Avalon Acoustics OPUS Ceramique Loudspeaker manual Speaker Placement, Early Reflections

Page 32

Speaker Placement

Although your Avalon Acoustics loudspeakers may be placed in a wide variety of positions relative to the walls of the room, it is still wise to experiment a bit to achieve optimal results. The suggested minimum distances for the Opus Ceramic are 3 feet from one wall (side or rear), and 5 feet from the other (all distances are measured to the center of the woofer cone). This will provide the proper degree of bass reinforcement, as well as minimize early reflections.

There is no suggested upper limit for the distances to the walls. Even a distance of 10 feet to one wall and 15 feet to the other wall will provide suitable bass reinforcement, and problems due to early reflections will be non-existent. However, regardless of the absolute numbers used, the most even bass response will be attained if the distances from the side wall and the rear wall are not overly similar.

Early Reflections

When arranging the furnishings in your listening room, remember that reflective objects should not be within a five foot radius of either the speaker or listener to avoid early reflections. This suggests the possibility of a dual-purpose room, with one end devoted to music reproduction, and the other end for another use, such as a study or office. In this way, the area behind the listener will contain items that will reduce problems with standing waves and/or flutter echo, while the zone around the speakers remains relatively free from reflective objects.

If you wish to achieve an even more spacious sound-stage, it may be useful to place a sonically absorbent material on the side and rear walls near the speakers. This can be particularly effective at the points where the sound wave is directly reflected to the listening position (a mirror can be used to determine these points, as illustrated in Fig. 8.2). As the distance to the wall becomes smaller, the suppression of these reflections becomes more important.

Early reflections will tend to diminish the soundstage in the direction of the reflections, i.e. early reflections from the side walls tend to reduce sound-stage width, while early reflections from the back wall will reduce image depth. We have found that a strong sense of depth enhances the feeling of involvement when listening, due to the three-dimensional solidity of images. Therefore, it is more important to have a greater distance from the speakers to the rear wall than to the sides walls. Typically, this is easier to achieve if the speakers are placed along the short wall of the listening room.

32

Image 32
Contents Music al Master piec es Page Table of Contents Features Introduction Introduction ContentsUnpacking Instructions Opening the Crate To unpack the loudspeakersInstalling the Grilles Orientation of the Felt Anti-Diffraction MaskReplacing Grille Pins Insertion of new grille pin into installation toolPage Do not over-tighten the screws Wiring InstructionsConnecting the Speaker to the Amplifier From Amplifier Break-in Period Grille Assemblies Speaker Placement and SymmetryMaximizing Performance Toe-In Apex CouplersFirst Reflection Points Corner TreatmentGrille Assembly Care of Your LoudspeakersCabinet Hardwood Finish DriversWarranty Event of a ProblemWarranty Statement Page Room AcousticsandSpeaker Position An Optical Analogy Basic Room AcousticsStanding Waves Flutter Echo Early Reflections Avoiding Early Reflections Angle X Angle Y Reflected Sound DirectSound Bass reinforcement 100 200 500 Page Summary of Recommendations Flutter Echo and Standing WavesSpeaker Placement Early ReflectionsListening Room Example Accuracy of Bass Reproduction Sensitivity to Time-Related Information Fast BassRationale Anechoic vs. In-Room Frequency ResponseMeasurements of Audio Equipment Correlation with Amplifier MeasurementsLoudspeaker Measurements Designing for Accurate Bass Reproduction Frequency Response Effects Listening for Size DistortionsTransient Response Effects Conclusion Features Specifications

OPUS Ceramique Loudspeaker specifications

Avalon Acoustics is renowned in the high-end audio industry, and their OPUS Ceramique Loudspeaker exemplifies their dedication to exceptional sound quality and innovative design. This speaker is a perfect blend of artistry and advanced engineering, making it a coveted choice among audiophiles.

One of the key features of the OPUS Ceramique is its sophisticated driver configuration. It utilizes a three-way design, which is engineered to deliver a full spectrum of sound with impressive clarity. The loudspeaker is equipped with a 10-inch ceramic bass driver capable of deep, powerful low frequencies, ensuring that every note resonates with depth. Complementing this are dual midrange drivers made from advanced ceramic materials, which provide rich and warm mid tones. Finally, for the highs, the OPUS employs a unique ribbon tweeter designed for exceptional detail and an extended frequency response, offering a natural and airy sound that brings music to life.

The cabinet design of the OPUS Ceramique is as remarkable as its internal components. It features a rigid construction that minimizes resonance and cabinet coloration, ensuring that the sound remains pure and true to the source. The elegant curves of the speaker not only enhance its aesthetic appeal but also contribute to better acoustic performance by optimizing the dispersion of sound waves.

Another prominent technology incorporated in the OPUS Ceramique is its advanced crossover network. The crossover is meticulously engineered to ensure a seamless transition between the drivers, allowing for coherent sound reproduction across all frequencies. This means that listeners can enjoy an immersive soundstage where instruments and vocals are clearly delineated, creating a more engaging listening experience.

In addition to its acoustic prowess, the OPUS Ceramique is designed with the audiophile in mind. It is highly customizable, with various finishes available to suit any decor. The attention to detail extends to every aspect of its construction, providing both aesthetic beauty and functional performance.

Overall, the Avalon Acoustics OPUS Ceramique Loudspeaker stands as a testament to the brand's commitment to delivering extraordinary sound and elegance. With its innovative technologies and exceptional build quality, it continues to be a sought-after choice for discerning music lovers seeking the ultimate audio experience. Whether used in a dedicated listening room or as part of a high-end home theater system, the OPUS Ceramique promises to elevate any audio experience to new heights.