Amplifier Requirements
The encore Series was designed to be extremely efficient and very undemanding of the connected amplifier. They are rated as an 8-ohm nominal impedance, with an efficiency of 89dB. They can be played at high listening levels with average power and are capable of handling the high power output of large amplifiers.
Most amplifiers with a power rating of 20-125 watts per channel will efficiently drive encore Speakers. If more than one set of speakers are being used, and driven by the same amplifier, check with the amplifier manufacturer to confirm that the amplifier can handle loads down to 2-ohms.
WARNING If an amplifier is over-driven, the resulting distortion is actually many times greater than its rated power. Over-driven amplifier distortion is called "Clipping", identified by its fuzzy, distorted sound, can seriously damage any speaker.The volume control of most amplifiers and receivers is a logarithmic type - full power may be reached with the volume control set at as little as the halfway point. Operating the loudness, treble, or bass controls increases power output well beyond rated levels.Your speaker warranty is void if the voice coils are burned or damaged from overpowering or clipping.
*When unpacking the speakers, please locate the Allen Key packaged into the styrofoam end caps. It is used for the adjustment of the integrated bracket.
Speaker Placement and Room Acoustics
The Energy® encore Series has been designed for high performance in a wide variety of settings. Here are a few hints that will help to maximize performance and, your enjoyment.
Rooms with different height, width and length are best for low frequency performance. If possible, place the speakers so they are
firing along the longest wall to most efficiently fill the room. If the room is 10-feet wide (3m) and 20-feet (6.1m) deep, place them along the 10-foot wall. There will be less wall reflection and therefore a more natural sound.
Reflective surfaces have individual characteristics. So, it is important that the left and right walls have the same, or very similar, qualities. A tapestry or curtain on wall will absorb more frequencies than a plain painted surface. Experiment with positioning of your speakers until you've reached the desired stereo imaging results.
The “encore2” as Main Speakers
As main speakers in a surround system, one encore2 speaker should be placed on each side of the television. As a general guideline for placement - the space from speaker to the listener is approximately 1-1/2 times the distance between the speakers. For example, if the speakers are ideally placed a minimum of 6-feet (1.8m) apart, the best seating position would be 9-feet (2.7m) away.
Speakers should be placed approximately 2-feet (60cm) from the back wall for ideal performance and soundstage depth, but can be placed as close as 6-inches (15cm). Make sure that the side wall distance is NOT equal to the rear wall distance, which will disrupt the wall reflections.
Follow the same guidelines for speaker placement and distance as above - if the speaker is 2-feet (60cm) from the rear wall, place it 3-feet (91cm) from the side wall.
Stands (optional)
The attractive encore Stands were designed to maximize the performance and compliment the aesthetics of the encore2 Speakers. They provide a very solid, non-resonant foundation.
Placing your speakers at their proper height, using the encore Stands, will make a vast difference in how they sound. When seated in the main listening position, the tweeter, located in the upper third of the cabinet, will be roughly the height of your ears. Put the integrated bracket into the "FRONT” position, then affix the encore2 Speaker to the encore Stand. For more information on the integrated bracket, please see page 30.
The “encore1” Center Channel
A center channel can reproduce up to 60% of a movie's soundtrack, most of which is dialogue. In order to maintain the effect of voices emanating from the actor's mouth, the “encore1” should be centrally located between the left and right main channels, placed above or below the television. Be sure that the encore1 front baffle is aligned with the front of the television, or cabinet, to maximize dispersion.
The “encore2” as Surround Speakers
Used as the surround speakers, the encore2 can be positioned in a variety of locations: side wall, rear wall, ceiling, and stand positions.
Side walls:
To maximize the ambient field, position the speakers adjacent to and slightly behind the primary listening area, at a height of approximately 6-feet (1.8m). Aim them slightly towards the listening area. Use the integrated bracket in the “LEFT” or “RIGHT” positions for the respective walls.
Rear walls:
Position the speakers so they flank the main listening area. They should be raised to a height of approximately 6-feet (1.8m) and should have a space of 6-feet (1.8m) between them. Aim them slightly towards the listening area.
Ceiling:
Mount the speakers between 3- to 6-feet (.9 to 1.8m) behind the main listening area. They should be positioned to flank the area and ideally have 6-feet (1.8m) between them.
Stand mount:
Place the stand mounted speakers slightly behind and on each side of the main listening area. They can be from 1 to 6-feet (.3 to 1.8m) behind or to the side of the main listening area.
There should be speakers surrounding your listening area, resulting in the encompassing “surround sound” feeling. These basic guidelines can be tailored to suit the décor of your room. Following the guidelines will help to provide a sense of spaciousness and ambience for all music and surround sound formats. For more information on the integrated bracket, please see page 30.
“encore8” Subwoofer Placement
The encore8 Subwoofer can be placed virtually anywhere in your listening room without significantly affecting the stereo image of your main speakers. However, interactions between any subwoofer and a room's acoustic properties will have some impact on overall bass performance. This section will help you find a placement for the subwoofer in your room, which will yield the best bass performance.
Start by placing the subwoofer near a corner, which will produce maximum bass output, but may result in a "boomy" bass reproduction. If so, move the subwoofer away from the corner in stages to find the position that yields maximum bass output without "boominess".
An effective method of determining ideal subwoofer location requires you to place the subwoofer in your preferred listening position. Then, slowly walk the boundaries of the room until you determine the spot where bass is at it's fullest. Switch positions between yourself and the subwoofer and the ideal location has been located.
Although a clear path between the subwoofer and listening position is not required, it is important to leave approximately 4-inches (10cm) of clearance between the subwoofer and walls or room furnishings.
