Paradigm 55C, 45C, 95F, 75F, 15B, 25S, 85F User Manual
Specifications and Main Features
Frequently Asked Questions
User Manual
REFERENCE COLLECTION
Series Owners Manual
TM
IMPORTANT! READ BEFORE WALL-MOUNTING PARADIGM
PRESTIGE 25S SURROUND/REAR SPEAKERS:
Wall mount your Paradigm Prestige 25S speakers securely enough that they
cannot fall and cause personal injury or damage to property.
Paradigm DOES NOT supply hardware for mounting Paradigm Prestige 25S
speakers to the wall. Always use screws appropriate for wall type and
weight of speakers.
If installing into drywall, install into 1/2˝ (13 mm) or 5/8˝ (16 mm) drywall
only. Screws must be long enough to go through anchor bolts (not supplied)
firmly into drywall.
NON LIABILITY: We are aware that the mounting assemblies provided for speakers
in this manual could be used for purposes and in ways other than those for which
they were intended. The manufacturer, distributor, retailer and their respective agents
cannot be held responsible or liable for injuries or property damage—direct, indirect
or consequential—arising from the use of or inability to use these products safely
and properly. Every effort has been made to provide accurate, error-free installation
instructions. Paradigm Electronics Inc. disclaims liability for difficulties that may arise
from the misinterpretation of information contained in these instructions.
and
RECYCLING AND REUSE GUIDELINES (Europe)
In accordance with the European Union WEEE (Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment) directive
effective August 13, 2005, we would like to notify you that our speakers may contain regulated
materials which, upon disposal, require special reuse and recycling processing. For this reason
Paradigm Electronics Inc. (the manufacturer of Paradigm speakers and Anthem electronics products) has arranged with its distributors in European Union member nations to collect and recycle
this product at no cost to you. To find your local distributor please contact the dealer from whom
you purchased this product or go to our website at paradigm.com.
Please note that only the product falls under the WEEE directive. When disposing of packaging and
other shipping material we encourage you to recycle through the normal channels.
205 Annagem Boulevard,
Mississauga, ON, Canada L5T 2V1
MAN0099 | 012815
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Introduction ........................ 1
Unpacking Instructions (Floorstanding
Speakers) Securing Rubber Feet (Floor)
or Spikes (Carpet) ................... 2
General Tips ....................... 3
Break in ........................... 3
Cleaning ........................... 3
Preventing Speaker Damage ......... 3
Amplifier Distortion — The #1 Culprit! . . 3
More Powerful Amplifiers are Safer ... 3
Volume Control ..................... 3
There is a Limit! .................... 4
The Right Amount of Power .......... 4
Your Listening Room ................ 4
Stand Mounting (Optional) ............ 5
Attaching Bumper Pads to Bookshelf/
Center/Surround Speakers .......... 6
Bookshelf and Center Speakers ....... 6
Surround Speakers ................. 6
Placement: Front Left &
Right Speakers ..................... 7
Accurate Timbre .................... 8
Balanced Bass ..................... 9
Optimal Imaging ................... 10
Optional On-Wall Mounting
of Front Speakers .................. 10
Placement: Center Speaker .......... 11
Placement: Surround / Rear Speakers . 12
5.1 Surround Configuration .......... 12
7.1 Surround Configuration .......... 12
Wall-Mounting ..................... 12
Stand Mounting .................... 12
Speaker Connection ............... 13
Minimum Gauge Requirements . . . . . . 13
Standard Connection for Prestige 15B . . 14
Standard Connection for All Speakers
(Except Prestige 15B) ................ 15
Bi-Wire Connection ................ 16
Bi-Amp Connection ................ 17
Horizontal Bi-Amplification .......... 18
Horizontal Bi-Amplification .......... 18
Fine Tuning ....................... 18
Basic Troubleshooting ............. 19
Specifications ..................... 20
Limited Warranty .................. 23
INTRODUCTION
Thank you for purchasing Paradigm® Prestige™ Series speakers; we are confident that
you will hear a stunning difference in your music and home theater system listening
experience.
Paradigm’s Comprehensive R&D, leading-edge technology, use of the finest materials
and sophisticated manufacturing and quality control techniques provide vastly superior
performance for each component part and at every stage of design. Paradigm
speakers will provide you with unparalleled listening pleasure for many years to come.
To achieve all of the exceptional sound that these speakers are capable of providing
requires care in installation and operation. Please take the time to read this manual and
follow all instructions. If you have further questions, contact your Authorized Paradigm
Reference Collection Dealer or visit the Frequently Asked Questions page in the Support
section of our website at paradigm.com.
®
Prestige
™
®
1
UNPACKING INSTRUCTIONS (FLOORSTANDING SPEAKERS)
Securing Rubber Feet (Floor) or Spikes (Carpet)
IMPORTANT! Follow These Steps Before Proceeding!
IMPORTANT! When removing the speaker from the carton, ensure
belt buckles, rings or other jewellery do not come into contact with
the speaker and scratch the finish.
Floor (Wood or Tile)
1
2
180°
3
ARRÊTEZ! OUVRIR DE CE CÔTÉ
STOP! OPEN FROM OTHER END
TM
NOIR
BLACKA
NO
C
DARK
ENDRÉ
IXF
BRI
SH/
M
O
WALNUT
LL
IDNIGHTCHERRYG
NCÉE
NO
A
PIAN
NTCE
IRPIANO
OBLACK/
/
RI
SEDEMINUIT
LOSS/
OR
180°
Carpet
180°
4
2
56
Floor (Wood or Tile)
Carpet
Turn Key to Level Speaker
TM
GENERAL TIPS
Break-In
Although Paradigm Prestige speakers sound great “out of the carton,” they will sound
even better once they are “broken in.” Allow them to play for several hours before you
begin any critical listening.
NOTE: If your speakers have been transported or stored in the cold, let them warm to
room temperature before use.
Cleaning
Prestige speakers have a durable premium finish. To clean, use a damp soft cloth. Do not
use a strong or abrasive cleaner. Avoid getting any part of the speaker system wet. Do not
place wet objects (drinking glasses, potted plants, etc.) on top of the speakers—if allowed
to soak in, even a small amount of water may permanently damage the speaker enclosure.
PREVENTING SPEAKER DAMAGE
Paradigm Prestige speakers are efficient and can be driven to loud listening levels with
moderate amplifier power. They are also able to handle the output of very powerful
amplifiers. To prevent damage to your speakers, please read the following guidelines
before hooking them up.
Amplifier Distortion — The #1 Culprit!
Amplifier distortion is the principal cause of speaker damage. When listening at loud
levels your amplifier may run out of clean power. It will then begin to produce distorted
power several times greater than its rated output power. This will damage any brand of
speaker very quickly! (Ask your Dealer for amplifier recommendations.)
More Powerful Amplifiers are Safer
A 40 watt/channel amplifier will have substantial distortion above 40 watts. If driven to
50 watts, this amplifier will deliver distorted power—which will damage the speaker! A
100 watt/channel amplifier will have substantial distortion above 100 watts, but very low
distortion below 100 watts. Therefore, when the speaker requires 50 watts, this more
powerful amplifier will deliver clean power and speaker damage is less likely to occur.
Volume Control
Do not be fooled by the Volume Control of your receiver/preamplifier. It only adjusts
listening level—it is not a “power-output” dial. The amount of amplifier power actually
used at a given Volume Control setting depends solely on the nature of the music you
are listening to.
At a given Volume Control setting a quiet section of music will use less amplifier power
than a loud section. With typical pop-rock, jazz or large scale classical music, the rated
output power of many receivers/amplifiers is often reached when the Volume Control
is between the “11 and 1 o’clock” settings (with bass/treble and loudness controls not
used—otherwise rated power may be reached at even lower Volume Control settings).
3
PREVENTING SPEAKER DAMAGE (continued)
Remember, all amplifiers produce distortion when operated beyond their rated output
power. The resulting distortion will damage all speakers! Exercise caution! If you listen
at loud levels, be careful to listen for the point of audible distortion—if the speakers
begin to sound distressed turn the Volume Control down or your speakers and/or
amplifier(s) will be damaged! This type of damage constitutes abuse and is not covered
by the warranty. If louder volumes are desired, obtain a more powerful amplifier.
There is a Limit!
Although more powerful amplifiers are safer, there is a point at which you could have
more power than the speaker can handle. At that point you will overpower the speaker
and damage it. Exercise caution! At loud levels do not increase bass/treble controls
from zero and ensure that all loudness/contour/bass EQ buttons are off (otherwise rated output power will be reached at lower volume control settings). If you listen at loud
levels, watch for excessive visible cone excursion (grille movement) from the woofer—
then turn the Volume Control down.
The Right Amount of Power
A power-range rating is given as a guide to indicate the approximate minimum and
maximum power input of your Paradigm Prestige speakers. Amplifiers that exceed your
speaker’s power-range rating are recommended. Their greater power reserves provide
better sound. However, exercise caution! Use the speakers within their power-range
rating to prevent damage (keep listening levels below the point of excessive woofer
cone excursion).
YOUR LISTENING ROOM
Paradigm Prestige speakers are designed to provide superior high-end sound in a
wide variety of domestic settings. However, it is important to note that listening room
construction, dimensions and furnishings all play a part in the quality of sound you
will ultimately achieve. Your listening room will impose its own character on the
performance capabilities of any speaker system. The extra care you take in correctly
positioning the speakers will result in greater listening enjoyment. Keep the following
guidelines in mind when deciding on the best.
• Mid and high frequencies are affected by the amount of soft furnishings in your
room—curtains, carpets, sofas, wall coverings, etc. An excess of such items can
result in a somewhat dull sound. The same room without any soft furnishings can
produce a bright overall sound. The typical quantity of soft furnishings found in most
living situations provide the right acoustic characteristics to allow the speakers to
sound balanced;
• Concrete floors and walls tend to aggravate low-frequency standing wave problems
and are less preferred;
• Rooms where height, width and length are similar should be avoided as they can
exhibit significant low-frequency standing wave problems. This may result in reduced
clarity. If no other room is possible, experiment with speaker placement to minimize
acoustic problems.
4
STAND MOUNTING (optional)
The Paradigm Prestige 55C and Prestige 45C center channel speakers can be mounted
to Paradigm’s J-18C stand if desired. Ask your Paradigm dealer for details.
Stand Mounting a Center Channel Speaker (Prestige 55C Shown)
5
ATTACHING BUMPER PADS TO BOOKSHELF/CENTER/
SURROUND SPEAKERS
IMPORTANT! To prevent damage to your speaker’s finish, place the top
side of your speaker on a soft surface (rug, blanket, etc.) before applying
the bumper pads to the bottom side corners.
Bookshelf and Center Speakers
Self-adhesive bumper pads (included) should be applied to the bottom corners of
Paradigm Prestige bookshelf and center-channel speakers (see illustrations below)
when placed on a shelf or other flat surface. This will isolate your speakers from the
solid surface, improving overall sound quality.
NOTE: As an alternative, you may choose to stand mount your Paradigm Prestige 15B
bookshelf speakers using Paradigm stands. Ask your Paradigm dealer for details.
Surround Speakers
As an option, you may choose to apply the self-adhesive bumper pads to the back of the
Paradigm Prestige 25S surround speaker. This application prevents acoustic resonance
from the wall your speaker is mounted to.
Bookshelf Speaker
(Prestige 15B Shown)
6
Center Channel Speaker
(Prestige 55C Shown)
PLACEMENT: FRONT LEFT & RIGHT SPEAKERS
Pardigm Prestige front speakers are designed to allow flexible placement while
providing a very large window of sound throughout your listening room. To ensure the
best performance possible we strongly recommend that you observe the placement
guidelines on the following pages …
OR
Ideal placement of left and right speakers
7
PLACEMENT: FRONT LEFT & RIGHT SPEAKERS (continued)
Accurate Timbre
For the most accurate and natural timbre, place front speakers so that their highfrequency drivers are approximately at ear level, as shown below.
Placing bookshelf models on Paradigm speaker stands (sold separately) or bookshelves
raises their high-frequency drivers to approximately ear level, thereby ensuring the
best performance possible.
8
Balanced Bass
Placing front speakers in corners will over-emphasize bass and reduce overall clarity.
Avoid corner placement. Position front speakers 8 in (20 cm) or more from the wall
behind the speaker and as much as possible from either side wall, as shown below.
This will ensure better bass performance and optimal midrange clarity.
8 in (20 cm)
or more
As far away
from the wall
as possible
9
PLACEMENT: FRONT LEFT & RIGHT SPEAKERS (continued)
8po (20 cm)
3/4 “x”
“x”
Optimal Imaging
Measure the distance from your main listening area to the front speakers (“X”). For
best imaging, place speakers from three-quarters of that distance up to that same
distance from each other (3/4 of “X” to “X”), as shown. To further optimize imaging,
toe speakers slightly inward so they point toward the listening position with their axes
crossing just behind it, as shown.
Optional On-Wall Mounting of Front Speakers
Follow the directions for placement given under “Optimal Imaging” above and use the
mounting instructions provided with your mounting brackets (sold separately) to safely
and securely mount your speakers on the wall.
10
PLACEMENT: CENTER SPEAKER
Paradigm Prestige Series center channel speakers are designed to cover a large,
wide listening area, allowing listeners throughout the room to hear center-channel
information with unprecedented clarity and intelligibility.
Placing your center-channel speaker below (or above) the TV will ensure the best
possible clarity and intelligibility. Position the speaker flush with the front of the TV
or speaker shelf to minimize unwanted sound reflections. Make sure the centerchannel is approximately the same distance away from the primary listening position
as your front speakers. (Some A/V receivers/processors can electronically adjust for
differences in distance.)
11
PLACEMENT: SURROUND / REAR SPEAKERS
90˚
110˚
90˚
110˚
5.1 Surround Configuration
Position one speaker on each side of the listening area, as shown below.
7.1 Surround Configuration (adds two rear speakers to a typical 5.1 surround configuration)
Position speakers behind the listening area—one speaker slightly right and the other
slightly left, as shown.
Wall Mounting
For wall mounting instructions for the Paradigm Prestige 25S, refer to the Wall Mounting
Instructions included with the speaker.
Stand Mounting
For stand mounting instructions for the Paradigm Prestige 25S, refer to the Stand
Mounting Instructions included with an optional Paradigm J-Series stand. Ask your
Paradigm dealer for details.
12
SPEAKER CONNECTION
IMPORTANT! Turn your amplifier(s) OFF before connecting your
speakers. This will avoid damage which could result from accidental
shorting of speaker cables.
For optimum sound, the use of high quality speaker cable is essential. The chart
below identifies the minimum gauge requirements for various lengths (See your
Dealer for recommendations).
MINIMUM GAUGE REQUIREMENTS
LENGTHDIAMETERGAUGE
Under 4.5 m (15 ft)
Under 9 m (30 ft)
Over 9 m (30 ft)
1.3 mm (0.05 in)
1.6 mm (0.06 in)
2.0 mm (0.08 in)
16 awg
14 awg
12 awg
13
SPEAKER CONNECTION (continued)
-+
Standard Connection for Prestige 15B
Your speakers’ binding posts can be used with banana, pin or spade connectors, as
well as with bare wire. Tighten the posts firmly by hand but do not over tighten!
Correct polarity (or phase) is critical for proper soundstage imaging and bass performance.
Connect one speaker at a time to ensure proper connection of every channel. The red (+)
amplifier terminal must be connected to the red (+) speaker terminal. The same applies
to the black (–) terminals. Make sure all wires are firmly fastened. Repeat this connection
procedure for each speaker in your system.
NOTE: If you hear a distinct lack of bass and a dislocated stereo image then one or
more of your speakers may be connected out of phase (polarity is reversed). Re-check
to ensure that each speaker’s cable is connected with correct polarity: red (+) to red
(+) and black (–) to black (–).
14
Loading...
+ 36 hidden pages
You need points to download manuals.
1 point = 1 manual.
You can buy points or you can get point for every manual you upload.