4. To protect your speakers and amplifier from damage it is important to ensure that the amplifier is switched OFF prior to connecting or disconnecting any cabling.
* Correct polarity of the cable connections between the amplifier and speakers is essential. (See figure 2)
*For optimum performance when connecting the system in standard single wire mode to a speaker terminal panel equipped with full bi-wiring facility, always make cable connections, with the links fitted, to the HF terminals. (See figure 2)
*The positive (plus) terminal on the amplifier left channel (marked + or coloured red) must be connected to the positive terminal on the left speaker. The left speaker is the one on the left as you look at the stereo pair from your listening position.
*The negative (minus) terminal on the amplifier left channel (marked - or coloured black) must be connected to the negative terminal on the left speaker.
*Repeat this connection process for the right speaker. Remember that the positive (+ or red) on the amplifier must be connected to the positive (+ or red) on the speaker and the negative (- or black) to negative.
*Select a signal source, such as a CD player; switch on the amplifier and slowly turn up the volume control to check that both loudspeakers are reproducing bass and treble information.
FINE TUNING
To get best results from your new Tannoy loudspeakers it is worthwhile spending a little time finding the optimum set-up configuration. Here are a few tips to help you with this process:
STAND MOUNTING AND BOOKSHELF SPEAKERS
Small speakers should not be placed directly on the floor but can be used on bookshelves or tables. However, the sound reproduction quality achieved will never be as good when not ideally positioned. Your dealer can show you a selection of purpose built stands, designed to realise the full performance potential of your loudspeakers.
Loudspeaker stands should be rigidly built and preferably mass loaded with dry sand. The optimum listening height will be dictated by the seating in your room, usually between 300mm (12") and 600mm (24") high. Stand mounted speakers will produce their best stereo image and soundstage if you can just see the top face of the cabinet. Check the 'lift' needed to put the speakers in this position before purchasing your stands.
Refer to the paragraph headed Positioning for stand mounted speaker placement advice. (See figure 3)
FLOOR STANDING LOUDSPEAKERS
For optimum performance from floor-standing loudspeakers, the design team at Tannoy recommends that the supplied carpet piercing spikes be fitted. A rigid footing for the speaker, with a secure interface between the cabinet and the floor, brings about an improvement in clarity, bass 'speed' and definition.
First level the spikes by eye then hand tighten the lock nuts. Rock the loudspeaker gently from side to side so that the spikes find their way through the weave of the carpet and on to the solid surface below. Once fine adjustments have been made to level the loudspeaker and ensure stability, tighten the lock nuts firmly but without using undue force.
Refer to the paragraph headed Positioning for floor standing speaker placement advice. (See figure 3)
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BASS TUNING
Floor-standing loudspeakers with a sealed mass-loading cavity in the base of the cabinet can be loaded with either dry sand or lead shot. This cavity is accessed by removing the rubber bung from the small hole in the rear of the enclosure; the loading material can then be carefully inserted. The increase in mass and improved stability will further enhance the bass definition and overall dynamic performance.
Many Tannoy loudspeakers are also provided with a foam port damper bung inside the port tube located on the front or rear panel of the cabinet. The speakers have been designed for use in rooms with average to good acoustics without these dampers fitted, so please take them out before use.
In smaller rooms, where loudspeaker positioning is forced closer to rear or side walls, the port damper can be inserted into the reflex port. This will reduce the bass energy but 'speed-up' the sound presentation. There is no absolute right or wrong here, therefore much will depend on your own musical preferences.
POSITIONING
Begin by angling the speakers towards your chosen listening position, usually this is on the centre line of the room, so that when seated you can just see the inner side panel of each speaker.
The front of the loudspeaker should not be obstructed in any way.
The loudspeakers should be located between 1.5 to 4.5 metres (5ft to 15ft) apart - with the listening position set slightly further away than the speakers are apart.
All models are fully shielded to eliminate colour fringing effects when placed close to televisions.
Avoid positioning the loudspeakers in corners of the room, as this will have a negative effect on performance; maintain a distance of at least 0.5 metres (20 inches) from the rear wall, and 1 metre (39 inches) from the side. (See figure 3)
BI-WIRING
Where the facility to bi-wire your loudspeakers is provided we would strongly recommend that you install your system using this wiring option. With this method you will require separate cable feeds from your amplifier to the HF and LF units of each loudspeaker. Generally this will result in a significant improvement in resolution, transparency, stereo focus and instrument separation.
Use a high quality bi-wire cable to connect the speakers to the amplifier. It is recommended that the same cable length and type be used for both bass and treble.
It is essential that the coupling links between the loudspeaker terminals be removed. Avoid potential damage to your amplifier - ensure that all connections are secure and the polarity is correct in all wiring. (See figure 4)
*Be sure that the amplifier is switched OFF and then prepare the two sets of cabling for each 'side' of the system separately. Measure and cut four lengths of cable, two per speaker. Label two of the cable lengths Left LF and Left HF (low frequency and high frequency) then repeat this process for the right pair.
*Undo the speaker terminals and remove the link bar - retain these in a safe place for future use.
*If your amplifier is not equipped with separate output terminals for bass and treble information then, at the amplifier end of the cables, twist the Left LF+ (positive) and the Left HF+ (positive) together. Connect these to the amplifier Left channel positive terminal marked + (plus) or coloured red.
Twist the Left LF- (negative) and the HF- (negative) cables together and connect them to the amplifier Left channel negative terminal marked - (minus) or coloured black.
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