Fluance Elite Series - User Manual

Elite, Reference, and Signature Series
Speaker Manual v1.0 fluance.com

Summary

Introduction and Online Resources

Online Resources

Provides links to videos for full setup and configuration of your speakers.

Speaker Basics

Front Speakers

Describes the role of front left and right speakers in creating a wide soundstage for home theater.

Center Speaker

Explains the typical placement and timbre matching requirements for a center speaker.

Subwoofer

Details the function of a separate subwoofer in reproducing low bass frequencies for an enhanced experience.

Bipolar Speakers

Explains the driver configuration of bipolar speakers for omni-directional acoustics and immersive sound.

Surround Speakers

Describes the purpose of surround speakers in creating atmosphere and a sense of space in a home theater.

Surround Sound Speaker Setup

5.1 Surround System

Lists the five audio channels required for a 5.1 surround sound configuration.

7.1 Surround System

Lists the seven audio channels required for a 7.1 surround sound configuration.

Front Speaker Placement

Provides placement guidelines for front left and right speakers for optimal listening.

Center Speaker Placement

Details placement recommendations for the center channel speaker relative to the TV.

Surround Speaker Placement

Gives placement advice for surround left and right speakers relative to the listener.

Subwoofer Placement

Provides placement advice for the subwoofer to avoid muddy bass.

Wiring Guide

Standard Connection Method

Explains the step-by-step process for standard speaker wire connection to terminals.

Banana Plug Connection Method

Details the steps for connecting speakers using banana plugs for a secure fit.

Bi-Amp Connection

Understanding Bi-amping

Explains the process of bi-amping and its benefits for speaker performance and protection.

Bi-Amplification Setup Steps

Outlines the procedure for connecting speakers using bi-amplification mode.

Bi-Wire Connection

Understanding Bi-wiring

Describes bi-wiring, where separate cables connect amplifier outputs to speaker drivers.

Bi-wiring Setup Steps

Provides instructions for connecting speakers using the bi-wiring method.

Turntable and Passive Speaker Setup

Amplifier Role

Explains the amplifier's importance in providing power to drive passive speakers.

Phono Preamplifier Function

Describes how a phono preamplifier boosts turntable signals for further amplification.

Turntable Preamplifier Guidelines

Discusses using internal vs. external preamplifiers and the rule of one preamplifier.

Grounding for Turntables

Explains the importance of grounding for turntables to prevent interference.

Placement for Turntable Setups

Offers placement recommendations to avoid feedback in turntable setups.

Wall Mounting Recommendations

Stud Finding Tips

Provides tips for locating wall studs to ensure secure mounting of speakers.

Care & Maintenance

Tweeter Dome Care

Avoid touching the tweeter dome as it affects sound quality and dispersion.

Speaker Wire Safety

Prevent positive/negative speaker wires from touching to avoid shorts and amplifier damage.

Cleaning and Material Placement

Clean with dry cloth, avoid magnetic materials, and keep away from sun rays.

Ventilation and Electrical Proximity

Ensure speaker vents are clear, maintain distance from obstructions, and avoid parallel wiring.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Audio Distortion

Addresses issues related to distorted audio, often caused by power or bass levels.

Buzzing or Crackling Sounds

Explains how to resolve buzzing or crackling sounds by checking connections and sources.

Muddy or Muffled Bass

Offers solutions for muffled bass, including speaker break-in and placement.

No or Limited Bass

Troubleshoots issues with a lack of bass, checking connections and receiver settings.

General Speaker Checks

Covers common speaker issues like wiring, binding posts, and power matching.

Frequently Asked Questions

Speaker Break-in Period

Explains the recommended break-in period for Fluance speakers for optimal performance.

Banana Plugs Requirement

Discusses the necessity and benefits of using banana plugs for speaker connections.

Recommended Speaker Wire Gauge

Details why 18-gauge speaker wire is recommended for optimal performance.

Receiver Compatibility

Lists recommended receiver brands for pairing with Fluance speakers.

Sound Isolation Floor Spikes

Explains how floor spikes reduce vibration and improve sound clarity.

Sound Isolation Pads

Describes the benefits of isolation pads for reducing vibration and improving bass.

Videos and Knowledge Resources

Video Resources

Provides a link to Fluance's video resources for setup and product information.

Knowledge Base

Directs users to Fluance's support center for expert tips and articles.

Home Theater Setup Guide

Offers a guide for optimizing home theater surround sound setup.

Warranty Information

Warranty Period Details

Lists the warranty durations for different Fluance product types.

Warranty Exclusions

Details conditions and events that are not covered by the warranty.

How to Obtain Warranty Service

Explains the procedure for requesting warranty service and necessary documentation.

Overview

1. Function Description
2. Important Technical Specifications (Implied/Recommended)
3. Usage Features
4. Maintenance Features
5. Troubleshooting

This document is a user manual for Fluance Elite, Reference, and Signature Series speakers, providing comprehensive information on setup, usage, maintenance, and troubleshooting.

Function Description:

Fluance speakers are designed to deliver high-quality audio for home theater and music listening experiences. The manual covers various speaker types within a home theater system:

• Front Speakers: Provide a wide soundstage, blending with video or music for a realistic experience.
• Center Speaker: Typically placed centered, above or below the visual device, and timbre-matched with other speakers in the system.
• Surround Speakers: Create atmosphere and a sense of space, placed to the side and rear of the listener.
• Bipolar Speakers: Utilize a distinctive driver configuration to create omni-directional acoustics for an enveloping movie theater experience.
• Subwoofer: Designed to accurately and dynamically reproduce low bass frequencies, enhancing the overall sound experience for movies and music.

The manual also details how to integrate these passive speakers into a turntable setup, which requires additional electronics like a phono preamplifier and an amplifier/AV receiver.

Important Technical Specifications (Implied/Recommended):

• Speaker Wire Gauge: Fluance recommends 18-gauge or better speaker wire for optimal sound quality. A larger gauge (thinner wire) can result in power loss and lower sound quality.
• Break-in Period: A minimum of 10-12 hours of playing time at normal listening volumes is recommended for drivers to perform at their peak level.
• Amplifier Matching: It's best to have an amplifier that slightly exceeds the power of the connected speakers to avoid clipping and distortion. An amplifier that is too powerful can also damage speakers.
• Speaker Construction Material: Medium-density fibreboard (MDF) is highlighted for its ability to produce great sound in solid construction, allow for beautiful finishes, and offer a lower construction cost compared to natural wood.

Usage Features:

• Speaker Placement (5.1 & 7.1 Surround Sound):
  • Front Left & Right: 3 feet from the TV, rotated 22°-30° towards the main seating position.
  • Center Channel: Centered with the TV, at ear level.
  • Surround Left & Right: Between 90°-110° to the sides of the seating position, two feet or higher from the ground.
  • Surround Back Left & Right (7.1 only): Behind the seating position, at ear level, in line with front speakers, 135°-150° towards the main seating position.
  • Subwoofer: Location and angle are not critical, but avoid placing it in a corner to prevent muddy bass.
• Wiring Guide:
  • Standard Method: Involves cutting insulation to expose 0.39-0.78 inches (1-2cm) of wire, rotating terminals counter-clockwise to unlock, inserting wire, and rotating clockwise to lock.
  • Banana Plug Method: Involves cutting insulation, rotating banana plug ends counter-clockwise, inserting wire into the middle bracket, rotating clockwise to lock, and then inserting the banana plug into speaker terminals.
  • Polarity: Emphasizes maintaining correct polarity (+ to RED, - to BLACK) for all connections.
• Bi-Amp Connection: Allows for two separate amplifier channels per speaker, connecting to each pair of binding posts. This can reduce amplifier overload, distortion, and improve matching of the power amplifier to speaker drivers. Requires removing bi-wire bridges.
• Bi-Wire Connection: Uses two cables from the same amplifier output to the speaker cabinet (one for high frequency, one for low frequency) through separated crossover filters. Aims to reduce magnetic interaction in the cable for a better soundstage. Requires removing bi-wire bridges.
• Turntable Passive Speaker Setup:
  • Requires a phono preamplifier (either external or built-in to the turntable/amplifier, but only one should be used).
  • Grounding: All components should be properly grounded to prevent interference or humming.
  • Placement: Bookshelf speakers should not be on the same surface as the turntable. Speakers can be placed on stands or isolation pads. The turntable should be on a solid, sturdy surface to avoid feedback.
• Wall Mounting Recommendations: Advises anchoring into a stud (typically 16" on-center) for secure mounting of speakers or other devices. Provides tips for finding studs.
• Subwoofer Phase and Crossover Frequency: Guides users on setting bass management on processors, receivers, and subwoofers for optimal audio performance.
• Sound Isolation Floor Spikes: Eliminate vibration absorption by reducing speaker surface area in contact with the floor, leading to clearer, more defined sound.
• Sound Isolation Pads: Isolate speakers from their supported surface, decreasing unwanted vibrations, delivering tighter bass response, and increased clarity. Can also angle speakers for ideal listening.

Maintenance Features:

• Tweeter Care: Refrain from touching the tweeter dome, as its shape is crucial for sound quality, dispersion, and response.
• Speaker Wire: Ensure positive/negative speaker wires do not touch to prevent blowing a fuse or shorting the amplifier/receiver.
• Floor-Standing Speakers: Avoid dragging floor-standing speakers with spikes attached to prevent scratching surfaces.
• Cleaning: Clean speakers regularly with a dry microfiber cloth. Avoid liquid cleaners, which can damage amplifiers.
• Magnetic Interference: Do not keep speakers on metals conducive to magnetism or near magnetic sources to prevent damage to the built-in electromagnet. Use wooden or non-magnetic materials for stands.
• Static Electricity: Take steps to prevent speakers from coming into contact with static electricity.
• Sunlight Exposure: Keep speakers away from direct sun rays.
• Ventilation: If the speaker has a port/vent, ensure it's not blocked. Maintain 2-3 feet of clearance from obstructions.
• Power Connection: Connect the amplifier to a functional clean power outlet or surge protector.
• Wire Routing: Avoid running speaker wire parallel to electrical lines to prevent interference.

Troubleshooting:

The manual provides solutions for common audio issues:

• Audio Distorted: Adjust amplifier/receiver power, lower volume, adjust equalizer settings.
• Buzzing/Crackling: Check cable connections, plug receiver directly into wall, try different outlets, test different audio sources.
• Muddy/Muffled Bass: Allow for speaker break-in (10+ hours), ensure speakers/subwoofer are 2-3 feet from walls, adjust equalizer settings.
• No or Limited Bass: Check cable connections, ensure bridge pins/plates are in place for tower speakers with multiple binding posts, adjust receiver channel settings (especially if a subwoofer is enabled but not connected).
• General Speaker Troubleshooting: Confirm correct speaker wire polarity and condition, use 18 AWG or better wire, ensure binding posts are tightened, confirm bridge pins/plates are in place, compare amplifier power output to speaker power handling, eliminate audio equalizers or filters.

Fluance Elite Series Specifications

General

Brand	Fluance
Model	Elite Series
Category	Speakers
Language	English