Owner’s Manual
RECYCLING AND REUSE GUIDELINES (Europe) In accordance with the European Union WEEE (Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment) directive effective August 13, 2005, we would like to notify you that our speakers may contain regulated materials which, upon disposal, require special reuse and recycling processing. For this reason Paradigm Electronics Inc.
TABLE OF CONTENTS Floorstanding Speakers – Attaching Rubber Pads or Carpet Spikes ................................... 3 Bookshelf / Center Channel Speakers – Attaching Rubber Pads................................... 4 Your New Speakers ....................................... 5 Preventing Speaker Damage......................... 6 Room Acoustics ............................................. 8 Placement: Front L & R Speakers ................. 9 Placement: The Center Speaker ................. 13 Wiring ...
FLOORSTANDING SPEAKERS — ATTACHING RUBBER PADS OR CARPET SPIKES Floor (Wood or Tile) Carpet OR 3 w w w . p a r a d i g m .
BOOKSHELF / CENTER CHANNEL SPEAKERS — ATTACHING RUBBER PADS Self-adhesive rubber pads (included) must be applied to the bottom corners of bookshelf and center channel speakers (as shown) when placed on a shelf or other flat surface. Bottom View of Bookshelf / Center Channel Speaker. w w w . p a r a d i g m .
YOUR NEW SPEAKERS Break-In Although Paradigm Monitor SE Series speakers sound great “out of the carton,” they will sound even better when broken in. Allow them to operate for several hours before you listen critically. High-frequency drivers use ferro-fluid that can thicken at temperatures below 10° C (50° F). If your speakers have been transported or stored in the cold let them warm to room temperature before use. Cleaning Do not use a strong or abrasive cleaner on your speakers.
PREVENTING SPEAKER DAMAGE To prevent damage to your speakers, please read the following guidelines before making any connections. Amplifier Distortion—The #1 Culprit! Amplifier distortion is the principle cause of speaker damage. When listening at higher volume levels, your amplifier may run out of clean power and begin to produce a distorted signal if levels are increased any further. This will damage any brand of speaker very quickly. (See your Authorized Paradigm Dealer for amplifier recommendations).
PREVENTING SPEAKER DAMAGE (cont’d) There is a Limit! Although more powerful amplifiers are safer, there is a point at which you could have more power than the speaker can handle. At that point you will overpower the speaker and damage it. Exercise caution! At loud levels do not increase bass/treble controls from zero and ensure that all loudness/ contour/bass EQ buttons are off (otherwise rated output power will be reached at lower volume control settings).
ROOM ACOUSTICS Monitor SE Series speakers are designed to provide exceptional sound in a wide variety of domestic settings. However, it is important to note that listening room construction, dimensions and furnishings all play a part in the quality of sound you will ultimately achieve. Your listening room will impose its own character on the performance capabilities of any speaker system. The extra care you take in correctly positioning the speakers will result in greater listening enjoyment.
PLACEMENT: Front Left & Right Ideal placement of front and center speakers Monitor SE Series front speakers are designed to allow flexible placement while providing a very large window of sound throughout your listening room. To ensure the best performance possible we strongly recommend that you observe the placement guidelines on the following pages … 9 w w w . p a r a d i g m .
0 cm) 8po (20 cm) Accurate Timbre For the most accurate and natural timbre, place front speakers so that their high-frequency drivers are approximately at ear level, as shown. Placing bookshelf models on Paradigm speaker stands (sold separately) or bookshelves raises their high-frequency drivers to approximately ear level, thereby ensuring the best performance possible. w w w . p a r a d i g m .
8” (20 cm) Balanced Bass Placing front speakers in corners will over-emphasize bass and reduce overall clarity. Avoid corner placement. Position front speakers 8 in (20 cm) or more from the wall behind the speaker and as much as possible from either side wall, as shown in. This will ensure better bass performance and optimal midrange clarity. 11 w w w . p a r a d i g m .
Optimal Imaging Measure the distance from your main listening area to the front speakers (“X”). For best imaging, place speakers from three-quarters of that distance up to that same distance from each other (3/4 of “X” to “X”), as shown. To further optimize imaging, toe speakers slightly inward so they point toward the listening position with their axes crossing just behind it, as shown. w w w . p a r a d i g m .
PLACEMENT: The Center Speaker The Monitor SE Series center speaker is designed to cover a large, wide listening area, allowing listeners throughout the room to hear center-channel information with unprecedented clarity and intelligibility. Placing your center-channel speaker below the TV will ensure the best possible clarity and intelligibility. Position the speaker flush with the front of the TV or speaker shelf to minimize unwanted sound reflections.
WIRING Turn your amplifier(s) OFF before connecting your speakers. This will avoid damage which could result from accidental shorting of speaker cables. MINIMUM GAUGE REQUIREMENTS LENGTH DIAMETER GAUGE Under 4.5 m (15 ft) 1.3 mm (0.05 in) 16 awg Under 9 m (30 ft) 1.6 mm (0.06 in) 14 awg Over 9 m (30 ft) 2.0 mm (0.08 in) 12 awg For optimum sound, the use of high quality speaker cable is essential. The chart below identifies the minimum gauge requirements for various lengths.
SPEAKER CONNECTION Your speakers’ binding posts can be used with banana, pin or spade connectors, as well as with bare wire. Tighten the posts firmly by hand but do not over tighten! Correct polarity (or phase) is critical for proper soundstage imaging and bass performance. Connect one speaker at a time to ensure proper connection of every channel. The red (+) amplifier terminal must be connected to the red (+) speaker terminal. The same applies to the black (–) terminals.
FINE TUNING Once you have your speakers positioned in the room and have set speaker distances and calibrated speaker levels through your Audio/Video Processor or A/V Receiver it’s time for a little fine tuning. Since Paradigm speakers provide exceptional performance in a variety of room settings, fine tuning is simply a matter of making slight adjustments (if necessary) to their placement in the room. Start with the front speakers and listen to familiar music in stereo.
TROUBLESHOOTING GUIDE 17 No Sound Make sure receiver, preamp or amplifier is plugged in and turned on. Check power outlet at the wall is working. Are headphones plugged in, or is system on Mute? Re-check all connections. No Sound from One or More Speakers Check your balance. Check that all power cords are properly plugged in and functioning. Swap a non-working speaker with one that works to determine if the problem is with the speaker or something else (i.e. wiring, amplifier).
LIMITED WARRANTY Paradigm speakers covered in this manual are warranted to be and remain free of manufacturing and/or material defects for a period of five (5) years from the date of original purchase. Within the time period specified, repair, replacement or adjustment of parts for manufacturing and/or material defects will be free of charge to the original owner. Thermal or mechanical abuse/misuse is not covered under the Paradigm warranty.
• Provide proof of purchase (your sales receipt given at time of purchase from your Authorized Paradigm Dealer must be retained for proof-ofpurchase date). Should servicing be required, contact your nearest Authorized Paradigm Dealer, Paradigm Electronics Inc. or Import Distributor (outside the U.S. and Canada) to arrange, bring in or ship prepaid, any defective unit. Visit our website, www.paradigm.com for more information. Paradigm Electronics Inc.
