SSM9ED - Speaker SONY - Free user manual and instructions

USER MANUAL SSM9ED SONY

Welcome! Thank you for purchasing the Sony Speaker System. Before using the system, please read this manual thoroughly and retain it for future reference. About This Manual The instructions in this manual are for the SS-M9ED Speaker System. Conventions z indicates hints and tips for making the task easier.3

SS-M9ED Features 4 Getting Started 5 Unpacking 5Installation 6Connections (Conventional Connection) 8Connections (Biwired Connection) 9 After Installing the Speakers 10 Positioning the speakers 10To obtain the best possible sound quality 12 Additional Information 13 Precautions 13Troubleshooting 14Specifications 14 Philosophy of design The SS-M9ED was designed by a U.S.-Japan engineeringteam driven primarily by a dedication to and love formusic. It is the first Sony loudspeaker that satisfies thedemands of very-high-end consumer audio applicationsand professional studio monitoring applications.We felt it was necessary to design a loudspeaker systemthat uses today’s most advanced technology to allowmusic to be reproduced in as natural and as realisticmanner as possible, with all of the emotion and intent ofthe original performers intact. With emerging, highresolution, digital audio formats on the horizon, we alsofelt it was particularly important to advance the state-of-the-art in loudspeaker design.Much greater performance will be required fromloudspeakers in order to reproduce the audio qualityinherent in the formats destined to supersede the CD.We therefore set a goal to design a loudspeaker thatbalanced technology with an artistic sensitivity tomusicality and naturalness — a speaker firmly groundedin science and engineering, and broaching nocompromise. We thus developed and designed theSS-M9ED based on the following basic tenets:• To exercise engineering that combines scienceand art as equal parts.• To emphasize a “Simplicity of Design” or “Less IsMore” philosophy.• To apply an uncompromising, fanatical attentionto detail.Although the design of the speaker relied on suchengineering tools as computer simulations and ComputerAided Design (CAD), we depended primarily on our earswhen making definitive quality assessments anddecisions. About 60% of the design time was spentlistening and evaluating. And about half of that 60% wasgiven to critical listening using Sony’s extremely highresolution, Direct Stream Digital (DSD) or Super AudioCD (SACD) source material. By tackling areas heretoforeignored, we were able to attain an unprecedented level ofacoustic evaluation and adjustment.We are proud to present the SS-M9ED as the speakersystem for the next generation of audio systems, and it isour hope that it will give you many long hours of DSD orSACD listening pleasure.Sony Electronics Inc.Chief Engineer Daniel P. Anagnos GB4

SS-M9ED Features In the design of the SS-M9ED, we focused on the following three key areas of performance:

• Enhancement of resolution and detail The SS-M9ED provides the very high-resolution and detailed sound reproduction demanded of new audio sources such as Direct Stream Digital (DSD) and Super Audio CD (SACD).

• Increase in dynamic range The SS-M9ED boasts a wide dynamic range and very low distortion, making it capable of reproducing the high-quality sound of DSD and SACD.

• Expanded bandwidth The SS-M9ED provides the wide bandwidth (up to about 100 kHz) required for the reproduction of the entire frequency range of DSD and SACD. Because of the above design considerations, the SS-M9ED has been provided with the following features: Network Circuitry Design The SS-M9ED’s network circuitry doesn’t only divide the signal bandwidth into separate ranges at each speaker, it also controls the phase and distortion characteristics of the signal. On top of this, it provides a naturally and musically integrated sound from each speaker. Of course, the more parts added to a network circuit, the more degradation occurs in the audio signal. For this reason, SS-M9ED’s network circuitry was designed to be as simple as possible. The result is a natural-sounding output with smoother isolation characteristics, higher transparency, and superb resolution. Furthermore, the network was laid out in such a way that to provide mutual separation among all the components, thereby minimizing mutual interference and vibration. Internal wiring material was also selected for stability in impedance characteristics and resistance to the effects of vibrations. The final selection of parts, all of the highest electrical and mechanical quality, was made after rigorous screening in the listening room. Speaker Cabinet Design The SS-M9ED cabinet serves the following three functions:

• Securing and positioning of the speaker units.

• Processing of sound waves emanating from the rear of the speaker units (i.e., the isolation of rear sound waves from the front sound waves).

• Enhancement of low-frequency characteristics. The ideal speaker cabinet for the SS-M9ED was assumed to be an invisible one. In other words, the speaker cabinet should “disappear” as soon as the music began, making it seem to the listener that only the music existed. To achieve this, we incorporated the following considerations in the SS-M9ED’s speaker cabinet: — Time alignment-geared design Through precise measurements, we located the sound source of each speaker unit and minimized the phase gap between each speaker unit. — Elimination of standing waves and early reflections The lack of parallel surfaces and the use of round baffles served to prevent the degradation of sound quality by standing waves and early reflections. — High rigidity Baffles made of a unique 50 mm thick composite anti-vibration structure were incorporated, while other parts of the cabinet were constructed from Medium Density Fiberboard (MDF) substrate approximately 25 mm in thickness. — Three-point support using spikes The spikes supplied with the speaker provide a stable and secure support for the speaker. They also limit floor contact to small points, thus reducing the potential influence of various types of flooring materials (carpet, etc.). Speaker Unit Design The basic sound quality of a speaker depends on the performance of the speaker units. A speaker unit must convert input audio signals into sound energy without loss or exaggeration. A high-performance speaker unit should thus have a flat frequency response, smooth phase response, wide directivity, and low distortion. The SS-M9ED was developed to achieve maximum performance within the applicable frequency range in all of these aspects. For the SS-M9ED, sound quality was the foremost criterion in the selection of speaker units. Even when new materials or technologies were incorporated in a speaker unit, verification of a link between those materials and technologies with improved sound quality was required before the speaker unit would be chosen. European speaker unit manufacturers were commissioned to design the three types of speaker units used in the SS-M9ED (woofer, mid-range, tweeter) according to our specifications. However, because of the extremely strict specifications of the super-tweeter, the development of this unit was carried out in Sony’s own laboratories.5

Getting Started Unpacking Make sure that you have all the supplied accessories listed below.

• Wrench (for speaker terminals only) (1) Getting Started This chapter provides information on how to install the speaker system and how to connect it to an amplifier. Be sure to read this chapter thoroughly before you attempt the installation.6

Getting Started Installation Moving the speakers Remove all attached speaker cords and spikes in advance. The speaker should be carried by two or three persons as illustrated below. Walk carefully as you move the speaker. Because the speaker is very heavy (about 58 kg), be careful not to strain your back while moving the speaker. Take care not to touch the speaker domes. Points to keep in mind before starting the installation To achieve the best sound quality, we recommended that you install the system in the manner described below. For details, see “Positioning the speakers” on page 10.

• The speaker-to-speaker separation should be less than or equal to the speaker-to-listener distance.

• Position the speakers at least 1 meter away from any side walls.

• The listening position should be at least 1 meter away from the rear wall. It would be very helpful to place a highly absorbent material (such as rug or drapery) on the rear wall behind the listening position.

• Place a thick rug between the speakers and the listening position to eliminate floor reflections.

• Do not put anything between the speakers and the listening position. Obstacles such as large tables, chairs, TVs, and other furniture are especially liable to affect the sound quality adversely. Attaching the spikes Attach the supplied spikes to the bottom of the speaker. There are three inserts per speaker; two in front and one at the rear. For safety reasons, this procedure should be done by two or more persons. Attach the supplied stop nuts to the spikes themselves in advance. 1 Tip the front or rear of the speaker upwards to reveal an insert for the spike. Take care not to touch the speaker domes or the super-tweeter on top of the speaker cabinet. 2 Screw a spike (attached with a stop nut) into the threaded insert. Be sure to screw the spike at least 7 to 8 mm into the insert. Stop nut 3 Adjust the speaker height, and then tighten the stop nut with a wrench. After adjusting the height of the speaker by screwing or unscrewing the spikes (see “Height Adjustment” on page 7), tighten the stop nut firmly. 4 Lower the speaker to the floor. If the speaker is on a hard wood floor, use the supplied spike pad under the spike to protect the floor. This procedure need not be done on a carpet. 5 Repeat steps 1 to 4 for the remaining spikes. Repeat this procedure until all three spikes are attached to the speaker. Notes• When tipping or lifting the speaker, be careful not to strainyour back.• Be careful not to catch your fingers or feet under the speaker.• After attaching the spikes, be careful not to lower the speakeronto your feet or hand.Stop nutSpike pad7

Getting Started Height Adjustment Adjust the length of the spikes so that the center of the main tweeter dome is exactly equal to ear level at the listening position. For safety reasons, this operation should be done by two or more persons. The design of the speaker assumes an ear height of 97 cm to 102 cm while sitting on a chair or couch at the listening position. Refer to the illustration below and adjust the height of the spikes accordingly. Ear position Main tweeter position You can also tilt the angle of the speaker as shown in the illustrations below. However, because of the possible effects of floor reflections, we recommend positioning the speaker as level with the floor as possible. Downward tilt Upward tilt 1 Tilt the front or back of the speaker to raise the spike off the floor. Take care not to touch the speaker domes or the super- tweeter on top of the speaker cabinet. 2 Adjust the length of the spike by screwing or unscrewing it. Keep the spike threaded at least 7 mm to 8 mm into the insert. The height of the speakers can be varied by approximately 13 mm. 3 Repeat steps 1 to 2 to adjust the remaining spikes. Adjust the height of the speaker so that the center of the main tweeter dome is directed in a straight line at the point where the ears will be. 4 Tighten the stop nuts with a wrench to secure the spikes. Tighten the stop nuts until they are firmly against the speaker cabinet. Parallel to floor97 - 102 cmParallel to floorParallel to floor If you want to lower the height of the speaker even moreRemove the stop nuts from spikes. Tightening the spikes withoutthe stop nuts allows you to lower the height by another 6 mm.Notes• When tipping or lifting the speaker, be careful not to strainyour back.• Be careful not to catch your fingers or feet under the speaker. Adjusting the orientation of the super-tweeter The super-tweeter on top of the speaker cabinet reproduces high frequencies of up to 100 kHz. Because of its high directivity, the super-tweeter can be adjusted laterally (horizontally), though the lateral angle is normally set at 0 degree. For details, see “Super-tweeter” on page 12.

Getting Started Connections (Conventional Connection) Connect the speaker system to the speaker output terminals of an amplifier (such as the Sony TA-N1). Be sure to turn off all components and disconnect their AC power cords before starting the connection procedure. Speaker cords (not supplied) Use one speaker cord for each speaker. Short and thick cords are better than long and narrow cords. We recommend that you use cords with spade-type termination. For details, see “Speaker cords” on 12 page. Speaker terminals The jumper straps should be left on the terminals when you connect the speaker cords to the speaker terminals. The top two terminals are for input of mid-range and high-range frequencies and the bottom two terminals are for input of low-range frequencies. Connect the cords to the respective section according to your personal listening taste.

For mid-range/high-rangefrequenciesFor low-rangefrequenciesJumper strap Speaker-to-amplifier connections Right speaker (R) Left speaker (L)Amplifier Notes on connections

• The (R) (right) and (L) (left) input terminals on the speaker should be matched and connected with the (R) and (L) output terminals on the amplifier.

• The (+) and (–) input terminals on the speaker should be matched and connected to the (+) and (–) output terminals on the amplifier.

• Be sure the screws on the speaker terminals tight since loose screws will cause degradation in the sound quality, and perhaps noise as well.

• Make sure the cords are firmly connected to the terminals on both the speaker and amplifier.

• Do not place the cords at acute angles (i.e., to 90 degrees or less).

• For details regarding the connections on the amplifier side, refer to the manual that was provided with your amplifier. Terminal connections Spade-typetermination

Tighten withsupplied wrench.Loosen9

Getting Started Connections (Biwired Connection) Notes on connections

• The (R) (right) and (L) (left) input terminals on the speaker should be matched and connected with the (R) and (L) output terminals on the amplifier.

• The (+) and (–) input terminals on the speaker should be matched and connected to the (+) and (–) output terminals on the amplifier.

• Be sure the screws on the speaker terminals tight since loose screws will cause degradation in the sound quality, and perhaps noise as well.

• Make sure the cords are firmly connected to the terminals on both the speaker and amplifier.

• Do not place the cords at acute angles (i.e., to 90 degrees or less).

• For details regarding the connections on the amplifier side, refer to the manual that was provided with your amplifier. Connect the speaker system to the speaker output terminals of an amplifier (such as the Sony TA-N1). Be sure to turn off all components and disconnect their AC power cords before starting the connection procedure. Speaker cords (not supplied) Use two speaker cords for each speaker. Short and thick cords are better than long and narrow cords. We recommend that you use cords with spade-type termination. For details, see “Speaker cords” on 12 page. Speaker terminals The jumper straps on the terminals should be removed before you connect the speaker cords to the speaker terminals. The top two terminals are for input of mid- range and high-range frequencies and the bottom two terminals are for input of low-range frequencies. Terminal connection

Jumper strapRight speaker (R) Left speaker (L)AmplifierFor mid-range/high-rangefrequenciesFor low-rangefrequencies Speaker-to-amplifier connections Spade-typeterminationTighten withsupplied wrench.

Positioning the speakers After Installing the Speakers This chapter provides information on positioning and adjusting your speakers to obtain optimum quality sound. Optimum layout for the SS-M9ED In order to get the best performance out of your SS-M9EDspeaker system, the speaker positions and room layoutshown on the next page is considered ideal. Choose theconfiguration that best suits your particular listeningenvironment.Speaker-to-listening position relationship• The speaker-to-speaker separation should be less thanor equal to the speaker-to-listener distance.• Position the speakers at least 1 meter away from anyside walls.• The listening position should be at least 1 meter awayfrom the rear wall. It would be very helpful to place ahighly absorbent material (such as rug or drapery) onthe rear wall behind the listening position.• Place a thick rug between the speakers and the listeningposition to eliminate floor reflections.• Do not put anything between the speakers and thelistening position. Obstacles such as large tables, chairs,TVs, and other furniture are especially liable to affectthe sound quality adversely.11

After Installing the Speakers

BBCC Ideal speaker orientation The speaker orientation that produces the most satisfying sound is (B), which lies halfway between orientation (A) (the main tweeter faces directly towards the listening position) and orientation (C) (the main tweeter faces directly forwards). Do procedure below to adjust the orientation of the speaker. Lift up the front outer corner and rear of the speaker and rotate the speaker on its front inside spike. 1 Face the main tweeter on each speaker exactly at the listening position (A). 2 Rotate each speaker slightly outward (B). Make fine adjustments to the orientation while evaluating the actual speaker sound at the listening position. Listeningposition(3 meters or more)(Less than or equal to A)(3 meters or less)1 meter or more1 meter or more1 meter or more Vertical angle of the speaker If desired, you can adjust the vertical angle of the speaker to suit your listening taste, although the ideal placement of the speaker should be as level with the floor as possible. For details, see “Height adjustment” on page 7. Super-tweeter Adjust the super-tweeters orientation to suit your listening taste, based on an evaluation of the speaker sound at the listening position. For details, see “Adjusting the orientation of the super-tweeter” on page 7. Right speaker (R)Left speaker (L)12

After Installing the Speakers To obtain the best possible sound quality Break-in or aging effects The sound quality of the speaker will continue to improve during an extended breaking-in (aging) period. The length of time required for the SS-M9ED to reach its optimum or ideal level of performance will vary from case to case. On average, however, it will be about 100 hours of typical listening. This period need not be continuous, but can be an aggregate of multiple listening sessions of about 3 hours each. During this period, the volume level should be set at a reasonable listening level. If you use pink or white noise for the break-in, you should set the volume to a level lower than what would be typical in order to avoid thermal stressing of the internal speaker components. Recommend amplifiers We recommend the Sony TA-N1 for the power amplifier and the Sony TA-E1 for the stereo pre-amplifier. In this manual, the TA-N1 is used for illustration purposes. If you use another amplifier model, we recommend that the amplifier be as high quality as possible and that it has the following specifications:

• 4-ohm load-impedance speaker output.

• A rated power output of not more than 400 watts. Speaker cords The sound quality of the speaker system is largely determined by the quality of the speaker cords. Since the sound quality of the SS-M9ED is especially sensitive to even slight differences in speaker cords, you should choose high-quality speaker cords that suit your personal taste. The speaker cords should be as large in diameter as possible and only as long as is necessary. We recommend that you use cords that are less than 3 meters in length and have spade-type termination. You should also keep the speaker cords away from all AC power cords. Super-tweeter The super-tweeter on top of the speaker cabinet has the ability to reproduce very high audio frequencies of up to 100 kHz, and is thus designed to support the coming generation of audio sources. Since high frequencies above 20 kHz have extreme directivity, the super-tweeter can be laterally (horizontally) adjusted up to ±15 degrees to suit your listening taste. Front grille The front grille on the SS-M9ED can be removed to for better sound quality. If you remove the front grille, however, you should take care not to touch the speaker domes. Keep the removed front grille in a safe place to avoid deforming it. Note that the super-tweeter grille is not removable since the dome material is extremely fragile.13

Additional Information Precautions On safety Should any liquid or solid object fall into the system, have the system checked by qualified personnel before operating it any further. On operation

• Do not drive the speaker system with a continuous wattage exceeding the maximum input power of the system.

• If the polarity of the speaker connections are not correct, the bass tones will be weak and the position of the various instruments obscure.

• Contact between bare speaker wires at the speaker terminals may result in a short-circuit.

• Before connecting, turn off the amplifier to avoid damaging the speaker system.

• The super-tweeter grilles is not removable since the dome material is extremely fragile. If you attempt to remove the grille, you may damage the super-tweeter unit. On placement

• Do not place the speakers in an inclined position.

• Do not place the speakers in locations that are: — Extremely hot or cold — Dusty or dirty — Very humid — Subject to vibrations — Subject to direct sunlight On cleaning Clean the speaker cabinets with a soft cloth lightly moistened with a mild detergent solution or water. Do not use any type of abrasive pad, scouring powder or solvent such as alcohol or benzine. If you have any questions or problems concerning your speaker system, please consult your nearest Sony dealer. Additional Information This chapter provides additional information that will help you maintain your speaker system.14

Additional Information Troubleshooting Should you encounter a problem with your speaker system, check the following list and take the indicated measures. If the problem persist, consult your nearest Sony dealer. There is no sound from the speaker system. , Make sure all the connections have been correctly made. , Make sure the volume on the amplifier has been turned up properly. , Make sure the program source selector on the amplifier is set to the proper source. , Check if headphones are connected. If they are, disconnect them. The left and right sounds are unbalanced or reversed. , Make sure the plus (+) and the minus (–) terminals on the speakers are matched to the corresponding the plus (+) and the minus (–) terminals on the amplifier. , Check if the speakers and components are connected correctly and securely. There is hum or noise in the speaker output. , Make sure all the connections have been correctly made. , Make sure none of the audio components are positioned too close to the TV set. , Check if the speaker cords is kept away from any AC power cords. The sound has suddenly stopped. , Make sure the stripped ends of the speaker cords do not touch each other. , Make sure the stripped ends of the speaker cords do not touch neighboring speaker terminal. Specifications Type 4-way, bass reflex (vented) system Configuration 20 cm woofers × 2 13 cm midrange

Frequency response 26 - 100,000 Hz (±3 dB) Impedance 4 ohm nominal; 2 ohm minimum Maximum input power 400 watts Minimum input power 50 watts Maximum output 113 dB Sensitivity 86 dB, 1 meter, 2.83 Vrms Crossover frequencies 200 Hz, 2,000 Hz, 22,000 Hz Dimensions (w/h/d) Approx. 400 × 1,125 × 555 mm Mass Approx. 58.1 kg each Supplied accessories See page 5. Design and specifications are subject to change without notice.15