Avantgarde SOLO User manual

www.avantgarde-acoustic.de page 1
Version 1.4 – May 25, 2007
SOLO
OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS

www.avantgarde-acoustic.de page 2
Version 1.4 – May 25, 2007
SOLO
OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
TABLE OF CONTENT
SAFETY INFORMATION
PRECAUTIONS
OPERATING VOLTAGE
SPEAKER ASSEMBLY
UNPACKING THE SYSTEM
INSTALLATION OF WALL MOUNT BRACKET
INSTALLATION OF SPEAKER STAND
SYSTEM INSTALLATION
GENERAL PRECAUTIONS
CONNECTION TO INTEGRATED AMPLIFIERS
CONNECTION TO PRE AMPLIFIERS
OPERATION
GENERAL
VOLUME CONTROL
HIGH PASS FILTER
LOW EQ
HIGH EQ
GROUND SWITCH
POWER ON/OFF SWITCH
FACTORY SETTINGS
SYSTEM SET UP
APPLICATIONS
ROOM PLACEMENT IN STEREO MODE
TOE IN/INCLINATION IN STEREO MODE
ROOM PLACEMENT IN HOME THEATRE MODE
TOE IN/INCLINATION IN HOME THEATRE MODE
POWER MODULE SETTINGS
BURN IN TIME
CABLES
CLEANING OF HORNS
CLEANING OF NEXTEL SURFACES
WARRANTY
ADDRESS

www.avantgarde-acoustic.de page 3
Version 1.4 – May 25, 2007
SOLO
OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
SAFETY INFORMATION
CAUTION
 It is intended to alert the user of the presence
of uninsulated „dangerous voltage“ within the
products enclosure that may be of sufficient
magnitude to constitute a risk of electrical shock
to persons.
 To prevent fire, shock or damage, do not expose
the components to rain or moisture.
 To avoid electrical shock, do not open the
cabinet of the components. Refer servicing to
qualified personnel only.
 Excessive sound pressure levels might cause
serious damage to your health. Do not turn the
speaker system too loud.
PRECAUTIONS
ON SAFETY
 Should any solid object or liquid fall into the
cabinet of the components, unplug the unit and
have it checked by qualified personnel before
operating it any further.
 Unplug the components system from the wall
outlet if they are not to be used for an extended
period of time. To disconnect the power cord, pull
it out by the plug. Do not pull the cord itself. Never
touch the plugs with wet hands.
 Only let qualified personnel repair or reassemble
the components of the system.
ON INSTALLATION
 The spherical horns are not constructed to
support the weight of the speakers. Do not move
or carry the speakers by holding to its horns. To
avoid damaging the finish, never use alcohol, paint
thinner or chemicals to clean the components.
 Good air circulation is essential to prevent
internal heat build-up in the components. Place
units in a location with sufficient air circulation.
 Do not install the speakers in a location near
heat sources such as radiators, or in a place subject
to direct sunlight, excessive dust, or mechanical
vibration.
 Place the components of the system on a flat
solid surface. Do not install the units in inclined
position.
 Connect everything securely. Always insert the
plugs fully into the jacks. A loose connection may
cause hum pickup and can damage the system.
To prevent malfunction and short circuits, use only
high quality cables with self tightening banana
speaker and RCA or XLR plugs.
 Read this operators manual thoroughly before
operating the speaker system.
OPERATING VOLTAGE
Before connecting the speaker system to the power
source, check that the operating voltage of the unit
is the same as the local power line voltage.
Europe 230 V AC, 50 Hz
United Kingdom 240 V AC, 50 Hz
USA, Canada 120 V AC, 60 Hz
Other countries 100, 120, 220 or
240 V AC, 50/60 Hz

www.avantgarde-acoustic.de page 4
Version 1.4 – May 25, 2007
SOLO
OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
SPEAKER ASSEMBLY
61
5
4
2
3
140 mm
137 mm
348 mm
140 mm
210 mm
250 mm
137 mm
348 mm
120 mm
35
25
140 mm
23
250 mm
HOLE
Ø 10 mm
HOLE
Ø 8 mm
75 mm
GRAPHIC 1 GRAPHIC 2
UNPACKING THE SPEAKER SYSTEM
1. IMPORTANT
Please keep in mind that the SOLO is very
heavy and has a weight of 65 lbs (30 kg).
 Get some help to unpack the speaker
carefully.
2. Completely open the packing box at the top.
Carefully tip over the box upside down, so the
base of the box should be facing up.
3. Now you can easily lift the box up and remove
the packing inserts which protect the system.
4. Remove the plastic sack.
5. IMPORTANT
Before lifting the speaker, make sure that the
ground is covered with a soft blanket, so the
speaker does not get scratched or damaged.
GENERAL
For optimal placement of the speaker Avantgarde
Acoustic offers as an option a stable wall mount
bracket or alternatively a beautiful speaker stand.
Please keep in mind that the SOLO is very heavy
and has a weight of approx. 65 lbs (30 kg).
 Get some help when lifting the speaker!
INSTALLATION OF WALL MOUNT BTRACKET
(See graphic 1)
1. IMPORTANT
Make sure that the wall is strong enough to
hold the full weight of the speaker (65 lbs /30
kg). Always use all 4 screws to install the wall
mount 󱂧. The minimum size of the screws
should be M8 x 60 mm. Use the appropriate
dowels depending on the structure/material of
your wall.
2. Pre-position the wall mounts vertically and
horizontally before sliding the speaker onto
the bolt 󱂬.
3. To position the speaker system, the wall
mount can be twisted and angled. To adjust
the horizontal direction untightening screw
󱂫, twist the wall mount bracket and than re-
tighten the screw 󱂫.
4. Untighten the screws 󱂨 and 󱂪 with the
appropriate tools and adjust the inclination of
the wall mount. Tighten the screws 󱂨 and 󱂪
firmly before sliding the speaker on top.
 If it is required to readjust the position, always
remove the speaker before!

www.avantgarde-acoustic.de page 5
Version 1.4 – May 25, 2007
SOLO
OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
SPEAKER ASSEMBLY
SAND
12 3 4 5
67 9
8
10
GRAPHIC 3
INSTALLATION OF SPEAKER STAND
1. Please refer to the instructions in graphic 3 to
assemble the speaker stand.
2. Place the SOLO on top of the bolt (big front
tube of the speaker stand) and let the speaker
carefully slide down till it fully rests on the
speaker stand.
3. Please note that the speaker will sit very tight.
Some pressure might be required for sliding
the speaker down to the bolt.
 Tips and tricks to determine the optimal
position of the speakers can be found in the
respective chapter of this manual.

www.avantgarde-acoustic.de page 6
Version 1.4 – May 25, 2007
SOLO
OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
SYSTEM INSTALLATION
GENERAL PRECAUTIONS
IMPORTANT
The power to all components must be switched OFF
or they must be disconnected from the household
AC plug before making any Audio connections.
To prevent misfunction/defects, do not operate
components with open input/output terminals.
Before making any AC power connections, all
components have to be properly installed and
connected.
CAUTION
 Control the polarity! Never mix up + and —.
Wrong polarity will deteriorate the sound quality
and can damage amplifier and the active power
module of the speaker.
 Do not short circuit the +/— poles of the
speaker cables.
 Control the polarity of the XLR cables:
PIN 1 = GROUND
PIN 2 = SIGNAL (in phase)
PIN 3 = SIGNAL (inverted)

www.avantgarde-acoustic.de page 7
Version 1.4 – May 25, 2007
SOLO
OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
STBY
01
02
03
04
05 (AV)
100
80
60
40
20
0
LOW FEEDBACK CASCODE POWER STAGE
12V DC REMOTE
SPKR OUTPUT
RIGHT SPEAKER
INPUT
UNBALANCED
5 (AV) 43
R
L
INPUT
BALANCED
RIGHT LEFT RIGHT LEFT
PRE OUTPUT
BALANCED
RIGHT LEFT
12V DC REMOTE
SPKR OUTPUT
LEFT SPEAKER
MODEL.THREE — MANUFACTURED IN GERMANY BY AVANTGARDE ACOUSTIC
DO NOT OPEN.
RISK OF ELECTRICAL SHOCK
CAUTION!
21
PIN1 GND
PIN2
PIN3
POWER
1 0
SERIAL no.
100V/
5,0A
115V/ 5,0A
230V/ 3,15A
slow fuses only!
REM GND HIGH EQ LOW EQ HIGHPASS VOLUME INPUT
OFF
20 120
ON
OFF ON
0 +3 −2
4
7
2
1
XLR
XLR
SYSTEM INSTALLATION
GRAPHIC 4
CONNECTION TO INTEGRATED AMPLIFIERS
(See graphic 4)
The SOLO can be directly driven by SPEAKER
LEVEL signals from the power output terminals of
integrated amplifiers and power amplifiers.
1. Connect the SPEAKER OUTPUT terminals of
your power amplifier or integrated amplifier
󱂧 with the SOLO INPUT terminal 󱂨. Use a
speaker cable which is configurated with a XLR
plug (male) 󱂪. The XLR plug 󱂪 should be
configured:
PIN 1 = GROUND
PIN 2 = SIGNAL (in phase)
PIN 3 = NOT used
(alternatively: bridge PIN 1 and PIN 3).
2. The SOLO has one female XLR-INPUT 󱂨. If
you use standard speaker cables with 4mm
connectors or spades, Avantgarde Acoustic™
offers as an option XLR-to-SPEAKER TERMINAL
adapters 󱂭. This adapter is a small box with
a 1,5m cable with XLR plug which fit into the
SOLO INPUT 󱂨. On its other side it has 2
high quality WBT SPEAKER TERMINALS to
fit your speaker cable. This way any speaker
cable can be directly used with the SOLO.
3. Only now, connect the AC power cords of the
components to a household AC outlet and
turn on the speaker.
CAUTION
 Never turn on the components with open
inputs!
ATTENTION
Should you use a so called “Digital Power Amp”
(e.g. in PWM mode) it is necessary to protect the
SOLO with a parallel resistor (e.g. 8.2 Ohms/10
Watts) between power amp and SOLO!
 It is strongly advised that you contact you
dealer, national distributor or Avantgarde Acoustic
for further information!

www.avantgarde-acoustic.de page 8
Version 1.4 – May 25, 2007
SOLO
OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
STBY
01
02
03
04
05 (AV)
100
80
60
40
20
0
LOW FEEDBACK CASCODE POWER STAGE
12V DC REMOTE
SPKR OUTPUT
RIGHT SPEAKER
INPUT
UNBALANCED
5 (AV) 43
R
L
INPUT
BALANCED
RIGHT LEFT RIGHT LEFT
PRE OUTPUT
BALANCED
RIGHT LEFT
12V DC REMOTE
SPKR OUTPUT
LEFT SPEAKER
MODEL.THREE — MANUFACTURED IN GERMANY BY AVANTGARDE ACOUSTIC
DO NOT OPEN.
RISK OF ELECTRICAL SHOCK
CAUTION!
21
PIN1 GND
PIN2
PIN3
POWER
1 0
SERIAL no.
100V/
5,0A
115V/ 5,0A
230V/ 3,15A
slow fuses only!
REM GND HIGH EQ LOW EQ HIGHPASS VOLUME INPUT
OFF
20 120
ON
OFF ON
0 +3 −2
4
5
2
3
XLR
XLR
RCA
XLR
6
4
REM GND HIGH EQ LOW EQ HIGHPASS VOLUME INPUT
OFF
20 120
ON
OFF ON
0 +3 −2
STBY
01
02
03
04
05 (AV)
100
80
60
40
20
0
LOW FEEDBACK CASCODE POWER STAGE
12V DC REMOTE
SPKR OUTPUT
RIGHT SPEAKER
INPUT
UNBALANCED
5 (AV) 43
R
L
INPUT
BALANCED
RIGHT LEFT RIGHT LEFT
PRE OUTPUT
UNBALANCED
RIGHT LEFT
12V DC REMOTE
SPKR OUTPUT
LEFT SPEAKER
MODEL.THREE — MANUFACTURED IN GERMANY BY AVANTGARDE ACOUSTIC
DO NOT OPEN.
RISK OF ELECTRICAL SHOCK
CAUTION!
21
PIN1 GND
PIN2
PIN3
POWER
1 0
SERIAL no.
100V/
5,0A
115V/ 5,0A
230V/ 3,15A
slow fuses only!
4
5
2
3
XLR
XLR
RCA
6
6
RCA
GRAPHIC 6
GRAPHIC 5
CONNECTION TO PREAMPLIFIERS
(See graphic 5 and 6)
The SOLO can as well be directly driven by
LINE LEVEL signals preamplifiers, surround
processors, mixing consoles etc. (via RCA 󱂬 or
XLR connectors).
The SOLO power module has one female XLR-
INPUT 󱂨 to directly connect balanced preamplifier
signals via the respective XLR connector.
Additional the system is shipped with an XLR-to-
RCA adapter 󱂫. This way unbalanced sources
can be easily connected.
1. Connect the PRE OUT (or REAR OUT, CENTER
OUT) OUTPUT terminals of your preamplifier
󱂩 with the SOLO INPUT terminal 󱂨. The XLR
plug 󱂪 should be configured:
PIN 1 = GROUND
PIN 2 = SIGNAL (in phase)
PIN 3 = NOT used
2. Only now, connect the AC power cords of the
components to a household AC outlet and
turn on the speaker.
 Tips and tricks to determine the optimal
position of the speakers can be found in the
respective chapter in this manual.

www.avantgarde-acoustic.de page 9
Version 1.4 – May 25, 2007
SOLO
OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
REM GND HIGH EQ LOW EQ HIGHPASS VOLUME INPUT
OFF
20 120
ON
OFF ON
0 +3 −2
6
7
9
8
5
4
3
2
1
FUSE
OPERATION
GRAPHIC 7
GENERAL
Note, that Avantgarde Acoustic horn systems are
extremely sensitive compared to “conventional”
speaker systems and consequently not only music
but also hum noises caused by low signal-to-
noise ratios of the used electronic components
(ex. amplifiers) are reproduced louder and might
become audible. Contact your dealer and have
your audio electronics checked.
VOLUME CONTROL
(See graphic 7)
The volume of the speaker and its input sensitivity
can be controlled within a wide range. This way it
is easily possible to adjust the speaker to different
signal strength of preamplifiers, surround processors
, mixing consoles and power amplifiers. Adjust the
output level using the VOLUME attenuator 󱂨 of
the speaker power amplifier module. A clockwise
rotation will increase the level, a counter-clockwise
rotation will decrease the level.
To determine the most practical setting of the
VOLUME 󱂨:
1. Counter-clockwise rotate the VOLUME control
󱂨 of the SOLO to the 0-position.
2. Turn your amplifier and the speakers 󱂮 ON.
3. Turn the VOLUME control of your AMPLIFIER
up to a middle position. E.g. a setting which
normally gives you a medium sound pressure
level (with your old speakers).
4. Turn the VOLUME 󱂨 of the SOLO up till you
hear the expected medium sound pressure
level.
The same procedure is applicable for surround
processors , mixing consoles and preamplifiers.
 Please see as well the chapter on the factory
settings for all SOLO controls.

www.avantgarde-acoustic.de page 10
Version 1.4 – May 25, 2007
SOLO
OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
OPERATION
HIGHPASS FILTER
(See graphic 7)
The HIGHPASS FILTER allows you to limit the bass
response of the speaker. The system is normally
operated with the HIGHPASS-SWITCH 󱂪 in the
OFF-position and the HIGHPASS FILTER attenuator
󱂩 in the 20 Hz position. In this case the speaker
operates in FULL RANGE-mode.
In installations with critical room resonances, when
the SOLO is operated with additional subwoofers,
with CDs containing over-enhanced bass-signals
and with some LPs it might be useful to operate the
system with activated subsonic-filter.
SWITCH the HIGHPASS-SWITCH 󱂪 to its ON-
position and turn the HIGHPASS FILTER attenuator
󱂩 clockwise. Use bigger steps at the beginning
(3-4 clicks) and fine tune the system later (click-
by-click). This will cut (filter) low frequencies below
25 Hz - 120 Hz.
 When using additional subwoofers, an 80hz
setting of the HIGHPASS FILTER attenuator 󱂩
(12 o’clock position) should in general give good
results. Critical room resonances can mostly be
reduced by setting the HIGHPASS FILTER attenuator
󱂩 to 50hz (10 o’clock position).
 If the system is used at very loud listening levels
(volume), the HIGH PASS filter can be used to
reduce mechanical strain of the driver and thus
significantly increase the possible max. sound
pressure level. This way the subwoofer systems will
not be stressed with unwanted subsonic frequencies
and gains dynamic headroom.
 The HIGHPASS-FILTER can be completely
bridged by setting the HIGHPASS-SWITCH 󱂪 to
its OFF-position. This will bypass the signal on the
circuit board.
LOW EQ
(See graphic 7)
Depending on the placement of the speaker and
the acoustics of your listening room, the LOW EQ
attenuator 󱂫 allows for a simple adjustment of
the bass response and sound characteristics of the
SOLO. This way it is easy to linearize the low end
of your system.
If the speaker is placed close to the rear walls
a counter-clockwise rotation of the LOW EQ
attenuator 󱂫 will reduce the bass response. A
clockwise rotation will increase the bass level.
 The LOW EQ attenuator 󱂫 is a very nice tool
to fine tune your stereo system. You can simply
add “body” or make the speaker sound more
analytic.
 Please see as well the system set up section in
this manual
HIGH EQ
(See graphic 7)
To optimize the “clarity“ of your system in different
set ups, the HIGH-EQ switch 󱂬 allows you to
simply fine tune the treble response of the SOLO:
a) In its –2dB position, the treble response will
be slightly reduced, for example in rooms
with very little acoustical absorption (few
curtains, furniture etc.) and with treble heavy
recordings.
b) The +3dB position allows you to compensate
the loss in high frequencies when the speaker
is installed behind a perforated cinema screen
in your home theatre system.
c) The treble response is flat (linear) when the
HIGH EQ 󱂬 is set to the 0dB position.

www.avantgarde-acoustic.de page 11
Version 1.4 – May 25, 2007
SOLO
OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
OPERATION
POWER ON/OFF SWITCH
(See graphic 7)
The SOLO has a 3-position power switch 󱂮:
POSITION I (= permanent ON), POSITION
II (= remote ON) and middle POSITION 0 (=
permanent OFF).
a) In POSITION I (= ON) the SOLO will be
permanently ON. The SOLO has been
designed for permanent use. Due to sonic
advantages we recommend to leave it always
switched ON. Power consumption is approx.
15 Watts when not in use.
b) In POSITION II (= REMOTE) the operation
mode of the SOLO is remotely triggered.
Connect the respective remote trigger cable
(12 V= switching voltage) of your electronics
with the REMOTE socket 󱂯. As soon as your
electronics (surround receiver, multi room
amplifier etc.) is turned ON/OFF, the SOLO
will automatically switch ON/OFF. For details
on wiring please refer to the manual of your
electronics as well.
c) In POSITION 0, the SOLO is turned to
permanent OFF. If you prefer to switch the
subwoofers OFF after listening you can
either use the power-switch on the back or
an external power-switch. Switching-noises
when turning the speaker OFF are normal
and present no danger to the SOLO drivers or
amplifier. If your HiFi equipment is not in use
over a longer period turn the system OFF.
GROUND SWITCH
(See graphic 7)
Missing or faulty earth of the mains system might
cause audible hum noise. In this case the SOLO
earthing contact can be deactivated by switching
the GND-switch 󱂭 to OFF position (position ON
= factory setting). Just simply check which position
is best.

www.avantgarde-acoustic.de page 12
Version 1.4 – May 25, 2007
SOLO
OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
FACTORY SETTINGS
GND HIGH EQ LOW EQ HIGHPASS VOLUME
OFF
20 120
ON
OFF ON
0 +3 −2
FACTORY
GND HIGH EQ LOW EQ HIGHPASS VOLUME
OFF
20 120
ON
OFF ON
0 +3 −2
GND HIGH EQ LOW EQ HIGHPASS VOLUME
OFF
20 120
ON
OFF ON
0 +3 −2
GND HIGH EQ LOW EQ HIGHPASS VOLUME
OFF
20 120
ON
OFF ON
0 +3 −2
CONFIG. 1 CONFIG. 2 CONFIG. 3
The factory settings are recommendations for the
first installation of your system. The markings on
the drawings below indicate the position of each
switch and control during the final testings at the
factory . These settings have been individually
determined for your system prior to shipment. The
markings are set to a linear frequency response
under optimal conditions.
IMPORTANT
Please check that all controls and switches are set
to the factory settings indicated on the backside of
the warranty card!
 Please note that the factory settings are
recommendations only and should be fine
adjusted according to the specific requirements of
your system and your operating environment. To
file the best settings for your system, you can mark
the respective positions in the empty drawings
below CONFIG 1 – 3
Turn your system on and listen to music. We
recommend to switch on the components in the
following order:
1. SOURCES (CD-Player, Tuner, Cassette etc.)
2. PRE–AMPLIFIER or INTEGRATED–AMPLIFIER
3. POWER–AMPLIFIER (s)
4. SOLO speaker
(Exception: „REMOTE“ activated)
 Tips and tricks to determine the optimal position
of the controls can be found in the respective
chapter of this manual.

www.avantgarde-acoustic.de page 13
Version 1.4 – May 25, 2007
SOLO
OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
SYSTEM SET UP
60O
> 2,00 m
GRAPHIC 8
APPLICATIONS
With its built-in power amplifier and control unit,
the SOLO is very flexible and can be adjusted
to a variety of installations. Besides the standard
operation in stereo mode, it allows for the following
configurations:
• In professional public address applications like
discos, bars, bands etc. The SPL capabilities of
the SOLO offers dynamic headroom.
• In centrally monitored multiroom-High End-
Installations.
• In demanding High-End Home Cinema
Systems with 5 to 7 identical surround speakers,
plus additional subwoofer (SUB225CTRL,
SUB230CTRL or BASSHORN). The SOLO is
compatible to all surround formats.
• Upgrade of an existing Stereo configuration
to a High-End Home Cinema Systems. The
SOLO ideally matches the speed of our big
horn systems and is an ideal match to the
Avantgarde Acoustic UNO/DUO/TRIOΩ-
Series.
• In professional studio monitor applications.
With its build-in controls it can be easily fine
tuned and adapted to the most demanding
listening requirements.
GENERAL
The SOLO can be positioned directly in front of
back or side walls. The speakers (both or only one
speaker!) can as well be placed close into corners.
In this case the speakers need to be toed-in and
the subwoofer level needs to be adjusted/reduced
with the LOW EQ attenuator 󱂫 (see GRAPHIC 7).
The controlled dispersion of our spherical horns
will minimize unwanted reflections from back and
side walls.
ROOM PLACEMENT IN STEREO MODE
(See graphic 8)
Choose a position of the speakers in your listening
room. Both speakers and your listening seat should
form an approx. equilateral triangle. Ideally each
side of the triangle should be approx. 10 feet
(3,0m).
 Please note that this distance can be significantly
increased or decreased with no problem, if the
speakers are toed-in correctly.

www.avantgarde-acoustic.de page 14
Version 1.4 – May 25, 2007
SOLO
OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
SYSTEM SET UP
> 2,00 m
GRAPHIC 9
TOE-IN / INCLINATION IN STEREO MODE
(See graphic 9)
The SOLO should be toed-in at first, so the speakers
are pointing directly to the listening position.
If the sound is too “direct” and too “forward
sounding” for your personal taste, you can “toe-
out” the speakers in small steps. In its extreme
you can even set up the speakers parallel to the
back wall. In this case we recommend a minimum
distance to the side walls of 5 feet (1,5m) to avoid
reflections from the side walls.
With the metal-base stand its is also possible to tilt
the speaker. So if you have a relatively high listening
position the speaker can be tilted backwards by
adjusting the feet or spikes.
Test the RLX placement! In this case the focus of
the tweeters are pointing to a position 1.5 feet
(50cm) in front of your actual listening seat. Voices
and solo-instruments will be nicely separated and
appear to come from a deeper soundstage. In
this case the stereo area is more focussed to the
listening position.
 When you change the position/angle of the
speakers, you should always first mark the
original position of the speaker on the floor
(e.g. with tape), so you can easily return to the
previous position.

www.avantgarde-acoustic.de page 15
Version 1.4 – May 25, 2007
SOLO
OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
SYSTEM SET UP
LEFT FRONT
CHANNEL
CENTER
CHANNEL
RIGHT FRONT
CHANNEL
LEFT REAR
CHANNEL
RIGHT REAR
CHANNEL
GRAPHIC 10
ROOM PLACEMENT IN HOME THEATRE MODE
(See graphic 10)
Both REAR CHANNEL speakers should be
positioned behind the listening position. Ideally
these speakers should be mounted relatively high.
If possible use the wall mount bracket, but the
speaker stand will do as well fine.
The CENTER-CHANNEL should be centered
between the FRONT LEFT/RIGHT speakers. Ideally
all 3 front channel speakers are installed at the
same height. If not possible, use a lower position
for the CENTER CHANNEL and incline it up.
The FRONT LEFT/RIGHT speakers should
be positioned like in standard 2-way Stereo
applications.
TOE-IN / INCLINATION IN HOME THEATRE
(See graphic 10)
The SOLO should be toed-in and inclined (wall
mount) at first, so the speakers are pointing directly
to the listening position.
 If the sound is too “direct” and too focused to the
listening position, you can vertically/horizontally
“toe-out” and change the inclination angle (only
wall mount!) of the speakers in small steps.
 The CENTER channel should always be directly
focused to the middle listening position.
POWER MODULE SETTINGS
(See graphic 10)
The LOW EQ attenuator 󱂫 can be carefully used
as a tool to adjust the “tonal balance” of the
system.
 If the LOW EQ attenuator 󱂫 is purposely set to
a higher setting, the speaker will sound “warmer”,
with a richer “body” and “substance” in its tonal
characteristics.
 But be cautious: if the setting is too high,
the midrange will loose part of its horn-typical
transparency and resolution.
 If the LOW EQ attenuator 󱂫 is purposely set
to a lower setting, the tonal balance of the system
will shift to a more horntypical “dynamic” and
“punchy” sound. But again be cautious: if it is set
too low, the system will loose volume/substance
and may sound “thin”.

www.avantgarde-acoustic.de page 16
Version 1.4 – May 25, 2007
SOLO
OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
SYSTEM SET UP
BURN–IN TIME
The speakers usually need at least 40 hrs. of
running-in. During this period sound quality will
almost improve “minute by minute”. After this
time it may be necessary to check and correct the
system set-up (positioning and amplifier-settings).
Please leave the SOLOs continuously ON during
this run-in period. In total, changes will be
noticeable usually during the first 80-100 hrs.
Afterwards the speaker can be considered run-
in and is ready for experiments with fine-tuning
equipment.
CABLES
Due to the high efficiency of hornspeakers there is
a very low signal-level running through the speaker
cables when using a power amplifier or integrated
amplifier signal. In our experience speaker cables
which are shielded or are constructed to minimize
interaction of the signal with internal or external
magnetic fields are always a reasonable choice.
If the SOLO is connected via the RCA signal of a
preamplifier we recommend using a shielded high
quality cable. Always check the recommended
electrical flow direction of the cable before
connecting it!
GENERAL ADVISE
Personal experiments are always better than
theoretical studies! Please ask your dealer for
more advice and for home testing. The same is
recommended if you want to change the speakers
mains cable.
CLEANING OF HORNS
 We recommend to regularly clean the white or
metallic-coated horns with a dry soft fabric (duster)
or a Rouge-brush.
 To remove finger prints and dirty spots we
recommend the use of glass detergent.
 To remove small scratches we recommend the
use of automotive waxes and polishing compounds
for cars. Please proceed carefully and strictly follow
the cleaning instructions of the manufacturer.
IMPORTANT
 Do not touch the membranes while cleaning
the horns!
 Avoid scratching the horns with dirty fabrics and
never use „aggressive“ detergents or abrasives!
 Never use automotive waxes and polishing
components on „silky sheen“-coated surfaces
(enclosure of SOLO)!
CLEANING OF NEXTEL COATED SURFACES
 To clean the Nextel coated surfaces of the
enclosure only use a sponge or foam! Dust also
can be carefully removed with a vacuum cleaner
and a duster brush.
IMPORTANT
 Never use normal soft fabrics (duster) to clean
the Nextel coated surfaces of the enclosure.
Soft fabrics will cause fluffs sticking to the rough
structure of the Nextel surface.
 Only dry-clean the Nextel surfaces.
 Never use wet detergents.

www.avantgarde-acoustic.de page 17
Version 1.4 – May 25, 2007
SOLO
OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
WARRANTY
Avantgarde Acoustic Lautsprechersysteme GmbH warrants that the products are free from defects attributable to faulty
manufacture. This warranty begins on the date of original purchase and is limited to ten (10) years for material fatigue, five
(5) years for the color coating and drivers, and twentyfour (24) months for all electronic components.
All products of the Avantgarde Acoustic series have been thoroughly checked before shipping. In the case of problems,
please check the following:
1. This warranty begins on the date of original purchase and may be enforced only by the original purchaser. Please keep
the original dated sales slip as proof of warranty coverage. The warranty period is not effected by warranty services pro-
vided by Avantgarde Acoustic Lautsprechersysteme GmbH or an authorized Avantgarde Acoustic dealer.
2. Except as specified below, this warranty covers all defects in material and workmanship in this product. Our liability for
any defective product is limited to repair or replacement of the products, at our option. Any implied warranties, including
warranties of merchantabilities and fitness for a particular purpose, or damages based upon inconvenience, loss of use
of the product, or commercial loss, or any other damages are not covered by this warranty.
3. In case of defects, pls contact at first your dealer. In case it is necessary to ship the product to us, pls make sure that
• the product is shipped in its original shipping box;
• the warranty card is filled in completely and send with the product to Avantgarde Acoustic;
• the product is shipped free of charge to us, e.g. you must pay all shipping charges (ex. freight, insurance etc.).
4. The following are not covered by this warranty:
• Regulare inspections, tuning, repairs or replacement of parts which are attributable to normal wear and tear;
• Damage occuring during shipment of the product (claims must be presented to the carrier);
• Damages or scratches on the surface of the product (ex. housing, horns, metal parts, color coating etc.).
• Claims must be presented within 3 days after the date of original purchase with your dealer.
• Damage resulting from accident, misuse, abuse, neglect, electrical surges, lightning or other acts of God;
• Damage resulting from failure to follow instructions supplied with the product.
• Damage resulting from repair or attempted repair by anyone other than Avantgarde Acoustic or an authorized
Avantgarde Acoustic dealer.
• Damage to any unit which has been altered or modified by anyone other than Avantgarde Acoustic.
5. Some states do not allow limitations on how long an implied warranty lasts and/or do not allow the exclusion or limitation
of incidental or consequential damages, so the above limitations may not apply to you.
This warranty card has to be filled in correctly and in case of a warranty claim be send to:
Avantgarde Acoustic Lautsprechersysteme GmbH
Nibelungenstr. 349
D-64686 Lautertal - Reichenbach / Germany
PRODUCT DATA Product type: ..............................................................................................................
Serial number: ...........................................................................................................
Date of purchase: ......................................................................................................
PURCHASER DATA Name: ......................................................................................................................
Street: .......................................................................................................................
City/State/Country ......................................................................................................
DEALER DATA Company stamp/Signature: .........................................................................................

www.avantgarde-acoustic.de page 18
Version 1.4 – May 25, 2007
Avantgarde Acoustic GmbH
Nibelungenstr. 349
D–64686 Lautertal
Germany
Tel: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
email: [email protected]