THEATER u s e r ’ s c l TM m a n u a l s e l e c t r MA R T I N LOGA N o s t a t i c
CONTENTS Contents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2 Installation in Brief . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3 Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4 Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5 AC Power Connection Signal Connection Break-In Installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
INSTALLATION We know you are eager to hear your new Theater center channel, so this section is provided to allow fast and easy set up. Once you have it operational, please take the time to read, in depth, the rest of the information in this manual. It will give you perspective on how to attain the greatest possible performance from this most exacting transducer.
INTRODUCTION Congratulations! You have invested in a new world of home theater! The MartinLogan Theater represents the culmination of an intensive, dedicated group research program directed toward establishing a world class reference monitor utilizing leading-edge technology, without compromising durability, reliability, craftsmanship or aesthetic design. The advantages of MartinLogan hybrid technology will present themselves to you from the moment the movie begins.
OPERATION AC Power Connection Because your MartinLogan Theater uses an internal power supply to energize its electrostatic cells with high-voltage DC, it must be connected to an AC power source. For this reason it is provided with the proper IEC standard power cord. This cords should be firmly inserted into the AC power receptacles on the rear connection panel of the speaker, then to any convenient AC wall outlet.
INSTALLATION Using the Adjustable Mount For optimum performance the Theater must be tilted on its stand towards the main listening position and directed towards the audiences ears (see figure 3). After you have placed your Theater in its final location, loosen the 2 knobs located on the stand arm, pivot the Theater towards the main listening position, and then re-tighten the knobs.
STAND REMOVAL NOTE: The Theater is intended to be used with its stand attached in almost all installation options. Stand Removal and Installation instructions are provided in case you are using a custom installation that does not require the use of the stand. Removing the Stand 1. Support the Theater body by placing the shipping foam on both ends of the speaker, or setting a stack of books beneath both ends of the speaker cabinet.
MOUNTING THE THEATER ON A WALL Mounting the Theater WARNING! Installing the Theater on the wall requires 2 people. Do not try this alone. Mounting the Theater on a wall requires a minimum use of 1 lag bolt sunk directly into a stud and 2 wall anchors. If you are able to engage more than 1 stud with a lag bolt when mounting the Theater on a wall we highly recommend doing so (see figure 8). NOTE: To assure that your Theater is safely wall mounted, these instructions must be carefully followed.
Figure 7. Hardware included with the Theater. Figure 5. Using the wall anchors for points C and D. Side view. Figure 6. Using the lag bolt for points C and D. Side view. Figure 8. The Theater mounted in various stud configurations. Front View. Please note, to simplify this illustration, the stand is shown without the Theater attached. When mounting the Theater, the stand should not be removed. The Lag Bolts, Walls, and Z-Brackets are also exaggerated in size to make this illustration easier to read.
4. Using a level, vertically measure down from point B 41/16 inches (10.3 cm) and mark this point (point E, see figure 9). 7. For this step you may need to loosen the knobs on the stand arm, pivot the speaker enough that you can access the lower center point, and re-tighten the knobs. 5. If point E is on, or horizontally within 21/2 inches (6.3 cm) of a stud: Using a level, mark a point (point F, see figure 9) horizontal to Point E on the stud that is within 21/2 inches (6.3 cm) of point E.
DISPERSION INTERACTIONS Controlled Horizontal Dispersion The convex electrostatic panel launches a 30 degree dispersion pattern when viewed from above. This horizontal dispersion field gives you a choice of good seats for the performance while minimizing interaction with side walls (see figure 10). Figure 10. The MartinLogan Theater delivers a 30 degree wave launch dispersion pattern distributed horizontally.
Three Major Types of Dispersion In the field of loudspeaker design, it is a known fact that as the sound wave becomes progressively smaller than the transducer producing it, the dispersion of that wave becomes more and more narrow, or directional. This fact occurs as long as the transducer is a flat surface. Large flat panel speakers exhibit venetian blind effects due to this phenomenon. This is why most manufacturers opt for small drivers (i.e.
HOME THEATER It had long been the practice of stereo buffs to connect their television to the stereo system. The advantage was the use of the larger speakers and more powerful amplifier of the stereo system. Even though the sound was greatly improved, it was still mono and limited by the broadcast signal. In the late 1970’s and early ‘80’s two new home movie formats became widely available to the public: VCR and laser disc. Surround Speakers.
ELECTROSTATIC ADVANTAGES How can sound be reproduced by something that you are able to see through? Electrostatic energy makes this possible. Where the world of traditional loudspeaker technology deals with cones, domes, diaphragms and ribbons that are moved with magnetism, the world of electrostatic loudspeakers deals with charged electrons attracting and repelling each other. To fully understand the electrostatic concept, some background information will be helpful.
MARTINLOGAN EXCLUSIVES Curvilinear Line Source (CLSTM) Since the beginning of audio, achieving smooth dispersion has been a problem for all loudspeaker designers. Large panel transducers present even more of a challenge because the larger the panel, the more directional the dispersion pattern becomes. Full range electrostats have long been one of the most problematic transducers because they attain their full range capabilities via a large surface area.
ELECTROSTATIC LOUDSPEAKER HISTORY In the late 1800s, any loudspeaker was considered exotic. Today, most of us take the wonders of sound reproduction for granted. The outcome would dictate the way that future generations would refer to loudspeakers as being either “conventional”, or “exotic”. It was 1880 before Thomas Edison had invented the first phonograph. This was a horn-loaded diaphragm that was excited by a playback stylus.
In 1947, Arthur Janszen, a young Naval engineer, took part to around 70 watts. As a result, many people continued in a research project for the Navy. The Navy was interested to use box speakers with cones. in developing a better instrument for testing microphone arrays.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS How do I clean my speakers? Just use a dust free cloth or a soft brush to remove the dust from your speakers. We recommend a specialty cloth (available through the XStatic shop at www.martinlogan.com) that cleans your speakers better than anything else we have ever tried. Do not spray any kind of cleaning agent on or in close proximity to the electrostatic element.
Will excessive smoke or dust cause any problems with my electrostatic speakers? Exposure to excessive contaminants such as smoke or dust may potentially affect the performance of the electrostatic membrane, and may cause discoloration of the diaphragm membrane. When not in use for extended periods, you should unplug the speakers and cover them with the plastic bags in which the speakers were originally packed. It is a good idea to vacuum the electrostatic portion of each speaker once or twice a year.
TROUBLESHOOTING No Output •Check that all your system components are powered on. •Check your speaker wires and connections. •Check all interconnecting cables. Weak Output, Loss of Highs •Check the power cord. Is it properly connected to the speaker? •Is the Theater properly adjusted towards the listening position? Read Installation (pages 6–7) for more information.
GENERAL INFORMATION Specifications The Theater hybrid speaker system consists of a broad-range single element electrostatic transducer integrated with a quick-response woofer. This approach takes advantage of the benefits that both technologies have to offer. Dispersion is a controlled 30 degrees. This was achieved by curving the electrostatic transducer element itself, an elegantly simple solution. System Frequency Response 70–22,000 Hz ± 3 dB Dispersion 30 degrees Sensitivity 90 dB/2.
GLOSSARY OF AUDIO TERMS AC. Abbreviation for alternating current. DC. Abbreviation for direct current. Active crossover. Uses active devices (transistors, ICs, tubes) and some form of power supply to operate. Diffraction. The breaking up of a sound wave caused by some type of mechanical interference such as a cabinet edge, grill frame or other similar object. Amplitude. The extreme range of a signal. Usually measured from the average to the extreme. Arc.
Inductance. The property of an electrical circuit by which a varying current in it produces a varying magnetic field that introduces voltages in the same circuit or in a nearby circuit. It is measured in henrys. Resistor. A device that is used in a circuit primarily to provide resistance. Inductor. A device designed primarily to introduce inductance into an electrical circuit. Sometimes called a choke or coil. Resonance.
c l s e l e c t r o s t a t i c MA R T I N LOGA N 2101 Delaware Street, Lawrence, Kansas 66046, USA tel 785.749.0133 fax 785.749.5320 ©2000 MartinLogan, All rights reserved www.martinlogan.com Rev.
