Monitor Audio Bronze BR6 Owner's Manual

Contents Page

Introduction 2
Safety Instructions 2
Recycling(WEEE) 3
RoHS 3
BronzeBR1 4
BronzeBR2 5
BronzeBR5 6
BronzeBR6 7
OutriggerFootFixing(BR5 and BR6 Only) 8
BronzeBR-LCR 9
BronzeBR-FX 10
FixingYourBR-FXtotheWall 11
ConnectingYourBronzeBR-FX’s 12
ConnectingYourBronzeReferenceLoudspeakers 13
Positioning 14
Running In 15
PortBungs 15
GuaranteeandService 16
Claims underthisguarantee 16
Data Protection 17
OwnerInformation 17

Rev3. © Monitor Audi o 2006

1

Introduction

Congratulations on purchasing Monitor Audio loudspeakers. We are confident
theywillprovideareliable,highperformancesoundformany years.
Monitor Audioarea highly respected memberof the‘GuildofMasterCraftsmen’
and we have over 30 years of experience in the art of traditional wood working
techniques and leading edge drive unit technology. This marriage of old and
newbringsyou the Bronze Reference Series.
At Monitor Audio we pride ourselves in our ability to make the listening
experienceas close as possible to the original ‘music’ production.
This is all achieved by only using quality components developed by our award
winning team,andmanufactured toverystrict standards and tolerances.

Safety Instructions

1. Read Instructions

Please read and follow all of the instructions in this manual before enjoying you
loudspeakers. Any instructions proceeded by this warning triangle MUST be
followed.Failure to do so may cause personal injury or damagethe speakers.

2. Water & Moisture

The loudspeakers should not be used near water - for example, bathtub,
washbowl, kitchen sink, washing machine, in a wet basement or near a
swimming pool. Under no circumstance should plants or fish bowls be placed
onthe products.

3. Heat

The speaker/s should not be placed near any heat source such as radiators,
openfires, stoves, direct sunlightandany otherappliance that produces heat.
Thesespeakers are designed for use within the home environment. Exposure to
extreme temperatures & humidity when placed on patios or open conditions
couldadverselyaffect the wooden cabinet.

4. Cleaning

Great care and attention has gone into the materials chosen to produce the
Bronze BR loudspeakers. It is our intention that they should provide a lifetime
of musical pleasure. A gentle wipe with a dry, clean cloth is all that is required
to remove any dust. Treat them as you would a fine piece of furniture because
that is how they have been designed. Avoid touching the loudspeaker’s drive
units whilstcleaning, as any damage will impair theirperformance.

Rev3. © Monitor Audi o 2006

2

Re-cycling

Disposal of Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) by User in
Private Households in the EU

This symbol on the product or accessories indicates that
they must not be disposed of with your house hold
waste. Instead it is your responsibility to dispose of
your waste equipment by handing it over to a
designated collection point for recycling WEEE. The
separate collection and recycling of your waste
equipment will help conserve natural resources and
ensure that it is recycled in a manner that protects
human healthand the environment.

For more specific information about where you can take your equipment for
recycling please contactyour local city/ council office, your local waste disposal
serviceor the outlet where you purchasedthe product.

RoHS Declaration of Conformity

Directive 2002/95/EC of the Europe an Parliament and
of the Council on the reduction of the use of certain
hazardous substances in electrical and electronic
equipment,January 2003

Background

The RoHS directive restricts the use of Lead (Pb), Cadmium (Cd), Mercury (Hg),
hexavalent Chromium (CrVI), polybrominated biphenyl (PBB) compounds, and
polybrominated diphenyl ether (PBDE) compounds in electrical and electronic
equipmentsold in the European Union.

Rev3. © Monitor Audi o 2006

3

Your Bronze BR1

The BR1 remains the ‘baby’ of the Bronze Reference Series. Improved driver
and tweeter technologies help to propel the BR1 ahead of its predecessor.
Overall bandwidthhas beenincreased with usable frequency responseright out
to 30KHz. Improved motor system linearity has resulted in lower distortion and
low frequency damping. The BR1 is now single wired, but improved terminal
quality lifts theoverall desirabilityof thisentrylevel monitor.

Because the BR1 offers huge performance from a small speaker, it lends itself
to a wide range of positioning options. The BR1 will perform equally well no
matterhow it is positioned. The BR1 can be placed on a stand, on a book-shelf,
it can even be hung on a wallusing a wall bracket(notsupplied). The BR1 has a
¼” UNC threaded insert in the back of the cabinet to allow it to be wall
mounted. Please note that when using a wall bracket we would recommend
using the enclosed port bungs to eliminate ‘bass boom’ and unwanted air
turbulencecaused by the bracket.

Frequency

Response

55Hz – 30KHz 88dB 6 70 15 - 70W

DriveUnit

Complement

1x 5.5" MMP®Mk2

Bass mid-range.

1x 25mm Gold Dome

C-CAM®tweeter.

Sensitivity

(1W@1m)

Cabinet

Design

Rear ported,

bass reflex

Rev3. © Monitor Audi o 2006

Nominal Impedance

(Ohms)

Product External

Dimensions

cm(inch)

26H x 16.5W x 18D

(10 ¼ x 6 ½ x 71/16)

4

Power

Handling

RMS (W)

Weight

(packed)

Kg (lb)

8.7(19.1)

Recommended

Amplifier Power

Black Oak,

Walnut, Cherry.

Output.

Finishes

Your Bronze BR2

Our engineers have been careful not to spoil the talented, multi award winning
B2. Conservative tweaks and general improvements to the crossover
components and drivers have lifted the performance a stage further promising
improved clarity and reduced overall distortion. Overall bandwidth has been
increased with usable frequency response right out to 30KHz. Improved motor
systemlinearity has resulted in lowerdistortion and low frequency damping.

The new BR2 still incorporates the special figure eight internal bracing which
gives a very rigid construction, helping the BR2 to achieve a clean, un-boxy
sound reminiscent of high-end speakers using very, heavy and high-tech
constructiontechniques.

Frequency

Response

42Hz - 30KHz 90dB 6 100 30 - 100W

DriveUnit

Complement

1x 6.5" MMP®Mk2

Bass mid-range.

1x 25mm Gold Dome

C-CAM®tweeter.

Sensitivity

(1W@1m)

Cabinet

Design

Front ported,

bass reflex

Nominal Impedance

(Ohms)

Product External

Dimensions

cm(inch)

35H x 18.5W x 25D

(13 ¾ x 75/16x 913/16)

Power

Handling

RMS (W)

Weight

(packed)

Kg (lb)

13.3 (29.3)

Recommended

Amplifier Power

Black Oak,

Walnut, Cherry.

Output.

Finishes

Rev3. © Monitor Audi o 2006

5

Your Bronze BR5

BR5 is new to the Bronze Reference Series. The cabinet profile is now slimmer
than its predecessor to offer a more desirable foot print for a typical life-style
setting. The new 5.5” bass drivers replace the 6.5” bass drivers of the B4.
However, bass extension and punch have been maintained and even improved
in terms of overall control. The 2 ½ way design is now optimised with the bass
and bass/ mid-range drivers working in dual chambers, similar to the more
advanced MA designs. Cabinet bracing has been up rated and results in very
rigid construction producing a clean, ‘un boxy’ character. The floor-level
mounted terminal panel now allows easy access without un-necessary trailing
cables.

Unlike the BR2, the BR5 has a reflex port at the rear as well as the front. This is
to provide maximum airflow at low frequencies and reduces air pressure that
can lead tobasscompressioneffects.

Frequency

Response

36Hz-30KHz 90dB 6 120 30 - 120W

DriveUnit

Complement

1x 5.5" MMP®Mk2

Bass, 1 x 5.5" MMP
Mk2 Bass mid-range.
1x 25mm Gold Dome

C-CAM®tweeter.

Sensitivity

(1W@1m)

Cabinet

Design

Dual Chamber

®

Bass Reflex.
Ported Front

and Rear.

Nominal Impedance

(Ohms)

Product External

Dimensions

cm(inch)

85H x 16.5W x 24.7D

(337/16x 6 ½ x 9 ¼ )

6

Rev3. © Monitor Audi o 2006

Power

Handling

RMS (W)

Weight

(packed)

Kg (lb)

14 (30.8)

(Packed

Individually)

Recommended

Amplifier Power

Walnut, Cherry.

Output.

Finishes

Black Oak,

Your Bronze BR6

97H x 20W x 30D

Bronze BR6 is the new 2 ½ way floor-standing flagship of the six-model range
and builds on the considerable musical strengths of the smaller Bronze BR5 by
providing a still wider bandwidth, higher power handling and more effortlessly
realiseddynamics.

The Bronze BR6 employs multiple bracing positioned at critical resonance
nodes. Its slim proportions and smoothly profiled front positively contribute to
soundqualityby reducingdiffraction effects.

The Bronze BR6 utilises three 6.5-inch MMP® Mk2 drivers. The lower two units
handle bass only, the upper unit provides punchy upper bass and a clear,
naturalmid-band right up to the crossover pointwith the tweeterat 2.6 kHz.

Frequency

Response

33Hz – 30 KHz 90dB 4 150 40 - 150

DriveUnit Complement

2x 6.5” MMP®Mk2 Bass

Drivers, 1x 6.5” MMP
Mk2 Mid-range Driver.

1x 25mm C-CAM®Gold

Dometweeter.

Dual Chamber

®

Bass Reflex.
Ported Front

Sensitivity

(1W@1m)

Cabinet

Design

and Rear.

Nominal Impedance

(Ohms)

Product External

Dimensions

cm(inch)

(383/16x 77/8x 1113/16)

Power

Handling

RMS (W)

Weight

(packed)

Kg (lb)

20.4 (44.9)

(Packed

Individually)

Recommended

Amplifier Power

Output.

Finishes

Black Oak,

Walnut, Cherry.

Rev3. © Monitor Audi o 2006

7

Outrigger Foot Fixing (BR5 and BR6 Only)

The Bronze Reference Series outrigger foot incorporates a spike for use on
carpetedfloors and also, a soft polymerpad(for use on woodenor tiled floors).

Spike

Soft Polymer

Pad

Outrigger Foot

BEWARE. The spikes are very sharp, and could cause injury if care is not
taken when handling them.

Please ensure there are no hidden wires under the carpet, or trailing
mains leads that could be damaged by the spikes.

1. You can carefully place the cabinet on it’s top or back to fit the
outriggers. Locate the outrigger foot over the threaded inserts in the
cabinet.

2. Screwthese in place using the supplied screws.

3. Place the soft polymer pad into it’s locating positions. These pads are
for use on hard floors. If you have hard floors, you can now enjoy your
speakers. If you have carpet please continue to follow these
instructions.

4. Fit the spikes into the inserts on the outrigger feet. If you have a very
thick pile carpet, you may need to remove the soft polymer pad to
ensurethe spikes fully penetrate thecarpet.

5. Carefully turn your speaker back over and check that it is evenly
balanced. If uneven, you can adjust the height in the appropriate
corner by unscrewing the spike slightly. This operation may need to be
repeated a several times to ensure your cabinet is completely level.
When you are happy with the balance of the cabinet, tighten the
locking nut on each spike. The soft polymer pad may need to be
removedto do this.

Rev3. © Monitor Audi o 2006

8

Your Bronze BR-LCR

1x 25mm Gold Dome

The new Bronze BR-LCR is the vital aesthetic and sonic link in any Bronze
Reference-based home cinema or multi-channel music system, bringing extra
solidity, depth and realism to the front soundstage, especially with dialogue.
Recognising that the centre is often the hardest working speaker in an A/V
system, the new Bronze BR-LCR has been designed with two 5.5-inch MMP
Mk2 bass-middrivers that hand over to the C-CAM®tweeterat 2.6KHz. A special
crossover network ensures the Bronze Centre has excellent vertical and
horizontal off axis frequency response, eliminating the need for a 'hot seat'
listening positionand integratingsmoothly with the Bronze BR1, BR2, BR5, BR6
or BR-FX in a home theatre set-up. With easy amplifier loading, the new Bronze
Centrewill get the best from even lower poweredA/V amplifiers(receivers).

®

Frequency Response

60Hz-30KHz 90dB 6 120 20-120W

DriveUnit

Complement

2x 5.5" MMP®Mk2

Bass mid-range,
C-CAM®tweeter.

Sensitivity

(1W@1m)

Cabinet

Design

Sealed Cabinet

Nominal Impedance

(Ohms)

Product External

Dimensions

cm(inch)

16.5H x 46W x 16.5D
(6½ x 181/8x 6 ½)

Power

Handling

RMS (W)

Weight

(packed)

Kg (lb)

6.8(15)

Recommended

Amplifier Power

Walnut, Cherry.

Output.

Finishes

Black Oak,

Rev3. © Monitor Audi o 2006

9

Your Bronze BR-FX

bass/midrange driver,

The BR-FX surround speaker combines amazing performance with modern,
discreet design that can be flush mounted on a wall using the enclosed wall
brackets. The attractive curved grille and end caps conceal a rigid angular
cabinet construction and Monitor Audio’s renowned and highly acclaimed
MMP®Mk2 drivertechnology and C-CAM®tweeters.

By using low slope linear phase crossover design, Monitor Audio has
engineered the Bronze BR-FX to have seamless integration and almost perfect
180-degree dispersion characteristics. Whilst the bass driver always operates
in phase, the tweeter section can be configured to operate as a bi-pole or di­pole. This is adjusted by way of a toggle switch (see page 11). To enable the
correctfunction of these speakers, theyare leftandright handed specific.

Frequency
Response

65 Hz - 30 KHz 88 dB 6 80 25-80W

DriveUnit

Complement

1x 5.5” MMP®Mk2

2x 25mm Gold dome

C-CAM®tweeters.

Sensitivity

(1W@1m)

Cabinet

Design

Sealed

Cabinet

Nominal Impedance

(Ohms)

Product External

Dimensions

cm(inch)

29.5H x 29W x 13D

(115/8x 117/16x 51/8)

Power

Handling

RMS (W)

Weight

(packed)

Kg (lb)

8(17.6)

Recommended

Amplifier Power

Walnut, Cherry,

Output.

Finishes

Black Oak,

Rev3. © Monitor Audi o 2006

10

Fixing Your Bronze BR-FX to a Wall

220mm

42mm63mm29

0mm

WARNING: For safety reasons donotattempt to fix these speakers
to your wall if you are unsure of your ability to provide a secure and

safe fixing. You will need to determine where theBR-FX will be fixed
and the structure of the wall. If unsure, please obtain the services of a
competentqualified tradesperson.

Ensure that there are no water pipes, or electricity cables running behind where
the wall bracket is going to be secured. Work from secure steps and avoid
trailing wires. For recommendations on where to fix your BR-FX please refer to
theFAQ’s on our web site: www.monitoraudio.co.uk

295mm

11

Rev3. © Monitor Audi o 2006

Connecting your Bronze BR-FX

Bi-P

ole Mode

Fig. 1

Di-Pole Mode

Fig. 2

The Bronze BR-FX’s are supplied as right hand and left hand units and both can
be configured to either bi-pole or di-pole. The factory setting is bi-pole as
illustratedin fig. 1 below.

In bi-pole mode, all speaker units (mid/bass unit and tweeters) are in phase.
This feature is for when the BR-FX is set up as a rear/surround speaker in a
typical 5.1 channel system. In di-pole mode, one of the HF units (tweeter) is out
of phase with the other tweeter and mid/bass unit. It is best to implement this
configuration when using the BR-FX as part of a 7.1 channel system, with the
BR-FX’s takinguppositions on thesidewalls.

Please note that the BR-FX’s are left and right handed specific. This

is not an issue when used in bi-pole mode as a rear surround

speaker. It is essential that they are positioned correctly if used in
a 7.1 channelsystem.

Before changingyour BR-FX’sfrom bi-pole modeto di-pole mode, please ensure
that the speaker wires are disconnected from your loudspeakers. This helps to
protectyour amplifier.

To change from bi-pole, to di-pole mode, the toggle switch on the crossover
panel needs to be moved from its factory set position (fig. 1) to the di-pole
position(fig. 2).

12

Rev3. © Monitor Audi o 2006

Connecting Your Bronze Reference Loudspeakers

You will notice that when you unpack your loudspeaker, there are plastic
terminal caps in the terminals where the speaker cable connectors should go.
Thesecan be simply removed by placing a thin, flat object underneaththem and
carefullylevering themfree.

The BR2, BR5 & BR6 can be either single or bi-wired. At Monitor Audio, we
would always recommend bi-wiring your loudspeakers for improved sound
quality. If you are going to be connecting your speakers in a bi-wire format,
please removethe terminal links. This is done by unscrewing the red and black
terminals slightly and removing the link. Connect them as in the below, left.
You can also bi-amp your loudspeakers. The top terminals are for the HF, and
the bottom terminals are for the LF. In the cases where there is a mid bass unit
(BR5and BR6),this is connected to the top terminals

The BR1, BR-LCR & BR-FX are single wire only. This can be seen in the
illustrationbelow, centre.

However if neither of these options are open to you, please connect your
loudspeakers as in the illustration below, right. Please remember to leave the

terminal links in.

Bi- Wire Format

Single-WireFormat

BR1,LCR Wiring

Rev3. © Monitor Audi o 2006

13

Positioning

BR-FX

The positioning of your loudspeakers for a two channel, stereo system very
much depends on your listening environment. Ideally you would place your
speakers 2 – 3m (6 – 10 ft) apart in the middle of your wall and you would sit
approximately 2m away. However, the ideal listening position is not always
possible. Therefore, we would recommend that you try and position them as
closeas possible to the ideal.

Start by playing some different pieces of music that are familiar to you. If you
have a rear ported speaker (BR1, BR5, BR6) try not to place them too close to
the wall. If they are too close you will find that the bass is very prominent.
Start by placing them approximately 20cm (8”) from the wall. If you find there
is too much bass place them further away from the wall. If, on the other hand,
you find there isn’t enough bass for your liking, place them slightly closer to the
wall. The same applies with placing you loudspeakers next to a side-wall. If
possible do not place your loudspeakers any closer than 50cm (20”) to your
side-wall.

Try varying the distance your loudspeakers are apart from each other. If they
are too close together, this may result in poor stereo imaging. This is when
sound moves from left to right or right to left, for example a car in a movie
sound track. But if you place them too far apart, there will be a big gap in the
imaging. When listening to music through your speakers, if you have them set
up correctly, you shouldn’t notice that the speakers are even there, the music
shouldsound as if it is coming from the centre of the two speakers.

Forthe positioning of a multi channel homecinema system,please refer to the
illustrationbelow or your AV amplifier/receivermanual.

BR5/6
BR1/2/LCR +
Stand *
BR-FX

BR-LCR

BR5/6
BR1/2/LCR +
Stand *
BR-FX

Subwoofer. Please refer to

Note to scale* Not supplied

Rev3. © Monitor Audi o 2006

14

Running-In

As with all speakers, the Bronze Reference requires a certain amount of
running-in time before the best is achieved from your loudspeakers. Arunning­in period of approximately 50 hours should be enough for the Bronze Reference
Series.

Running-in loudspeakers is similar to running-in a car engine. Play them at
approximately half of your normal listening level to run them in so that
permanentdamage is not caused.

If you wish to speed up the running-in process, this can be done by placing
themface to face (almost touching)and connecting one of the pair out of phase
(black to red and red to black). This way the sound waves cancel each other out
and very little sound level is actually heard. This is a convenient solution, as
theycan beleft to run-in whileyou are away from home.

Port Bungs

Bookshelf Loudspeakers

TheBR1 is a rear portedcabinet design. Becauseof this design, we recommend
that when fixing the loudspeakers to a wall that the port bungs are used. This
may also apply when they are positioned very close to a rear/side wall. The
BR2’s, by contrast, are front ported in design. This means that they can be
positioned more or less anywhere and it won’t affect the sound greatly. The
only time that the port bungs may be needed is if the loudspeakersare close to
a side-wall. The bass may seem to ‘boom’ off of the surrounding walls in the
listeningroom and seem over-powering.

Floor-Standing Loudspeakers

The BR5 and BR6 are both designed using two ATR port tubes. One is located
on the front of the cabinet, the other on the rear. These ports should not need
to be blocked if you are using your loudspeaker in a room greater than
approximately 9m2. However, if you cannot implement the ideal speaker
positioning, then experiment using the port bungs. Firstly start by fitting them
in the rear port, then the front, and then both to see which configuration is best
suitedto your personal tastes and room constraints.
Foam port bungs are supplied for all speakers with and ATR port tube. The port
bungs are another way of fine-tuning the loudspeaker to fit in sonically in your
homeenvironment.

WARNING: Care must be taken not to insert the port bungs too far into the port
as thismay resultin the foam bung being lost inside the cabinet.

Rev3. © Monitor Audi o 2006

15

Guarantee and Service

Valid upon completion of the guarantee card and its return within 30 days of
purchase.

This equipment has been fully tested prior to dispatch from the factory. Both
the craftsmanship and the performance of this product is guaranteed against
manufacturing defects for the period of three years from the date of purchase
(see conditions below), provided that the product was supplied by an
authorised Monitor Audio retailer under the consumer sale agreement. (The
words ‘consumer sale’ shall be construed in accordance with section 15 of the
supply of goods act 1973). Monitor Audio accepts no responsibility for defects
arising from accident, misuse, abuse, wear and tear, modification or operation
outside of that specified within this instruction manual. Neither will
responsibilitybe acceptedfor damageor lossoccurring during transit to or from
theparties claiming under this guarantee.

This guarantee covers both labour and parts. The liability of Monitor Audio is
limited to the cost of repair or replacement of the defective parts (at the
discretion of Monitor Audio) and under no circumstances extends to
consequentiallosses or damage.

Claims under this Guarantee

The equipment should be returned in its packaging to the original supplier
where possible, or to any other authorised Monitor Audio dealer. If it is not
possible to return the equipment by hand, then it should be sent carriage
prepaid via a reputable carrier. If the original packing is not available
replacement packaging can be purchased from Monitor Audio. If you have any
difficulties complying with these requirements please contact us at the
followingaddress:

MonitorAudio Ltd. Tel: [phone]
Unit2,24 BrookRoad Fax: [phone]
Rayleigh Internet:www.monitoraudio.co.uk
Essex Email: [e-mail]
SS67XL
England

This guarantee does not affect the statutory rights of the consumer under UK
law.

Monitor Audio reserve the right to alter specifications without notice if it is
consideredthat an improvementcan bemade to theproduct.

Rev3. © Monitor Audi o 2006

16

Data Protection

We at Monitor Audio are committed to respecting the wishes and privacy of our
customers. Any informationyou provide will be held in the strictest confidence
and only used within the Monitor Audio organisation for the provision of
servicessuch as warranty claims or spare parts.

We may wish to contact you in the future to ensure you are happy with the
products and standards of service we provide and to keep you up-to-date with
thelatest products and promotionswehave to offer.

Should you wish not to be contacted by us either by post, e-mail or phone,
please tick the box on the warranty card. Alternatively you can request not to
be contacted in future by writing to Customer Service, at the address on the
previouspage.

Owner Information

Product Details

Model(s) ……………………………………………………………………..………………………………
ProductSerial No (s) …………………………………………………..………………………………..
DateofPurchase ……………………………………

Dealer Details

DealerName ……………………………………………………………………………………………….
Address ………………………………………………………………………………………………………
Town,Post code, Country …………………………………………………………………………….
e-mailaddress ……………………………………………………………………………………………

MonitorAudio reserves theright to alter specificationswithoutnotice.

Rev3. © Monitor Audi o 2006

17