EX3MA - Speaker Sonus Faber - Free user manual and instructions

USER MANUAL EX3MA Sonus Faber

• che la garanzia copre i diffusori da eventuali difetti di costruzione purché gli stessi non siano stati smontati, modificati, manomessi o impiegati per usi o con modalità non previste dal presente manuale.THE PROJECT To celebrate its 30th anniversary, Sonus faber has decided to pay homage to one of its most advanced projects. Extrema is back! The speaker that entered Sonus faber’s history as one of the best products of speakers design, a myth for all enthusiasts, is now integrated with new solutions in terms of technology, design and materials use. Carbon fibre, red spruce wood, aluminium, gun Metal and Beryllium: these are very different materials and yet are used in an innovative manner, by cross-breeding and matching. The result is an absolutely new and surprising speaker that nevertheless preserves the typical aspects of the classic Sonus faber style, for example the sincere love for artisan work and the care taken with each detail. Just like all the other creations that Sonus faber has made over these 30 years of history, even Ex3ma remains faithful to the main duty of a prestigious speaker: taking the listener to the original sound event, reproducing all the emotions of live events. TECHNOLOGY Ex3ma is a simple project with a crossover frequency, two active drivers and a damped passive radiator. The passband can be maximised by maximising the inner volume in a similar manner and by implementing the variable damping passive radiator, which is made possible by activation of the Electro Magnetic Brake Auxiliary Bass Radiator (E.M.B.A.B.R.) that yields 4 different configurations. Careful attention is paid when designing the exclusive non-resonant Crossover in air with progressive slope, which features optimised module and phase for better space/time behaviour. ENGLISHOPENING THE PACKAGE Ex3ma is packed in a manner that effectively preserves it and at the same time makes its removal simple. We suggest, however, following these recommendations:

• Keep all packaging for any future transport;

• Do not wear watches, bracelets, rings etc. in order to avoid scratching the speakers and their precious finishes when unpacking. The same care will be taken to protect the speakers from any metal finishes on the clothes you are wearing, such as zips, buttons, belt clasps, rivets, etc.

• Open the package following the instructions printed on it. Specific indications:

• Place the package on the floor, respecting the UP and DOWN indications on the cardboard and remove the flight case from the package by breaking or cutting the cardboard;

• The flight case is equipped with different accessories, as shown in fig.1A, B and C;

• Open the flight case using the opening keys (fig.1A), being careful with the top and bottom of the speaker (fig.2);

• Close the flight case again and lock the 4 wheels (fig.3A);

• With the help of no less than two persons, lift the flight case from the uppermost side, using the handle as shown in fig.3B;

• Rotate the flight case 90° (fig.4). To prevent damaging the flight case, we recommend placing it on a protective cloth, on a rug or on the packing cardboard;

• Pull the speaker out of the flight case as shown in fig.5, gripping the bottom by the handle on the protective Stratocell (fig.5A);

• Be very careful not to grip the top of the speaker in the window area, as shown in fig.5B;

• Remove the protective Stratocell (fig.6A, 6B and 6C);

• The protective grille and the front mask of the tweeter are applied with magnets (fig.7). ENGLISH IMPORTANT: At least two persons are required to remove the speaker from its package. To prevent injuring people and/or damaging the speaker, we recommend taking the positions shown in fig.3, 5 and 6. Content of the package: In addition to the speaker, the package contains a box with the following accessories:

• Bottle of detergent;

• Fabric anti-dust cover.CONNECTION INSTRUCTIONS This operation must be carried out with all equipment switched off! The connecting clamps that accept connection with spade connectors, bananas and with the bare cable are on the rear panel of Ex3ma. Ex3ma has 4 terminals, therefore it can be connected in three ways: The terminals (high and low frequencies) remain connected to each other through jumpers (fig. 8A); connect one speaker to the output terminals of the right channel of the amplifier, and the other speaker to the output terminals of the left channel of the amplifier, respecting the correct polarity as shown in fig.8B. This type of connection improves the general reproduction quality, and in particular the detail resolution in the low frequencies. It requires two pairs of power cables used in the following manner: remove the connections between the terminals (jumpers), as shown in fig.9A, connect each pair of terminals (high and low frequencies) independently to the amplifier as shown in fig.9B. Bi-amplification improves the reproduced sound in a general manner, and in particular gives greater dynamics and control of the low frequencies. When connecting two stereo amplifiers for bi-amplification, two pairs of power cables are required and the connections between the speaker terminals (jumpers) must be removed as shown in fig.9A. One amplifier is used to amplify the high frequencies (right and left channels), and is connected by a pair of power cables to the terminals dedicated to the high frequency drivers. The second amplifier is used to amplify the bass frequencies (right and left channels), and is connected by a pair of cables to the terminals dedicated to the low frequency drivers. See fig.10. Finally, accurately tightening the contacts and checking them periodically contributes to improved performance. MONO-WIRING BI-WIRING BI-AMPLIFICATION ENGLISHINSTALLATION ADVICE: AMPLIFICATION AND POSITIONING OF

Many questions can be asked regarding the correct interfacing of Ex3ma. To dispel any doubts, we feel the need to specify the following. A reference project cannot be designed to operate optimally only with one single type of amplification. The only thing we can confirm is that a state-of-the- art driver system requires an amplification system that is just as state-of-the-art, no matter what technology is used. Ex3ma is a particularly demanding speaker; owners can choose how to position their speakers according to their individual listening requirements. Regarding positioning in a room, some suggestions can be useful to obtain the maximum performance possible:

1. The choice of the listening room and the speaker

position have an influence on the performance of the whole system. A room with an irregular shape is preferable, since this type of room limits the formation of standing waves, thus improving the acoustic response in the room;

2. Rugs and curtains (without exaggerating)

positively influence the acoustic response, because they contribute to the absorption of reflections and standing waves that form in the listening room;

3. There are no hard and fast rules for every

environment. A good approach to the problem, however, is to virtually divide the listening room into three equal parts, as shown by the broken lines in fig.11. At this point, position the speakers on the first of the broken lines and well away from the side walls. The listening position should be placed on the second broken line, as shown in fig.11 position A. In this manner a good amount of air is guaranteed all around the subjects involved in the stereo reproduction, because the drivers can work freely while the listener is not struck by the acoustic reflections that generate near the walls and the corners of the room. Fig.12 shows how the speakers should be angled to converge towards the listening point, so creating the classic ‘isosceles triangle’ configuration. This final adjustment, consisting of angling the speakers literally towards the ears of the listener, greatly improves the focus of the stereophonic image. We are aware that many of our customers will not be able to create these quasi-ideal listening conditions because of objective problems connected with the organization of spaces and furniture in a house; therefore we advise positioning the speakers away from the room corners and keeping them at a distance of 70-80 cm min. from the side and back walls. We advise keeping a distance of 150 to 250 cm between the speakers. ENGLISH OPTIMIZING THE ULTRA-LOW FREQUENCIES Remember that the level of the extremely low section in the sound spectrum can be optimized using the electro magnetic brake at the back of the speaker. Thanks to the Electro Magnetic Brake Auxiliary Bass Radiator (E.M.B.A.B.R.), the passive radiator can be adjusted in 4 different manners depending on the listening room (fig.13). This setting typically depends upon the peculiar characteristics of each environment, i.e. upon its absorption capacity and the evenness in the diffusion of the low sound components.SAFETY INFORMATION ON BERYLLIUM MAINTENANCE GUARANTEE The Ex3ma tweeter contains Beryllium, a potentially dangerous element: users are warmly invited to carefully read the following safety information to prevent any damage caused by the possible absorption of the material. The risk, however, is extremely limited when the material is in solid form; greater danger and damage occur when the product is inhaled or absorbed by contact with micro-particle vapour.

Beryllium must never come into contact with abrasive material. Avoid any type of contact with the skin or the eyes, and do not inhale or swallow any part or all of the beryllium dome. The producer highlights that the absorption of beryllium by swallowing, inhalation or cutaneous absorption can cause serious physical problems because of its high level of toxicity for humans. The tweeter has a protective grille that must be never removed. Children must be generally kept away from the drivers, and from the beryllium dome in particular.

2. IN CASE OF DAMAGE

Should the beryllium dome be damaged, we recommend contacting Sonus faber immediately, so that the assigned department can arrange the removal and/or replacement of the dome. Should the dome break, all the beryllium fragments – if any - must be carefully collected and placed in a plastic bag to be sealed hermetically. Immediately contact Sonus faber for more information regarding the sending and repair of the damaged part and of the speaker. Should beryllium be absorbed through the skin or eyes, or if inhaled or swallowed, contact a doctor. The speaker does not require any special maintenance other than regular general cleaning. Do not use products such as wax or detergents to clean the wooden part of the cabinet, which could stain or damage the wood or the drivers. We recommend using a clean soft cloth (microfiber for example), possibly slightly damp. Any dust on the unit, on the front panels and the drivers must be removed using a soft paintbrush, being very careful not to damage their delicate membranes. Wood is a natural living material that can be affected by environmental conditions. We advise keeping the speakers distant from heat sources or windows, in particular during the summer months. We advise keeping the speakers away from direct sunlight. These simple guidelines will help keep your speaker perfect for many years. Over time, the sound will improve as a consequence of the running-in of the moving parts of the speaker (membranes and surrounds), while the acoustic enclosure will perform better the more it is used – much like what happens with acoustic string instruments! The Ex3ma speakers by Sonus faber have been designed and built following the highest quality standards. Should a fault or a malfunctioning occur, the speakers are covered by guarantee. In such cases, please contact Sonus faber directly; the company will intervene quickly to solve the problem. In addition, please note that:

• speakers in need of repair should be returned in their original packaging in order to be shipped safely, together with a description of the malfunction or defect the customer has noticed;

• que la garantie couvre les défauts éventuels de fabrication des haut-parleurs, à condition que ceux-ci n’aient pas été démontés, modifiés, altérés ou utilisés pour des buts ou selon des modalités non prévues dans ce manuel d’instructions. FRANÇAISDATA SHEETSystem 2 way, low spurious vibration optimized suspension, E.M.B.A.B.R. (Electro magnetic Brake Auxiliary Bass Radiator), monitor on a dedicated stand loudspeaker system. Cabinet The carbon ber sandwich “monocoque”, inspired by the supercar cockpits, is the main chassis structure on which the cabinet is build up. Constrained-mode damped lateral “Val di Fiemme” harmonic r (Violin wood) sides, hand selected, quality graded and oriented for carefully optimized resonances control. The innovative resonance control of the wood structure is obtained by a 3D thickness distribution in the shape. “New Era” avional (from “the Sonus faber” experience) exo-squeleton front and rear clamp structure. Tweeter A Sonus faber designed 30 mm moving coil driver, with Sonus faber’s vibration optimized mechanical interface. D.L.C. (Diamond Like Carbon) Beryllium dome diaphragm for maximum resolution. Mid-Woofer A Sonus faber designed 180 mm neodymium magnet system ultra dynamic linearity mid-woofer. 6N pure copper wire is used on a controlled “eddy current” former. The dynamically linear magnetic eld motor has an optimized geometry and a mass damper heat sink. Passive Radiator A Sonus faber designed race track shape E.M.B.A.B.R. (Electro magnetic Brake Auxiliary Bass Radiator) “Cadawas” variably damped passive radiator. Cross-Over Non-resonant “progressive slope” design, optimized amplitude/ phase response for optimal space/time performance. “Paracross topology” topology. Cross-over: 2350Hz. Adjustable low frequency damping into 4 different level. Requency Response 40 Hz – 40.000 Hz, E.M.B.A.B.R included. Sensitivity 88 db SPL (2.83V/1 m) Nominal Impedance 4 ohm Suggested Amplier Power Output 50W – 300W, without clipping Long-Term Maximum Input Voltage (Iec-268-5) 24V rms Dimensions 434 x 282 x 560 mm (HxWxD) Weight 20,9 Kg each – net weight. Dedicated Stand Dimensions: 661 x 360 x 460 mm (HxWxD) Weight: 30 Kg each – net weight. Total Dimensions

1.095 x 360 x 560 mm

Total Weight 50,9 Kg each – net weightSUPPORT DRAWINGS1

7of AMPLIFIER to positive contact of AMPLIFIER to negative contact + R - + L -

110.00° 60.00° 110.00° monitor

110.00° 60.00° 110.00° monitor

DECLARATION OF CONFORMITY

Sonus Faber SpA with headquarter in Via Antonio Meucci, 10 - 36057 Arcugnano (VI) Italy, under its sole responsibility that the passive speaker system: Sonus faber Ex3ma you have purchased which this declaration relates is in conformity to: European Directive: 2004/108/EC (EMC) Electromagnetic compatibility. 2011/65/EU (RoHS) Restriction of the use of certain hazardous substances in electrical and electronic equipment. 2012/19/EU (WEEE) Waste electrical and electronic equipment. Arcugnano, 3 April 2014 Mauro Grange

CEODÉCLARATION DE CONFORMITÉ