Avalon Acoustics OPUS Ceramique Loudspeaker User manual

Serial Numbers ____________________
Handcrafted by:
_________________________________
_________________________________
_________________________________
_________________________________
This product is certified to meet the requirements of the European Union (EU)
Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC) Directive (89/336/EEC). Because the
permanent magnets attached to the loudspeaker drivers produce magnetic fields,
it is recommended that the product not be positioned in very close proximity to
computer monitors or television sets.
M usic al M aster piec es

Table of Contents
1 Introduction....................................................................................... 5
2 UnpackingInstructions........................................................................... 6
Introduction .................................................................................................6
Contents......................................................................................................6
2.1 Opening the Crate ...............................................................................................7
2.2 Installing the Grilles ............................................................................................8
Orientation of the Felt Anti-Diffraction Mask .....................................................8
2.3 Replacing Grille Pins............................................................................................9
3 WiringInstructions............................................................................... 11
Introduction .................................................................................................11
Connecting the Speaker to the Amplifier............................................................11
4 Break-inPeriod................................................................................... 13
5 MaximizingPerformance ........................................................................ 14
Break-in......................................................................................................14
Grille Assemblies..........................................................................................14
Speaker Placement and Symmetry....................................................................14
Toe-In.........................................................................................................15
Apex™ Couplers ..........................................................................................15
First Reflection Points....................................................................................16
Corner Treatment..........................................................................................16
6 CareofYourLoudspeakers ...................................................................... 17
Cabinet (Hardwood Finish).............................................................................17
Grille Assembly............................................................................................17
Drivers........................................................................................................17
7 Warranty ......................................................................................... 18
In the Event of a Problem ...............................................................................18
Warranty Statement.......................................................................................19
8 RoomAcousticsandSpeakerPosition............................................................ 21
Introduction .................................................................................................21
An Optical Analogy.......................................................................................22
Basic Room Acoustics ...................................................................................22
8.1 Standing Waves ..................................................................................................23
8.2 Flutter Echo .......................................................................................................24
8.3 Early Reflections.................................................................................................25
Avoiding Early Reflections.............................................................................26
8.4 Bass reinforcement..............................................................................................28
8.5 Summary of Recommendations..............................................................................31
Flutter Echo and Standing Waves.....................................................................31
Speaker Placement ........................................................................................32
Early Reflections ..........................................................................................32
8.6 A Listening Room Example ..................................................................................33

9 AccuracyofBassReproduction...................................................................34
Introduction .................................................................................................34
9.1 Sensitivity to Time-Related Information ..................................................................35
"Fast Bass" ..................................................................................................35
9.2 Rationale...........................................................................................................36
Anechoic vs. In-Room Frequency Response.......................................................36
9.3 Measurements of Audio Equipment ........................................................................37
A Correlation with Amplifier Measurements ......................................................37
Loudspeaker Measurements ............................................................................38
Designing for Accurate Bass Reproduction ........................................................39
Frequency Response Effects............................................................................40
Listening for Size Distortions..........................................................................40
Transient Response Effects .............................................................................41
9.4 Conclusion.........................................................................................................42
10 Features..........................................................................................43
11 Specifications.....................................................................................44
12 Notes .............................................................................................45

5
1 Introduction
The Opus Ceramique was conceived as an alternative to our award winning original
Opus. Designed specifically for moderate sized listening rooms, the Ceramique presents
a taught and coherent soundfield, free of stored energy. Staging of exceptional clarity and
harmonic structure is achieved through innovations in crossover technology and the use of
low mass drivers, all utilizing the same ceramic diaphragm material.
“Purity of musical communication”, was the touchstone phrase that we kept foremost in our
minds while designing the Ceramique; to bring the listener closer to the intent of the
musicians while preserving the sonic illusion of the performance. The recovery of ambient
spatial information within an extremely quiet background transports the listeners into the
acoustic space in which the recording was made. Dynamic contrasts blossom from a “black”
background, filling the performance with a visceral realism. All of these virtues from a
transducer of modest size, able to project a palpable soundstage well beyond the boundaries of
the listening room.
Meticulous engineering employing proprietary electronic and acoustic measurements with the
extensive use of CAD modeling has provided us with the ability to predict and manipulate the
most ubiquitous of variables. Dynamic testing has yielded unsurpassed octave-to-octave
energy balance, without compression, under the most demanding program conditions.
Proprietary construction methods utilizing precision components have led to our defining
achievement of low noise ambiance retrieval and soundstage focus, revealing the most subtle
detail of the recording site and the artists performance.
Built entirely by hand, our craftsmanship demands comparison not with the audio industry,
but with the finest cabinet makers of the 18th and 19th centuries. Modern materials,
assembled to the most stringent tolerances, have created a “classic” that will endure the test of
time. Individually crafted, we treat each pair of loudspeakers as a unique work of art unto
itself.

6
2 Unpacking Instructions
Introduction
Your Avalon Acoustics loudspeakers were shipped in a heavy-duty crate to ensure their safe
arrival. It is recommended to save this crate for possible future use. Due to the weight of the
speakers, it will require two persons to un-crate them and position them for listening. Please
arrange for your dealer or other friend to assist in this project.
Contents
The shipping crate contains the following items:
•
two loudspeaker cabinets
•
two grille assemblies
•
the owner’s manual
•
one set of six Apex
‘
Couplers
•
an accessory bag
The grille assemblies and owner’s manual are contained in an outer compartment on the top
of the shipping crate. The Apex
‘
Couplers and accessory bag are packed together on the
bottom of one of the loudspeaker cabinets.
The accessory bag contains replacement grille pins, a small bottle of furniture polish, and two
lint-free polishing cloths.
IMPORTANT: It is imperative that the Apex™ Couplers are utilized, in order to insure
that the bottoms of the loudspeakers are not blocked. This is especially important on
thick carpeting.

7
2.1 Opening the Crate
The crate features a one-piece top assembly which is fastened to the crate bottom with screws
around the lower perimeter. To unpack, remove the screws and lift the upper portion of the
crate straight up (this will require two people).
Next, slide each speaker part way off of the crate base so that the plastic bag can be
unfastened from the enclosure bottom. Stand the speaker up and the bag can be slid off the
top. Please refer to Figure 2.1.
Figure 2.1 - To unpack the loudspeakers.
1. Remove screws.
2. Lift case.
3. Slide speaker,
then undo bag.
4. Stand speaker up,
then remove bag.
`
`

8
2.2 Installing the Grilles
The grille assemblies are behind a panel on the outside of the speaker crate. Remove the
screws securing the panel, and then carefully pull the grilles straight out. The grilles are
installed with friction fasteners and press into place on the speaker cabinets. Please see Figure
2.2.
Orientation of the Felt Anti-Diffraction Mask
The grille assembly includes a felt anti-diffraction mask. Should the felt mask be removed, be
sure to note the correct inside-outside orientation when re-installing it. The tweeter and
midrange openings are beveled on the side that faces the listener (away from the speaker).
Figure 2.2 - To install the grille assemblies.
1. Remove screwsand panel fromtop of crate.2. Pull grillesstraight out.3. Push grille pins straightinto grille pin sockets.

9
2.3 Replacing Grille Pins
The grille pins installed on the grille assemblies are fragile and can be easily damaged.
Should any of the pins break, you may replace them using the following procedure.
1. Place the grille assembly face-down on a padded surface (a towel or carpeting).
2. Remove the damaged grille pin by pulling it straight out with a small pliers or similar tool.
Please refer to figure 2.4. Make sure that the complete pin is removed and that there are no
pin fragments left in the mounting hole.
3. Insert the new grille pin in the grille pin installation tool (see figure 2.5).
Figure 2.4 - Removal of broken grille pin. Check for pin fragments in the mounting
hole.
Figure 2.5 - Insertion of new grille pin into installation tool.

10
4. Carefully pull the grille cloth away from the frame mounting hole. The mounting hole
must be clear of all obstacles during pin installation.
5. Place the exposed end of the grille pin in the open mounting hole. Check to insure that the
grille cloth is not trapped between the pin and frame. Use a small hammer and gently tap the
new grille pin in place. Then, pull the insertion tool off the new pin and verify that the pin
flange is flush with the surface of the grille. Please refer to Figure 2.6.
WARNING: Grille pin breakage may result if the grille cloth becomes trapped between
the pin and frame during installation.
6. Reposition the grille cloth that was pulled away from the frame mounting hole in step 4.
The cloth should lay flat and wrinkle-free.
Figure 2.6 - Installing grille pin into Opus Ceramic grille frame. Note that after
installation, the grille pin flange is flush with the surface of the grille.

11
3 Wiring Instructions
Introduction
The crossover is housed in a sealed, non-accessible chamber in the bottom of the speaker
cabinet, to minimize the effect of vibration on the components. The Opus Ceramic is
equipped with high-quality barrier terminals for connecting the speaker cables. Ring terminals
or spade lugs designed for #10 screws are recommended for cable termination.
Connecting the Speaker to the Amplifier
1. Place the speaker in its approximate location, then lay the speaker on its side, using a soft
surface to avoid scratching the finish.
2. Connect the speaker wires to the terminal block on the speaker bottom (see Figure 3.1).
Check to insure the correct polarity (positive lead connected to the (+) terminal and negative
lead connected to the (-) terminal.
Do NOT over-tighten the screws.
3. Stand the speakers up.

12
Figure 3.1 - Bottom view of the speakers showing the connections from the amplifier
to the loudspeaker. Check to insure the correct polarity (positive lead connected to
the (+) terminal and negative lead connected to the (-) terminal.
INPUTS
From Amplifier

13
4 Break-in Period
Your new Avalon Acoustics loudspeakers have an initial break-in period. They will not
perform to their full sonic potential when first installed in your system. This is partially due to
a residual polarization of the dielectric materials used in the crossover capacitors and internal
wiring.1As music is played through the loudspeakers, the electrical signal will gradually
anneal these materials. Similarly, the suspensions of the drivers will reach their optimal
mechanical properties as the speakers are played. Only after the break-in period will the full
performance of your Avalon Acoustics loudspeakers be realized.
The break-in process will occur naturally as music is played through the system. To reduce
the time required, it is recommended that the system be played continuously, using either a
digital source in the repeat mode or an FM broadcast signal. The recommended break-in
procedure is as follows:
•
Initial warm-up: three to six hours of quiet music.
•
Extended break-in: 200 to 300 hours of loud and dynamic source material (e.g.
Tangerine Dream, Optical Race, RCA 2042-2-P).
During the break-in period, the sonic properties of your loudspeakers may undergo several
gradual shifts as the various components break-in at different rates. It is therefore suggested
that the fine-tuning of the system be delayed until after the break-in period is completed.
However, during the final phases of the break-in period, the sonic image will open up, the
sound-stage will gain specificity, the bass control and impact will increase, and the overall
sound will have a more relaxed, involving presentation.
1A high-voltage test is applied to wiring and capacitors during their manufacture. This results in a
residual polarization of the dielectric materials.

14
5 Maximizing Performance
These details are imperative to obtaining optimum results from your Avalon Acoustics
loudspeakers.
Break-in
The break-in period is critical to maximizing sonic performance and should take place before
other adjustments (see the discussion on page 13). The break-in should begin with three to six
hours of quiet music, followed by 200 to 300 hours of loud and dynamic source material.
Grille Assemblies
The grille assemblies, with their felt anti-diffraction masks, are integral elements of the
loudspeakers' design. Unlike many other products, Avalon Acoustics loudspeakers are
designed to be used with the grilles in place while listening, and removing them will degrade
the system's performance. It is extremely important that the felt anti-diffraction masks make
physical contact with the face of the loudspeakers, as air space between the felt and the
speaker face will adversely affect sound quality.
Speaker Placement and Symmetry
Selecting the proper room position for your Avalon Acoustics loudspeakers can dramatically
improve their performance. The following points highlight the fundamental concepts in
loudspeaker positioning from the in-depth discussion in Chapter 8, Room Acoustics and
Speaker Position (beginning on page 21):
•
Left to right room symmetry aids in producing a balanced sound stage.
•
Image depth is enhanced when the distance to the rear wall is increased.
•
The most even bass response will be attained when the distances to the side and rear
walls are not overly similar.

15
Toe-In
Adjusting the toe-in angle of the speakers is useful in tailoring the sound to best match the
characteristics of your system and listening room.
When the speakers are facing straight forward, they tend to create a large, expansive
sound-stage, painted with broad brush strokes. As they are rotated toward the listening
position, the image becomes more compact, with increased focus, creating a greater sense of
intimacy. Pointing the speakers inward is also helpful in situations where strong reflections
from the side walls are a problem.
Start with the loudspeakers facing straight forward, and play either a mono source, or a stereo
source with a distinct center image, through both channels. Carefully rotate the loudspeakers
inward in small increments to bring the image in precise center focus (small adjustments can
be made with the speaker on Apex™ couplers). Toe-in adjustment is rather delicate, and
experimentation is necessary to achieve the proper angle for your listening situation. The
optimum angle is usually between three and ten degrees inward.
Apex™ Couplers
Supplied with your Avalon Acoustics loudspeakers are six Apex™ couplers, used to couple
the speakers to the floor, thereby minimizing time-smearing resonance effects. The result is
an increase in focus and solidity of the sonic images.
On hardwood floors, you may protect the floor from the pointed spike using a large coin, such
as a quarter. However, the coupling effect of the Apex™ couplers will be reduced.
Once you have located the proper position and toe-in angle for your Avalon Acoustics
loudspeakers, place the couplers under the speaker bases. It is easiest to install the couplers
with the assistance of a friend. Lean the speaker forward first, and position two couplers
pointing downward, one under each rear corner. Then lean the speaker backward and place
one Apex™ coupler under the front center of the base.
IMPORTANT: It is imperative that the Apex™ Couplers are utilized, in order to insure
that the bottoms of the loudspeakers are not blocked. This is especially important on
thick carpeting.

16
First Reflection Points
Since the ear/brain system tends to integrate the sounds arriving within a 10 millisecond time
window, it is important to control the early reflections arriving from the sidewalls to the
listening position. A hard-surfaced wall can produce a strong frequency-dependent reflection
that can interfere with the reproduced sound-stage, as well as change the perceived tonal
balance of the system. Therefore, damping these first reflection points is strongly
recommended. Please refer to Section 8.3, Early Reflections, beginning on page 25, for
further information.
Corner Treatment
It is important to control the first reflections of low frequency sound, which normally occur at
the corners behind the loudspeakers. These reflections can cause significant distortions in
phase and amplitude, resulting in muddy bass definition and smeared bass transients. Placing
Tube-Traps (available from Acoustic Sciences Corporation) at the room corners can
significantly control these bass colorations and restore the quickness of bass transients.

17
6 Care of Your Loudspeakers
Cabinet (Hardwood Finish)
Avalon Acoustics’ hardwood finished loudspeakers are supplied with a special polish and two
lint-free polishing cloths, in order to properly care for the high quality furniture lacquer. The
following polishing instructions should be observed:
IMPORTANT: Use the supplied furniture polish ONLY. Do NOT use cleaners that
contain ammonia, strong solvents, or abrasive materials. Use of these materials can
degrade, scratch, or even DESTROY the finish.
1. Apply the supplied polish to one of the clean, lint-free polishing cloths (or use cotton cloth
that is clean and lint-free), and carefully wipe it on the cabinet. Be careful NOT to apply the
polish to the loudspeaker drivers.
WARNING: Do NOT apply polish to the loudspeaker drivers.
2. Wipe off the excess polish until the desired luster is achieved.
Grille Assembly
The grille assembly may be removed from the cabinet and gently vacuumed to remove dust. If
the felt insert is removed, please note the inside-outside orientation when re-installing it. The
hole for the tweeter is beveled on the side toward the listener, to provide optimal dispersion
characteristics.
Drivers
The drivers (woofer, midrange, and tweeter) require no regular maintenance. Do not attempt
to clean the woofer, midrange or tweeter dome, as they are easily damaged.

18
7 Warranty
Your Avalon Acoustics loudspeakers are warranted against defects in workmanship and
materials for a period of five years,!provided that the enclosed registration card is
returned to the factory!within seven days of the purchase date. If the registration card is
not returned within the seven day period, this warranty is null and void, and you will
not be notified of future updates. In the unlikely event that you did not receive the
registration card with your loudspeakers, please contact the factory immediately so that
we may send you a replacement card. This warranty is transferable to subsequent
purchasers within the original five year period. A complete statement of warranty is given
below. Please take the time to fill out and return the enclosed warranty registration card.
In the Event of a Problem
In the unlikely event of a problem with your Avalon Acoustics loudspeakers, the component
most susceptible to failure is one of the driver units. If driver replacement is required, have
your dealer contact Avalon Acoustics. The performance curves of the drivers in each pair of
loudspeakers are kept on file at the factory. This enables Avalon Acoustics to supply an exact
replacement unit, ensuring continued operation at the highest level of performance. The
defective driver must then be returned to the factory for inspection to determine the status of
the warranty claim. This on-site replacement of the driver units eliminates the time and
expense of shipping the entire speaker to the factory for repair.
All warranty claims must be
made through an authorized Avalon Acoustics dealer or distributor.

19
Warranty Statement
1. Avalon Acoustics warrants the materials, workmanship, and proper functioning of this
product for a period of five years, provided that the completed registration card is
returned to Avalon Acoustics within seven days of the date of purchase. If the
registration card is not returned to the factory within the seven day period, this
warranty is null and void. If any defects are found in the materials or workmanship of this
Avalon Acoustics product, or if the product ceases to properly function within the appropriate
warranty period from the date of first purchase, the unit will be repaired or replaced by
Avalon Acoustics or its authorized agent after receiving authorization from the factory or
dealer.
2. Purchaser must return the product, packaged in the original shipping carton, freight prepaid
to:
Avalon Acoustics
2800 Wilderness Place
Boulder, Colorado 80301
[phone]
3. Avalon Acoustics reserves the right to inspect any products which are the subject of
any warranty claim prior to repairing or replacing. Final determination of warranty
coverage lies solely with Avalon Acoustics. Any products which do not conform to this
warranty shall be repaired or replaced by Avalon Acoustics as soon as possible following
receipt of the product and claim, but in no event later than 30 days after receipt of the
product. Out-of-warranty claims will be billed for labor, materials, return freight, and
insurance as required. Any product for which a warranty claim is accepted will be
returned to the purchaser and cost of shipping and insurance will be factory prepaid
within the boundaries of the USA. Units to be shipped outside of the USA will be
shipped freight collect only. This warranty gives specific legal rights. The purchaser also
has implied warranty rights, and may also have other rights which vary from state to
state.
4. This warranty is extended to the purchaser and any purchaser from him for value.
5. Avalon Acoustics strives to manufacture the very finest possible equipment, and therefore
reserves the right to make changes in design and improvements upon its products, without
necessarily assuming an obligation to retrofit such changes upon its previously manufactured
models.

20
6. The above warranty is the sole warranty given by Avalon Acoustics, and is in lieu of all
other warranties. All implied warranties, including warranties of merchantability or fitness for
any particular purpose shall be strictly limited in duration to five years from the date of
original purchase, and upon the expiration of the warranty period (five years), Avalon
Acoustics shall have no further obligation of any kind whether express or implied, including
but not limited to merchantability. Further, Avalon Acoustics shall in no event be obligated
for any incidental or consequential damages as a result of any defect or any warranty claim,
whether express or implied. Some states do not allow exclusion or limitation of incidental or
consequential damages or limitations on how long implied warranties last, so the above
limitations and exclusions may not apply to you.
7. Avalon Acoustics does not authorize any third party, including any dealer or sales
representative to assume any liability for Avalon Acoustics, or make any warranty for Avalon
Acoustics. The unit must not have been altered or improperly serviced or repaired. The serial
number on the unit must not have been altered or removed.
8. Warranty registration cards must be completed and mailed to Avalon Acoustics within
seven days of date of purchase; otherwise, this warranty is null and void. Avalon Acoustics
may, at its option, require from the purchaser valid proof of purchase (dated copy or
photocopy of dealer's original invoice).
9. If this product is used in a commercial or industrial application, then special warranty
exclusions may apply. Contact your dealer or Avalon Acoustics for commercial warranty
policies.