screws and carefully reattach the
grille.
Your ESS Performance Series dealer should be most willing
to
rotate the amt or provide further instructions if you feel
reluctant to undertake the rotation procedure.
CABINET CARE
Your
ESS Performance Series loudspeakers require no more
care than that normally given fine furniture. The beauty
of
the
vinyl surface may be retained and enhanced with a vinyl
treatment
like"
Armora!. " Silicone dusting sprays and strong
abrasive compounds should not
be
used on the vinyl surface
of the speaker.
SERVICE
The dealership where you purchased your ESS Performance
Series speakers can best verify any complaint you may have
and can arrange for any necessary servicing.
If your dealer cannot
be
contacted, please write ESS, Inc.
Attention: Customer Services, and include the following information:
• The model and serial number
of
your speakers .
• The dealer from whom your speaker was purchased, the
date of purchase, and, if possible, your phone number.
• A specific description
of
the problem.
• Associated equipment (including RMS power ratings
of
your amp) used with
the
speakers.
If
ESS deems return to the factory necessary, please ship
freight prepaid and be sure
to
use the "Authorized Return"
labels which ESS will provide. Once repaired, your unit will
be returned freight prepaid.
page 8
LIMITED THREE-YEAR
WARRANTY
When ESS Performance Speakers are used
in
accordance
with the written instructions contained in the Owner's Manual, ESS will repair any defect in workmanship and materials
that occurs
in
normal use for a period
of
36 months from the
date
of
original purchase without charge for parts or labor.
The warranty applies only to the original owner and
is
con-
tingent upon purchase from
an
authorized dealer, except
where prohibited by
law.
The owner's responsibilities are to
provide proof
of
purchase and transportation to the
ESS
fac-
tory authorized service facility
in
the event that repair
is
required.
If your speakers are removed from the country of original
purchase, ESS Performance Series distributors and/or
au-
thorized dealers
in
any subsequent country are not obligated
by the terms
of
this warranty. Any repairs under the terms of
this warranty will
tie
made at the discretion
of
the distributor
or dealer.
This warranty
is
void
if
the serial numbers have been removed or defaced, or if repair has been attempted by any
unauthorized person or agency. In addition the warranty does
not cover tampering, abuse or accidental damage. The right
is
further reserved to re-adjust prices or design patameters
and specifications without notice and without incurring responsibility to modity previously purchased systems. ESS
specifically excludes from this warranty any responsibility
for consequential damage.
Retention
of
your ORIGINAL BILL OF SALE
is
required to
obtain service under the terms of the warranty. Any card or
other form of registration does not constitute proof of
purchase and will not be regarded as such. During the three year
warranty period, only presentation
of
your ORIGINAL BILL
OF SALE to either an authorized warranty station
or
the
factory itself will insure your rights under the warranty policy
described above.
IMPORTANT
ESS is constantly researching new materials, production
methods and design refinements which may be introduced
into product lines without notice or obligation. For
this reason, any current ESS Performance Series product may
differ
in
some respect from its published description but will
always equal or exceed perfonnance
of
the original design.
;:'),inc.
9613
00
tes
drIVe·
sacramento,
ca.
95827
LITHOGRAPHED
IN
US.f>..
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