Avalon Compas User manual

SERIAL NUMBERS:________________
HANDCRAFTED BY:
___________________________
___________________________
___________________________
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DESIGNED BY NEIL PATEL FOR AVALON ACOUSTICS
This product is certified to meet the requirements of the European Union (EU)
Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC) Directive (2004/108/EC). 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.

Table of Contents
1 Introduction.........................................................................................................................5
2 Unpacking Instructions.......................................................................................................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 .................................................................................................8
3 Wiring Instructions ...............................................................................................................11
Introduction ........................................................................................................11
Connecting the Speaker to the Amplifier......................................................11
4 Break-in Period....................................................................................................................12
5 Maximizing Performance ...................................................................................................13
Break-in................................................................................................................13
Grille Assemblies.................................................................................................13
Speaker Placement and Symmetry................................................................13
Toe-In ...................................................................................................................14
Apex™ Couplers................................................................................................14
First Reflection Points .........................................................................................15
Corner Treatment...............................................................................................15
6 Care of Your Loudspeakers................................................................................................16
Cabinet (Hardwood Finish) ..............................................................................16
Grille Assembly ...................................................................................................16
Drivers...................................................................................................................16
7 Warranty ..............................................................................................................................17
In the Event of a Problem.................................................................................17
Warranty Statement..........................................................................................18
8 Room Acoustics and Speaker Position .............................................................................20
Introduction ........................................................................................................20
An Optical Analogy...........................................................................................21
Basic Room Acoustics.......................................................................................21
8.1 Standing Waves .......................................................................................................22
8.2 Flutter Echo ...............................................................................................................23
8.3 Early Reflections .......................................................................................................24
Avoiding Early Reflections ................................................................................25
8.4 Bass reinforcement ..................................................................................................27
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 Accuracy of Bass Reproduction........................................................................................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....................................................................................................................43
12 Notes..................................................................................................................................45

5
1 Introduction
Inspired by the rhythmic time signature patterns of flamenco music, our
COMPÁS illuminates the fundamental structural elements of metre and
impulse in all musical genres. Primarily characterized by its dynamic and
percussive rhythms, the COMPÁS delivers a disciplined performance with high
transient speed and clarity of image definition. This constant Q design
generates critically damped driver resonances from octave to octave
throughout the audio spectrum. With a Q of 0.5 ringing and transient
smearing is eliminated.
Control networks within the crossover designed specifically to target resolution
and ambience retrieval under high current conditions are the heart of
COMPÁS. Its unique ceramic/honeycomb woofers deliver an authoritative
low frequency response with unsurpassed transient accuracy, carefully
blending with the highs for a "true to source" sound reproduction. Proprietary
low jitter circuitry clarifies image boundaries to a high-resolution standard
suitable for professional monitoring where microphone placement and
phasing are critical. Utilization of the same diaphragm materials throughout
the array adds to the continuity of harmonic structure in a crisp, seamless
musical presentation devoid of stored energy; its rock solid imaging presented
with a palpable density through accurate and colorful harmonic structures.
All AVALON ACOUSTICs loudspeakers are engineered and built to the highest
standards in the audio industry. Handcrafted in Boulder, Colorado by
dedicated craftsmen and technicians, each COMPÁS is measured and
matched creating perfect symmetry and coherency. Before leaving the
factory each of our masterpieces is subjected to a demanding array of
quality control and testing procedures to assure flawless and consistent
performance. Our creations are a work of art in which we take great pride,
designing and building each one exclusively here in the foothills of the Rocky
Mountains.
www.avalonacoustics.com

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 these crates 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 another able bodied person to assist in this project.
Contents
The two 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 crates. 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.

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.
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 COMPÁS grille frame. Note that
after installation, the grille pin flange is flush with the surface of the
ill
WARNING: Grille pin breakage may result if the grille cloth becomes
trapped between the pin and frame during installation.

11
3 Wiring Instructions
Introduction
The crossover is encapsulated in a sealed, non-accessible chamber in the
bottom of the speaker cabinet, to minimize the effect of vibration on the
components. The COMPÁS is equipped with a high-quality binding post for
connecting the speaker cables. Spade lugs are recommended for cable
termination.
Connecting the Speaker to the Amplifier
1. Carefully unscrew the large fastening knob on the binding post, allowing
the fastening plate to expose the posts (see Figure 3.1).
2. Insert the spades from your speaker cables under the terminal plate.
3. Fasten the spades in place by tightening the large fastening knob.
Figure 3.1 - Back 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).
Do NOT over-tighten the terminals.

12
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.

13
5 Maximizing Performance
Break-in
The break-in period is critical to maximizing sonic performance and should
take place before other adjustments (see the discussion on page 12). 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 20):
•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.
These details are imperative to obtaining optimum results from
your AVALON ACOUSTICS loudspeakers.

14
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.

15
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 24, 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 DAADS (more information
available at www.acusticaapplicata.com ) at the room corners can
significantly control these bass colorations and restore the quickness of bass
transients.

16
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:
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.
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 require no regular maintenance. Do not attempt to clean the
tweeter dome, as they are easily damaged. If desired, you may remove dust
from the woofer cone by using a small, soft dusting brush.
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.
WARNING: Do NOT a
pp
l
y
p
olish to the louds
p
eaker drivers.
WARNING: The drivers in this transducer are coupled in an intricate
manner; SEVERE DAMAGE may result from the removal of these
drivers. All service must be performed by an authorized representative
of AVALON ACOUSTICS.
On occasion, perhaps once a year, check to insure that mounting
screws for all drivers are snug. Vibrations could cause driver mounting
screws to loosen. Using the correct device, simply check to see if the
screws are snug. Do not overtighten!

17
7 Warranty
Your AVALON ACOUSTICS loudspeakers are warranted to the original, registered
purchaser against defects in workmanship and materials for a period of three
years from the date of first purchase, 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. The warranty period is in effect from the date that the
product leaves the factory. This warranty is non-transferable to subsequent
purchasers within the original three 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 MULTICHANNEL SYSTEMS/ AVALON ACOUSTICS dealer
or distributor.

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Warranty Statement
1. AVALON ACOUSTICS warrants the materials, workmanship, and proper
functioning of this product for a period of three years to the original registered
purchaser, 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. This warranty is not
transferable.
Unauthorized dismantling of this product will render this warranty void.
2. Purchaser must obtain an RMA number by contacting dealer/distributor
and return the product, packaged in the original shipping carton, freight
prepaid. Shipping address will be provided at the time the RMA number is
issued. No returns will be accepted without prior authorization.
3. AVALON ACOUSTICS reserves the right to inspect any products which are the
subject of warranty claim prior to repair or replacement. Final determination
of warranty coverage lies solely with AVALON ACOUSTICS and only products
which are determined to be covered under this warranty shall be repaired or
replaced by AVALON ACOUSTICS. The customer will be informed of any delays
and AVALON ACOUSTICS will provide replacement as quickly as possible.
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 return 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 original registered purchaser 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. Exclusions,
Wood is a natural product subject to the laws of physics. While all effort has
been made to create the most stable and perfect product possible, your
Avalon cabinet is a live piece of furniture. As is the case with any musical
instrument constructed of wood, excessively dry or humid conditions and
areas prone to atmospheric changes may cause surface cracking, checking,
or joint expansion; this is considered normal and as such is not covered under
our warranty. Stable conditions are required for joints on cabinets to remain
tight, and a home with properly functioning heating and cooling systems will
provide the consistency required to keep your cabinets beautiful for many
years. Sunlight, smoke, household cleaners and chemicals, and other
environmental pollutants may also affect color and structure over time.

19
Changes in the product caused by these environmental conditions are not
considered defects in workmanship.
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 three years from the date of shipment from the factory, and upon
the expiration of the warranty period (three 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.

20
8 Room Acoustics and Speaker Position
Introduction
The listening room forms the final link of the playback system, as important as
any other component in the chain. Just as an otherwise superb system is
handicapped by an inferior pre-amplifier (for example), so can a
well-matched system be hindered by poor room acoustics. It is not necessary
to listen to your system in a specially-designed sound chamber in order to
enjoy it. In fact, a dedicated listening room usually requires additional sound
treatment, due to a lack of other items in the room that can help provide
good acoustics. However, a degree of attention to set-up can greatly
increase your listening satisfaction, no matter what your listening situation.
Listening in a properly set-up room can be a startling experience. Due to the
limitations of the two-channel format and the listening environment, the
illusion of actually being transported to the recording site cannot usually be
achieved. However, an uncanny sense of realism can be created. Perhaps it
is best described as if the front half of your listening room has been removed,
so that it now opens out into the recording site.
To optimize your equipment set-up and the listening-room acoustics requires a
basic understanding of the principles which affect the propagation of sound
in the room. Also, we will discuss the way in which our brain interprets spatial
cues, and how the room acoustics can affect our sonic perceptions.