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Acoustic Energy Loudspeaker AE1 MkIII User Manual

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    							OWNER’S MANUAL    
    						
    							Contents
    Page Section
    1 1 Introduction
    1 2 Handling
    2 3Loudspeaker Stands
    2 4 Positioning
    34 Positioning (continued)
    35 Amplifiers
    4 6 Connecting
    4 7 Listening
    4 8 AE1 History
    5 9 Specifications
    5 10 Warranty
    5 11 Contact
    Page 1
    1. INTRODUCTION
    2. HANDLING
    Welcome to the AE Reference 1. Perhaps more
    than any other hi-fi product a loudspeaker is
    sensitive to installation. Please take a little time
    to read this manual and to follow, as far as
    practical, the installation guidelines it contains.
    Careful installation will help ensure that your
    AE1s perform to the best of their ability. Should
    you have any questions not covered here we are
    happy to try and answer them either by
    telephone or email. Contact information can be
    found on in Section 9.
    This manual is divided into sections covering
    handling, loudspeaker stands, positioning,
    amplifier compatibility, connection, listening,
    specification, product history, warranty and
    contact information. We recommend that you
    read at least the first five sections carefully
    before installing and using your AE1s.
    The AE1 is a relatively delicate precision engineered product that can be
    damaged by inappropriate handling. Please take care when unpacking or
    moving the speakers not to touch either of the drivers. Damage to a
    driver will at best degrade an AE1’s performance and at worst result in its
    complete failure.
    The veneer and painted surfaces should also be handled sympathetically.
    Any cleaning should only require a soft cloth, slightly dampened if
    necessary. Be wary of using any polishes or solvent based cleaning
    agents.
    If practical, the AE1 packaging should be retained for future use. If
    however you chose to dispose of the packaging please consider the
    environmental and recycling issues.   
    						
    							Page 2
    3. LOUDSPEAKER STANDS
    The AE1 is intended to be used mounted on loudspeaker stands clear of
    room boundaries. Alternative mounting arrangements such as wall
    brackets are possible although these are likely to result in less good
    performance. If wall brackets are to be used they should be as rigid as
    possible and firmly attached to brick-built walls.
    The construction style, rigidity and dimensions of the loudspeaker stands
    are of critical significance to the performance of the AE1. Acoustic Energy
    can supply appropriate stands for the AE1, however, these may not be
    available in all territories. If this is the case the following specification will
    help you select appropriate stands. Your retailer or distributor will also be
    able to offer advice.
    AE1 Outline Stand Specification.
    Construction Style: Direct coupled (minimum compliance),
    single pillar preferred.
    Mass Loading: Preferred (sand fill).
    Overall height: 0.56 - 0.64 m (AE1 top panel to be just
    below head height when seated).
    Top plate Dimensions
    Minimum width: 120 mm
    Maximum width: 175 mm
    Minimum depth: 180 mm
    Maximum depth: 230 mm
    Top plate to speaker interface: Direct coupled tri-point or damped-
    compliance.
    Stand to floor interface: Floor spikes (M8 minimum).
    4. POSITIONING
    The position of loudspeakers within the listening
    room is likely to have more influence over their
    performance than any other aspect of their
    installation. It is worth spending some time
    experimenting with both the finer points of
    positioning as well as the larger scale issues of
    room layout.
    If you are already familiar with the acoustic
    characteristics of your listening room and the
    way loudspeakers perform in it you may already
    have a good feel for where to position your
    AE1s. However, installing any new hi-fi
    component provides a good opportunity to
    review an existing set-up and perhaps make
    improvements.
    The fundamental position requirements for a
    pair of AE1s installed in an averagely sized and
    furnished listening room (say 5m x 6m) are as
    follows:
    • Between 0.5 and 1 metre from the rear wall.
    • Minimum 1 metre from side walls.
    • Between 2.5 and 3.5 metres apart.
    • Well clear of corners.
    • Angled inwards by between 5 and 10
    degrees.
    As described in Section 3 above, they should be
    mounted on stands around 0.6 metres high.
    AE1s are magnetically shielded and can be used
    in relatively close proximity to CRT screens.
    While it is often the first instinct to position a
    pair of loudspeakers against the shorter wall of a  
    						
    							Page 3
    4. POSITIONING
    5. AMPLIFIERS
    rectangular room, it is often the case that use
    against the longer wall will produce better
    results. This is because the long wall position
    tends to result in less prominent reflections from
    the side walls of the room. However, whether
    used against the long or short wall, it is
    important that each loudspeaker of the pair is
    located in a similar acoustic environment
    (different environments would be, say, a
    curtained area and a solid wall). Similarly, the
    acoustic character of the side walls of the room
    in the area where the main reflection between
    speakers and listening position will occur should
    also be similar. Diagram One illustrates a typical
    layout with some of these issues highlighted.
    Once the AE1s are connected (see the following
    section) and working, and you begin to become
    familiar with their performance, it is likely to be
    worthwhile experimenting a little more with
    their positioning.Reducing the distance between the AE1s and the rear wall will increase
    the level of bass and low midrange making the speakers sound warmer.
    The warmth however is likely to be gained at the expense of some mid-
    range clarity and stereo image focus and depth. Increasing the toe-in
    angle of the speakers may regain some image focus but again this is
    lightly to be at a cost of image width and openness. Learning through
    experimentation how AE1s behave in your room will help you find the
    optimum solution.
    DIAGRAM 1
    3.0 metres
    7˚ toe-in
    Listening
    position
    0.75 metres
    First side reflection
    region. Keep
    similar each side.
    The AE1 is a relatively low sensitivity speaker and
    so requires a generously rated  power amplifier if
    relatively high volume levels are to be
    comfortably achieved in an average listening
    room. A minimum of 50 and maximum of 200
    Watts into 8 Ohms per channel is
    recommended. AE1s offer a relatively easy load
    to the amplifier and do not make unusually
    heavy demands on its current delivery. 
    No overload protection systems are fitted to the
    AE1 so it is possible to cause damage through
    overdriving. Such damage can occur whatever
    the power rating of the amplifier and is not
    covered by any guarantee. If ever the sound at
    high volumes becomes distorted your AE1s are
    at risk of damage. In such circumstances the
    volume must be reduced.   
    						
    							Page 4
    6. CONNECTING
    Connecting your AE1s to an amplifier is a fundamentally simple process,
    however there are some issue to bear in mind concerning connectors
    and connection, cable type and amplifier compatibility. The connection
    panel is illustrated in Diagram 2.
    Each pair of AE1s is fitted with one pair of WBT binding-post terminals.
    Thanks to the AE1’s meticulous filter circuit layout there is no need, or
    advantage to be gained, from “bi-wiring”. The terminals can accept
    either stripped wires, spade connectors, or 4mm terminals. Each
    termination method is potentially equally effective and the choice of
    termination is likely to be influenced by type of loudspeaker cable used.
    Your dealer, distributor or cable manufacturer will be able to offer advice.
    It is important when connecting  AE1s to ensure that each speaker is
    connected with the same polarity. The positive (left hand) terminal
    should be connected back to the positive terminal of the amplifier and
    the negative (right hand) connected back to the amplifier’s negative. No
    damage will occur if AE1s are connected with incorrect polarity however
    their performance will be seriously degraded. Take care when connecting
    the AE1s not to touch the negative and positive terminals together and
    “short-circuit” the amplifier. Connections are best made with the
    amplifier switched off.
    Choice of cable type will be influenced by the characteristics of other
    components in your hi-fi system and again your dealer or distributor will
    be able to advise. Even so, there are some simple guidelines to consider:
    • Cable runs to each speaker should be kept as short as possible
    consistent with each being of equal length. 
    • Short cable runs are especially important if the cable is of relatively
    small cross-sectional-area. 
    • If the cable type is advertised as “directional” care should be taken to
    ensure that the orientation of the cable is as recommended.
    It is wise before listening to your AE1s to make one final check of the
    cables and connections. If all appears well begin listening at a relatively
    low level to confirm  that the system is operating as expected. Only
    increase the volume if you are happy that the sound at low levels is
    fundamentally as expected. If you are unhappy, turn the system off and
    recheck all the cables and connections.
    AE1s will take a little time to “run-in”, and similarly the system will also
    perhaps  take some time to reach normal operating temperatures. It  is
    unwise therefore to make rapid judgements about the performance of
    the speakers. Your ears too will take some to to adjust to the new sound,
    so revisiting the system set-up, loudspeaker positioning especially, is best
    for a few days.
    7. LISTENING
    DIAGRAM 2
    8. AE1 HISTORY
    The original AE1 was first introduced to the
    audio industry with spectacular success early in
    1988. It is best remembered for introducing an
    innovative metal-cone driver technology that
    subsequently influenced loudspeaker designers
    and manufacturers the World over. 
    The AE1 was primarily designed to satisfy the
    needs of the professional audio sector and
    quickly acquired a global reputation with
    musicians, recording artists and studio
    engineers. However, audiophiles were also quick
    to discover its dynamic accuracy and
    transparency, precise stereo imaging, high
    power handling and linearity. The hi-fi market
    rapidly became an integral part of Acoustic
    Energys growth.
    While the Series II AE1 of the mid 1990s
    introduced relatively small scale enhancements
    and revisions, the Series III product marks a
    complete reappraisal of design and technology.
    Remaining true to the philosophy and qualities
    of the original it brings significant performance
    gains across every parameter.   
    						
    							Page 5
    9. SPECIFICATION
    10. WARRANTY
    11. CONTACT
    Type:Compact, two-way, reflex loaded,
    vertical-in-line format reference monitor.
    Frequency Response:55Hz to 20kHz  ±2.5dB 
    Frequency Range:38Hz to 30kHz @ -6dB 
    Power Handling:75W peak programme
    Amplifier Compatibility:50 - 200 Watts into 8
    Ohms
    Maximum Level:105dB spl at 1 metre 
    Impedance:Nominal 8 ohms  [Mean 10 ohms,
    minimum 5.8 ohms] 
    Sensitivity:87dB for 1 Watt at 1 metre
    Distortion:< 0.25% @ 86dB spl above 100Hz
    Optimum Stand Height:0.6m ±4cm 
    Recommended Toe-in:7 degrees inward 
    Size (H x W x D):310 x 185 x 238 mm 
    Weight:11 kg
    Acoustic Eneregy reserves the right to modify
    product specifications.
    Your Acoustic Energy loudspeakers are guaranteed against original
    defects in materials, manufacture and workmanship for 3 years from the
    date of purchase. Please retain all original packaging materials for
    possible future use. We suggest that you complete details of purchase
    now and keep this information in a safe place for future reference.
    Under this warranty Acoustic Energy agrees to repair any defect or, at the
    company’s discretion, replace the faulty component(s) without charge for
    parts or labour. This warranty does not imply any acceptance by Acoustic
    Energy or its agents for consequential loss or damage and specifically
    excludes fair wear and tear, accident, misuse or unauthorised
    modification.
    This warranty is applicable in the United Kingdom only and does not in
    anyway limit the customer’s legal rights. Claims and enquiries under the
    warrantyfor AE products purchased outside the UK should be addressed
    to the localimporters or distributors.
    If you have reason to claim under the warranty please in the first instance
    contact your dealer.
    Dealer:
    Address:
    Purchase Date:
    Serial Numbers:
    Acoustic Energy Limited
    16 Bridge Road
    Cirencester
    Gloucestershire GL7 1NJ
    Tel:  +44 (0)1285 654432
    Fax:  +44 (0)1285 654430
    Email: [email protected]
    Web:  www.acoustic-energy.co.uk   
    						
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