Avalon Acoustics Sentinel manual Subwoofer Amplifier, Design Principle, Room Compensation

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6 Subwoofer Amplifier

Design Principle

The Sentinel subwoofer amplifier provides essential support for the lowest octaves of the musical spectrum. As a fundamental component of the Sentinel Reference System, the subwoofer amplifier has been specifically designed to match the superlative speed and coherence of the Sentinel's upper frequency response.

The 2400 watt subwoofer amplifier is a push-pull bridged design with fully balanced circuitry. The amplifier utilizes a massive (2 KVA) toroidal transformer and a storage capacity totaling over 70000 uF, with 10 high voltage/current Bi-Polar output devices per channel and discrete high voltage/current voltage regulation. The amplifier has a built-in electronic crossover that is tuned specifically to the subwoofer driver array and box alignment. The result is full-bandwidth low frequency output that has perfect phase coherence down to 16 Hz.

Room Compensation

Loudspeaker positioning within a room dramatically influences sound reproduction quality. In particular, the distances to the room boundaries define a complex system of wave nodes and antinodes that can play havoc with low frequency response and phase characteristics. For example, the reflection from each room boundary (floor, side walls, front and rear walls, and ceiling) creates antinodes when the sound wavelength is about four times the distance to that boundary. The overall effect of these reflections is acoustic room loading, more commonly known as "room boom."

The Sentinel subwoofer amplifier has a sophisticated electronic network that allows for in-room tuning and adjustment that can compensate for this loading effect. We strongly recommend the application of room treatment (See Section 7, Maximizing Performance) before attempting any compensations using the subwoofer amplifier. Once your system and room have been properly set-up and treated, the following procedure can assist you in fine-tuning your system.

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Contents Musical Masterpieces Page Table of Contents Introduction Listening Position Introduction OverviewLow Noise Floor Coherent Energy Transfer Active Reference System Introduction ContentsUnpacking Instructions Room Preparation and Verification Crate and Box Placement for Unpacking Room set-up for unpackingOpening the Crates To unpack the crossover cabinetsTo unpack the upper speaker cabinets Opening the Sub Amplifier Crates Removing Apex‘ Couplers from Set-up Blocks System Set-upPreparation Left / Right Channel Matching Installation of Apex‘ couplers Lower Speaker Cabinet Set-upUpper Speaker Cabinet Set-up Page Page Proper placement of crossover cabinet behind speaker Crossover Cabinet Set-upFelt Anti-Diffraction Mask Orientation of the upper Felt MaskSub Amplifier Set-up Wiring Instructions Do not over-tighten the screwsWiring and Field Interactions Inductive field effectsConnecting Upper Speaker Cabinet to Crossover Do not over-tighten the binding postsConnecting Speaker Cable to the Crossover Connect Speaker Cable to your Amplifier Connecting Subwoofer to the Sub Amplifier Two outputs at the preamplifier Connecting Preamplifier to the AmplifiersInterconnect Y-cable at the preamplifier Break-in Period Room Compensation Subwoofer AmplifierDesign Principle Master Felt Anti-diffraction Masks Maximizing PerformanceSeparate Left / Right Amplifiers Apex‘ Couplers Room Treatment and System / Listener PositionToe-In First Reflection Points Corner TreatmentCare of Your Avalon Loudspeakers CabinetCrossover Cabinet DriversWarranty Event of a ProblemWarranty Statement Page Room Acoustics / Speaker Position An Optical Analogy Basic Room AcousticsStanding Waves Flutter Echo Early Reflections Avoiding Early Reflections Angle Angle Y Reflected Sound Direct Sound Low Frequency Reflections Bass reinforcement 100 200 500 Page Summary of Recommendations Flutter Echo and Standing WavesSpeaker Placement Early ReflectionsListening Room Example Time Alignment Listening PositionPath Length Symmetry Summary Accuracy of Bass Reproduction Sensitivity to Time-Related Information Fast BassMeasurements of Audio Equipment Correlation with Amplifier MeasurementsLoudspeaker Measurements Designing for Accurate Bass Reproduction Listening for Size Distortions Listening QualitiesFrequency Response Effects Transient Response Effects Active Control of Bass Energy Active Subwoofer SystemAnechoic Frequency Response vs. In-Room Frequency Response Features Subwoofer Amplifier SpecificationsLoudspeaker

Sentinel specifications

Avalon Acoustics Sentinel represents a pinnacle in high-fidelity loudspeakers, designed for audiophiles who demand exceptional sound quality and elegant design. Known for their commitment to meticulous craftsmanship and innovative technology, Avalon Acoustics continues to push the boundaries of acoustic performance with the Sentinel model.

One of the standout features of the Sentinel is its unique three-way design. This configuration allows for precise sound reproduction across the entire audio spectrum, delivering rich bass, articulate midrange, and sparkling highs. The speaker utilizes proprietary drivers that have been engineered to minimize distortion while maximizing dynamic range and sensitivity. This ensures that every note is rendered with clarity and precision, making it ideal for any listening environment.

The cabinet design of the Sentinel is another aspect that underscores Avalon's commitment to excellence. Constructed from carefully selected hardwoods and finished to perfection, the enclosure not only enhances aesthetic appeal but also plays a critical role in acoustic performance. Its solid build effectively reduces resonance and undesirable vibrations, allowing the drivers to perform at their best.

In terms of technology, the Sentinel incorporates advanced crossover networks. These networks are designed to ensure seamless transition between drivers, providing a cohesive soundstage. By using high-quality components, the crossover systems significantly improve the overall performance, ensuring that listeners enjoy a balanced and natural tonal quality.

Moreover, the Sentinel features adjustable bass ports, allowing users to tailor the speaker's performance to fit their specific room acoustics. This flexibility helps to optimize the listening experience, regardless of the environment. The speakers also include easy-to-use bi-wiring and bi-amping capabilities, enabling audiophiles to customize their setup for optimal sound quality.

Finally, the visual appeal of Avalon Acoustics Sentinel cannot be understated. With its sleek lines and contemporary design, it is a statement piece that complements any décor. Available in various finishes, the Sentinel seamlessly blends performance with style, catering to both auditory and aesthetic sensibilities.

In summary, Avalon Acoustics Sentinel stands out as an exceptional loudspeaker that combines advanced technology, exquisite craftsmanship, and customizable features. Its three-way design, high-quality drivers, and adjustable features make it a top contender for those seeking unparalleled sound quality in a luxurious package.
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