Avalon Acoustics Symbol AVALON SYMBOL Subwoofer And Center... User manual

SYMBOL
Subwoofer
And
Center Channel
OWNER’S MANUAL
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.
DESIGNED BY NEIL PATEL FOR AVALON ACOUSTICS

Table of Contents
1 Introduction ............................................................................................................................3
2 Symbol Subwoofer .................................................................................................................4
Introduction...........................................................................................................4
Positioning..............................................................................................................4
Connections..........................................................................................................4
Signal Input............................................................................................................5
Controls ..................................................................................................................5
3 Center Channel......................................................................................................................6
Mounting................................................................................................................6
Adjustment ............................................................................................................7
4 Low Frequency Fine Tuning ..................................................................................................8
Placement.............................................................................................................8
Surround Sound Processor Tuning .....................................................................8
MODE SETTINGS ....................................................................................................9
CONTOUR ..............................................................................................................9
5 Maximize MultiChannel Performance.................................................................................11
Break-in ..................................................................................................................11
Grille Assemblies ...................................................................................................11
Speaker Placement and Symmetry .................................................................11
Toe-In......................................................................................................................12
Mounting Feet Spikes ..........................................................................................12
First Reflection Points ...........................................................................................12
Corner Treatment.................................................................................................12
6 Break-in Period.......................................................................................................................14
7 Care of Your Loudspeakers ..................................................................................................15
Cabinet (Hardwood Finish) ................................................................................15
Grille Assembly......................................................................................................15
Drivers .....................................................................................................................15
8 Warranty..................................................................................................................................16
9 Features...................................................................................................................................18
10 Specifications .......................................................................................................................19
Symbol Center Channel .....................................................................................19
Symbol Subwoofer ...............................................................................................19
11 Notes .....................................................................................................................................20

3
1 Introduction
The Symbol MultiChannel System reflects our passion for creating loudspeakers that
capture the imagination, and accurately reproduce the three-dimensional space of
modern film soundtracks as well as discreet multi-channel musical recordings.
Drawing upon our many years of experience in loudspeaker research, design, listening,
and manufacturing, and combining the most powerful tools of modern technology with
master craftsmanship of the finest artisans, we have created an unsurpassed holistic
system.
The Symbol Center Channel integrates with the Symbol front channels to form a smooth
and uniform image. The Center Channel’s vertical and horizontal dispersion eliminates
many of the artifacts of a narrow polar response system that beams information from the
loudspeakers as the program material pans through the various channels. The Symbol
Subwoofer is engineered from the ground up to provide prodigious amounts of extremely
fast articulate low frequency output (full power to 20 Hz). The amplifier is designed by
Avalon MultiChannel Systems with power adequate for the task. This is the first multi-
channel system designed holistically to create space with a phase coherent blending of
the satellites, and is ready for improvements in digital storage as we approach a purely
discrete six or more channel system.
www.avalonacoustics.com

4
2 Symbol Subwoofer
Introduction
Your Avalon MultiChannel Systems loudspeakers were shipped in heavily padded
cardboard containers to ensure their safe arrival. It is recommended to save these
containers for possible future use.
At least two people are required to lift the Subwoofer from the shipping container. The
carton may also be placed on its side and the Subwoofer slid out on its back so as not to
put pressure on the grille assembly.
Positioning
The Symbol Subwoofer was designed to be placed beneath a projection screen (with
Center Channel attached). The cabinet may however be placed at the center rear or
sides of the room, depending on room limitations. It is inadvisable to place the
Subwoofer in the corners of a room unless the surround sound processor has
sophisticated filter topologies capable of compensating for the inherent room loading
problems associated with corner placement.
Connections
AC INPUT: The input voltage has been factory preset for the Country of destination.
Connect a standard IEC power cord (not supplied for International use due to varying
plug configurations). Current transfer is essential for tight control of the drivers; it is
advisable that an AC connection commensurate with a high-powered amplifier be
used.

5
Signal Input
Left and right balanced and single-ended inputs are provided. Most 5.1 surround sound
processors provide a single subwoofer output connection. This may be either single
ended or balanced. Only ONE (left or right) of these connections needs to be utilized for
proper performance. Certain sophisticated installations may contain stereo subwoofer
output capabilities (e.g. when using a high-end stereo preamplifier to drive a two-
channel system). In such cases, both left and right inputs of The Symbol Subwoofer
should be utilized. If single-ended connections are used, the supplied XLR dummy plugs
should be installed in order to reduce air leakage. If a single balanced input is used, a
dummy XLR connector should fill the remaining balanced input port. ALL CONNECTIONS
SHOULD BE MADE BEFORE TURNING THE UNIT ON!
Controls
Once all connections have been made, the unit is powered up with the large rocker
switch at the bottom center of the amplifier panel. Upon initial power up a transient
“pop” may be heard as the unit charges; this is normal. There are no user serviceable
parts behind the amplifier panel.
After power up the digital display signifying the master gain setting will initialize and
display the previously stored settings (see below). The gain range is variable in (.5) step
increments from (45-90). Most optimal setups will fall into a range below (70) and greater
than (65). Master gain adjustments are made by pressing either the INCREASE or
DECREASE buttons.
If you would like to MUTE the Subwoofer, depress the INCREASE and DECREASE buttons
SIMULTANEOUSLY (this function should be utilized unless the unit is to be disconnected).
This will initiate a two-step process. The first step saves the current master gain setting
and the state of the low frequency filters (CONTOUR and MODE settings). This process is
confirmed by a series of four dashes (----) shown on the numeric display. The unit will then
proceed to enter the standby mode. To “wake up” or reactivate the unit, depress the
MODE button. This will cause the previously stored values to be recalled and the unit will
be returned to an operational state.
If the mains power is interrupted by either an actuation of the mains power switch or from
an interruption of the mains power itself, upon reapplication of the mains power, the unit
will initiate its recall sequence and return the unit to the previously saved state (see
above). The single mains fuse should be replaced by one of equal value if there is a
failure. Any service beyond the replacement of the AC mains fuse should be referred to
an authorized Avalon MultiChannel Systems representative.

6
3 Center Channel
Mounting
1. For mounting to Symbol Subwoofer, remove four black bolts from top surface of
subwoofer cabinet.
2. Locate Center Channel / Mounting Bracket assembly over the four mounting holes as
shown in Figure 3.1. DO NOT DISASSEMBLE CENTER CHANNEL FROM BRACKET.
3. Tighten four black bolts with 5/32 Allen wrench until snug.
4. Connect Center Channel wiring via rear terminals. BE SURE TO OBSERVE PROPER
POLARITY (+ / -).
Figure 3.1 –Center Channel mounting holes
Holes for mounting
Center Channel to Wall
Holes for mounting
Center Channel to Sub

7
Adjustment
1. Both large black knobs must be loosened in order to tilt the Center Channel up or
down. NOTE: When the pressure bearing has been loosened the Center Channel will
tend to remain in its previously locked position. It may be necessary to apply pressure in
order to tilt the Center Channel to a new position.
2. After adjustment of Center Channel position, make sure both knobs are snugly
tightened.
3. Proper tilt is necessary for the full integration of the Center Channel with left and right
speakers. The optimum position will depend on both the electronics being used and
room acoustics. NOTE: Since the Center Channel has an open vertical dispersion, the
angle of optimal tilt may be greater than might be apparent visually.
4. The Center Channel MUST BE played with the tweeter grilles in place, however the
central woofer grille may be removed.

8
4 Low Frequency Fine Tuning
The Symbol Subwoofer will produce prodigious quantities of low frequency energy with
accurate phase and transient response. Any thickness or overhang in the low frequency
presentation will be easily discernable and is the direct result of improper setup. The
following guidelines should be regarded as a sound starting point; those who have
extensive experience in sophisticated low frequency tuning may improvise beyond these
rules of thumb.
Placement
For best phase alignment the Center/Subwoofer combination should be at the same
plane as the Symbol Satellites. Since this is the case, the Subwoofer will optimally be
placed a few feet from the wall on which the video will be displayed, centered from left
to right between the Symbol Satellites. Any deviation from this configuration should be
re-aligned through compensation within your surround sound processor. Most processors
will have easily adjustable “distance to listener” parameters. Once a final position has
been determined, the included spikes should be installed, leveled and locked in place
with the supplied spike nut.
Any low frequency acoustic transducer will produce non-uniform loading when in close
proximity to a boundary layer, such as a wall. Full output at low frequencies and
accurate transient response will exacerbate this effect. For this reason it is strongly
recommended that a DAAD4 acoustic device (more information is available at
www.acusticaapplicata.com ), be placed between the Subwoofer and wall horizontally
on the floor. Absorption of this energy buildup will reveal much of the true transient
characteristics of the system.
Surround Sound Processor Tuning
Most sophisticated SSP chipsets allow flexible bass management. Usually flexible
crossover points between sub and satellites are matched with second order filter slopes.
In such cases the crossover point should be set at approximately 60 Hz (+/- 5 Hz), with
both the Subwoofer and Symbol satellites being actively crossed. The Symbol Subwoofer
should ALWAYS be set to the HIFI MODE under these circumstances. Overall satellite to
Subwoofer volume balance should then be adjusted for optimal results. Usually the
appropriate Subwoofer gain setting will fall between 65 and 70 on the digital display.
Matching the “speed” between satellites and Subwoofer is critical. Miniscule changes in
Subwoofer gain will result in significant differences in overall presentation, and should be
fine tuned through SSP subwoofer gain settings.
Only when any thickness or overhang has been eliminated in the 60 Hz-120 Hz region by
careful gain adjustment, will the system perform as designed.

9
MODE SETTINGS
There are two mode settings: THEATER and HIFI. Depressing the MODE button toggles
between the two settings. The appropriate LED will be illuminated, signifying the mode in
use. See Figure 4.1.
HIFI MODE This setting should be utilized in the vast majority of installations during music
playback, or when transient speed is preferable to overall bass impact. In HIFI mode the
high frequency roll off closely approximates the low frequency roll off of the Symbol
satellites. Optimum surround sound processor low frequency management should still be
utilized (see optimization section).
THEATER MODE Access to three different bass contour modes that have been tailored for
optimum results when viewing modern film content are available under this setting. The
selection of which contour setting to use will depend upon your particular room
environment, placement of subwoofer, and personal preference as to low frequency
presentation. A boost mode may also be selected for each different program being
viewed, depending upon the amount of bass impact desired.
CONTOUR
There are three selectable CONTOUR settings, NORMAL, BOOST 1, and BOOST 2.
Depressing the CONTOUR button toggles between these three settings. No LED is
illuminated when in the NORMAL contour mode. This setting denotes the flattest
frequency response, but certainly is not dictated as the optimal setting. BOOST 1 and
BOOST 2 settings both add energy at extremely low bass frequencies (below 38 Hz), while
also changing the relative shape of the bass response curve. Once again, any of these
selections may be applicable in your set-up, and a little experimentation will be
necessary. Each of the two modes, HIFI and THEATER, utilize their own independent
family of three selections, with each family of curves being optimized for best results.
CONNECTIONS
Balanced cables will invariably produce a more accurate low frequency presentation.
Be sure to use high quality audio cables for optimum results; this also applies to AC
connections.

10
Figure 4.1 –Subwoofer Amplifier Controls