Acapella Violon 2001 User manual

Instruction manual

The Idea
Music is an essential element of our emotional quality of life. Playing
musical instruments, you can experience music authentically and immediately.
On the other hand, when you are reproducing music, it is often „administered“
by various electronic devices.
Administration does not suit to emotions, restriction not to experiences.
To have music at our disposal at any time and everywhere, we cannot do
it without using some components. It is our business to build a bridge
across the musical and the technical world.
In the ideal case, components become instruments, cover and contents
are one thing, very close to the human beings, to the senses, to the being.
Best sound quality, highest longevity, combined with an unique function,
create the bridge. ACAPELLA products are unique combinations of design,
function and engineering.
All parts are carefully handcrafted by ACAPELLA. The serial numbers are
marked by hand and registered in the production records. Every unit has its
own serial number and production trail. On the basis of these recorded data’s,
all characteristics can be reproduced at any time.
High quality musical instruments need a play-in time to yield optimum sonic
performance. This applies for all ACAPELLA products as well. The play-in
time for new devices will be about 14 days. After a longer inactivity just
a couple of hours.

Unpacking
For transportation the VIOLON 2001 has been wrapped in stretch foil
which provides an excellent protection. Remove this foil by cutting it
carefully with a blade or a pair of scissors on the rear side of the loud-
speakers at the height of the ion tweeter. Undo the foil right to the bottom.
Then you can strip off the whole foil. Please also remove the foil from the
mid-range horn units. Then insert them into the corresponding mounting
space of the loudspeaker’s cabinet. Fix the horn units with both of the
screws. Tighten the rear screw first and then the front screw (fixes the
cover). You will find the appropriate inbus key in the accessory carton.
Now, the loudspeakers are completely assembled.
Information’s about the Ion TW 1
The ACAPELLA ion tweeter „ION TW 1 S“ is a perfected and
sophisticated loudspeaker chassis, whose exceptional performance and
qualities can only be enjoyed completely if used properly.
It was designed to reproduce the harmonics of the music as detailed as
possible. To reach this goal, a design with the smallest possible mass
had to be developed. Relative to its function, the ACAPELLA ion
tweeter has no mass! To carry out this project, a very unusual kind of
design had to be created.
High voltage within the unit produces a constant arc (which can never
be completely silent). This arc is modulated with the musical signal
(flame oscillates with the time of the music). This is the reason why
the number of electrons within the arc varies. A larger or smaller amount
of electrons requires similar space. Due to this variable need of space,
the surrounding air molecules have to dodge the more or less quickly.
This evasive action or bumping of the air molecules generates over-, resp.
underpressure and, therefore, sound. In this way, the ACAPELLA ion
tweeter is able to reproduce sound without using a membrane and, finally,
without its mass inertia.
Regarding transient capabilities and phase stiffness, the obtained sound
quality cannot be realised by using conventional tweeters. Comparing
the Ion tweeter with other tweeter systems, is unobtrusive sound image
will attract you, assuming that correct adjustment of the play back level has
been done. This kind of reproduction is attributed to the lack of harmonic
and transient distortions.

Power connection
Before connecting the loudspeaker for the first time, please check all
components in your system for correct polarity of the AC mains. Correct
phase is marked on the ACAPELLA ion tweeter. Please keep an eye
on the red-marked side of the AC-connector. AC mains phase should be
there.
To prevent failures due to condensation, please allow the device to
acclimatise to room temperature before attempting to make connections
to the AC mains outlet.
This eliminates the opportunity of high voltage surges within the oscillator.
If you have any questions to ask, please contact your dealer or directly us.
Operation
During normal operation the ion tweeter does not require special service.
It starts automatically after the first incoming musical signals.
The device will start working as follows: The signal at the input exceeds
the pre-set voltage value (30mV/1lHz). An internal generator begins to
oscillate and a built-in frequency counter in the input stage is collecting
the number of the waves. If this number exceeds the pre-set value, the ion
tweeter will be activated. This procedure is essential to minimise sensitivity
to interference pulses in the power supply mains caused by electrical
appliances such as refrigerators etc. During the start-up procedure of the
ion tweeter, power supply to the arc will be doubled for approx. 2 seconds
to enable the combustion chamber to warm up quickly and to burn dust
particles which were eventually penetrating. This process is bound to
produce more attrition and should not unnecessarily be performed.
A shut-off delay of approx. 20 minutes provides continuos operation
during short pauses (resp. when going below the minimum level). After
longer pauses (more than 20 minutes) or at very low levels, you should
bring the ion tweeter into the „manual“ mode by using the „automatic -
manual“ switch.

Placement
Because of his built-in Class-A amplifier and is valve oscillator, the
ion tweeter requires sufficient ventilation. When used together with the
VIOLON 2001, minimum clearances have constructionally been taken into
consideration. Should you have purchased the ion tweeter for use with
other loudspeakers, be sure to allow the following minimum clearances.
Damage to the unit due to overheating will void the warranty.
During installation in a cabinet, the above mentioned minimum clearances
must be observed. Be sure to allow perfect heat dissipation through vertical
air circulation. Besides, the rear side of the cabinet must have an air
inlet corresponding to the width of the tweeter. No objects which could
hinder free air circulation should be fitted above the ion tweeter. As a
free-standing unit, a 10 mm clearance between the bottom panel of the unit
and the base will be sufficient.

Control panel
1. Level control
2. Input RCA jack
3. Mode switch (manual/automatic)
4. Fuse F1 0,4A slo-blo
5. Fuse F2 1,2A slo-blo
6. Fuse F3 0,1A slo-blo
7. AC connector with phase identification
8. Hand marked serial number
Getting started
Bring the mode switch on the rear panel of the unit to the „automatic“
position. Connect the AC cord to the ion tweeter first and then to the
electrical outlet. Now you can hear the soft switch-on sound of a relay.
Move the mode switch quickly into the „manual“ mode and bring it
immediately back to its original position. The „reset“ function has now been
initialised. This gives time to the oscillator’s valve for a warm-up. The
„reset“ function can also be used for future switch off of the ion tweeter
(only with no incoming signal).
After an approx. 60 seconds warm-up tip the switch over into the „manual“
position. 3 seconds later you can hear the switch-on sound of the relay
and a short period later a second „click“, which indicates the beginning
of the quick warm-up of the combustion chamber. After another 5 seconds
period you hear a third „click“, announcing the end of the combustion
chamber’s warm up phase. The ion tweeter is now ready for operation.

Placement of the Violon 2001
The loudspeakers should be placed to each other considering a space of
2,5 metres or more. Depending on the peculiarities of your listening room,
we recommend a symmetrical placement. That means that the distances
to the sidewalls and to the listening area should be the same. Align the
loudspeakers with the center of your listening position. Space to the
wall behind the loudspeakers is less critical. We found out that very small
spaces mostly will be sufficient.
Basic position
When making alignments of the loudspeakers we assume that their distance
to the listening area is 15 % longer than the width of the base (for example:
base of the loudspeakers 3 metres, distance to listening area 3,5 metres).
From this position you can align the loudspeakers with the listening area
so that the interior sidewalls of the cabinet appear apparently such as a
2 cm narrow strip. This position will be the basic position of the loudspeakers.
Connection to the amplifier
The VIOLON 2001 is equipped with large binding posts for termination to an
amplifier. In principle, it comes with connectors for bi-wiring. For optimum
performance connect the VIOLON 2001 carefully to your amplifier, by using
high quality speaker cables. The binding posts allow high contact pressure
with correctly fitted lugs. As a result, you will obtain very little transition
resistance. Signal to the ion tweeter will be supplied by a cable bridge,
coming from the mid-range terminal. The RCA plug (Cinch) has been
designed as a drill socket. After connection to the input you can tighten it.
Level
The level of the ion tweeter has been factory-set. This setting is marked
with a stroke of a pencil close to the volume control. Running the ion
tweeter with this setting, you should listen to your loudspeakers a few hours
to familiarize with the sound reproduction. If required, you may optimise
reproduction in your listening room along with your components.

Optimising imaging accuracy
Control of monophonic reproduction
The meaning of this control is to optimise placement of the loudspeakers
relative to your living room. Without proper adjustment you won’t be
able to localise voices or instruments precisely in the imaginary room
which is reproduced by the loudspeaker. Only a correct mono calibration
enables a perfect stereo reproduction. Please do not connect the ion tweeter
while making this setting. Avoid eventual short circuits. Switch your
amplifier to mono, or still better, use a monophonic CD. Go back to your
listening area. When reproducing voices or instruments, attention has to
be paid to the direction they are coming from. Supposing that reproduction
is out of balance and tending to the left, you can either toe-in the right
loudspeaker or toe-out the left one. Please consider that soundstage and
imaging can shift to the front or to the back according to the change
of the loudspeaker’s position. Please try to make changes of the loud-
speaker’s position symmetrically. Always vary only a few millimetres,
and if necessary, to the front or to the back. Optimisation is accomplished
when the music can be heard right between the loudspeakers. Finally, you
can control the loudspeakers with a spirit level and fit them with the base
screws. To make these adjustments, loosen the lock nut of the setting
screw first. Do not forget to tighten the lock nuts towards the bottom
of the cabinet again.
Fine adjustment of the ion tweeter
Switch off your amplifier and connect the ion tweeter. For the following
settings use music with a good proportion of higher frequencies (hi-hats,
still mono).
Do not alter the position of the loudspeaker anymore!
As described above, pay attention to the direction the music seems to
come from. Adjust the level of the ion tweeter (the louder one determines
the direction) so that even the softest hi-hats are always coming at you
from the centre. Optimum setting has been obtained if you can localise
the sound source in the size of a football right between the loudspeakers.
Music seems to be reproduced by a Center loudspeaker. In case of a
change of the level of the higher frequencies, adjust it synchronously
left and right by considering the pencil mark. In this way, you can
re-establish the balance between mid and high frequencies.

Care of the loudspeakers
Note: Please clean the varnish or Acryl surface with a clean and humid chamois
only. When cleaning the mid-range horn unit, be careful with the very
Before cleaning sensitive membrane of the driver. You can polish the ion tweeter with an
the ion tweeter, appropriate cloth until it becomes shiny again. To protect the fabric cover
always dis-of the loudspeaker against spots, remove it. The necessary inbus key (5 mm)
connect it from has been supplied. Never attempt to clean the ion tweeter with pointed
the AC mains. objects. You could destroy the combustion chamber! When fixing the
fabric cover again, pull out the ion tweeter 1 mm approx. and insert the
cover from the bottom into the guide on the sound wall. Together with
the ion tweeter, it can easily be brought back to the normal position and
be locked with the fastening screw.
Specifications
Frequency response 28 Hz -40 kHz
Crossover frequencies 800 / 4500 Hz
Efficiency 91 dB / Wm
Impedance 4Ohm (> 3,2 Ohm )
flat above 200 Hz
max. 30 Ohms approx. / 37 Hz
Load capacity 200 W
1000 W / 10 ms with no distortions
Recommended power output
of the amplifier from 20 W
Dimensions
(H x W x D) Pillar 1170 x 330 x 450 mm
total
1550 x 460 x 580 mm
Weight
approx. 95 kg (110kg-High Version)

Appendix
Troubleshooting
Malfunction during operation cannot always be attributed to a damage within
the device. The following table may help you to find out the reason of a
malfunction and to remove it. If none of these suggestions solves the problem,
contact your Acapella dealer or us.
Discovered malfunction Possible reason Check up, remedy
No function No mains voltage
available, Fuse F2
defective
Look from above through the cover at the oscillator tube. If power is supplied, you
can see the filament slightly glowing on the top of the tube. If yes, there is a
malfunction, if no, check the electrical outlet and the fuse.
No ignition of the arc
or it will go out during
operation
Fuse F1 or F3 defective Disconnect the mains plug. Unscrew the fuses and check them with an ohmmeter.
Optical control can be faulty. If you need to replace the fuses, use only those
with the same value!
Manual switch-off
(reset) impossible
1. Input voltage is too high
2. Disturbing voltage at the
input
1. Turn the volume control to off
2. Disconnect the input jack. If „reset“ now operates perfectly,
check your Hi-Fi system for interferences (hum, noise).
With no incoming signal, it
does not switch-off in
„automatic“ operation
Disturbing voltage at the input
or in the power supply mains
Disconnect the input jack. If the device switches off after approx. 20 minutes, check
the signal-to-noise ratio in your system (hum etc.). If not, malfunction can be caused
by interference pulses in the mains voltage. Try to switch-off with „reset“. If there is
no positive result, the switch-on logic is defective. Disconnect the AC mains plug.
With no incoming signal, it
switches on without
a musical signal
See above See above. Further possibility of a malfunction: If higher sound pressure levels from
other sources are reproduced in your room or if the power supply mains have
interference pulses, even though above mentioned checking showed perfect operation
of the switch-on logic, you should let increase the threshold value by your Acapella
dealer or by us.
Crackling
Dirt particles in the combustion chamber
Bring the unit into the „manual“ continuos operation mode and let it be running
up to 48 hours. If there are only slight disturbances, repeated switch-on and -off
can remedy these things. The entire starting cycle must be run, because the function
„quick warm-up of the combustion chamber“ doubles the energy of the arc. Do not
repeat this procedure more than 6 -8 times with intervals (60 sec.). Usually, the
dust particles, causing the disturbances, will be burned.
Chirping and whistling Dirt particles in the
combustion chamber or
faulty interconnection
See above. Loose dirt particles can cause an instability in the oscillator frequency
which can produce these disturbances. Another possibility are interferences between
the oscillators of both the devices. This suggests an insufficient interconnection
between the tweeters and the amplifier. Please inspect the cables (earth connection,
contacts).
No constant burning or break
of the arc after a complete
start-up
Control voltage, electrode;
oscillator tube
The design of the „Class A“ driver amplifier does also allow higher temperatures
without the chance of damage within the devices. It reduces its supplied voltage
when heating becomes stronger through which the intensity of the arc will decrease.
These „optical“ effects do not harm the sonic quality. On the other hand, the arc
of the unit which was running for a longer period (800 -1000 hours of operation)
can show a „loss of strength“, independent of the operational temperature. These
is an indication that the oscillator and/or the combustion chamber should be
renewed.