Anthony Gallo Acoustics Nucleus Reference 3 User manual

ANTHONY GALLO
ACOUSTICS
Reference3
Owner’s Manual
To find a dealer near you, please visit our web site at: www.roundsound.com
Anthony Gallo Acoustics, 20841 Prairie Street, Chatsworth, CA 91311 USA
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ANTHONY GALLO ACOUSTICS
Anthony Gallo Acoustics
20841 Prairie Street
Chatsworth, CA 91311 USA
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Introduction
Welcome to Anthony Gallo Acoustics!
The Nucleus Reference3was designed with the performance conscious audiophile in mind. This elegant
new model builds on the success of our original round sound designs, the Nucleus Solo and Nucleus
Reference.
The Nucleus Reference3is uniquely equipped to demonstrate the advantages of the leading high
resolution formats, DVD-Audio and Super Audio CD. Very few high-end speakers, including the majority
of $10K+ models can approach, much less equal, the Nucleus Reference3’s extended high frequency
response, and few offer near omni directional (300 degree) dispersion. For the ultimate in neutrality and
transparency, the Nucleus Reference3operates without a crossover across most of its bandwidth -- from
125 Hz to 50 kHz!
Please take a moment to review the information in this manual so you can properly install your Nucleus
Reference3speakers. If you have any questions about any Anthony Gallo Acoustics' product, please call
818 341 4488 or send us an e-mail at [email protected]. As one of our valued customers your
feedback is always welcome.

System Set-Up and Operation
Unpacking
We recommend two people unpack each Nucleus Reference3speaker. Carefully slide the speaker out
the shipping box.
Save the boxes and packing so you can easily ship or transport your Reference3’s in the future
Adjustable Cone Feet
Carefully lay each Nucleus Reference3speaker on its side and screw on the supplied cone feet -- the
two taller cones in the front, and the shorter cones in the rear. Take care not to "cross thread" them;
screw the cones in all the way for now, but chances are you will need to adjust them later. Once the
cones are installed, stand the speakers up, and please exercise caution when moving the speakers
about. Pick them up by grasping the rear stalk and bottom plate -- avoid holding onto the speakers by
the cones.
Getting Connected -- Hooking up your Nucleus Reference3Speakers
PLEASE NOTE: Turn your sound system OFF before proceeding with the installation of your new
speakers.

Stereo Set-Up
The Nucleus Reference3’s speaker binding posts accept bare wire ends, banana jacks or "U"
shaped spade connectors.The dual sets of connectors might easily be mistaken for "bi-wire"
binding posts, but they are not. The top two connectors are labeled "Speaker In," and offer a "full
range" connection to the Nucleus Reference3’s woofer, midranges, and tweeter.
The lower binding posts, labeled "Sub In," connect to the Nucleus Reference3woofer’s secondary
voice coil – they’re designed to work with the optional Anthony Gallo Acoustics’ Reference3SA
Power Amplifier. The SA amp works independently from your main amp and dramatically
enhances the Nucleus Reference3’s deep bass performance -- down to the range we associate
with full-size subwoofers.The SA amp will allow the Nucleus Reference3’s to reach 22 Hertz. For
more information about the remarkable Reference3SA Power Amplifier, see your Anthony Gallo
Acoustics dealer.
As you hook-up the cables make sure the +/- speaker connections on your receiver/amplifier and
the Nucleus Reference3are properly oriented. In other words, confirm that ALL of the
connections are positive-to-positive (red-to-red) and negative-to-negative (black-to-black) -- even
one flip-flop may result in lower bass output or compromised stereo imaging.

Home Theater Set-Up
The following set-up procedure is nearly identical to the previous recommendations. Locate your
receiver/pre/pro’s speaker set-up menu select "Large" for the Left/Right front speakers.You may need to
consult your receiver’s owner’s manual to learn more about home theater set-up.
The Nucleus Reference3speakers may produce enough bass on their own – especially when used with
our Reference3SA subwoofer amplifier – so you may not need a separate subwoofer.
The Nucleus Reference3’s speaker connectors accept bare wire ends, banana jacks or small spades.
The dual sets of connectors might easily be mistaken for "bi-wire" binding posts, but they are not.The
two top connectors are labeled "Speaker In," and offer a true "full range" connection to the Nucleus
Reference3’s woofer, midranges, and tweeter.
The lower binding posts are labeled "Sub In" -- they connect to the Nucleus Reference3woofer’s
secondary voice coil – they’re designed to receive power from the optional Anthony Gallo Acoustics’
Reference3SA Power Amplifier. The SA amp works independently from your main amp and dramatically
enhances the Nucleus Reference3’s deep bass performance -- down to the range we associate with full-
size subwoofers.The SA amp will allow the Nucleus Reference3’s to reach 22 Hertz. For more
information about the remarkable Reference3SA Power Amplifier, see your Anthony Gallo Acoustics
dealer.
As you hook-up the wires make sure the +/- speaker connections on your receiver/amplifier and the
Nucleus Reference3are properly oriented. In other words, confirm that ALL of the connections are
positive-to-positive (red-to-red) and negative-to-negative (black-to-black) -- even one flip-flop may result
in lower bass output or compromised stereo imaging.

Advanced Set-Up Information
Speaker "Break In"
Your new Nucleus Reference3speakers will need a little time to develop their full sound potential.They
will sound pretty good right out of the box, but after a few hours of use the sound will lose some high
frequency detail – don’t worry – the speakers will gradually regain their extended frequency response.
To hasten the process leave a radio or CD playing, at a fairly high level, when you’re not home.You'll
hear a marked increase in bass and treble detail after 100 hours of vigorous use. Complete the break-in
before attempting to critically place the speakers.
Speaker Placement Tips
The Nucleus Reference3speakers are sold in mirror-imaged pairs -- they can be set-up with their side-
mounted woofers facing outwards towards the walls of the room OR you may reverse the left and right
speakers so the woofers are facing in towards each other We recommend starting with the woofers’ in the
facing-out orientation. (The speaker’s serial numbers are preceded by a #1 or #2. In the recommended
configuration the speaker marked #1 will be on the left side, and the speaker marked #2 will be the right.)
Each room is different, so the safest approach is to try it both ways. Play a variety of bass heavy recordings,
and note which orientation yields a smoother and more extended bass response. If you have a large piece of
furniture or massive rear projection TV between the speakers they should always be in the outward facing
orientation.

Advanced Set-Up Information
Tweeter Level
Your Nucleus Reference3’s are outfitted with a three-position tweeter level switch to compensate for
varying room acoustics.We recommend the "-2 dB setting" in bright rooms, i.e., rooms with
hardwood or tiled floors, or lots of exposed windows or mirrors. If your room has wall to wall
carpeting, thick drapes, and overstuffed furniture, which all soak up high frequencies -- move the
tweeter level switch up to the "+2 dB" position. Most rooms fall in the middle range, not too bright
or absorptive – in those rooms the speakers will sound best when the switch is in the "0" position.
Feel free to use the + 2dB level during break-in if the speakers sound to dull or soft. It may take as
many as 100 hours of vigorous use before the Nucleus Reference3’s attain the full performance
level.
Sound Advice
While the Nucleus Reference3can handle substantial amounts of power, please use common
sense when playing music or home theater programs at very high levels. If you hear "popping"
sounds or distortion from the speakers, immediately lower the volume!
Grill Removal
The grill is removed by unscrewing the three knurled machine screws from the rear grill braces.
This is easily done with the use of a supplied allen wrench. Start with the bottom screw and work
your way up to the top. Once these screws are removed carefully lift the grill off from the top using
caution not to hit the 3-way tweeter switch. Because the metal grill cage is quite substantial it is
possible to break this switch if it is struck by one of the grills braces.

Advanced Set-Up Information-Continued
Depending on décor considerations you may wish to position your Nucleus Reference3’s within a just a few
inches of the wall behind them, but the sound will be more "open" when the speakers are 12 to 36 inches out
into the room.The Nucleus Reference3’s can fire straight ahead, OR angled in, towards the listening position.
Stereo imaging will be more specific when angled in, and upper bass will be more prominent and "faster
sounding.
Toe In Placement Straight Ahead Placement
Tilt Back Position
Finally, the Nucleus Reference3’s profile is angled back to project the sound up, but
you may need to adjust the tilt back angle (with the front and rear cones) to ensure
the tweeters are aimed at the seated listeners’ ears. Once the cones are properly
adjusted, make sure the speakers aren’t "rocking" on three of the four cones, and
then go ahead and firmly tighten the nuts to lock the cones in place.
Please note: the Nucleus Reference3isn’t magnetically shielded so avoid placing it
next to a CRT-type televion (anything more than 12 inches will be OK).

Nucleus Reference3Specifications
Frequency response: 34-Hz--50-kHz, +/- 3 dB
Nominal impedance: 8 Ohms
Sensitivity: 88 dB/1 Watt
Power handling, continuous: 350 Watts
Tweeter level adjustment: three position, - 2 dB, 0, and + 2 dB switch
Tweeter: CDT, 3 kHz—50 kHz, 300º dispersion
Midrange: Dual 4-inch carbon fiber drivers
Woofer: Custom made, long-throw 10-inch dual voice-coil driver
Dimensions: 35 inches high, 8 wide, and 16 deep
Weight: 47 pounds
Available in Matte Black, or Brushed Stainless Steel with Black Maple / Natural Cherry or
Natural Maple base.
As an additional option for the Nucleus Reference3tower speakers we will also be offering a new
stereo sub amp.
Reference3SA - 240 watts per side stereo/480 watts in mono Sub Amp
This amplifier can be added to enhance the Reference3towers by powering the second voice coil
of their 10” drivers bringing the bass reponse to an impressive 22 Hz. If you choose to run it with
independent subwoofers it will also work with two of our non powered MPSB-DV 10” powered sub
enclosures from other manufacturers.
(Approximate Availablility - Late Spring 2004)
Please visit our website. http://www.roundsound.com to learn more about Anthony Gallo Acoustics’
innovative designs.

Anthony Gallo Acoustics Limited Warranty
STATEMENT OF WARRANTY
We warranty this product to be free from defects in materials and workmanship for a period of
five years. Anthony Gallo Acoustics Limited will, at its option, repair or replace this product or any
defective parts in this product. An original dated bill of sale must be retained and the warranty
card filled out and returned to establish ownership of your Anthony Gallo Acoustics
Loudspeakers.
This warranty will be void if:
1) Any defect in this product is the result of abuse, misuse, damage in transit, defective
associated equipment, faulty hook-up, the use of the speakers with equipment for which it was
not intended, or acts of God.
2) The unit has been operated contrary to instructions contained in the accompanying Owner's
Manual.
3) The unit has been serviced by unauthorized personnel.
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