Paradigm OM-1000, Studio, Signature Owner's Manual

OWNERS MANUAL OM-1000

Paradigm Electronics Inc. In Canada: 205 Annagem Blvd., Mississauga, ON L5T 2V1 • In the U.S.: MPO Box 2410, Niagara Falls, NY 14302

MAN0001000 061710

STUDIO AND SIGNATURE SERIES:
FRONT AND CENTER-CHANNEL SPEAKERS

Thank you for choosing Paradigm®Reference speakers and congratulations!

You are about to experience the stunning difference that these state-of-the-art high-end
speakers will make in your music and home theater system.

Comprehensive R&D, leading-edge design, 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

®

Reference speakers will
provide you with stunning high-end sound and 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 Dealer or visit the Q&A page in the Tech Support section of
our website at www.paradigm.com.

THE ULTIMATE IN HIGH-END SOUND FOR MUSIC AND HOME THEATER

™

Your New Speakers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

Unpacking Instructions (Pictorial) . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

Speaker Placement and Connection (Pictorial) . . 4
Bracket Installation for On-Wall

Speakers (Pictorial) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

Preventing Speaker Damage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

Room Acoustics. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

Speaker Placement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

Wall Mounting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

Speaker Connection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

Fine Tuning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

Troubleshooting Guide. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

Limited Warranty . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Break-In

Although Paradigm

®

Reference 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.

High-frequency and midrange drivers use ferro-fluid that can thicken at temper­atures below 10° C (50° F). Surround material used in the bass/midrange driver
units is made of a compound that may stiffen in colder temperatures. If your
speakers have been transported or stored in the cold, let them warm to room
temperature before use.

Cleaning

Paradigm

®

Reference 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.

Speaker Grilles

Paradigm

®

Reference speakers are meant to be played with their grilles on.
These grilles are designed to eliminate edge diffraction—the sound reflections
that occur at the outer edges of the front of the enclosure which interfere with
the drivers’ primary sound output. The grille frames fit flush to each driver and
have rounded outer edges to ensure that driver output does not encounter
hard reflective edges.

Floorstanding Spikes

Isolation spikes are an option included with Paradigm

®

Reference floor­standing models. We highly recommend installing these spikes as they will
improve the sound of your speakers by isolating them from the floor. The most
convenient time to install spikes is during the unpacking process. Refer to the
“Unpacking Instructions

(pictorial).

”

YOUR NEW SPEAKERS

RECYCLING AND REUSE GUIDELINES FOR 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 this product may contain regulated materials which, upon disposal,
according to the WEEE directive, require special reuse and recycling processing. For this reason Paradigm Electronics Inc.
(manufacturers of Paradigm speakers and Anthem Electronics) has arranged with our 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 www.paradigm.com.

Please note that the product only falls under the WEEE directive. When disposing of packaging and other shipping
material we encourage you to recycle through the normal channels.

2

UNPACKING INSTRUCTIONS

(pictorial)

3

(if included with your model)

4

Fig. 1

Fig. 1a

Fig. 1b

Fig. 2

SPEAKER PLACEMENT AND CONNECTION

(pictorial)

Fig. 3

Fig. 4

5

Fig. 5a

For Center Channels with Outrigger Feet

Fig. 5c

Attaching the Tilt Bracket when the Center Channel is positioned
below

a Television/Display – included on models with cradles only

Fig. 5b

For Center Channels with Cradles

STEP 1

Remove grille. To prevent scratching
the finish, carefully lay the speaker
on a blanket or soft drop cloth with
cradles positioned for easy access,
as shown.

STEP 3

Push down firmly with both thumbs
where indicated (see inset) and bracket
will snap into place. Repeat steps 1
to 3 for second bracket.

IMPORTANT! Should you wish to remove the tilt bracket at a later
date, you must unscrew the entire cradle/tilt bracket assembly. DO NOT
attempt to pry off the bracket as this will damage the cradle.

Note: Bracket not for use with a Paradigm Stand

USE OF THIS TILT BRACKET IS RECOMMENDED, BUT OPTIONAL

STEP 2

Position bracket over cradle, as
shown. Align rear posts in bracket
with rear holes in cradle (see inset).
Press down firmly to engage posts.
Front posts will automatically align.

6

Fig. 6

Attaching the TV-Top/Shelf Support

(selected models only)

Hidden cable channel

SPEAKER PLACEMENT AND CONNECTION

(pictorial) cont’d.

7

Fig. 7a

Fig. 7b

Fig. 7c

Fig. 8a

Position bracket for horizontal or vertical (see
Inset 2) placement and mark center hole. Press
anchor bolt firmly into drywall and screw in. Follow
with flathead screw

(see ‘WARNING!’ at right)

.

Fig. 8b

Ensure bracket is level, then mark the holes for
anchor bolts.

Fig. 8d

Reposition bracket as shown. Align screw holes in
bracket over anchor bolts. Insert screws.

Fig. 8c

Allow bracket to rotate clockwise, then screw in
anchor bolts.

IMPORTANT NOTES: Please read before installing brackets

Paradigm DOES NOT supply hardware for mounting brackets to the wall. Mounting hardware shown
is an example only; hardware will vary depending on wall type.

If installing in drywall, thickness should be 1/2˝ (13 mm) or 5/8˝ (16 mm) only. Screws must be long
enough to go through anchor bolts and firmly into drywall (see Inset 1).

A specific clearance is required when sliding on-wall speakers onto bracket. For more information
see Fig. 8g.

Inset 1

WARNING! Screws must be inserted straight and
fully tightened to ensure correct operation of bolts.

Inset 2

Metal tabs must sit at outer edges

(as shown)

when

brackets are installed vertically.

BRACKET INSTALLATION FOR ON-WALL SPEAKERS

(pictorial)

PARTS INCLUDED (ONE SPEAKER):

• 1 – Wall-mounting bracket • 1 – Angle bracket with 2 screws • 1 – Hex key

REQUIRED, NOT INCLUDED (ONE SPEAKER):

• 5 – Anchor bolts (minimum load rate 25 lb / 11.3 kg) • 5 – Flathead (Countersunk) screws. (TIP: Paint to match Black speaker finish)

(Note position of metal tab)

8

Fig. 8e

ADJUST BRACKETS TO ACHIEVE
DESIRED ANGLE OF TILT:

a) Tilt speakers inward for better imaging;
b) Tilt center speaker up or down to optimize clarity and

intelligibility or;

c) Mount speaker parallel to the wall

(horizontally or

vertically)

, using bracket at the 0° position.

Align screws with desired angle position

(refer to

information at far right)

and screw in.

Fig. 8f

Connect speaker following the information included
later in the manual.

(Vertical Placement)

Using an "in and sideways" motion slide speaker
onto bracket; tighten assembly locking screw.

Fig. 8g (Horizontal Placement)

Using an "in and down" motion slide speaker onto
bracket; tighten assembly locking screw.

Minimum clearance
between edge of TV and
center of bracket is 6-7/8˝ (175 mm)

Minimum clearance

6-7/8˝ (175 mm)

9

10

Paradigm®Reference 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!

(See 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).

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

®

Reference 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).

PREVENTING SPEAKER DAMAGE

Paradigm®Reference 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 speaker placement:

• 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 provides 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.

ROOM ACOUSTICS