Paradigm 55C, 45C, 95F, 75F, 15B User Manual

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REFERENCE COLLECTION

Series Owners Manual

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.

PARADIGM, PARADIGM REFERENCE COLLECTION, PRESTIGE and all associated proprietary and patented designs and technologies are registered trademarks of Paradigm Electronics Inc. Copyright © Paradigm Electronics Inc. All rights reserved. All other trademarks are the property of their respec tive owner(s). Paradigm Electronics reserves the right to change specifications and/or features without notice as design improvements are incorporated.

paradigm.com

Paradigm Electronics Inc.,

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

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

™

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)

180°

ARRÊTEZ! OUVRIR DE CE CÔTÉ

STOP! OPEN FROM OTHER END

T M

NOIR

BLACK A

DARK

ENDRÉ

IX F

BRI

SH /

WALNUT

IDNIGHT CHERRY G

NCÉE

PIAN

NT CE

I R PIANO

O BLACK /

S E D E MINUIT

L O SS /

180°

Carpet

180°

Floor (Wood or Tile)

Carpet

Turn Key to Level Speaker

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).

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.

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)

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)

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 …

Ideal placement of left and right speakers

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.

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

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.

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.)

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.

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

LENGTH DIAMETER GAUGE

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

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 (–).

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