S3EXQL - Speaker PIONEER - Free user manual and instructions

USER MANUAL S3EXQL PIONEER

English Before you start

• The nominal impedance of this speaker system is 6 Ω. Connect the speaker system to an amplifier with a load impedance ranging from 4 Ω to 16 Ω (a model with “4 Ω to 16 Ω” displayed on the speaker output terminals).In order to prevent damage to the speaker system resulting from input overload, please observe the following precautions:• Do not supply power to the speaker system in excess of the maximum permissible input.• When using a graphic equalizer to emphasize loud sounds in the high-frequency range, do not use excessive amplifier volume.• Do not try to force a low-powered amplifier to produce loud volumes of sound (the amplifier’s harmonic distortion will be increased, and you may damage the speaker).Caution: installation• When placing this unit, ensure that it is firmly secured and avoid areas where it may be likely to fall and cause injury in the event of a natural disaster (such as an earthquake).• Do not attach these speakers to the wall or ceiling. They may fall off and cause injury.• Do not install your speakers overhead on the ceiling or wall. If improperly attached, the speaker grille can fall and cause damage or personal injury.• Switch off and unplug your AV equipment and consult the instructions when connecting up components. Make sure you use the correct connecting cables.Caution: in use• Do not place the speaker on an unstable surface. It could present a hazard if it falls, as well as damaging the equipment.• Do not use the speaker to output distorted sound for long periods of times. This can result in a fire hazard.• Do not sit or stand on the speaker, or let children play on the speaker.• Do not put large or heavy objects on top of the speaker.• Do not place magnetic objects such as screwdrivers or iron parts near the tweeter or midrange. Since the speakers use strong magnets, the objects may be attracted, causing injury or damaging the diaphragm. What’s in the box Spike bases x3Mounting pads 3 types, 2 eachMetal catch x1Screw (for metal catch) x1Grille x1Operating instructions CAUTION

hese speaker terminals carry HAZARDOUS LIVE voltage. To prevent the risk of electric shock when connecting or disconnecting the speaker cables, disconnect the power cord before touching any uninsulated parts. D3-4-2-2-3_A_EnS-3EX_EN.book 3 ページ ２００７年４月２３日　月曜日　午後５時１２分4

About the EX series The EX series, incorporating the abundant technological know-how behind Pioneer's flagship TAD speaker series, was developed with the goal of creating the ultimate speaker possible in its price range. The design and production of the EX series result from an international effort that represents the finest in Pioneer's speaker technology. Technology behind the S-3EX CST The core driver of the system is the Coherent Source Transducer (CST), which draws on the technology used in TAD. The tweeter diaphragm is mounted concentrically within the apex of the midrange cone and provides a point source of sound from 400 Hz to 100 kHz. The CST ensures a perfect spectral balance between the direct and reflected sounds that arrive at the listener's ears, providing a more consistent sound throughout the listening room and improved imaging capability. Ceramic Graphite Diaphragm The CST's tweeter features a ceramic graphite diaphragm that provides top-level strength and dampening characteristics that are practically unrivaled by any other available materials currently used in high-end audio speaker systems. Ceramic graphite's lightness and exceptional strength combine to create speakers whose diaphragm resonance can be pushed far beyond their audible range. Magnesium Alloy Diaphragm The CST's midrange features a magnesium alloy diaphragm whose characteristic lightness and high inner loss provide excellent transience and minimal coloration of midrange sounds.

Velocity (m/s) Inner Loss

English Bass Drivers The bass driver pictured below serves as the foundation of the S-3EX speaker system. The driver's strength is the result of the Aramid/Carbon composite material, originally created during the development of the S-1EX, that is used in its diaphragm. Pioneer's exclusive LDMC magnetic circuit technology has been incorporated in order to preserve linearity from low to high output levels and minimize distortion. Bass Enclosure Construction The unique form of the S-3EX is based upon logical necessity. In order to synchronize the arrival time of sound from the CST and the two bass drivers, each driver is mounted upon a baffle that serves to create a highly delicate curve known as the "precision curve" (see illustration below). Made of up to 100 mm thick MDF (Medium Density Fiberboard), this baffle is, moreover, strong enough to contain the force of the drivers. Additionally, the bass port has been carved out of an extremely thick block of MDF, resulting in the reduction of wind noise for clear, deep bass. Crossover Networks The crossover networks use only the finest components. Air cored coils, noninductive resistors, and film capacitors in the signal path are all carefully chosen and optimized for the CST driver to provide the greatest transparency to the signal. The bass drivers use silicon steel plate core inductors that minimize distortion and loss during energy transfer. All components are connected directly to their respective wiring materials, instead of a printed circuit-board, allowing for minimal loss and maximum performance. Collaboration with Air Studios Since its establishment by George Martin in 1969, London, England's Air Studios has earned unequivocal respect from scores of artists who recognize it as the world's premier recording studio. The Air Studios seal that was awarded to the S-3EX indicates that these speakers are capable of producing the high-quality sound demanded by the world's top-class sound creators. 1 m 3 m precision curve S-3EX_EN.book 5 ページ ２００７年４月２３日　月曜日　午後５時１２分6

Installation and Placement How to install This speaker system is supported by three points (the front two legs, and the back spike located between the back two legs).1 Choose the location for speaker placement then put the spike bases on the floor.2 Place the speaker on top of the spike bases.3 If either the left or right back legs touches the ground before the back spike, resulting in the speaker not resting flat on its placed surface, adjust the back spike so it extends to the ground before either of the back legs.4 Place the included mounting pads underneath the back legs to keep the speaker stable.Choose the most appropriate thickness of mounting pad from the several types included. Mounting the Fall-Prevention Fastener

• Using the included screw, tightly secure the metal catch to the backside of the speaker. • Pass a commercially-available reinforced string through the metal catch to securely support the speaker to the wall. Be sure that the wall to which you fasten the speaker is strong enough to support the weight of the speaker. After fastening the speaker, make sure that it does not fall over.• The speaker can incur damage in the event of a fall.• Do not attach the metal catch directly to the wall. It should only be used in conjunction with reinforced string to prevent the speaker from falling.• Pass two reinforced strings through the metal catch, and fasten the speaker to the wall as shown above.Do not place the speaker where it will be in direct sunlight, and avoid positioning it near heaters and air conditioners. Doing so may cause warping and discoloration of the speaker cabinet and damage to the speaker.Pioneer assumes no liability whatsoever for damages resulting from assembly, improper mounting, insufficient reinforcement, misuse of the product, acts of nature, etc.
• Do not place the speaker on an unstable surface. It could present a hazard if it falls, as well as damaging the equipment.

• As a precautionary measure, be sure to not place the unit anywhere where it might fall on a sleeping individual in the event of an earthquake.
• As this unit weighs some 48 kg, it is very dangerous to try and set the spike nut while tilting the speaker. Be sure to place the unit on a soft area (such as a blanket) so that it does not damage the floor, and carry out the installation with at least two people. Legs Cabinet baseNut (for spike)Back spikeFront Back Mounting pad Backside of speaker Sufficiently thick cord Metal catch S-3EX_EN.book 6 ページ ２００７年４月２３日　月曜日　午後５時１２分7

English Choosing Where To Place The Speaker Systems Placement within the listening room will have a great impact upon the total performance of the S-3EX speaker system in terms of bass performance, tonal accuracy, and imaging. All rooms are different and so this section is intended as a guide only. Experimentation in your room will yield optimum results. Use the graphic below as a guide to determine optimal speaker placement.

• In areas of high humidity, use a dehumidifier, and in areas of excessive dryness, use a humidifier to adjust the room’s humidity level. Avoid exposure to direct sunlight, and do not install in areas near by heating appliances. Listening position

30 cm to 60 cm 30 cm to 60 cm 30 cm to 60 cm

Speaker (right) Speaker (left) Distance "A" should be equal to or greater than distance "B." Each speaker should face the listening position. S-3EX_EN.book 7 ページ ２００７年４月２３日　月曜日　午後５時１２分8

Connections Connecting to an amplifier This speaker does not include speaker cables used for connecting to an amplifier. Take the following factors into consideration when choosing speaker cables so that you can get the most from your speaker system:

• Use heavy-gauge speaker cable if possible, and keep the cables to the minimum necessary length.

• If the length of cable required for left and right speakers differs, use cables of the same length, matched to the longer distance.

• Cables have differing characteristics. Keep this in mind when using any cable.

• Select cables with as little resistance as possible, and make sure the cables to the speaker terminals and amp are firm and secure. Connecting the cables 1 Switch off the power to your amplifier. 2 Connect the speaker cables to the input terminals (lower) on the back of the speaker. For input terminal polarity, red is positive (+) and black is negative (–). 3 Connect the other ends of the cables to the amp's speaker output terminals (for more details, refer to your amp owner's manual).

• Grasp the cap knobs on the lower input terminals and rotate them to the left (counter-clockwise), insert the speaker cable wires into the holes in the terminal posts, then tighten the knobs to secure the short bar as well as the wires.

• You can also connect the speaker’s terminals with a banana plug. When using a banana plug, be sure to remove the cap at the tip of the input terminal.

• After connecting the plugs, pull lightly on the cables to make sure that the ends of the cables are securely connected to the terminals. Poor connections can create noise and interruptions in the sound.

• If the cables' wires happen to be pushed out of the terminals, allowing the wires to come into contact with each other, it places an excessive additional load on the amp. This may cause the amp to stop functioning, andmay even damage the amp.

• When using a set of speakers connected to an amplifier, you won't be able to obtain the normal stereo effect if the polarity of one of the speakers (left or right) is reversed. Short bar connectors Red terminal

English Single-Wire Connections For single-wire connections, connect the mid-to-high- and low-frequency sections of the crossover network with the shorting link that was included with this unit, then connect the (+) wire from your amplifier to either red binding post and the (–) wire from your amplifier to either black binding post, as shown in below. Bi-Wire Connections In a bi-wiring connection, you independently plug in the speaker systems running from the amp to their respective high- and low-frequency plugs. This results in the CST driver and bass drivers being independently connected directly to the amplifier, offering you the freedom to optimize the cable type for each of the drivers. Connect one set of wires to the bottom set of binding posts (bass driver-specific network). Then connect a second set of wires to the top binding posts (CST-specific network). Next, connect both sets of wires to the appropriate terminals on your amplifier. Take care to connect both (+) wires to the (+) amplifier terminals and both (–) wires to the (–) amplifier terminals, as shown below.SPEAKERS OUTPU

Shorting link connection Speaker (rear): Input panel

(Only one channel shown) one channel sho n) Speaker

Speaker (rear): Input panel (Onl

Bi-Amplification Connections Bi-Amplification allows the best performance when using dedicated amplifiers for low- and mid-to-high-frequency sections. There are two possible configurations, commonly referred to as horizontal and vertical bi-amping. Caution Remove the shorting links before connecting speaker cables in bi-amplifications connections. Failure to do so may result in damage to your amplifiers. Vertical Bi-Amping With this configuration, identical stereo amplifiers are used for each speaker system. One channel of each amplifier drives the low frequency section and the other channel drives the high frequency section, as shown below. Connect one set of wires and amplifier channel to the bottom set of binding posts (bass driver-specific network). Then connect a second set of wires and the other amplifier channel to the top binding posts (CST-specific network). Take care to connect both (+) wires to the (+) amplifier terminals and both (–) wires to the (–) amplifier terminals. Horizontal Bi-Amping With this configuration, you may use different stereo amplifiers for the low- and mid-to-high-frequency sections of the speaker system (e.g., tube amplifiers for high frequency and solid state for low frequency). Each channel of one amplifier drives the low- frequency section of each speaker system and each channel of the other amplifier drives the mid-to-high-frequency section, as shown below. This method requires that both amplifiers have the same gain; otherwise an imbalance will be heard between the low- and mid- to-high-frequency reproduction from the speaker system. If in doubt, please consult your local dealer.

Speaker (rear) Input panel (Onl

(Commercially- available Y-adaptor) Pre-am

(Only one channel shown) hlh) (O l (Only one channel shown) hlh) (Only one channel shown) Ol h l h ) (Commercially-available Y-adaptor) Speaker (rear) Input panel Speaker Pre-am