User manual TAG MCLAREN AUDIO CALLIOPE

[. . . ] For years, knowing the technical capabilities of TAG McLaren, I have nurtured the ambition to push sound reproduction to the absolute limit; that's why we formed TAG McLaren Audio. At the core of our development team are highly experienced engineers whose heritage of award-winning hi-fi and worldbeating electronic control systems is envied by many and equalled by few. In addition to our experience in the world of hi-fi we are able to utilise our expertise in mechanical engineering, composite material technology, multi-layer printed circuit boards, fast digital signal processing, electronic noise suppression, radio frequency technology and software design to name but a few. All these skills are sharpened to compete in the toughest of all technical sports: Formula One motor racing. We directly apply them to enhance our high-end audio products. For example, composite and aluminium material technology is used to make resonance - free loudspeaker cabinets, suspension technology decouples electronics from the sound field and digital signal processing makes better home cinema products. The list is almost endless. [. . . ] No nickel plating has been used between the OFHC foundation and the gold finish as it adds `grain' to the sound. Whilst this will lead, in the long term, to some dis-colouration of the terminals due to the copper atoms partially diffusing into the anti-corrosion gold layer, the customary nickel plate interlayer is well known (as a ferro-magnetic and hard oxidised metal) to affect sound quality and was eliminated. After extensive research into the sound quality of our flagship loudspeaker, the F1 AvantGarde, it was discovered that the potential benefits of multi-wired terminals for loudspeaker cable connection were outweighed by the losses incurred in their implementation, e. g. additional contact interfaces and electrical connection straps. In addition, it has been found that even with the finest top grade power amplifiers, single input terminals improved perceived dynamics and musical expression. The results of this research have been applied to Calliope to realise the full potential of the components employed throughout the system. 07 GRP00365. 09-[CN]CALLIOPE USER M 17/04/00 15:21 Page 08 getting started connecting loudspeakers We know you are keen to get Calliope working. This section will have you listening to your favourite music as quickly as possible. packaging Calliope has been carefully packaged for safe transportation. If you have the storage space, please retain all the original packaging. This will allow you to transport your loudspeakers safely in the future. Make sure that all the components of your audio system are disconnected from the AC supply whenever you change any connections. loudspeaker connection Connect the red (positive) terminal of your right loudspeaker to the right, positive output terminal on the back of your amplifier. Then connect the black (negative) terminal of your right loudspeaker to the right, negative output terminal on the back of your amplifier. Repeat this procedure to connect your left loudspeaker using the left positive and negative terminals on the back of your amplifier. For best sound quality, we recommend that you use loudspeaker cables terminated in 8 mm spade terminals (e. g. Unscrew the terminal enough to fit the spade into it and then tighten the terminal. If you are unable to fully tighten the terminal, try pushing the spade connector in a clockwise (tightening) direction. Do not over-tighten the terminal as it is made from soft, gold-plated, oxygen-free, high purity copper. before you start 08 09 GRP00365. 09-[CN]CALLIOPE USER M 17/04/00 15:21 Page 10 installation installation You are no doubt eager to begin enjoying your Calliope loudspeakers but we would ask you to read the following installation guide to help you decide on the optimum position for your loudspeakers. room placement Calliope has been specifically designed to project a wide and even dispersion of sound in order to eliminate the common problem of `hot seat' imaging. For the best performance we recommend that you site your Calliope loudspeakers following these guidelines: The listening position should ideally be no more than 1. 5 times the distance between the left and right loudspeakers. Avoid choosing a listening position that places your head closer than 40 cm to any room boundary. Try to avoid placing the loudspeakers close to the side walls of the listening room in order to prevent strong interaction with the walls. We recommend placing Calliope on the (optional) matching stands (see figure opposite). Approx Ear Height Try to place each loudspeaker so that the rear edge of the enclosure is approximately 0. 2 m (8 inches) from the rear wall and at least 0. 6 m (2 feet) from side walls. Space them between 2 and 3 metres (6 ­ 10 feet) apart. [. . . ] The dedicated stands also provide an option to bolt the loudspeakers in place. grille cover removal In order to realise the best performance from your Calliope loudspeakers, we recommend that you remove the grille cover. To do so, gently prise the side edges of the grille out of the enclosure relief channel starting at the bottom. speaker with and without grille cover assembly of optional spikes 12 13 GRP00365. 09-[CN]CALLIOPE USER M 17/04/00 15:21 Page 14 running in and warming up care and maintenance TAG McLaren Audio equipment is designed to give optimum performance for many years. running in The performance of your Calliope loudspeakers will improve during the first 48 hours of operation. You may wish to play some programme material at a moderate level continuously for this period of time before listening seriously to your Calliope. [. . . ]